him and that he had involved so good a man to whom he wrote But it pleased God to cut the Duke out other work for the cry of Rochel and the Protestants of France was so exceeding great and so much resented by the Parliament that the Duke resolves to vindicate his honour by relieving them And whilest he was busie to set that fleet out and furnish forces for surprizing the Isle of Rhees he could not undertake that work of revenge intended against Dr. Preston But the Doctor thought not that he had done enough unlesse he proclaimed in the Pulpit what he had often told the Duke in private according to that Command of Christ Mat. 6.27 What I tell you in darknesse that speak you in light and what you hear in the ear that preach on the house-tops As Chrysostome to his people Cum verum singuli audire non vultis publicè audietis When the French Match was concluded he preached that Sermon of the pillar and ground of truth against the mingling of Religions and mixing truth with falshood and shewed how impossible it was to mingle truth with errour or make up one Religion of theirs and ours For should they leave out any tenet of their Church it would follow that the Church in that before had erred and so that pillar would be overthrown on which have hanged so many necessary points of Popery Neither could we part with any one truth for Religion is of a brittle nature break it you may bend it you cannot It cannot be accommodated to respects of policy and interests of States and and Kingdomes but as Elements when mingled in a compound body do close their proper Formes So Religions when made ingredients and compounding parts of any other do lose their Formes and cease to be Religions in Gods account 2 Kings 17.33 34. Pillar and ground pag. 16. And when the Rochellers were in distresse and laid their ruine and disasters at our door fathered their losses and calamities on us he preached that Sermon of the new life where Page 48. we have these words We cannot stand alone what measure we mete to others in their distress men shall measure the same to us in our necessity Luk. 6.38 And how soon the fire may take here also we know not And pag. 52. If any be an impediment nay if any do not do their best I pronounce this in the Name of the most true God that shall make it good sooner or later that they and their houses shall perish Esth. 4.14 The Court was hood-wink't in all these Comminations for by Church they understood the Prelates and their Party and the King thought if he adhered to them and did their work he was absolved But those that read the Commentaries that have been written since in red letters will have occasion to believe the contrary And when the Duke was in the Isle of Rhees in which voyage he had engaged many of his very good Friends and much of the Nobility and Gentry of the Kingdom the Doctor preached that Sermon called the Demonstration of the Deity where Page 81. ye have these words It is certain that evil is intended against us and will come upon us except something be done for to prevent it for there is a Covenant between God and us and breach of Covenant causeth a quarrel now the quarrel of God shall not go unrevenged Lev. 26.25 I will send a sword upon you which shall avenge the quarrel of my Covenant Gods quarrels are not rash and passionate as mens are and therefore he will not lay them aside without some true and real satisfaction If we will not believe his Word yet will we not believe his Actions Are not our Allies wasted Are not many branches of the Church cut off already and more in hazard In a word have not our enterprizes been blasted and withered under our hands for the most part Have not things been long going down the hill and are even now hastning to a period This Sermon was preached to the King at Whitehall on the Lords day and on the Wednesday following the news came of the total routing of our Army in the Isle of Rhees which was such a ratification of his Prediction but the Sabbath day before as made many to believe he was a Prophet and they called him Micaiah because he seldome prophecied good unto them And Dr. Neal then Bishop of Winchester said That he talked like one that was familiar with God Almighty And they were the more affected with it because the Doctor had another course to preach before his moneth was out for every Chaplain was to preach twice once upon the Lords day and also upon the Tuesday but the Doctor was desirous to exchange his course upon the Tuesday for a Sabbath-day So Dr. Potter preached on the Tuesday and Dr. Preston was to preach upon the Lords day following and was resolved to proceed on the same text but to handle a point relating to the third verse For having shewed in this Sermon that things were not done by chance but by God he now resolved for to shew that God did things that men do not look for Which being known among the Bishops and they affrighted with that disaster at the Isle of Rhees they interceded with the Clerke of the Closet that seeing Dr. Prestons turn was past already and this was Dr. Pottors another might be put up and he deferred till another time which was consented and yeilded to and so upon the Friday before a Messenger was sent unto the Doctor to tell him that another was provided to preach for Dr. Potter and he might spare his pains The Dr. wondered at the Providence for he was resolved fully to have said that in that Sermon if he had been suffered that would in reason have deserved Micaiahs entertainment 1 Kings 22.27 but God was mercifull unto him and used his enemies as instruments to save him from the danger It would have damped some men to be thus refused He might have said with him Mat. 22.4 Behold I have prepared my Dinner my Oxen and my Fatlings are killed and all things are ready But he considered what he had preached before That a Sparrow fell not to the ground without Gods will That his Will and Resolution for to sacrifice his all was now accepted as Abrahams was that his Sermon whilest an Embryo and only in intention had an efficacious operation upon the Auditory For as they had shewed and discovered their fears so good men did their joys and the Sermon was more talked of at Court and in the City then any Sermon that ever he had preached before For all men enquired what the Sermon was that Dr. Preston was not suffered to preach and many wise men were perswaded that it did more good then it would have done in case it had been preached So that in stead of being damped and dejected at the affront he was enlivened and encouraged Repulsus generoso
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
Legitimorum in Ecclesia ministrorum nomina qualia sunt Episcoporum Diaconorum separata à suis muneribus in verbo Dei descriptis simpliciter sunt improbanda ad institutionem Apostolicam revocanda ut Episcopus in verbo precibus Diaconus in pauperibus curandis versetur 3. Episcoporum Cancellariis aut Archidiaconorum Officialibus c. regimen Ecclesiae non est committendum sed ad idoneum ministrum Presbyterum ejusdem Ecclesiae deferendum 4. Non oportet ministrum esse vagum liberum sed quisque debet certo cuidam gregi addici 5. Nemo debet ministerium tanquam candidatus petere 6. Episcoporum tantum autoritate potestate ministri non sunt creandi multo minus in Musaeo aut loco quopiam clanculario sed ab Ecclesia electio fieri debet Hisce reformandis quisque pro sua vocatione studere debet vocationem autem intelligo ut magistratus authoritate minister verbo omnes precibus promoveant Per me Thomam Cartwright Master Cartwright being thus driven from the University not long after finding the way for the exercise of his Ministry in England obstructed he went beyond the Seas to visit other reformed Churches where he grew acquainted with the famousest men for Piety and Learning in Christendome with whom he kept correspondence all his life after He was also highly prized by them insomuch as Beza writing about that time into England to a Friend of his hath this expression Est quidam Anglus nobiscum nomine Thomas Cartwright c. Here is now with us your Countreyman Thomas Cartwright then whom I think the Sun doth not see a more learned man c. He was also chosen Preacher to the English Merchants at Antwerp and afterwards at Middleburrough where he did very much good by his Ministry the Lord blessing his labours exceedingly in those parts and when he understood that the Merchants by whom he was maintained through their great losses decayed in their estates he returned his salary to them again Not long after he came over into England being earnestly sollicited thereunto by Letters from Master Dearing Master Fulk Master Wiburne Master Leaver and Master Fox about which time the Non-conformists having drawn up an admonition to the Parliament for the Reformation of the Church Doctor Whitgift who was then preferred to the Arch-Bishoprick of Canterbury answered the same in Print whereupon the Ministers which wrote the Admonition consulting but not agreeing upon the choice of one to reply to Doctor Whitgift Master Cartwright was at last chosen by lot to undertake it and performed it so well that his very Adversaries were heard to advance and commend him for it Yet was he with divers other of the Non-conformists brought into the High Commission Court where for refusal of the Oath ex Offiicio they were clapt up in prison and afterwards proceeded against in the Star-chamber but it pleased God so to order it by his Providence that those very witnesses which were brought to accuse them did so clear them that they were dismissed and sent home much more honoured and beloved then they were before Whilst Master Cartwright was Prisoner in the Fleet he had thirty pounds sent him from a noble friend of which he took but ten shillings returning the rest with many thanks to the Donor and when the Earl of Leicester offered him the Provostship of Eeaton-Colledge saying that it was a hundred pounds a year more then enough besides the conveniency of the place Master Cartwright answered That the hundred pounds more then enough was enough for him About the year 1580. His fame was so spread through the Reformed Churches that King James then King of Scotland sent for him profering to make him Professor in the University of Saint Andrews whereof twenty years after upon King James his coming into England Master Cartwright makes mention in his Epistle before his Commentary upon Ecclesiastes which he dedicated to King James returning humble thanks for that Royal favour The Arch-Bishop of Dublin also sent for him into Ireland proffering him preferment in that Kingdom He was sent to from divers eminent Divines beyond the Seas wherein they craved his advice for the direction of young men in the method of their studies as also in the behalf of the Churches in general for his counsell in regulating their proceeding in the waightiest affairs Also about the same time the Earl of Leicester preferred him to be Master of his Hospital at Warwick which place was worth to him about one hundred pounds per annum His imployment was to pray with the poor men twice a day to catechise twice a week and to preach once on the Lords day at the Parish Church This place he willingly and thankfully accepted of because he was therein exempted from the Jurisdiction of the Prelates His carriage and deportment was such that there was not a Nobleman or Gentleman of quality in all the Country that looked Heaven-ward or was of any account for Religion and Learning but they sought to enjoy his company and found much pleasure and content therein for his conversation was such that scarce a word came from his mouth that was not of some good use and concernment He was of a very laborious and indefatigable spirit it was his meat and drink to be doing the Will of his heavenly Father so that besides all his paines in Writing and in the Hospital he preached every Sabbath-day in the morning about seven a clock in the lower Parish of Warwick and when he could be suffered in the upper Parish in the afternoon Besides which he preached a Lecture on Satturdayes in the afternoon in the upper Church in which he went over a great part of the Proverbs and Ecclesiastes with singular judgment and profit and this he did of his own free Will without demanding or receiving one penny for his paines And whereas he was sometimes suspended by the Bishops from preaching in the Churches his manner was at those times to preach in the Hospital whither many resorted to hear him though they were sure to be brought into the Bishops Courts for the same Presently after his coming to Warwick the English Seminary at Rhemes published their Version of the New Testament and Annotations upon it in English which coming over into England it was looked upon by all as a Book of dangerous concernment and therefore fit to be answered by the ablest pen that could be found Hereupon as I have heard Queen Elizabeth sent to Beza to request him to undertake the answer but he modestly excused it and returned answer that she had one in her own Kingdom far abler then himself to undertake such a task and upon further enquiry declared that it was Master Thomas Cartwright Then Sir Francis Walsingham a man of eminent place and power who herein as in other affairs was accounted the mouth and hand
of the Queen and State wrote to Master Cartwright earnestly requesting him to undertake the work assuring him also of such aid as should further him in the finishing thereof for which end he sent him one hundred pounds towards the charges of buying Books and procuring Writers which were to be employed by him therein This was Anno 1583. The same year also he was earnestly sollicited by the most learned men of the University of Cambridge by a solemn Epistle with joynt consent written to him to undertake the answer wherein amongst other passages they have these expressions With you we are earnest most Reverend Cartwright that you would set your self against the unhallowed endeavours of these mischievous men either by refuting the whole Book or at least some part thereof It is not for every man Work-man-like to frame Gods Tabernacle but for Bazaleel and Aholiab neither is every one rashly to be thrust forth into the Lords battels but such Captains are to be chosen from amongst Davids Worthies Of which as we acknowledge you to be one by the former battels undergone for the wals of our City the Church we doubt not if you will enter this War which truly you ought to 〈◊〉 according to the Zeal and Piety you bear to your Countrey and Religion but that you fighting for Conscience and Countrey yea even for the very inmost holy place of the Temple will be able to tread underfoot the forces of the Jebusites which set themselves to assault the Tower of David Moreover which may marvellously sharpen the edge of your courage you are not now to fight with a Brother or fellow of the same Religion which maketh the Conflict more faint but with the most inveterate enemies of Jesus Christ c. Then they thus conclude You see to what an honourable fight we invite you Christs business shall be undertaken against Satans Champions We stir you up to fight the battels of our Lord where the Victory is certain which the triumph and applause of the Angels will ensue Our Prayers shall never be wanting unto you Christ without doubt whose cause is defended will be preset with you The Lord Jesus much increase your courage and strength and keep you very long in safety for his Churches good Vale. This was subscribed by Roger Goad William Whittaker Thomas Crook John Ireton William Fulk John Field Nicholas Crane Giles Seintler Richard Gardener William Charke c. But besides these the Reverend Ministers of London and Suffolk did by their several letters earnestly exhort him to this work and Master Cartwright was at last by these importunities drawn to undertake it and neither diligence nor constancy was wanting in him to have carried it on to perfection but he met with such great discouragements and hinderances from Potent Adversaries that he was forced often to lay pen aside yea Arch-Bishop Whitgift sent him a positive command that he should deal no further in it yet afterwards by an Earl and privy Counsellor of great note and some other noble Personages he was at last drawn to take pen in hand again But receiving new discouragements and having such continual employment in the Ministry he lived not to perfect that work Whilst he was at Warwick being silenced by the Bishops he was requested by the Lord Zouch Governour of Gernsey to go with him into that Island with whom he continued some time and in the mean space he substituted one Master Lord a godly and holy Minister then living at Woolstone in his room at the Hospital in Warwick allowing him the greatest part of the profits of the place during his abode there and the rest he caused to be distributed amongst the poor He was far from seeking after great places or great things in the world and for riches he sought them not yea he rejected many opportunities whereby he might have enriched himself His usual manner was when he had good summes of gold sent him to take only one piece lest he should seem to slight his Friends kindnesse and to send back the rest with a thankfull acknowledgement of their love and his acceptance of it professing that for that condition wherein God had set him he was as well furnished as they for their high and great places His manner was not to keep any more money in his purse but what might serve for charitable uses He was very bountifull to poor Schollers He distributed money every Sabbath-day amongst the poor of the Town of Warwick besides what he gave to the Prisoners and upon other occasions both at home and abroad For his Houshold affairs he never troubled himself with them but wholly left them to be ordered and managed by the Prudence of his Wife He was very carefull to regulate and order the businesses of the Hospital for the best advantage of the poor Brethren He continued his diligence and assiduity in his studies even in his old age and his usual manner was to rise at two three and four a clock in the morning at the latest both summer and winter notwithstanding that his bodily infirmities were such that he was forced to study continually kneeling upon his knees He was of a very meek and quiet spirit as appears in those conflicts which he had with Doctor Whitgift and Doctor Sutcliffe wherein he used soft words and hard arguments he could not endure so much as in private to hear his adversaries reproached and if any in his presence used disgracefull speeches of them he would sharply reprove them for it saying That it 's a Christians duty to pray for and not to reproach his adversaries and when Martin Mar-Prelates Book came forth he shewed much dislike of the Satyrical and tart language used therein He was also very humble not enduring to hear any thing spoken in his own commendation or any titles given him which in the least measure savoured of ambition He affected not popularity but avoided it as much as possibly he could Indeed all his ambition was to advance the Kingdom and cause of our Lord Jesus Christ and to promote Gods glory It was the great joy and rejoycing of his heart to hear of the welfare and prosperity of the Churches at home and abroad for this he earnestly and daily prayed and when he heard any ill tydings with Nehemiah he sate down and mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of Heaven so that all that conversed with him might easily discern that nothing did affect him in any degree like the good or ill tydings of the Churches state He was frequent in Prayer every day and in his younger years hath risen many times in the night to seek our private places to pray in And as his labours were very great in the work of the Ministry so it pleased the Lord to make them very successefull for the conversion and confirmation of many and for terrour and restraint
and perish when their time is come as well errore medici as vi morbi Doctor Ashworth was perswaded that the Scorbute was his disease and that the London-Doctors had all mistook their mark and therefore pitcheth upon applications suitable A great errour for so experienced and grave a Doctor Desire of restitution into a state of health made shift to flatter him into belief it was so The old man upon this perswasion comes over unto Preston with him strains and steeps Scurvy-grass and gives him Drenches able to have weakned a stronger man then he was now and having stayed and tampered with him about three weeks and finding nothing answer his expectation he takes his last leave of him giving such order and direction as he thought good and so leaves him and returns to Oxford July 9. 1628. When this dream and fancy of the Scorbute failed and Dr. Ashworth was gone he resigned up himself to God alone and let all care of Physick and the Doctors go He had a Servant who had been laborious with him and whom he often used as a Friend he would say Servi sunt humiles amici was very true of him To him he therefore now unbosomed himself not only touching the vanity and emptinesse of all things here below but his own belief and expectation of a suddain change not of my company said he for I shall still converse with God and Saints but of my place and way of doing it His Will was made as we have said some years before but he was doubtfull if it come to proving it might be baffled and affronted and therefore purposed to wave it and make a Deed of Gift to him that was in that Will his Executor with such restrictions and limitations as he thought good all which he set down with his own hand wherein he carefully provided for his Mother during life and both his Brothers His Books and all the furniture and goods belonging to and in his lodgings at Emanuel-Colledge he gave one of his Pupils that was Fellow there whom he alwaies greatly favoured Some exhibitions he gave Scholars there to be disposed of from time to time by him that was Executor And as he truly valued so he liberally rewarded his Servants faithfulnesse who liveth yet in very good condition and reputation of whom is verified what is said Prov. 27.18 Whoso keepeth the fig-tree shall eat the fruit thereof so he that waiteth on his Master shall surely come to honour And having thus discumbred himself of worldly cares he took care for the places he now possessed prayed for the Colledge that it might continue a flourishing Nursery of Religon and Learning told those about him as David before his death 1 Chron. 29.2 3 c. what he had done towards that goodly building since erected and what care he had taken to get those Rectories in the Kings Letter mentioned whereof we spake before prayed God to furnish Lincolns-Inne from time to time with able preaching Ministers and so the Lecture at Cambride that had cost so much trouble in the procuring Then for his Sermons that they might not come into the world like Vagabonds but seeing the Father lived not to see them setled and provided for those would be carefull whom then he named and is long since intimated upon occasion In all which great things God hath so answered him as I think no man was since Elisha 2 King 2.9 10. The night before he died being Saturday he went to bed and lay about three hours desirous to sleep but slept not then said My dissolution is at hand let me go to my home and Jesus Christ who hath bought me with his precious blood And so lay still as in a slumber till about two of the clock in the morning then drinking and resting on his servants armes he fell into a cold and clammy sweat which he told them was the Messenger of death and so continued for about two hours very silent About four of the clock he said I feel death coming to my heart my pain shall now be quickly turned into joy And so his Friends were called that were present in the house who spake unto him but had no answer from him as they were used to have They kneeled all down and a Reverend Divine there present prayed When Prayer was ended he looked on them and turning away his head gave up the ghost It was about five a clock on the Lords day but to him an everlasting Sabbath He never by his good will rested that day since God was truly known unto him untill now God gave him therefore now an everlasting rest No man deserved better Funeral solemnities But Master Dod was much against it and his Friends at Cambridge who did highly honour him and desired nothing more then to have waited on his dust unto its long home were now obliged to attend the Election of another Master that they durst not so much as make it known or do any thing from which it might be gathered So he was buried decently but without state in Fawsley Church in the County of Northampton Old Master Dod the Minister of that place preached and a world of godly people came together July 20. 1628. being within a little of one and fourty years of age Dr. Preston just before his death asked what day it was and being answered that it was the Sabbath day A fit day said he to be sacrificed on I have accompanied Saints on earth and now I shall accompany Angels in Heaven Also Mrs. Chaterdon telling him of his preaching so profoundly on Gods Attributes he answered If it shall please God to prolong my life I will make all so plain that every one shall be able to understand it This Life was written by my Reverend Friend Master Thomas Ball of Northampton The Life of Master Arthur Hildersam who died Anno Christi 1631. ARthur Hildersam was born at Stetchworth near New-Market in Cambridgeshire Octob. 6. 1563 He was Sonne of Thomas Hildersam of the said Town a Gentleman of an antient Family and Anne Poole his second Wife daughter to Sir Jeffery Poole fourth Sonne to Sir Richard Poole who was Cousen Germane to King Henry the seventh and Margaret Countesse of Salisbury that was Daughter to George Duke of Clarence the second Brother to King Edward the fourth and Isabel the eldest daughter and Co-heir of Richard the great Earl of Warwick and Salisbury Thus much for his Birth For his Education In his childhood he was brought up in the Popish manner taught to say his Prayers in Latine both his Parents and their Kindred specially his Mother being zealous Papists When he was to be sent abroad to School his Fathers aim was only to send him to a good School where many Gentlemens Sons were taught but God so ordered it by his good Providence that his Father unawares placed him at Saffron-Walden School in Essex with one Master Desborough a godly man and a Religious Protestant who
hearts of many of which some live here some in glory His Books will prove more durable Monuments of his name then that his Sonne erected for him in Ashby Church And yet his Name with the lively picture of his Person lives in his worthy Son Master Samuel Hildersam whose learning Cambridge knew while he was Fellow of Emanuel Colledge and whose present ministerial labours and pious conversation at West-Felton in Shropshire do perpetuate the honour of his reverend Father whose very memory he doth much reverence and whose rich Vertues both personal and ministerial he doth happily imitate And his good help from his Fathers Papers and other waies hath most conduced to the drawing up of this faithfull relation that God may be glorified and many souls may be edified by this famous example thus presented unto publick view Dr. TAYLOR The Life of Doctor Thomas Taylor sometimes Pastor of Aldermanbury London who died Anno Christi 1632. THomas Taylor was born at Richmond in Yorkshire of worthy and godly Parents His Father was Recorder of that Town and a very Gaius or Onesiphorus to the silenced Ministers of England and to the exiled Ministers of Scotland He brought up divers Sonnes into the Ministry This Sonne of his as the other was of a Child trained up in the holy Scriptures which are able to make wise to salvation Afterward as age came on he was well grounded in other Learning and was sent to Cambridge where he became Fellow of Christs Colledge as one that should do the Lord Christ abundance of good service He was there most painfull and unweariable in the study of Tongues Arts Sciences all sorts of Exercises about them and especially for Divinity which was his Profession One while he was Hebrew Reader to the Colledge Being soon ripe he entred into the Ministry at the age of one and twenty years In Queen Elizabeths time he was called to preach at Pauls Crosse and preached the Sermon in King James his time In the course and work of his Ministry he spent thirty five years with all diligence and painfulnesse even to the very end when by right he might have spared himself living in all sincerity and godly purenesse with entire love of souls with all watchfulnesse with meeknesse wonderfully quickned with zeal He was an utter enemy of Popery Arminianisme Antinomianisme and other Sects which crept up in those times as appeareth partly by his writings Amidst all his pithy Discourses he was also an excellent and nimble Orator and wound up his matter with a good farewell even when at times it was but ordinary And from this course he would scarce suffer himself to be withdrawn at any time to refresh his spirits by a little freedom Yea sometimes when he was drawn forth into the Countrey for recreation by the solicitation of Gods people he escaped not without his usuall burden Or he spent his vacant time in preparing Books for the Presse which were both many and very usefull and will be to posterity who have cause to blesse God who giveth gifts to men and publique mindes that they may profit farre and near both hearers and strangers all debtors to him And men of understanding observed a great Seal put to his Ministry in several places whereto he was called Some converted others confirmed others comforted in the way of God And in these times of division wherein many Professors have turned into by-waies those that were his constant Hearers continue in that way stedfast and unshaken in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus Yea at Reding there was a generation of young Preachers who under his Ministry grew up in knowledge and holinesse and some eminency of gifts profiting by him and his pains there and some professe it at this day Perhaps also in the great City of London and at Cambridge Neither was he altogether for the publick but pious in private and not only in the course of his Family but in keeping Fasts among the godly of the place which in those daies was something a dangerous exercise And to make them solid Professors indeed he put them upon a weekly way of handling Chatecheticall points of Divinity that is every week to conferre of one of the heads of Religion according to the Catechisme subjoyned to Mr. Dods Treatise on the Commandments still proving the Doctrines by Testimonies of Scripture For other personall qualifications he was a man full of love alms-deeds and mercifull consideration of the needy though not with a Trumpet And he was a man blest of God with all the blessings of wisdome Prov. 3.16 Length of daies riches and honour He had every where both godly and great Friends and is likely still to have among those that shall converse in his worthy works In that his holy and blessed course he drew on toward his end It was his Clymacterical year of 56. Having over-laboured himself with preaching in the City he betook himself to his Countrey-house at Isleworth to be a little refreshed But having inflamed and corrupted his blood by preaching he soon fell into his mortall disease a Pleurisie for curing whereof though no meanes were wanting yet the desired effect through the Counsel of God followed not In the beginning of his sicknesse he set his house in order most holily and as became so worthy a Father and then bad farewell to all as one throughly prepared for his departure full of Faith and Patience and joy in the holy Ghost a great help in that acute disease Carefull of the welfare of the Church at home then in danger to be corrupted grieved for the evils he knew in some mens dealings Rejoycing greatly in the midst of the apprehension of death for the happy proceedings of the heroicall King of Sweden then victorious in Bavaria And once when he was told he must a little help himself by cheerfulnesse he fell into a most contentfull discourse of those noble deliverances and victories and more would have spoken if weaknesse had permitted But especially his joy in God and in the conquest of Christ Oh said he we serve a good Lord who covers all imperfections and gives great wages for little work and in mercy he hath provided for me some of the greatest With other holy speeches full of faith and joy which his infirmity would not suffer him to utter perfectly In which manner he languished by degrees and at last on the Lords day being the usuall day of his principall labours he was dismissed of all and went to keep a perpetuall Sabbath in heaven where now he resteth from his labours and his works follow him even a full reward in endlesse glory which eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither can enter into the heart of man to conceive what things those are which God hath prepared for them that love him The Life of Master Hugh Clark who died Anno Christi 1634. HUgh Clark was born at Burton
upon Trent in the County of Stafford August 15. 1563. of honest Parents who were very carefull of his education both in Religion and Learning and when he was fitted for the University they sent him to Cambridge where he was admitted into Jesus Colledge under the tuition of Master Duport afterwards Doctor Duport and Master of that Colledge in that place he followed his study very hard and his Proficiency was very exemplary but after two years and an half the air not well agreeing with his constitution he removed to Oxford and continued there till he was Master of Arts. He was a good Logician and a very acute disputant The first place that he was called to exercise his Ministry in was about Oundle in Northamptonshire where he met with a people that for the generality of them were very ignorant and ungodly and much addicted to the Prophanation of the Lords day by Whitson-ales Morris dancing c. which sinnes Master Clark in his Ministry much set himself against endeavouring from Gods Word to convince them of the evil and denouncing Gods judgments in case of their obstinate perseverance in such provoking courses but they having been alwaies trained up in such practices and having their hearts hardened against admonition still persevered in their former courses and that the rather because they were opposed by the Word of God therein but the judgment of God found them out for this their wickednesse For shortly after on a Lords day the Leader of the Dance being a lusty young man in the midst of their prophane pastimes suddainly fell down and died Yet these obdurate persons though a little affected for the present soon shaked off their fears and returned to their vomit again Master Clark the Sabbath following took occasion from this sad dispensation of God to shew them the greatnesse of their sinnes and how highly God used to be displeased with those which took liberty to prophane his holy day withall quoting Jer. 17.27 If thou wilt not hearken unto me to hallow the Sabbath-day c. Then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof and it shall devoure the Pallaces of Jerusalem and it shall not be quenched opening urging and pressing it home upon their consciences yet still they kicked against these warnings and the evening following returned to their sports again Amongst these there was a Smith that was a chief Ring-leader But it pleased God the very next day that two Husbandmen coming to his Shop to sharpen their plough-shares a spark from the red hot iron as he beat it on the anvil flew into the thatch which both the Smith and his neighbours saw and stood gazing upon it and might at first with one of their fingers have pulled it down that thatch being low but God took away their power of moving towards it so that they saw it at first burn like a candle then like a torch and presently the whole shop was on a fire and the men running out both Shop House and all the Smiths goods were consumed in the fire and yet a Neighbours House that stood very near it escaped The second remarkeable judgment was again by Master Clark pressed upon their consciences yet nothing would prevail but as if they had made a Covenant with death and were at an agreement with hell they still persisted in their ungodly practises and God who threatens to walk contrary to them that walk contrary to him pursued them with one judgment after another and amongst others this was very remarkable That upon the Sabbath day which they had highly prophaned by drinking dancing c. in the night when they were retired to their several homes there was heard a great noise and ratling of chains up and down the town which was accompanied with such a smell and stink of fire and brimestone that many of their guilty consciences suggested unto them that the devil was come to fetch them away quick to hell This so terrified and wrought upon them that they began to give better heed to the Ministry of Gods Word and to break off their prophane courses for the greatest part so that there was an eminent reformation wrought amongst them at least sixteen of those poor souls being effectually wrought upon and brought home to Christ and some others that relapsed to their former waies God pursued them with his judgments till he had brought them to beggery During Master Clarks abode in this place he had experience of Gods gracious protecting him from the rage of some desperately wicked men and amongst others this is very remarkeable Master Clark having on a day pressed Gods judgments against some sins that he saw some of the people much addicted to there came the next morning a lusty young man a serving man to enquire for him as desirous to speak with him Master Clark being made acquainted with it sent for him up into his chamber and knowing his vitious life took occasion sharply to the reprove him and to tell him of the danger that he was in by reason of the same in case he persevered in his lewd courses This round and faithfull dealling through Gods mercy wrought so effectually upon him that falling upon his knees he intreated him to forgive him Master Clark answered that he should beg pardon at the hands of God against whom he had sinned for he knew not for his own part wherein he had offended him yea said the other I have not only offended God by sinning thus and thus against him but you also for I came hither with a full resolution to stab you with this dagger here at my back but God hath so overawed my spirit that I have not had power to move an hand to acccomplish such a wickednesse and this resolution of mine proceeded from the Sermon which you preached yesterday which so terrified my conscience that my whole body fell into such a trembling that I was not able to sit whereupon I rose up and set my back to a Pillar to stay me yet neither would that prevail to stay my trembling c. But now if you please to forgive me I shall by Gods grace never entertain any such desperate thoughts again Maher Clark freely forgave him and after some wholesome and seasonable admonitions dismissed him About this time the schism and errors of the Brownists began to spread in Northamptonshire and Master Clark had many bickerings and disputations with some of the chief of them whom he mightily confuted and through Gods grace reclaimed some of them Anno 1590. He was sent for by Roger Wigstone Esquire who lived at Woolstone in the County of Warwick by whom he was chosen to succeed Master Lord an able and eminent Divine in the pastoral charge in that place and having preached sometimes amongst them he was freely chosen by the People also Then having his presentation from Master Wigston who was a Gentleman of eminent Piety in those daies and
against them and wherein his apprehensions were different from his Brethren he did wisely forbear to vent them in such sort as might occasion any division or offence Oh how well had it been with England if all other men had managed their studies and practices according to this pattern for then so many sparks cried up as new lights had not been kindled amongst us which being blown abroad by pride and ignorance do threaten to set the whole world on fire But to proceed in the Narrative of this worthy mans life He was so enriched with knowledge both in Practical and Polemical Divinity he was so able to interpret and reconcile difficult Scriptures he had such dexterity in dealing with afflicted consciences and he was so well furnished with Ministerial gifts for Preaching Prayer and the administration of both Sacraments that it was not easie to discover wherein he most excelled His ability to counsell and comfort dejected tempted Christians was occasioned as himself would acknowledge by his conversing with Mistresse Sarah Mainwyaring Wife to the Gentleman in whose house he continued many years as was before mentioned who was much exercised in that kind and was an unparallel'd Gentlewoman for holy tendernesse and exactnesse in Religion Willing he was to trade every Talent with which God had trusted him as opportunity was offered and he was a man most unwearied in all waies of service As he took extraordinary pains in publique so did he also in private especially on the Lords day For having by way of Preparation upon the Saturday in the afternoon spent about two houres in his house in praying and expounding some Scripture to which exercise divers did resort on the Sabbath-morning he expounded a portion of Scripture in his Family whereof many neighbours were partakers then he preached twice in publique read divers Chapters and Catechized also in the afternoon spending much time therein especially in the summer season after the evening Sermon he went unto Master Mainwayrings house being near at hand where he repeated both his Sermons and prayed likewise after Supper he had another exercise in his own Family equivalent to a Sermon unto which divers well-affected of the neighbour-hood did repair These his great labours were the more wonderfull in that they were so excellent and solid as many Ministers and Scholars yet living know who did often frequent them He taught a School also both from a desire to do good and that he might provide the more comfortable subsistance for his Family having not only the children of poor neighbours for he refused none who were willing to learn but of persons of better quality sent unto him some whereof were tabled in his own house and the rest placed in the neighbourhood Every morning of the six daies in the week he instructed his own Children and Scholars in the Principles of Religion whereby many young ones of whom some are now Ministers were well seasoned and setled in the grounds of godlinesse Every night likewise he opened and applyed some portion of the Scripture for the edification of his Family And besides his frequent preaching at Lectures at Madeley especially where he was the principal upholder of a weekly Sermon and a monethly Fast and his helpfulnesse in holy Fasting and Prayer elsewhere when desired it was his custom to set apart daies when freed from attendance upon his School for the solemn seeking of God with his godly neighbours as the necessities of the times did require He was most ready to communicate his learning graces experiences yea his All for the profit of such who conversed with him the remembrance whereof is very smarting upon the hearts of some of his surviving friends because they made not a fuller improvement of him for their own advantage In the latter part of his time he had some scholars whom he instructed in Academical Learning reading Lectures to them in Logick and Philosophy and hearing them to dispute which often they did during his dinner-time And while he was at supper other scholars read a piece of Greek or Latine so exceeding diligent was he in Husbanding the shreds of time as he called them the residue of the day till very late he spent in his private study And as he was incomparably abstemious and moderate in the use of meat drink sleep and apparel so he had an admirable command over his passions For those who most conversed with him never saw inordinate out-breaches of anger or other affections in his conversation This Character was given by a Friend who was much with him viz. That as Master Dod did turn earth into heaven by a spiritual improvement of all earthly affairs so Master Ball did reconcile earth and heaven because worldly occasions were no distractions unto him in his journey thither He lived upon a small maintenance viz. twenty pounds per annum for serving the cure at Whitmore and the keeping of one Cow both summer and winter by Master Mainwayring aforesaid with what he got by teaching School Yet he would often say that he thought never man passed through this world with lesse care God indeed stirred up some Friends who knew his great worth and mean outward condition to be helpfull unto him towards whom he was alwaies really respectfull requiting their love by his daily Prayers and his readinesse upon all occasions to do service unto them and theirs Through Gods singular blessing upon his yearly incomes he lived very comfortably was given to hospitality and also unto liberality to the poor considering his estate and left a good competency unto his Wife and Children Yea such was this holy mans gratitude and contentment that he would say I have enough and enough and enough Whereas he went once every year into Oxfordshire to expresse his dutifull respect unto his aged Parents he made choice of that time for his journey that he might enjoy the Benefit of Oxford-Act And as his love to learned disputations was large so by strength of memory he could give a punctuall account of all the most considerable Arguments urged and Answers returned upon the severall Questions discussed And still this Journey was made profitable unto his Christian Friends near to whose dwellings he travelled by conference his assistance in private Fasts and other exercises of Religion It would be too tedious and tiring unto the Reader if relation should be made of all those memorable passages in this Reverend mans life which his friends surviving do well remember which did proclaim the high degree of holinesse with which God adorned and crowned all his other great abilities therefore some few of them only shall be reported His constant carriage towards all who conversed with him did speak out his deep humility For alwaies he was apt to prefer others before himself and he was never observed by any reproachfull speeches or behaviour to cast the least contempt or discouragement upon the meanest Christian. He was
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
in the afternoon and kept a Lecture on the Wednesday constantly and besides this he was one of the five Ministers who held up the Lecture at Banbury He gave himself much to Fasting and Prayer and as his seeds-time was painfull so his Harvest was gainfull hundreds of souls being converted by his Ministry He was given to Hospitality delighting therein keeping a constant Table on the Sabbath and on the Wednesdays Lecture upon which daies he had not under eight or twelve persons commonly dining with him and he spent the time amongst them in spiritual exhortation and conference He was about thirty years old when he came to Hanwel and continued there above twenty years where he had twelve Children by his dear Wife formerly Anne Bound Daughter-in-law to the worthy Servant of Jesus Christ Master Greenham of Draighton near Cambridge and Daughter to Doctor Bound she was one that truly feared God and after her decease by the perswasion of some Friends he took to Wife Mistresse Cleiton who then lived at Stratford Bowe she also was a godly woman and he was contracted to her by Master Egerton of Black-Fryers and married by his ancient and loving Friend Doctor Gouge But to return back again to Hanwel it pleased the Lord to give a great blessing to his Ministry in that place yet he had much trouble from the envy of some Ministers that lived about him who though they seldome preached themselves yet they would not suffer that their people should go from them and hence he was frequently questioned in the Bishops Courts And besides this though some of Hanwel were very courteous and kind yet there were some others who were glad to get from him what they could and to keep from him what they could thinking that that which he had was too much Upon a time Master Dod took a journey to Draighton to bemoan himself to his Father-in-law Master Greenham by reason of his crosses and hard usage Master Greenham heard him what he could say and when he had done answered him thus Son Son when affliction lieth heavy sin lieth light This deserves the rather to be remembred because Master Dod used often to blesse God for it saying also that if Master Greenham had bemoaned him which he expected he had done him hurt and he forgot not this speech in his old age but made excellent use of it for himself and others He was suspended from his Ministry at Hanwel by Doctor Bridges Bishop of Oxford And suspecting what would follow the Sabbath before he went to the Visitation he gave his hearers a farewell Sermon out of that text I will smite the Shepherd and the Sheep shall be scattered the people did attend unto him with sad countenances and weeping eyes Being thus driven from Hanwel he preached at Fenni-Compton in Warwickshire where he had but small means but he was desirous to be doing good From thence he had a fair call unto Cannons-Ashby in Northamptonshire where he lived quietly divers years preached over the whole Prophesie of Danel with some other Scriptures having much kindnesse from Sir Erasmas Dryden in whom there was a rare mixture of Piety and Learning and good affection from Master Cope He was silenced from preaching at Ashby upon a complaint made against him by Bishop Neal to King James who commanded the Arch-bishop Abbot to silence him Then he ceased for some time to preach publiquely yet in regard of his heavenly gift in conference he might have been said daily to preach privately he was in his element when he was discoursing of heavenly things And God in goodnesse so ordered it that when he was restrained from publique preaching yet himself conceived that at that time his life was no lesse profitable then it had been in former times He had much employment in comforting such as were wounded in their spirits being sent for not only nigh at hand but also into remote Countries There was a Gentlewoman who had a great worldly estate and a loving Husband but she was so sadly assaulted with tentations that she often attempted to make away her self Master Dod was sent for to come to her and the Lord so blessed his Councels Exhortations and Prayers that she did not only recover out of her anguish of spirit but she was afterwards taken notice of for her singular Piety and the Lord so ordered that this affliction was not only the means of her Conversion but also of her Husbands so that both of them were a great mercy in the Countrey where they lived promoting Religion according to their power and entertaining and cherishing godly people She lived divers years quieted in her heart and being rich in good works and when she lay on her death-bed Master Dod was sent for to her again who spake of heaven and to fit her for that glory she told him that she felt the comforts of God and that she could as hardly at that time forbear singing as formerly in child-bearing she could forbear crying and shortly after she died There was a Gentlemen related to a noble Family so perplexed in his mind that he hath been known in hard frosts to go barefooted that the pain of his feet might divert his thoughts Master Dod was sent for to him who was his spirituall Physician to heale him It would be long to insist on all particulars of this nature the Lord having made him a happy Instrument for the good of many When he had spent some years in this kind of service by the care and industry of Master Richard Knightley of Preston a worthy Patriot after the death of King James his liberty was procured for preaching again publiquely and then he was setld at Fausley where he preached twice every Lords day There he went over the Gospel of John the Epistle to the Colossions and other Scriptures He was much given to Hospitality at Fausley as he had formerly been at Hanwel so that there was scarce any Sabbath in the year in which he did not dine both poor and rich commonly three or four poor persons besides those that came from other places to hear him He had so large an heart that upon occasion he hath given to some three shillings to some ten shillings to some twenty shillings and when the poor came to buy butter or cheese he would command his maid to take no money of them At Fausley he had quietnesse from the Courts as also at Ashby for in neither of those places was there any Church-wardens He was beholding at Fausley to the Right Worshipfull Family of the Knightleys where his bones was laid He used to bear crosses with much patience and meeknesse being wont to say that Sanctified afflictions were great promotions quoting that of the Apostle Peter 1 Pet. 1.7 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. is much more precious then gold which he conceived to signifie the affliction that
special Providence His humility His death His Birth His education His love of the Scriptures His remove to Cambridge His call to Cawk The education of her children His call to Shrewsbury Satans malice His suspension His judgment against separation His studiousnesse His painfulnesse His humility and charity His servent Prayers His remove to Wrenbury A character of Mr. Nicholls Mr. Herrings character His call to Amsterdam The reason of his remove His Letter martyrdome The Lady Bromleys love to Christs Ministers His arrival in Holland His entertainment there His first Sermon Return of prayers His fear of Independency His death His birth and education His first going to Cambridge His conversion His disputation at the Commencement Note He preached a Lecture at Ely His removall to Hanwel His great pains there His frequency in fasting and prayer His hospitality His second marriage The great successe of his Ministry His deprivation His preaching at Fenni-Compton His removall to Cannons-Ashby He is again silenced He had an excellent gift in conference His comforting of afflicted consciences Joy unspeakable Note He is placed at Fausley His hospitality His charity The benefit of afflictions Troubles to be expected His frequency in Fasting and Prayer His diseases His desire of death The reasons of his desire His taking occasions to do good How he prevented swearing His delight in the Law of God His mercifulnesse His love and charity Dr. Prestons love to him He comforts Mr. Throgmorton His weanednesse from the world What wicked men are like Note Afflictions Gods potions The power of his Ministry His excellency for similitudes Benefits of death Benefit of Prayer Benefit of Faith We should not be weary of hearing Sinfull recreations Promises great riches His humility Love better then Law The benefit of turning to God betimes A special Providence His Faith How afflictions may be lessened Meeknesse Comfort in dangers His Faith Cavaliers cruelty His patience Death not feared Passionate rebukes unprofitable What contention should be amongst married persons His manner of preaching The Scope of his Prayers His exposition of Scripture His custom in preaching What preaching is unprofitable True humiliation His preaching by signes Christians should be cheerfull His indefatigablenesse The benefit of plain preach-king His holy life His peace-maing His acutenesse His humility His modesty What Wise should be chosen How we may alwaies have comfort What will make us willing to suffer Assurance to be laboured foâ— Thankfulness in afflictions Prayer His tentation and victory His faith and patience His death His call to Stoke The great successe of his Ministry His flight to Warder Castle Special providences His remove to Sarum He is condemned to be hanged His courage and constancy A special Providence His remove to Winchester He is urged to recant His remove to Oxford His Release He is sent for by the Earl of Essex His going to Barwick A special Providence Possession Satan Balsom Satan Balsom Satan Balsom Satan Balsom Satan Balsom Satan Balsom Satan Balsom A special Providence The great successe of his Ministry His death His Parentage His birth and education He was sanctified from the Womb. His frequent reading of the Scriptures His natural endowments His skill in the French His industry His observance of his Parents Despisers of Parents usually punished by God His admission into the University He is made Fellow of Queens Colledge His care over his Pupils He is ordained Minister His call to Canterbury The occasion of it Friendship His self-denial He was a burning and shining light His opposition to innovations His humility He doth good abroad He is opposed by Sectaries and Cathedralists His Lecture put down He is again restored Tentations prevented His remove to Ashwel His great pains His humility and sincerity His prudence His diligent catechizing His prudent charity His Cathechism His manner of reforming disorders His Family-Government His care for sanctifying the Sabbath His secret duties His Fasting and Prayer His frequency in reading the Scriptures His holy and exact walking He is made University-Preacher He is made a Member of the Assembly His conscientiousnesse therein His fitnesse for it His care for Ashwel in his absence His choice to Dukes-place His self-denial His great pains The success of his Ministry His call to the new Church His temperance The reasons of his removall His great pains A faithfull Pastor His amiable and affable disposition His care about the Lords Supper He is made Master of Queens Colledge His Government of the Colledge His care to promote Religion there His care to advance learning His charity His prudence A true Nathaniel His zeal His courage and faithfulnesse His vindication of the Sabbath A special Providence His faithfulnesse His judgment about the King His temperance and sobriety His liberality and charity His last sicknesse His Prayer before death His death His Parentage His Fathers death His Mothers death Popes Policy His Birth His education His valour He is wounded His advancement His military discipline His military service He is made Admirall He is made Generall He makes Peace with the Emperour His distast of perjury The cause of the feud betwixt him and the Guises His courage St Quintan besieged His fidelity to his Countrey His industry The French Army routed The City battered St Quintan taken The Admirall taken His sicknesse a means of health to his soul. He devests himself of his Offices His temperance Andelot questioned for Religion His stout Answer His imprisonment The cause why he left his Offices His godly wife encourages him Persecution attends the Gospel He instructs and reforms the Family The power of Religion His prudent humility How Christ is received in the Sacrament He partakes of the Sacrament to the great joy of the Churches Persecution the bellows of the Gospel A meeting of the Nobility His zeal and courage The Protestants Petition His boldnesse A Parliament desired The Protestants persecuted The Admirals oversight A general convention of the States A petition for the Protestants The malice of the Clergy The Protestants freed from persecution Churches allowed them A massacre by the Duke of Guise The King seized on by the D. of Guise Why the Protestants first took arms Prince of Conde made Generall The Admirall made Lieutenant Generall P. of Condees facility The Q Mothers perfidiousnesse P. of Conde prisoner The Admirall releases him His eldest Son dieth The Guises call in forraign help And so do the Protestants The Admirall taketh their ammunition A Battell Conde taken prisoner The Admirals valour John Poltrot slew the Duke of Guise A wicked brag A peace concluded The Admirall accused He clears himself The controversie determined by the King The Admirall cleared Treachery against the Admirall He forgives the Traitor The Q. Mothers mischievous counsels Her subtilty God follows her with the plague The Guises attempts against the Protestants frustrated by the Admirall Lies raised of him His speech to the Parisians His speech to the Parliament New treachery against him
please your grace to pardon me that I do not personally attend you but presume to write I make bold to become suitor to your grace for your favour to a young man being one that I hold my self interessed in and to whom I owe my best help to further him to some place of employment and maintenance which causeth me to become an humble suitor for him to you not without a special regard to that people who so Christianly thirst after knowledge and instruction The man for whom I sue is one Master Bradshaw a Master of Arts of Sidney Colledge in Cambridge The matter I sue for your graces favour and allowance that he may preach the place where his labours are desired is at Chatham And I most humbly beseech your grace that however you may find or bear that he is fearfull to do some things that may be urged on him yet seeing he is well qualified with gifts and of honest carriage sitting for his calling let not his fearfulness prejudice him with your Lordship but vouchsafe him liberty to bestow his talent and I will undertake to your grace for him that he shall not offer any disturbance to the peace of our Church either in word or action but shall painfully bestow himself in that place to preach Christ crucified and to arm his people with some measure of knowledge to stand Christianly and couragiously for the truth of Christ and to resist all Errours broached against that holy Doctrine And the rather I make hold to tender this suit to your grace for him because I find plenty of practising by Seminaries and Jesuites to corrupt and pervert the peoples hearts both in knowledge and obedience and that through penury of preaching in some places it may prove dangerous I never heard the young man preach my self but I hear his gifts greatly commended and I know him to be learned and painfull also and carefull in that he taketh in hand And though I know the tendernesse of his Conscience some waies yet I dare engage my credit again as before to your grace for him that he shall walk dutifully wisely and discreetly in the whole course of his preaching without all offer of disturbance to the peace of the Church And so longing to hear that my suit may find my desired success with your grace I commend mine humble duty to you and commit your grace and all your godly proceedings to the protection and directian of the Lord Almighty Subscribed Your graces most bounden and ready to be commanded Francis Hastings What Answer the Noble Knight had from the Arch-bishop or what effect this his Letter had with him we cannot certainly say but by what followed it may well be deemed that of the Archbishop it was not very well relished who in cases of this kind was seldome wont to do ought without the advice of Bancroft another Bonner as well in regard of place as of disposition and practice in eager pusuit of many of Gods faithfull Ministers in those times so far as the power of his place would permit in whose stomack the memory of Master Darrels business stuck still and of Master Bradshaws act about his Books For not without some animation in likelihood from above those Master Bradshaws back-friends who had before dealt in the dark did shortly after begin to disclose themselves and to manifest their malice which had formerly lain hid as embers raked up in the ashes The first of them that openly appeared in the business was one Master Bearblock Minister at Strowd a Town or Village adjoyning to Rochester a man of very mean parts for learning and of a very scandalous life but one of those whom the Prophet Jeremy speaketh of that had a singular faculty of slicking and smoothing his tongue to sooth men up in their sinnes This man among other vexed at the concourse of people that repaired from the places adjacent to Master Bradshaws teaching although Master Bradshaw desirous to comply so far forth as without offence he might with him used to frequent his week-dayes Lecture stuck not both in private meetings to tax Master Bradshaw for delivering heretical Doctrine and publikely also in a Sermon on the Lords Day so to charge him therewith that the Auditory though he named him not might well know whom he meant Now albeit the man himself were of no esteem and his censure consequently little to be regarded yet Mr. Bradshaw deemeed that a publick charge of that nature should not be let pass with silence Howbeit not willing nor esteeming it meet to pester the Pulpit with Apologies he chose rather to deal with this his Opponent and Traducer by a Letter which it will not be amiss here to insert Master Bearblock I was informed by some of your Christian Auditours at Strowd that in your forenoons Exercise you took occasion in the repetition of your former Sermon to adde thereto something in bitter terms against some Heretical Doctrine lately broached in some neighbour-Church which divers of your most charitable and the most of your judicious hearers conceived to be directed against me At the first I had no cause easily to entertain the report because I was no way guilty to my self so much as of the least shew of any occasion given unto you to break out in that manner against me and did presume you had better learned the Laws of Charity then in such an open manner to traduce a fellow Minister of the Gospel before you were better possessed of the cause Besides I thought that reproachfull reports that have been bruited against your self should have taught you if you be innocent that a Minister of the Gospel may be much abused and mis-reported of both for life and doctrine and therefore that you would not teach by your own practice me or any other thus in open manner to make the reports of men a sufficient Text to preach against your life as you have made them to preach against my Doctrine But since that time I am given to understand that you have given it out at one Master Morelands Table that I was the man that you then before God and his holy Angels endicted and arraigned and that of no lesse a crime then gross Heresie and that some of your Congregation were purposed to proceed in Law against me for it You know there was a Law and it were well if it were now in force to bridle distempered tongues that if one were accused of a crime which could not be proved the Accuser should suffer the punishment due to that crime and then Master Bearblock if heresie deserve a punishment if you should but accuse me of that which methinks you have already condemned me of your back should bear the punishment of two Heresies For first it is most untrue that I have taught any such Doctrine and secondly if you could not prove that Doctrine as I know you cannot this you here so tax to be heresie your
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
their Patients and was at that time not so common and of no good report but his want of rest continuing and his appetite unto his Book encreasing he goes again to Master Butler as a stranger and propounds the case again Master Butler gives the same advice and being satisfied that he was serious now falls to taking of it and found that this hot copious fume ascending did draw those crudities from the stomacks mouth that hindered concoction of his meat and vapours from it that occasion sleep and so restored his rest and that in time his strength and so he went on in his work untill Doctor Tyndal Master of the Colledge died He was an old man and that preferment of the Mastership of Queens was more accounted of then now it is There were very many that had their eyes upon it but Doctor Mountain in a special manner who was often heard for to professe he would rather be Master of that Colledge then Dean of Westminster But Master Preston had another in his eye Doctor Davenant was a Gentleman descended and was a Fellow-Commoner when under Graduate but very painfull and of great capacity and grew accordingly in learning and in reputation and for his worth and parts was already chosen Margaret Professour and read in the Schools with much applause those excellent Lectures upon the Colossians which now are printed him Master Preston pitched upon but knew it must be carried very privately for the mountain was already grown into some bignesse was one of parts and first observed in acting Miles gloriosus in the Colledge and had been Chaplain unto the Earl of Essex but like the Heliotrope or flower of the Sunne did now adore Sir Robert Carr already Viscount Rochester the only Favourite When it was agreed among the Persians that he should reign whose horse first saw the rising Sun and neighed at it one turned his horse head towards the mountains beleiving that the Sun would first arise there but it fell not out so here Master Preston having laid his plot before-hand and seen what mountain was in his way had taken care that word should be daily brought him how the old Doctor did and when he found him irrecoverable laid horses and all things ready and upon notice of his being dead goes presently and was at London and in White-Hall before any light appeared on the mountain top the Court was quiet and he had some Friends there His businesse only was to get a free Election which he made means for to procure but knowing also with whom he had to do makes some addresses unto Viscount Rochester in the behalf of Doctor Davenant who being unacquainted with his Chaplains appetite to that particular was fair and willing to befriend a learned enterprise So Master Preston returns unto the Colledge before the Masters death was much took notice of and assembling Doctor Davenants Friends acquaints them with what had past at Court and so they went immediately to Election and it was easily and fairly carried for Doctor Davenant who being called was admitted presently But when Doctor Mountain understood that Doctor Tyndal was departed he sends and goes to Court and Colledge for to make friends But alas the Game was played and he was shut out Never did Aetna or Vesuvius more fume but there was no cure only he threatens and takes on against the Actors but they were innocent and not obnoxious This Doctor had made great promises gave a very goodly piece of Plate unto the Colledge with this Inscription Sic incipio but now he vowed it should be Sic desino However the Colledge for the present was well apaid and grew in reputation very much and because they wanted room to entertain the numbers that flocked to them built that goodly Fabrick that contains many fair lodgings both for Scholars and Fellows towards Kings Colledge It was not long before it came to Master Prestons course for to be Dean and Catechist which he resolved to improve by going through a Body of Divinity that might be a guide unto the Scholars in their Studies in Divinity for it was not his opinion that others should do as he had done that is peruse the Schoolmen first and then come to the modern Writers but first read Summes and Systemes in Divinity and settle their opinions and judgements and then read Fathers Schoolmen or what they had a mind to This being known and some honest Townsmen hearing him at first by chance there came the next day very many for to hear him and the next day more both Townsmen and Schollars from other Colledges so that the outward Chappel would be often full before the Fellows came Master Preston was of a very meek and quiet spirit never resented injuries nor provoked any unto aversnesse yet had some enemies Si injuria multos tibi fecit inimicos faciet invidia multos What had Paul done Act. 13.45 for to deserve so sharp an opposition but envy moved them There had been other Deans and Catechists before this Gentleman yet no such crowding Complaint was made to the Vice Chancellour of this unusual kind of Catechizing it was assured not only that Townsmen and Scholars mingled but other Colledges intruded also that the Fellows for the crowd and multitude could not get through and come to Chappel to their places that it was not safe for any man to be thus adored and doted on unlesse they had a mind to cry up Puritanisme which would in short time pull them down that the Crosier staff would not support them long if such Assemblies were encouraged Obsta principiis serò medicina paratur c. Well upon the whole an Order was agreed on in the Consistory and sent unto the Colledge that the Scholars and Townsmen should be confined to their proper Preachers that no stranger neither Townsman nor Scholar should presume on any pretence whatsoever to come unto those Lectures that were proper only to the Members of the Colledge The Edict was observed punctually and the Auditory by it much impaired Had strangers still been suffered to attend those Sermons had been printed as well as others for there were divers that exactly noted and wrote out all fair unto the time of this restraint but no one after that could go on with it and so it rests But he went on and was assiduous to the years end and waded through it which was a very great help unto many of his Pupils who made the greater benefit of those things because they were not common and in Print About that time the Lecture at trinity-Trinity-Church and the Sermons at Saint Andrews were prohibited and the Scholars all confined to Saint Maries which did occasion Master Preston to read Divinity unto his Pupils on the Lords days at three of the clock in the afternoon which he also often did upon the week days but the Townsmen and the Scholars of other Colledges that had tasted of his spirit in the Chappel endeavoured that he would do
adde unto it eternal apprehensions and make them feel the fiercenesse of his anger Psal. 88.6 7. without any hope of being eased and after this can restrain and withhold them as he did Abimelech Gen. 20.6 For if one cease to be a Sonne because he commits a sinne that doth deserve eternal death then every sinne a child of Gods commits rends his relation or sonship off for every sinne deserves eternal death Rom. 6.23 and because in many things we offend all Jam. 3.2 we should be alwaies out of sonship and have neither certainty nor comfort in our estate unlesse he could give some ground out of Scripture to assure what sinnes put us out and what did not The Duke had sent to Doctor Preston to decline this clashing conference and assured him he was as much his Friend as ever and would have stopt it if he could but the Bishops had over-ruled it which the Doctor at the first believed and so was backward But when he saw the confidence of Doctor White and his Companion he doubted the sincerity of that assurance and was afterward informed that there had been a meeting at the Countesse of Denbies and the Duke had promised to leave him this gave him resolution and encouragement against the second conference which was managed in a manner by him alone against Master Mountague and Doctor White For when the Doctor saw the Duke begun to double with him he was less fearfull to offend him though the Duke still carried it with all the fairnesse that he could and appeared not in person When the time came for the second Conference the Doctor readily appeared and the first thing he charged Master Mountague withall was about his doctrine of Traditions which he affirmed he had delievered as grosly and erroneously as any Papist Gag pag. 38 39 40. For he justfied that place in Bazil where he saies The doctrine retained in the Church was delievered partly by written instructions partly by unwritten traditions having both a like force unto Piety which was so unlike to Bazil and the opinions of those times that it was generally believed to be put in by the Papists of later times Master Mountague confessed it was suspected by some of the preciser cut but Doctor Preston told him Bishop Bilson was none of them yet he did judge it supposititious and it must be so or Bazil acknowledged to be erroneous For he instanceth in praying towards the East and use of Chrisme or Oyl in Baptisme both which being rejected by the Church of England argues they held that place of Bazil not Canonical Master Mountague answered that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there used by Saint Bazil might signifie a thing that seemed so and so the sense might be that some things that seemed true of lesse esteem and consequence might be delivered by tradition as long as matters more substantial were taken from the Scriptures But Doctor Preston shewed that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signified oftentimes doctrine and was used here by Bazil for those Heads of doctrine that were more principal and lesse exposed comparing them unto those places in the Temple whereunto the people had not accesse Master Mountague answered farther that his assertion was hypothetical that if a doctrine came from the same author it was no great matter whether it were by writing or word of mouth for either had the same authority But Doctor Preston told him Bazil was positive and spake directly and him he justified and therefore could not be hypothetical as he pretended It is a great step unto victory for to divide Paul sets the Pharisees against the Sadduces Act. 23.6 7 8. that he might save himself The Jesuites are so good at it that though they have but one to be their adversary they will endeavour to divide him from himself by moving passion or compassion or some affection of his own against him Doctor White had openly in the Commencement house maintained that Election is not ex praevisis operibus and therefore Doctor Preston resolved to pinch Master Mountague in that particular that he might bereave him of his animating Champion Doctor White There were four several places that Doctor Preston had observed to make good this charge the first which he produced was Gag pag. 179. Some Protestants hold that Peter was saved because God would have it so without respect unto his faith and obedience and Judas damned because God would have it so without respect unto his sin And added this is not the doctrine of the Protestants this is not the doctrine of the Church the Church of England hath not taught it doth not believe it hath opposed it Now Doctor White was very fierce and eager to engage told him it was no doctrine of the Church of England but a private fancy of some that Judas was condemned without respect unto his sin for the wages of sin is death Rom. 6.23 The soul that sinneth shall die Ezek. 18.4 But Doctor Preston answered he did not charge that upon Master Mountague but the former part of the assertion that Peter was not saved without respect unto his believing and obedience and so Election should not be absolute but grounded upon faith and works foreseen Then saith Dr. White I have nothing against that but leave Master Mountague to answer for himself Dr. Preston was glad that he was eased of Dr. White and yet resolved to make advantage of it and therefore told Dr. White if he thought Election was not ex fide Praevisâ he desired to know whether saving grace were an effect and fruit of Election or no Dr. White acknowledged readily it was then said Dr. Preston Whosoever hath saving grace is Elected Now you know than an Elect person can never finally miscarry or fall away therefore whoever hath true grace can never fall away The old man saw the snare and would have avoided it by denying the consequence But the Dr. urged that wheresoever the Effect is there must be the Cause but Saving Grace is an Effect of Election This Dr. White would have denyed but the hearers murmured that the Effect could not be without the Cause as the day is not without the presence of the Sun Then Dr. White answered that Saving Grace was an Effect indeed but a common Effect But Dr. Preston urged that it was not more common then Election for all the Elect had Saving Grace and none but they and therefore they could never fall away But this said he is by the way I will now apply my self to Mr. Mountague But when Mr. Mountague perceived that his great Goliah Dr. White forsook him he was greatly troubled and cavilled at the words a while but the book adjudging it for Dr. Preston he said The Church of England had not declared any thing against it Dr. Preston alledged the seventeenth Article but told Master Mountague that he affirmed the Church of England did oppose it and he desired to know where But after one of the Lords had
home and abroad so was he particular in minding his special Friends before the Lord and the spirituall welfare of his children was so much upon his heart that he daily desired to lodge them in Gods bosome yea he seldome gave thanks either before or after meat especially towards the end of his life without some touch of tendency towards his children in reference unto whom this was one constant Petition That they might never seek great things for themselves in this world And his own practice from his youth proved the sincerity of his heart in this suit because he never looked after nor would entertain any motion of removing for wealth or worldly promotion though his charge was great and his eminency both in ministerial and scholastical gifts with the power of godlinesse which did shine in his whole conversation gained him many Friends and rendred him in their account a man more meet for a place of publique note and resort then the village where he dwelt When the Prelatical opposition against the Non-conformists was hot and high he spake thus unto a Neighbour-Brother Be confident that although all who are now known Non-conformists were dead and gone yet God would rather raise some out of our ashes to protest against Episcopacy and the Ceremonies then suffer that cause to fall unto the ground He would say The Fathers wanted some of our light but we want more of their heat He was exemplarily carefull to preserve Gods Ordinances from pollution and contempt and therefore did alwaies take great pains with his people to prepare them for the Sacrament of the Lords Supper In his Sermons he was wont to tell his Auditours that their persecuting impoverishing imprisoning and thrusting daggers into their Ministers bodies would not be more grievous then their unworthy communicating at the Lords Table and their unanswerable walking unto the Ordinances of grace dispenced amongst them And when Parents presented their children in the Congregation to be baptized he would very affectionately lay open their duty pressing Sacramental ingagements home to their hearts with strong Arguments and authority ministerial Though no man was known by his Friends who more dis-relished the corruptions in Church-Government and in administrations of holy worship yet he hath sufficiently published unto the world his great dislike of the way of separation from our Church-Assemblies upon such pretences Thus he spake unto a Friend who had moved him to maintain our Church-communion against the Separatists How little am I beholding unto you who drew me from more profitable studies to peruse those sapless speculations He much lamented in his Prayers before God the first breakin gs out of Independency in England both in respect of the present offence and the wofull consequences thereof whereof he was much afraid yea he did very often tell his Friends both in the time of his health and last sicknesse that if God should give opportunity and hopes of Church-reformation that we might be eased of our present grievances the Brethren of the new separation would be found the greatest obstructers thereof His remembrance of the History of former Separations with which he was fully acquainted and his prudential fore-sight of the diducts which would necessarily follow from their Principles viz. Anabaptisme c. together with his wise insight into the dispositions of some persons who then appeared therein these were the grounds of his foretelling the confusions the spreading of pernicious errours and hinderances of Reformation which we since have sadly suffered under These Reasons of his Prediction which is noised abroad are expressed lest any should imagine him to have inclined to regard injections and impulsions of spirit which some cry up as prophetical His distaste whereof may be evidenced by this one instance viz. Being asked by one who much pretended unto immediate inspirations besides Scripture whether he at any time had experience thereof in his own heart His answer was this No I blesse God and if I should ever have such phantasies I hope God would give me grace to resist them When there was discourse concerning the new or rather the renewed errours which were broached he would ordinarily say A good Treatise of the sufficiency of the Scriptures would put an end unto these matters His exceeding love to study and his great modesty caused unwillingnesse to go far from home or to appear publique in any kind And if the extraordinary importunity of some much esteemed Friends had not conquered this aversnesse he would in probability never have printed any thing in his own name or have come into the company of persons of chief place and quality yea God was pleased in both these waies to make him serviceable For besides the profit which many have received from his printed Books he was happily instrumentall by conference to preserve some men of chief esteem in regard of their Piety Parts and places of command in the Countries where they lived from warping towards the waies of new separation upon the sollicitation of such who were busie sticklers therein Upon the calling of the Parliament in the year 1640. some hopes being conceived that he might be an instrument of publique benefit to the Church by dealing with some Parliament-men that if further Reformation of things wofully out of order could not be procured men unconformable to the Ceremonies might not be thrust out and kept out of the Ministry in that regard He thereupon took a journey into London with his neighbour and endeared Brother Master Langley but receiving small encouragement to his hopes and endeavours in that kind he returned home with sorrow upon his heart complaining of the many symptomes of Gods displeasure which he saw ready to break out against poor England and resolved to do what service he could in any other way And being convinced that his labours might be profitable to the Church both in the present and succeeding ages he was resolved to lay forth himself for publique service in any kind as his good Friends should advise and in pursuance hereof he designed these three works viz. 1. A Treatise of the Church 2. An Exposition of obscure Scriptures out of all the original Languages 3. A more full Systeme of Divinity by the enlarging of his Catechism For all which he had much good Provision under hand when the Lord saw cause to put an end to his labours And here all those must silence their hearts who knowing him may be apt to judge his removall at this time to be unseasonable with these words which were much in his mouth when God checked hopes by crosse Providences The Lord is wisest God is most wise Many conflicts he had with men of greatest strength as was imagined to maintain the new pathes into which divers had stepped aside But the truth is never was any of them able to stand up under his Arguments Though God was pleased to take him away whom some in scorn called
his 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
his child-hood he with two or three School-fellows were so religiously disposed that on play-daies they would pray together and repeat the heads of their Catechisme with the Sermons which they heard upon the last Lords day before they went unto their Lusory exercises Thus this Timothy grew acquainted with God and his Word and the waies of Religion while he was a Child Being very well fitted for the University he was sent unto Cambridge bout the fifteenth year of his age and admitted into Sidney Colledge where he was studious and a good Proficient in Academical Learning When he was Master of Arts coming home to his Father he preached often in Coventry with very good approbation amongst those who were best affected towards the waies of Godlinesse Here he had special encouragements in the study of Divinity from Master Humphrey Fen famous for his Ministry and Non-conformity at Coventry who in the Preface to his last Will and Testament made so full and so open a Protestation against the Hierarchy and Ceremonies that the Prelatical Party would not suffer it to be put among the Records of the Court when the Will was tendred to be proved and his conscience was unsatisfied to enter into the Ministry by Episcopal subscription but through a good Providence he with Master John Ball were made Ministers by an Irish Bishop without that subscription The first place of his setled Ministry was Cawk in Derbyshire a small village whither he was called by means of his much honoured good Friend Master Arthur Hildersam and where he had good incouragements from Master Bainbridge a Gentleman there of good estate and estimation for Religion In this place which was six miles from Derby and three from Ashby de la zouch his peace and liberty was the better preserved because it was a peculiar and so not subject unto Episcopal visitation Here God was pleased to set a broad Seal to his Ministry making him an happy Instrument to build up many who were brought to Christ by Master Hildersams labours and also to turn many others from darknesse to light and from the power of Satan unto God At this time there was great scarcity of good Preachers in those parts whereupon people from twenty towns and villages flocked unto Cawk-Chappel as Doves to the windows every Sabbath day where more congregated especially in summer and in afternoons then the Chappel could contain yet standing at the windows without they might hear the Sermons preached and Scriptures read because Master Herrings voice was clear and strong Hither great companies came in the morning with joyfull expectation of wholesome soul-provisions here they continued all day with cheerfulnesse some bringing their victuals from home with them and others going to a third ordinary provided purposely for the refreshing of strangers and they went from hence in the evening in companies repeating the Sermons and singing Psalms in their return home Here amongst many others Master Simeon Ashe received some of his first impressions and bents towards Religion whom Master Herring loved from his childhood and who lived in his heart and Prayers unto his death And this is a matter considerable that few if any in those parts who were hopefully brought unto God and by the Ministry of Master Hildersam and Master Herring have been turned aside into the by-paths of errour and separation in these broken dividing times but they continue sound in their judgements and holy in their conversations well remembring the principles whereof they were well instructed and grounded by those two Worthies their Fathers in Christ. When he had continued at Cawke about the space of eight years he was forced from thence for Non-conformity by the Prelatical power being informed against by ill-affected men who maligned the great service which he did and envied the great respect which he had in those parts Before he removed from thence the Lord provided for him a most gracious yoak-fellow who was no discouragement but an encouragement rather unto him alwaies both in his services and sufferings for Christ and his cause His Wife was the third Daughter of Master Gellibrand sometimes Preacher to the English company at Flushing in Holland and Grand-child to that man of God Master John Oxenbridge Minister of Southam in Warwickshire and afterwards of Bablick in Coventry where he died and as she came out of a godly stock so she hath expressed and still doth expresse the power of godlinesse in every condition and relation of her life to Gods honour By her he had thirteen Children and as they were happily mutually helpfull in the waies of holinesse so it was their joynt care to educate their posterity in the nurture and fear of the Lord. They were taught the Principles of Religion from their childhood and their tender good Mother according to their Fathers appointment caused them to learn the Proverbs of Solomon by heart Neither was this gracious care in vain for the blossomes and fruits of grace sweetly appear in their lives to the comfort of their Parents and Christian Friends And here this one thing is notable and imitable in this worthy man in reference to his Children viz. That ever before he gave them correction he endeavoured to convince them of their sin against God and sought by tears and prayers for Gods blessing upon that means for their good When the course of his Ministry was interrupted at Cawk and there was no hope of his peaceable continuance there God by means of Master William Rowley a wise religious man and his faithfull Friend was pleased to open a door for the more publique exercise of his Ministry in Shrewsbury Here he preached at Alkmares Church every Tuesday morning and upon the Sabbath also so long as liberty was allowed which Sermon was at one a clock that neither the Ministers of the town might be offended nor other Congregations emptyed by the peoples flocking unto his Ministry The Sermon which he preached on the Lords day he repeated it the same night before Supper at the houses of Master Edward Jones Master George Wright and Master William Rowley by course and whereas some spies were usually sent thither crowding in with the company to pick quarrels he behaved himself so prudently and prayed alwaies so affectionately for the King and present Government that his adversaries gave this testimony of him viz. Though he be scrupulous in matter of Ceremony yet he is a loyal subject unto the King and a true Friend unto the State Beside the great good service which was now done in Salop by his Ministry and private conferences with Christians in reference unto him many other Ministers had the more frequent recourse unto the town Master Pierson Master Nicols c. who were put upon preaching once or oftner before they departed thence whereby knowledge was much increased and the power of Godlinesse much cherished and promoted there But Satan maligning those opportunities of service unto Christ some envious ill-affected
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-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
all his life-long very apprehensive and sensible of the weightinesse of the Ministers Calling saying That no man should dream of ease in that Function and would often much bewail before the Lord in Prayer his own inconsiderate entrance upon it A Friend being weary of teaching School and acquainting him with his purpose to enter into the Ministry Master Ball told him That he would find it a far heavier task to teach men then boys And a Fellow-Minister telling him of his danger to be silenced by the Bishop he returned this answer him· Having experimentally poysed the weight of the Ministers work he would say unto his Non-conforming Brethren when Prelatical persecution threatned to drive him out of England If we be necessitated to transplant our selves you shall preach and I will teach School And alwaies when other Ministers were in company he would endeavour earnestly to put them upon the performance of Family-duties as judging them to be better able then himself Such who knew this mans learning of all kinds and rich ministerial gifts will admire upon the consideration of these passages at the forwardnesse of illiterate Mecanicks in these times to intrude upon the Ministers Office And whereas the blessed Apostle himself cryed out Who is sufficient for these things we may do more then guesse what spirit animateth those men whose practises speak thus Who is insufficient for these things He did lay to heart the want of labourious learning amongst godly Ministers because so many neglected to acquaint themselves throughly with the controversies of the times and he thought that positive Divinity might be best gained by the study of controversie when the main Principles were first well drunk in He would say that a subtill Jesuite would make wilde work in many places of England because neither the people nor their Ministers had sufficient insight into the points of difference betwixt us and the Papists Now what other errors no whit lesse dangerous have for the same reasons been entertained of late years as he foresaw and feared it is too notorious Although he himself was much pleased with sober profitable disputations yet he would shrink with trouble upon the appearance of their audacity who dared to question Fundamentals in Religion or to speak slightly of the matters of God Once observing a man in the heat of conference carried beyond the bounds of modest inquiry after the truth he used these words with holy admiration And whither will the love of arguing carry a man He compared many Professors of late times unto young Travellors who so soon as they are mounted begin to gallop and do out-ride their fellows but they either fall short or come late if not lame home And he called the waies of separation a Labyrinth wherein men tire themselves and grow giddy as in a maze but when all is done there is no way out but that whereby they entred He made it his businesse to raise and maintain high and honourable thoughts of God at all times as himself would alwaies speak of the titles of the Almighty with much gravity and reverence endeavouring to draw forth holy thankfulnesse in all conditions of life Here two or three things shall be touched upon to give a tast of this good mans gracious spirit He with a Neighbour Minister having occasion to meet at a place where they had only bread and cheese to their dinner the Master of the house expressing trouble that he had no better provision for so good unexpected guests Hereupon he said that it would cost a man many years labour to be truly and througly thankfull unto God for one piece of bread and cheese proceeding to discover most divinely the many mercies which were to be acknowledged in that meal and meeting And whereas at that time Rochal was besieged and the inhabitants were in great distresse through want of food he moved a serious consideration how much bread and cheese with peace and fellowship would be valued at Rochel yea he seriously made his demand whether their obligations at the present place and meeting were not much greater because they in their instant enjoyments had not experienced Rochels fears and sorrows At another time a dear Friend relating his great danger by a fall off his horse in a journey and saying that he never had received such a deliverance Master Ball answered Yea an hundred times viz. so often as you have ridden and not fallen because the preventing of perils is to be prized as much as our rescuing out of them At a Marriage-feast where Christian Friends were civilly rejoycing in the good occasion of their meeting the many good blessings provided for their comfort and in their mutual society this speech came from him with much gravity One thought of Jesus Christ reaching the heart is more to be valued then all Creature-contentments whatsoever though they should be enjoyed in their fulnesse for a thausand years without interruption That he might keep Gods servants of the lowest parts alwaies high in his own estimation he would wisely weigh their peculiar serviceablenesse in some kind or other though they were inferiours in sundry excellencies Hereupon when one admiring worthy Master Dods holy conversation said Oh how well would it be if all Ministers were like unto him Master Ball answered The Church would be quite undone if all others were like him For though no man more honoured Master Dod which not many years before his death he witnessed by listening unto his fatherly counsell bare-headed with his hat in his hand yet he knew that other men much inferiour in graces had some special way of advantage to the cause and the people of God He was a zealous opposite to passionate frowardnesse observing the lamentable fruits thereof in many persons and relations and he had an extraordinary dexterity to calm them who were boisterous He would thus advise them Put judgment into Office for Affections are good followers but bad guides Look well to your hearts for Passion is the effect of pride And he would say unto them You had need to get a strong bit and bridle for you ride an unruly horse Observing one bitterly to bewail the death of a dear Friend he said Rather labour to get good by it He was wont to humble passionate Professors who in their heat would speak unadvisedly by this position which he would undertake to prove viz. That a moral heathen who never heard of Christ might possiby by watchfulnesse secure himsel from uttering one froward word all his life long And therefore it was a great shame for Christians to be worse who had more grace and greater helps to suppresse sinne This was one parcell of good counsell which he commonly bestowed in all cases Inform judgment Set Faith on work Be of good courage As he used to be large in his Prayers in behalf of the Church of God according to the peculiar concernments thereof both at