language which he readily quoted so that the company trembled to hear such things from one that understood no learning and that moved neither tongue nor lip Master Bothwel was mightily enabled by God to detect the devils sophistry Devil What stand I talking with thee All men know thou art BOLD ROTHWEL and fearest no body nor carest for words therefore I will talk to thee no more that name he carried to his grave They would say That is he the devil called BOLD ROTHWEL Rothwel turning to the people said Good people you see the goodnesse of our God and his great power though the devil made a fool of me now through my weaknesse God hath made the devil dumb now do you see how he lyeth therefore let us go to prayer that God who hath made him dumb will I doubt not drive him out of this poor man Devil raged blasphemed and said And wilt thou go to prayer If thou do I will make such a noise that thy prayer shall be distracted and thou knowest God will not hear a distracted prayer but thou hast got a device because thou wilt not be distracted with thy eyes in prayer thou winkest so he alwaies did but if thou pray I will pull out thy eyes Rothwel I look to find thee as great an enemy in this duty now as I have done heretofore but I fear not thy threat I know thou art limitted God heareth the Prayers of the upright hath promised to give his Spirit to supply infirmities therefore in confidence of his promise and powerfull assistance of his Spirit and in the name and intercession of his Son Jesus Christ we will go to Prayer They did so Mr. Rothwel kneeled by the bed on which the poor man lay The Devil for a quarter of an hour together or more made a horrid noise neverthelesse Master Rothwels voice was louder then the Devils After a while the Devil roared at Master Rothwels face this was the first motion of any part of the mans body Master Rothwel opened his eyes met and brought down the hand which he held with great ease two men being scarce able to hold the other hand Prayer was still continued at length the Devil lay silent in the man and after that departed from him The man fetcht divers deep sighs insomuch as they thought he had been expiring but his colour returned to him and the use of all his members senses and understanding and at the next petition he said to the glory of God and amazement but comfort of all the company AMEN and so continued to repeat his Amen to every petition Prayer was now turned into thansgiving and so concluded After prayer John Fox said Good Master Rothwel leave me not I shall not live long for the Devil tels me he will choak me with the first bit of meat that I eat Master Rothwel answered Wilt thou beleeve the Devil that seeks thy destruction before thou wilâ— trust in God through Jesus Christ that seeks thy salvation Hath not God by his Almighty power dispossed him Had he had his will thou hadst been in Hell before now but he is a Lier and as he is not able to hinder thy souls life so neither shall he be able to destroy the life of thy body Wherefore get me something ready saith he for him and I will see him eat before I go and will crave a blessing upon it When it was brought eat saith Master Rothwel and fear not the Devil shewing him that he might do it in faith of that Ordinance by which God appoints meat for means to preserve life and urged that place of Jairus Daughter restored to life He commanded to give her meat Luk. 8.55 With much ado and in great trembling at last them an took and eat it Look saies Master Rothwel you all see the Devil is a Lier the first bit hath not choaked him nor shall the rest Master Rothwel left him after which he was stricken dumb for three years together I had a Book written with his own hand of the Temptations the Devil haunted him with afterwards and the Answers divers godly and reverend Ministers gave to those temptations but the Cavaliers got them and all my Books and Writings Thus the poor man remained tempted but no longer possessed At length by Prayer also which was instantly put up to God for him every Sabbath and Lecture day in many places the Lord opened his mouth and restored his speech to him one using this petition Lord open thou his mouth that his lips may shew forth thy praise He answered in the Congregation Amen and so continued to speak and spake graciously to his dying day This Life was drawn up by my reverend Friend Master Stanly Gower of Dorchester Dr. PRESTON The Life of Doctor Preston who died Anno Christi 1628. Iohn Preston the Son of Thomas and Alice Preston was born at Heyford in Northamptonshire a town divided by a little River into the upper and lower Heyfords and is in Maps oft written in the plural number It is a Rectory and hath a fair Church in the lower Heyfords but yet stands in divers Parishes That Farme wherein Master Thomas Preston lived is in Bugbrook Parish where they buried and baptized where we find that John the Sonne of Thomas Preston was baptized Octob. 27. 1587. but was descended from that Family of the Prestons that lived at Preston in Lancashire from whence his great Grandfather removed upon occasion of a fatall quarrel with one Master Bradshaw a neighbour Gentleman whom in his own defence he slew and satisfied the Law and was acquitted for it but not the Kindred who waited an opportunity to be revenged as the manner in those Northern Countries then was It fell out not long after that Master Bradshaws next Brother meets Master Preston near to the place where he had slain his Brother and told him he should do as much for him or he would revenge his Brothers blood Master Preston told him he had slain his Brother against his will and in his own defence that he bare no evil will unto them desired him he would forbear but when no thing would prevail they fought and Bradshaw fell again But Master Preston was troubled and grieved at it for he saw a fire was kindled that would not easily be quenched and therefore resolved that he would leave that fatall and unlucky Countrey though he was a Gentleman of a very fair estate and walking one day pensive in Westminster-Hall one Master Morgan of Heyford with whom he was acquainted came unto him and asked why he was so sad To whom for answer he relates the former story Master Morgan knowing him to be a gallant man was very sensible of his estate and told him if he would go with him to Heyford he should have a good Farm to live in for the present and what accommodation he could afford him Master Preston thanked him and after some consideration of the matter resolved to take his
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
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-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
this time though his Bushell was bigger then other mens yet he would often charge his man not to strike off all the Corn. He used not to trouble himself with reckonings and accounts but would sometimes ask his man when he came from the Market how he sold Corn and if it was dear he would say I pray God bring down the price of it and if it was cheap he would heartily blesse God for it Yea his Charity was not onely extended to the poor of his own Parish but to others also for if at any time he had seen a poor body at a distance from him as he rode abroad he would send his man with money to him and when at any time he rode by the Castle at Cambridge the Prisoners would never ask him for any thing nor any one that was with him for if he had any money in his purse they were sure to have part of it By reason of his great liberality though his living was worth a hundred pound per annum yet he usually wanted Money to get in his Harvest so that his Wife formerly Doctor Bounds widow was forced to borrow money to supply that want Yet was he so well content with his present condition that though he had proffers of livings worth three of that which he had yet would he by no meanes be perswaded to accept of them He was a great friend to and promoter of peace and concord amongst his Neighbours and acquaintance insomuch that if any had come to him who were at variance he would either have made them friends himself or if he could not prevail he would have made use of other friends to reconcile them together thereby to prevent their going to Law When Martin Mar-Prelate came first out Master Greenham being to preach at Saint Maries in Cambridge spake freely against that Book manifesting his dislike of the same For said he the tendency of this Book is to make sinne ridiculous whereas it ought to be made odious On a time the Bishop of Ely sent for him to appear about his Non-conformity at which time the Bishop told him that there was a great Schisme in the Church asking him where the blame was to be 〈◊〉 whether upon the Conformists or Non-conformists To which â—e readily answered that it might lie on either side or on neither side For said he if they loved one another as they ought and would do all goâ—â— Offices each for other thereby maintaining love and concord it lay 〈◊〉 neither side otherwise which party soever makes the rent the Schisme lies upon their score The Bishop was so pleased with this answer that he dismissed him in peace He was much troubled with a bad concoction whereby he had frequent sick nights which kept him much waking but then his manner was as much as possibly he could to spend the time in meditation and prayer We have before heard of his great Charity to mens bodies His Charity to souls was not lesse exemplary For having great experience and an excellent faculty to relieve and comfort distressed consciences he was sought to far and neer by such as groaned under spiritual afflictions and temptations all whom he entertained friendly and familiarly without respecting the person of the rich more then of the poor Yea the fame of this spiritual Physician so spread abroad that he was sent for to very many and the Lord was pleased so farre to blesse his labours that by his knowledge and experience many were restored to joy and comfort out of unspeakable and insupportable terrours and torments of conscience If the Lord had not so soon translated him out of this sinfull and miserable world there was none more fit nor willing to have prescribed Rules and a Method to be observed in this so little a known Art Of his good will herein let his own words testifie the forward desires of his heart For upon a special occasion he thus speaketh of himself I have had saith he for a long time a settled resolution which I hope is from God to study the cases of conscience that thereby I may be the better able to succour the tempted and perplexed in spirit He was filled with bowels of compassion towards the afflicted sympathizing as if he had been afflicted with them Many godly and learned friends of his perceiving his abilities and inclination thereto did labour much to excite and incourage him in those studies upon these and the like grounds First that he might hereby the better train up some young men in the like studies communicating his knowledg and experiences to them therein Secondly that he might leave to posterity a Commentary of such particular Maladies as God had made him instrumental in the cure of together with the meanes by him used for effecting of the same And because Precepts are wanting Rules of direction might be framed partly by his own observation partly by conference with other learned and experienced persons whereby in that and the age following that Art might be brought into some form and method to the publick good and benefit of many not only foâ— the fruitfull curing but also for the healthfull preventing of manifold mischiefs To such as complained to him that they were troubled with â—â—â—sphemous thoughts his counsell was that they should not fear them but abhorre them And when some poor Christians were miserably afflicted with feares that they had commited that unpardonable sinne against the holy Ghost he used to tell them that if they would not have committed it it was certain that they had not faln into it The graces of Gods Spirit did all abundantly shine forth in this man of God all tempered as with unfeigned love to Christ so with bowels of love and compassion towards men and he again was greatly beloved of all men In the whole course of his Ministry he was very carefull ever to avoid as much as was possible all occasions of offence desiring in all things to approve himself as a Minister of Christ and Workman that needed not to be ashamed He much rejoyced in and praised God for the happy government of Queen Elizabeth and for the blessed calm and peace which the Church and people of God enjoyed under the same speaking often of it both publickly and privately as he had occasion endeavouring to stirre up the hearts of all men as much as in him lay to praise God with him for it and to pray also for the continuance thereof Yea this matter so affected him that the day before his departure out of this world his thoughts were much troubled for that most men were so unthankfull for those wonderfull and happy deliverances which the Lord of his mercy vouchsafed to that glorious Queen from the conspiracies and dangerous practices of her Popish Adversaries He was a special Instrument and meanes under God to incourage and train up many godly and learned young men in the holy service of
wary manner that no specious occasion could be taken whereby to deprive him of his liberty Yet they were resolved to spit forth their malice against him whether by fair or foul meanes which they thus effected Master Baines having heat his weak body by much straining his voice to speak to so great an Auditory Sermon being ended he retired himself presently to provide for his health which otherwise would have been much endangered They in the mean time going on with their businesse according to their accustomed Lordly way called for Master Baines amongst the rest and upon his not answering though he was not cited thither as to a Court but only intreated to preach as he did Yet for not appearing he was immediately silenced But afterwards the Chancellour being informed that that grosse sentence was illegal and therefore a meer nullity he went another way to work and sending for Master Baines he urged him about subscription and conformity and upon his refusal to make sure work silenced him over again In which businesse he was so conscious to himself of unreasonable and ridiculous dealing that when Master Baines standing to receive that unjust sentence from so corrupt a man lifted up his heart and eyes towards God with an heavenly smiling countenance as his manner was the Chancellour interpreted that gesture to be a scorning of his authority After this Master Baines was perswaded by some of his Friends to make triall of the Archbishops courtesie to whom when he had addressed himself at the very first salutation the gravity and severity of Arch-bishop Bancroft led him sharply to rebuke the good man for a little black-work edging upon his cuffs telling him in a very Episcopal strain that it were a good deed to lay him by the heels for it After which time Master Baines would have no more to do with such absurd and unreasonable men but preached sometimes where he might have liberty and as the weaknesse of his body would suffer The rest of his time he spent in Reading Writing Meditation and Prayer saving that upon occasion he instructed and comforted those that came to him in private wherein he had a very happy and heavenly gift He was indeed all his life after pressed with want not having as he often complained to his friends a place to rest his head in Yet did he never so much as consult with himself about his denying his sincerity and complying with the Bishops of whom and their courses he was wont to say They are a generation of the earth earthly and savour not the wayes of God Whil'st he lived a private life his Wife died and being thunder-struck by the Bishops bolt he had time and leasure to apply his able wit and judgment about the discussing of many questions which if the Prelates had not forced such leasure upon him it may be he would have passed by with others He was of such an holy and heavenly temper that he was reverenced by all good men that knew him His manner was in the summer-time to go from one Gentlemans house to another and happy were they that could get his company He had such a Divine and heavenly Majesty in his countenance that it would awe any man to look upon him Little recreation he used but sometimes to play at Chesse Once he was called by Bishop Harsnet to the Councel-table the Bishop having laid a designe to suspend and banish him under the pretence of keeping Conventicles the reason whereof was this He was an excellent Casuist and thereupon many doubting Christians repaired to him for satisfaction in cases of Conscience which the Bishops would needs have to be keeping of Conventicles When he was accused hereof before the Privy-Councel one of the Noble-men said to him Speak speak for your self Whereupon he made such an excellent speech that in the midst thereof a Nobleman stood up and said He speakes more like an Angel then a man and I dare not stay here to have a hand in any sentence against him upon which speech they dismissed him and he never heard more from them Upon a time he went to the House of Mistresse Sheafe who was his Wives Sister at Cranbrook in Kent where observing that she and others of the Family used to play much at cards and such like games as the custome was and still is too much used in Gentlemens Houses he took occasion on the Sabbath day in his Sermon to speak against such games And it pleased the Lord so to work upon Mistresse Sheafes heart by that Sermon that when she came home she came crying to him saying Oh Brother Why would you thus suffer me to live in sinne to the dishonour of God and would never tell me of it before To which he replied that it was best of all that God had wrought on her by the publick Ministry and that it might not have been so well if he had spoken to her in private He was a man of much communion with God and acquaintance with his own heart observing the daily passages of his life and was much exercised with spiritual conflicts whereby he became the more able to comfort others with the same consolations which himself had received from God He had a deep insight into the Mystery of Gods Grace and mans Corruption as appears by his Commentary upon the Epistle to the Ephesians He was one that sought not after great matters in the world being taken up with comforts and griefes unto which the world is a stranger One that had not all his learning out of Books Of a sharp wit and clear judgment So that though his Meditations were of an higher strain then ordinary yet he had a good dexterity furthered by his love to do good in explaining dark points with lightsome similitudes His Prayer in his Family was not usually above a quarter of an houre long and having respect to the weaknesse and infirmities of his Servants and Children he used to disswade others from tediousnesse in that duty It pleased God to make him an instrument of the conversion of that holy and eminent Servant of Jesus Christ Doctor Sibbs In his last sicknesse he had many doubts and feares and God letting Satan loose upon him he went out of this world with farre lesse comfort then many weaker Christians enjoy He resigned up his spirit into the hands of God in Cambridge Anno Christi 1617. The Life and Death of Master William Bradshaw who died Anno Christi 1618. IT hath from time to time been the lot of divers persons of singular worth and eminent parts that they have lived in obscurity and in a low condition and past their time without that due respect and regard which their excellent endowments might justly have claimed partly through the shortnesse of outward supplies for they get not up easily though never so well deserving that are scanted in that kinde partly by reason of an inward bashfulnesse and
to the Carrier its owner as by his default mis-carrying requiring it was made good being after his escape and recovery somewhat revived and refreshed and fitted again with a wonted Suit he was with some of those his acquaintance accompanied to Cambridge and repaired to the Colledge where having presented himself to the Master he was entertained in the Chamber of one of the Fellows that assigned him being not yet fit to receive him as indeed they came all to very raw Chambers at first and the use of that offered him untill his own could be fitted and furnished for him which being his first entertainment there albeit but a sorry courtesie to speak of yet did so affect him as upon occasion to some of his familiar friends he afterward professed of so ingenuous and gratefull a disposition he was and so prone with thankfulnesse to acknowledge and to set an high rate on the least kindnesse shewed him or meanest office done for him that it laid the ground-work or first stone thereof at least with him for such an Union of inward and entire affection and well fastned knot of unreserved familiarity and strictest friendship as did afterward ensue between them two and so continued not only while they abode in the Colledge together by a mutual communication of their studies counsels courses and purposes either to other but even after also when through distance of abode they were severed the one from the other by a constant course of vicissitudinary writing therein advising either with other and discussing mutually such questions and doubts wherewith either of them were occasionally encountred by meanes whereof they received much help and light either from other and albeit in some particulars either not so clear or not so cleared to their joynt apprehensions their judgment might and did sometime differ which having on occasion professed to a Friend desiring to know their joynt judgment in a case then questioned and seeming to marvell that they two should be of divers minds in ought he made answer that it was no wonder at all it might rather be wondred considering mans condition in intellectuals so impaired and clouded that any two seriously set upon the search of truth should not in many particular cases dissent yea that if in every particularity they should wholly concurre it might seem to savour rather of a cunningly contrived compact or conspiracy then a reall and rational consent yet where by force of argument they seemed convict or any mistake manifested they were ready to yeeld and did indeed in not a few things come home either to other unto their mutual much advantage nor did their remaining differences ever produce any breach or abatement of affection between them but that the knot once knit from the first to the last continued firm and inviolate never loosed nor slackned so long as God was pleased to lengthen out the line of his life In the Colledge he so demeaned himself that though the Fellows were not all of one mind or one way and there were among them as usually in Societies of that nature men of divers dispositions and sub-divisions consequently of companies consisting of such as more familiarly consorted and more inwardly conversed with some few whom selected from the rest they most affected yet so loving and lowly yeelding to all and complying with all was his carriage that notwithstanding he were by some deemed over-strict and would freely as occasion was speak his mind and deliver his judgment yet he retained ever the professed at least good liking and external kind usage from them all Where it will not be amisse to relate a speech of one of them a man by occasion of some discontents strongly and strangely possessed with a spirit of jealousie and suspitiousness of every one even his inwardest and entirest friends which in the end proved his overthrow who having entertained a conceit that something spoken by Master Bradshaw in a dispute should have a glance closely at somewhat that concerned him and having discovered that his suspition to a common bosome-friend of them both by whom also upon disclose of that groundless conceit he was evidently convinced of his errour therein he used these words of him Although I am sure he had a gird at me yet the man is of so kind and loving a disposition that I could not be angry with him though be had broken my head But I cannot let passe one remarkable Instance that may evidently manifest in him a due temper which is not over-frequently found of freedome of spirit and discreet demeanure wisely mixed and well consistent the one with the other During his abode in Guernsey a Question was on foot among Divines of special note on either side yet in debate concerning the lawfulness of some pecuniary contracts wherein Master Cartwright having by writing declared his mind in way of answer to some arguments objected against it Master Bradshaw being required by him freely to discover his judgment therein and seriously to consider of that his answer albeit of himself he would not have adventured to undertake such a task yet being so put upon it he did it freely and largely with as much strength of wit and argument it may not without ground be deemed as any have done that have hitherto dealt on that subject and yet so discreetly and respectively managing the business that though being then of a contrary judgment he used his best forces and strongest endeavoures to shake and shatter Master Cartwrights grounds yet did it not breed any breach between them nor did it that could be discerned lessen Master Cartwrights either affection to him or esteem of him which from time to time as occasion was and as in part hath already been shewed he was ever ready to expresse Howbeit it must withall for a truth be ackowledged that Master Bradshaw howsoever in the Colledge performing a Divinity-Problem as they term it did still stiffely maintain that his former Tenet yet upon farther consideration in his latter dayes he is known to have altered his judgment therein While he stayed in the Colledge that he might with the more freedome employ that talent that the Lord had committed unto him he entred into the Ministry the rather advised as some other also were so to do while admission was yet more easie and the way of entrance lesse obstructed in regard of some things which out of diversity of judgment and tenderness of conscience he stuck at then was by prudent men observing how State-businesses began to be carried deemed like to last long And at the motion of one Master Pigot a religious Gentleman residing at Abington about eight miles from Cambridge he rode weekly over thither there to preach every Lords Day for some good space of time joyning also in a weekly Lecture as he had opportunity with some other neighbour Ministers at a greater Town called Bassingborn not farre thence distant Afterward he
a due consent is wanting between tongue and hand between lip and life It was far otherwise with this reverend man of God he was none of those that say and do not but as he taught so he wrought his Doctrine and practice concurred and went hand in hand together His actions were though silent yet reall and effectual Sermons of that which he preached in the Pulpit The course of his life was uniform with the tenour of his teaching and both joyning and concentring in one were a means to draw on many who by the one alone probably had not been so easily won to Christ. In a word for his teaching many that were his constant Hearers have given him a large testimony and they that knew his conversation have done the like for his life He was not a flash one of those which shew all in a Sermon or that spend all upon one curious good work that they mind to make their Master-piece But both in his life and teaching he held on such a constant tenour that the more men especially such as were wise and judicious were acquainted with either the more they reverenced and esteemed him for both There are two things saith one that make a compleat man Integrity and judgment the one whereof is but lame and maimed without the other and yet in few they use to meet together yet there was an happy conjunction of them both in this worthy man One sign whereof will appear by the frequent practice of many who made use of him for to be an overseer of their last wills and craved his assistance by way of direction for the disposall of their outward estates and all know how cautious men use to be in that kind Another testimony of it was by those Reverend Brethren of the Ministry as well as others who either by Letters or otherwise out of all parts of this Realm did usually seek to him as to one more then ordinarily able to give them satisfaction for the resolution of their doubts These two then made him a compleat man but there is something more required to make a compleat Minister viz. That he be able to speak his mind fitly for what use can there be of a mute Messenger and that he dare do it freely for of whom is courage and freedom of speech more required then of Gods Messengers Nor was Mr. Stock defective in either For as for the former how well able he was not to expresse only but to urge and presse too not to confirm alone but to commend also that that he delivered with clear method sound proof choice words fit phrases pregnant similitudes plentifull illustrations pithy perswasions sweet insinuations powerfull enforcements allegations of antiquity and variety of good literature that both the learnedest might receive satisfaction from him and the very meanest and dullest might also reap benefit by him and so as might well leave a deep impression in the hearts and minds of the Hearers they cannot be ignorant that for any space of time heard him In a word in this kind he was such an one as many strove to imitate but few attained to equalize him Again Because it is in vain to be able to speak to good purpose if a man dare not use his tongue if as one said of the Eretrians he belike the sword-fish that hath a sword in his head but no heart in his body or like a cowardly companion that carries a weapon to ruffle with but dares not draw or make use of it though just occasion be offered For his freedom of speech therefore in reproving of sin and that even to the faces of the greatest whether in publick or private when occasion 〈◊〉 many even now living are able to testifie and some accidents made it more publickly known then his desire was that it should have been He was very zealous and earnest for the reformation of some prophâ—nations of the Sabbath Wherein he prevailed also for the alteration of something offensive in that kind as well with the main body of the City as with some particular Societies as for their meetings upon St. Thomas day He perswaded also some of the companies to put off their solemn Festivals from Mundaies to Tuesdaies that so the Lords day might not be prophaned by their preparations for those Feasts His prudence also appeared in his order of Catechizing the young persons of his Parish by examining them apart the youths on one day and the maids on another The riper and forwarder first in the presence of the ruder and rawer and the ruder and rawer apart by themselves when the former were departed that so they might reap what fruit they could by hearing the others and yet might receive no discouragement by being heard of them Neither was his pious diligence and care lesse seen in the Religious instruction and education of those that were under his private charge as Children and Servants for whom his care was greater to provide for their souls then their bodies for their spirituall then for their temporall estate yet not neglecting that neither by bringing them up in the nurture and fear of the Lord. In a word time and speech would sooner fail then matter If I should proceed to write of all the gifts graces and praise-worthy qualities of this eminent servant of Christ. In his publick Ministry his usuall manner was upon occasion to quote the sayings of many of the Fathers which some taking exceptions at he thus Apologized for himself If any saith he take exceptions at my alledging of Fathers as some have taken offence at my using of Reasons to confirm the Doctrine but with very little Reason as I suppose I must pray them to give me leave to use them till I can see that unlawfulnesse which they affirm to be in the practice and to censure me in charity for the use of them as I do them for not using them I will look as well to my heart in the use of them as God shall enable me and when I shall see the hurt of them I will endeavour as much to avoid them In the mean time I will make as much use as I can of them to edifie the Church of God In his younger dayes being called to preach at Pauls Crosse he dealt somewhat plainly and freely in taxing some abuses in the City in unequall Ratings whereby the meaner sort were overburthened whilest the rich and great ones escaped with more ease This was ill taken by many of them who checked him as over-rash for dealing in such matters calling him a green-head but in his latter daies being called to preach at the Lord Maiors Election he fell again upon the same subject and told them a gray-head spake now what a green-head had done formerly But to draw to an end together with his end the end of his labours but the beginning of his rest the end of his work but the receit of his reward
In the aformentioned and such like imployments publick and private he spent his time He spent his strength like a Torch or Taper wasting and consuming himself for the profit and benefit of others having his work with God then and his reward for it from God afterwards And for these imployments sake was it principally that he desired recovery of health and strength Unto the performance whereof also though therein injurious to himself and contrary to his own desires he oft strained himself and that in the midst of his infirmity and weaknesse not to uncertain hazard only but to evident impreaching and impairing of either What is the sign saith Hezekias when he promised recovery that I shall go up to the house of the Lord as desiring continuance of life and recovery of health for no one end more then that And therefore also was it that this worthy man was desirous of recovery that he might repair to Gods house again and that he might return to Gods work again To which purpose the very last Lords day before his disease having after many relapses recovered a little strength he made shift to get out to a neighbour Congregation there to joyn with Gods people in publick performance of such solemn service of God as that day is usually spent and imployed in And having held out with them to the end in both parts of the day he rejoyced much therein that he was able so to do the rather because he thereby conceived some good hope that he should be strong enough ere long to return to his wonted work and imployment again But the Lord saw it better for his will appears by his work to put an end to his incessant labours here and to transhate him to the place of his endlesse rest elsewhere and that upon the twentieth day of April Anno Christi 1626. having been Preacher at All-Hallows Bredstreet during the spence of thirty two years where he was an exmple to his people in word in inconversation in charity in spirit in faith in purity But as one saith An exact face is seldom drawn but with much disadvantage so neither is his character so that we may well say as one doth of Basil There wanted but his own tongue to commend him with The Life of Master Richard Rothwel who died Anno Christi 1627. RIchard Rothwel was born in Lancashire at or near Bolton in the Moors about the year of our Lord 1563. After he took the Ministry upon him and God gave him another heart he disposed his temporal estate amongst his friends and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1 Cor. 9.11.14 He lived of the Gospel His education was in the Schools and afterward in Cambridge in the one he attained to an exact knowledge of the tongues especially Greek and Hebrew wherein he was a Critick and in the other of the Arts so that he became a skil-Linguist subtil Disputant copious Orator and of a deep insight into any kind of knowledge Humane or Divine In this first course of his studies appeared presently to his observers the buds and blossomes of that fame which after he attained for he had a prompt wit a quick apprehension a clear understanding a sound judgement a ready speech and a strong memory All these seldome meet in one man but did in him very eminently and were improved by diligent study which out of a desire of learning and knowledge he continued to his last without wearinesse His constitution of body and moral endowments of minde were great props and supporters to his intellectual habits Gratior est virtus veniens è corpore pulchro This is not the ordinary lot of Scholars He was tall well set of great strength of body and activity of a stern countenance of invincible courage of approved valour and of a very goodly and majestick presence Grief nor any misery could ever break him but joy would presently melt him into tears He was of a generous spirit and deportment yet withall very humble and courteous His language was sententious and proverbial I have heard many others say what I must needs my self Nunquam illi accedo quin doctior evadam I never came to him but I went the learneder from him He had a great dexterity in communicating his mind to another and speaking to his understanding God gave him a great inlet into the hearts of men After many years spent in the University he betook himself to the Ministry and was ordained Presbyter by Doctor Whitgift then Archbishop of Canterbury who forbade him medling with interpretation of Moses Types the Book of Canticles Daniel and the Revelation Which then he thought himself as the Bishop did were not so useful for him to study as some other Scriptures But alas all these natural dispositions intellectual habits personal deportments were but as so many weapons in the hands of a mad man Judge how able by these to resist the truth for he remained some years without any change of heart or sensible work of grace upon his soul but preached learnedly as they called it and lived vainly abhorring debauchery and debauched companions through the height of his spirit but gave himself to hunting bowling shooting more the◠became a Minister of the Gospel and sometimes he would swear Faith and Troth and in his passion greater blasphemies I have heard him tell that there were two Knights in Lancashire fallen out and great fewd betwixt them That the one had a very good Park with store of Deer That the other had excellent good Fish-ponds and store of Fish He robbed the Park of the one and presented what he got to the other and the Fish-ponds of the other and presented the Fish to his adversary thus he pleased himself in the daies of his vanity with such kind of follies In doing this one night the Keeper met with him his Dog having killed a Buck at the fall of the Buck the Keeper came in with his fauchion and staff and met Master Rothwel who had a staff also They fell from words to blows He got the Keeper down bound him by the thumbs and drew him up to his full height that he could but touch the ground with his toes and so left him tied to a tree till next morning when others found him and loosed him At length God pleased who separated him from his Mothers womb as he did Paul and called him by his grace to reveal his Son in him Which because it was famous and he himself afterwards proved the means of the Conversion of so many I shall set it down as I remember I have heard him speak it He was playing at Bowles amongest some Papists and vain Gentlemen upon a Saturday somewhere about Rachdale in Lancashire there comes into the green to him one Master Midgley a grave and godly Minister of Rachdale whose praise is great in the Gospel though far inferiour to Master Rothwel in parts and learning he took
these tossings to and fro he should thus light upon his feet yet would not meddle for the present but wait occasions Those that were well-affected were glad he was engaged against the Court and Bishops and did presage he might be instrumental to their downfall and every body laboured to ingage him more and more against them The Spanish match was then the common talk and great unwillingnesse appeared in the people generally and Doctor Willet had presumed to offer Arguments unto the King against matching with Idolaters The King was greatly vext at this adventure and took great paines to perswade the Doctor that a Papist was not an Idolater Sed non persuadebat etiamsi persuaserat The people were unsatisfied and there being then a Parliament a very Honourable and able Member of the House of Lords prevailed with Master Preston to write some Arguments against it And though there were severe Edicts and Proclamations against scandalous Papers and intermedling with Mysteries of State yet he promised it should be scattered and divulged unto fit persons and none should know from whence or from whom it came accordingly when it was finished and written fair one gave it to a Porter whom he met in Holborne and bad him leave it according to the direction The next day a great Lord comes unto him that had perswaded Master Preston unto the service and tels him that he had met with such a piece against the Spanish match as he never saw and protested he was convinced that he must speak against it in the House what ever came of it The other asked him who made it and where he had it he assured him he knew not but it was left at his lodging by he knew not whom The Lord desired he might see it and so it was copied out and spread among those of the Parliament they thought fit but the Authour of it never known King James had something alwayes in his Writings and Speeches against the Puritans which was ill taken for that it was apparent those meant thereby were godly conscientious persons The House of Commons was the only mote in King James his eye the Remora as he conceived unto his absolute dominion for he knew not how for to engaged them as he did the Lawyers and Divines but if he stopped one mouth with preferment this Parliament there would be others open the next against him There were some now that adventured to apologize for Puritans and to say in Parliament that honest men were wounded under that name and to propose that godly Ministers might not be silenced and thrown out of their Free-holds for trifles and Ceremonies But King James would none of that stuff breaks up the Parliament and sets out Proclamations Sed quid prodest totius regionis silentium si affectus fremant People love not to be enforced unto duty Homines duci volunt non cogi The Chaplains that attended monethly at the Court were not ambitious of preaching over-often and so a Combination was agreed on for Preachers before the King when ever he should lie within twelve miles of Cambridge The King did not despair of making Scholars his and therefore used all endeavours to oblige them especially Cambridge men where a seed of Puritans had been a long time and though the Plains about Royston and New-market afforded better Winter-game then elsewhere yet Scholars he conceived might be catcht sometimes as well as Hares and so was willing they should preach before him Young men he knew would preach themselves Omnis oratio docet aut rem aut animum dicentis He should learn either things or persons By this means it came to Master Prestons turn to preach before the King at Royston he was so muffled at Court in Doctor Newcombs businesse that he knew not what to do could not decline it altogether for that would have exposed him unto too much observation and yet he greatly feared what might befall him in the doing of it therefore he changed his course with one that was to preach a little after and did it very privately that if his enemies should have designes they might be disappointed and so it was not much known When he was to preach it fell out that his course came upon a Tuesday when the King did lie at Finching brook the Court was very thin and the Prince and Duke of Buckingham were both abroad and the King himself was for an hunting match that day and gave order that the Sermon should begin at eight of the clock Master Preston had some at the Court that were solicitous as well as he and they told him it would give very great content if he would take some occasion in the Sermon to shew his judgment as he had done before about Seâ— Formes Doctor Young Deane of Winchester of whom we spake before did then attend and when the King came in and sate down in the chair he told him who it was that preached and said he hoped he would give content I pray God he do said the King The Sermon is in print upon John 1.16 which he so clearly opened and applied that the King sate all the while as quiet as could be and never stirred nor spake to any body but by his looks discovered he was pleased when all was done he came unto him as the manner was to kisse his hand and the King asked him of what Preston he was descended he answered of that in Lancashire Then said the King you have many of your name and kindred very eminent and Preston the Priest although a Papist is a very learned man Great haste was made to bring in dinner and the King was very pleasant all the time had his eye continually upon Master Preston and spake of divers passages in the Sermon with much content especially that of the Arminians putting God into the same extreamity that Darius was put in Dan. 6. when he would have saved Daniel but could not but as soon as ever he was retired the Marquesse Hamilton kneeled down and besought him that he might commend the Preacher to him for his Chaplain protested he did not so much as know him but that he was moved by the weight and strength of that he had delivered told him he spake no pen and ink-horn language but as one that comprehended what he said and that he could not but have substance and matter in him The King acknowledged all but said it was too early remembred New-market businesse and was reserved Sir Ralph Freeman one of the Masters of Requests had married a Kinswoman of the Duke of Buckhinghams and was a Kinsman unto Master Preston he makes relation of the businesse unto the Duke and told him if now he would appear in favour of his Cousin Preston he might oblige the Puritans and lay a ground-work for his own security if tempests should arise assured him that Master Preston was ingenuous and might be made that the King and all the Court were taken
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
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-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
persons amongst whom Master Peter Studley was the chief were stirred up to lay in complaints against him as a Non-conformist for such was his prudence sweetnesse and peaceablenesse of spirit that other objections could not with any colour of truth be made against him Hereupon Doctor Morton then the Bishop of that Diocesse referred him unto two neighbour Ministers for satisfaction and in pursuance of this order Master Herring gave in his scruples in writing and also replyed upon their answer The consequence of this paper-dispute was a Certificate to the Bishop from the Ministers that they believed Master Herring from conscientious grounds in his own apprehensions remained unsatisfied and the Bishop himself told Master Herrings Friends that he was satisfied in his integrity But such were those times that he was suspended from the use of his Ministry though by mediation of Friends the suspension was divers times taken off and then brought on again by persons of contrary minds and waies Thus he continued in Salop for the space of seventeen years sometimes enjoying and sometime wanting liberty for the exercise of his Ministry in publique But when the Pulpit door was shut against him he was the more frequent in keeping private Fasts and in expounding the Scripture three times a day in his own Family by which exercise some of the neighbours were edified also Alwaies upon the Lords day whether he was at home or abroad he frequented the Ordinances of God administred in publique professing thereby as himself said that his practice should declare his judgement against separation from the Congregations in England though there were corruptions in them When some seeds of seperation were scattered in Salop by Daniel Chidley and his Wife their growth was check'd by his appearing against them He had many bowels towards them who were misled in this kind as was expressed by the many prayers with tears which he poured forth before God in their behalf And having upon this occasion studied that point the more throughly he would often say It is a sinne of an high nature to un-Church a Nation at once and that this would become the spring of many other fearfull errours for separation will eat like a Gangrene into the heart of Godliness And he did pray that they who would un-Church others might not be un-christianed themselves When the Plague was in Salop he gave himself unto prayer for the town and in particular for the persons infected and many from the Pest-houses returned thanks unto him for the spiritual comfort received by his Prayers He took great delight in his studies having a very good Library and was often willing to misse a meal that he might the more satisfie himself in conversing with his Books He was seldome hungry as himself was wont to say while he was in his study and those who best knew him could easily render the reason thereof for as he was afraid of doing Gods work negligently so it was his meat and drink to converse with his God and to do the will of his heavenly Father And yet such were his compassions towards afflicted consciences that he gave charge unto his whole Family to send none such away till they had spoken with him yea unto them his manner was to give full liberty of speech that they might not go away without some clearing and satisfaction His experience humility and sweetnesse of disposition was such that seldome any one who was troubled in spirit departed from him without some relief and comfort whereto may be added his great faithfulnesse towards them in perplexed cases who opened their hearts into his bosome for spiritual satisfaction When he was not allowed liberty to preach in publique at home he was willing to bestow his pains abroad and every where he in his Ministry proved himself a solid well-studied Divine A Workman who needed not to be ashamed It may truly be affirmed concerning him that when he was in journeys he imitated the Lord Christ his Master Who went about doing good For in the Families whither he came if there was not opportunity of more publique employment wherein he might appear with safety in those Prelatical times he was alwaies ready by Prayer and Exposition of Scripture to be serviceable unto the souls of such who desired to improve him He was a man of an ingenuous and cheerfull spirit yet very grave and inoffensive yea the lightsomeness of his behaviour being accompanied with holinesse and humility did make his serious services the more acceptable and more taking upon the hearts of those who conversed with him Amongst many other rare gifts with which God had enriched him this did shine forth brightly unto all them who were acquainted with his way in performing Family duties whether in his own house or elsewhere viz. That he would alwaies most aptly and affectionately enlarge himself upon the Sermon lately heard or the Chapter read by confession complaint petition thansgiving c. unto the advantage of them who joyned with him in that exercise He was indeed a man made up of love and meeknesse for the discovery whereof take two instances which will tell the Reader that he was Dove-like without gall The one is this Doctor Lambe having broken his legge by a fall was brought into the same Inne in Norhamptonshire where Master Herring had taken up his lodging being in a journey and that night he prayed very affectionately for him though Doctor Lambe was a notorious violent Persecutor of Non-conformists both Ministers and people yea though he had been a bitter opposite against Master Herring particularly He being asked the reason why he expressed so much respect towards so unworthy a man returned this answer The greater enemy he is to the Church the more need he hath of Prayers And then wished those who were with him To prove themselves Christs Disciples by loving their enemies and by praying for their Persecutors The other instance is this viz. understanding that Arch-bishop Laud said unto some of his Friends Petitioners for the liberty of his Ministry I will pickle up that Herring of Shrewsbury he used these words If he will abuse his power let it teach Christians the more to use their Prayers And he then prayed that the Non-conformists enemies might by observation know that they have a good God to trust unto when trampled upon by ill-despised men He was a constant mighty Wrestler with the Almighty in Prayers for England that the Gospel might not be removed but that the Kingdom of Christ might be here advanced more and more He much feared that bad times would overtake this Nation and at a conference about the affairs of England he used these words Gods rod I much fear will be homebred Warre in the State and Errours and Heresies in the Church with Gods visible departure from us When all hope of regaining the liberty of his Ministry in Shrewsbury was quite gone and therefore his continuance there in
much good but of no blood nor division between the two Nations He was one of Gods special Remembrancers in behalf of England begging fervently that the Lords and Commons in Parliament might be preserved from the two destructive rocks of pride and self-interests He poured out his soul before the Almighty that he would appear for the Non-conformists cause in England and set up the Presbyterial Government according to the Scripture Rules He often professed himself to be no enemy unto the Persons of Bishops but an opposite to their Pride and Prelaticall Rule When news came unto him of the Battell at Edge-hill thus he spake with tears Oh Lord wilt thou write Englands Reformation in red Letters of her own blood yet preserve thine own People and maintain thine own cause for Jesus Christ sake He greatly bewailed the obstructing of Church reformation in England by them who professed themselves zealous for Reformation and it was no small offence unto him to hear of the Letters which came from some Independents at London into Holland wherein falshoods were reported to the reproach of some Presbyterians his known godly Friends in England He was a true Nathaniel indeed in whose spirit there was no guile and therefore all falshood and unworthy juglings were an abomination to his heart There was an holy harmoniousnesse in his whole conversation his life was a well-spun thread from the beginning to the end and tended much to the honour of his Profession and particular Calling Although he walked exactly with God and maintained the comfort of constant peace with him yet Satan was suffered to give him one furious assault the night before he died as was perceived by those who were then with him for rising upon his knees with his hands lifted up he spake these words He is overcome overcome through the strength of my Lord and only Saviour Jesus unto whom I am now going to keep a Sabbath in glory And next morning March 28. 1644. being the Sabbath day about the time when he was wont to go unto ministerial work in the publique Congregagation and the sixty two year of his life he was taken from his labours into rest unto the spirits of just men made perfect in Heaven where he shall sing Hallelujahs for evermore The Life of Master John Dod who died Anno Christi 1645. IOhn Dod was born in Cheshire at a town called Shotlidge bordering on Wales not far from Malpus His Parents had a convenient estate worth a hundred marks a year which went to the eldest Brother This John was the youngest of seventeen and much beloved of his Parents He was sent to School to West-Chester and when he was about fourteen years old he was disposed of to Jesus Colledge in Cambridge where though he had little acquaintance yet the Lord prospering his studies he was chosen first Scholar and after Fellow in that Colledge he there remained near sixteen years The manner of his Conversion was thus The Steward or Boucher of the Colledge accused him to the Master for the non-payment of a considerable summe of money due for one of his Pupils which Master Dod had truly paid but he forgot to set it down Hereupon there was a vehement contest betwixt them about this businesse and the vexation of mind that he should be accounted a defrauder did so trouble Master Dod that he fell into a Feaver and was dangerously sick yet all this while he was but in a natural estate For though he had some good skill in the Theorick part of Divinity yet he was without any application and his affliction was this that he should be blamed for that which he from the Law and light of nature hated All his sorrow as yet was but worldly sorrow and as himself saies he neither did nor could tell how to pray At length the Lord put into his heart that Scripture Rom. 7. The Law is spiritual but I am carnal and sold under sinne and presently his sins came upon him like armed men and the tyde of his thoughts was turned and he left musing how he was wronged and seriously considered how he had offended God and he betook himself to great humiliation and earnestly besought the Lord for pardon and peace in Jesus Christ. Yet for some time he could find no comfort but going on to seek the Lord there follows after much humiliation much consolation and the Lord sealed to him that his sins were washed away with the blood of Christ. Then did he desire his accuser to come to him and told him that though he had accounted him to be his great enemy yet now he acknowledged him to be his good Friend for that he was a means to bring him unto God And afterwards it so fell out by Gods good Providence that it came to this mans remembrance that Master Dod had paid him the money and he was very sorrowfull for the wrong which he had done him and did him all the right he could for the healing of his name and Master Dod said that he had not a more faithfull Friend in all the Colledge during his abode there then this man proved When he was some years standing Master of Art he was appointed to oppose in the Philosophy Act at the Commencement which he did with great approbation insomuch as it was desired that he should dispute again the next Commencement but that he avoided When he preached his first Sermon in the University he had bestowed much pains about it binding himself to words and phrases but in his Sermon he was at a Non-plus whereupon he resolved afterwards never to pen his Sermon verbatim but his usuall manner was to write only the Analysis of his Text the proofs of Scripture for the Doctrines with the Reasons and Uses and so leaving the rest to meditation in which course he never found defect And whereas Doctor Fulk Doctor Chaderton Doctor Whitaker and some others had their frequent meeting to expound the Scriptures and therein they chose the Epistle to the Hebrews they were pleased from their loving respect to Master Dod to take in him amongst them While he continued Fellow of Jesus Colledge by the importunity of some godly people of Ely he went weekly and preached amongst them in that City where the Lord gave a great blessing to his Ministry His removall from Cambridge to Hanwel in Oxfordshire was thus occasioned Master Cope afterwards Sir Anthony Cope a man of eminent note who was much wrought upon by Master Dods Ministry sent a Letter to Doctor Chaderton to provide him a Minister for Hanwel which was then vacant Doctor Chaderton moved Master Dod to go to the place and after he had been a while and preached severall Sermons by the desire and consent of the people and by the approbation of the neighbour Ministers who had heard him he was setled as their Pastor While he was at Hanwel he preached twice every Sabbath catechizing also
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
after the seeking of spiritual illumination in hearing and reading c. and divine assistance in religious duties not contenting our selves with the use of parts and accomplishments or grace received but to look higher saying David that could preach excellently and had Nathan and Gad the Prophets also to preach yet cryes out for teaching thereby shewing that all that teaching would not do unlesse God teach also And Davids cryes Open mine eyes he had the light without but he must have light within viz. sight else he could not see the wonders of the Law though he had the Law He used to presse much to meeknesse and a sweet disposition to affability charity and cheerfulnesse not to be rigid sour tart nor sad least the world should think that we served an hard Master Being above eighty years old his pains were very great yet not painfull to him He preached almost all day long on the Lords day yet said it was no great matter to pay money when one had it all the labour was to get it He opened a Chapter and prayed in his Family after preached twice in publique and in the interim discoursed all dinner while but eat very little He brought in many with him to dinner besides his four or six constant Widows if his Wife began to doubt of her provision at sight of so many he would say Better want meat then good company but there is something in the house though cold This is not a day to feast the bodies but souls At first sitting down he would bid them help themselves and one another and see that none want Let me said he bid you but once for I would not speak a vain word to day After both Sermons the house would be filled and he being sate in his chair used to say if any have a good question or a hard place of Scripture to open let them say on and when he was faint he would call for a small glasse of Wine and Beer mixt and then to it again till night He was excellent in preaching occasionally from the creatures as he walked or rode His Ministry was so spiritual and yet so plain that poor simple people that never knew what Religion meant when they had gone to hear him could not choose but talk of his Sermon It mightily affected poor creatures to hear the Mysteries of God by his excellent skill that way brought down to their own language and dialect He was so holy and spiritual both in life and doctrine that he silenced even desperate and devillish opposers of Religion It was a discredit for any to speak evil of him because it must needs expresse much malice and all men most generally in his latter time at least honoured him He was very successefull in making peace though between desperate and almost implacable adversaries and some of them wicked mightily convincing them with Gospel-arguments to the overcoming and quieting of their spirits He would answer any questions propounded that were but fit for a Divine to speak to yet shewing his approbation or dislike of the question according to the honesty and spiritualnesse or curiosity and lightnesse of it When mean inferiour people came to speak with him if he was walking in the Church where he used most to study that he might have room to walk in being troubled with the stone or elsewhere if he thought them bashfull he would meet them and say Would you speak with me And when he found them unable to state their question he would help them out with it taking care to find the sore but would answer and deal so compassionately and tenderly as not to discourage the poorest soul from coming again to him If any questioned him about Ceremonies about which many then suffered he was very wary in dealing not shy in speaking his judgment but carefull of advising them according to their strength He would bid them take heed of being led meerly by the imitation of any body 〈◊〉 other mens arguments but look to their Scripture-light and see 〈◊〉 â—â—guments they had to bear them out and whether they could 〈◊〉 alone in that case if they should survive their patterns He would not have them make a businesse about lesser things and then fall off from what they began to professe Being to advise a young man in his choice of a yokefellow he bad him look principally after Godlinesse Men talk of a portion grace is the bâ—st portion The wise woman buildeth up the house viz. The godly c. Not the rich Some use to say There is a portion and civility and we will hope for grace But saith he rather make sure grace and hope for riches There 's far greater reason for it For Godlinesse hath the Promises riches hath none A Sonne or Daughter of God shall be provided for He would say he that could answer two questions well might have comfort in any place or condition viz. Who am I and what do I here Am I a Child of God and am I in my calling or way He hath given his Angels charge to keep thee in all thy waies And that the knowledge of two things would make one willing to suffer or die viz. What Heaven is And that it 's mine I said one if a man were sure To whom he answered Truly Assurance is to be had and what have we been doing all this while He used to say they that hope to go to Heaven as most do and had not good evidence for it were like a man that passing by a great house and estate would say This is mine but being bid to shew his title would say some body must have it and why not I Such is most mens title for Heaven During the time of his last sicknesse it pleased the Lord to try him by grievous pains most bitter and sharp of the strangury but when he had any intermissions he was breathing out such speeches as tended to the praise of God and to the edification of those that attended him He slept little all the night or day long before his death in all which time he imployed his attendants which were about him to read the Scriptures which he expounded to them And when his strength was spent with speaking he retired himself to Prayer and Meditation When he felt his paines returning he would intreat those that were about him to pray to God for him either to give him deliverance or patience His tentation a little before his death and his wrestlings with Satan were great so were his victories He spake to one that did watch with him all night about two of the clock in the morning that he had been wrestling with Satan all that night who accused him that he neither preached nor prayed nor performed any duty as he should have done for manner or for end but he said I have answered him from the example of the Prodigal
of all your sins by the shedding of his blood for you Yea said she I do believing that he is my only Saviour and Mediatour and I look for salvation from none other knowing that he hath abundantly satisfied for the sins of all his people and therefore I am assured that God for his sake according to his gracious promise in him will have mercy upon me During all the time of her sicknesse she ceased not to continue in such fruitfull and comfortable communications sometimes intermixing them with most affectionate sighs to God as a testimony of that hope and desire she had of enjoying his presence often uttering these words O my God in thy good time deliver me from this body of death and from the miseries of this present life that I may no more offend thee and that I may attain to the felicity which thou in thy Word hast promised to bestow upon me Neither did she manifest her pious affection by words only but by her constant and cheerfull countenance so farre forth as the vehemency of her disease would suffer thereby giving a clear testimony to all that beheld her that the fear of death could not drive her from the stedfastnesse of her Faith The Minister also went often to prayer with her the usual tenor whereof was this which follows O Lord our God We confesse here before thy Divine Majesty that we are altogether unworthy of thine infinite mercies by reason of our manifold iniquities and that we are so farre from deserving to be heard of thee in our requests that we are rather worthy that thou shouldst reject both our persons and our prayers But seeing it hath pleased thee to make us a gracious promise of hearing and granting our requests we humbly beseech thee freely to forgive all our offences and to cover them under the obedience and righteousness of thy dear Son that through him our selves and our services may be well pleasing unto thee For Lord we acknowledge that all our afflictions are measured out to us by thine hand who art a most just Judge in regard that we have every way provoked thee to wrath by our infinite sinnings against thee yea by our rebellions which now testifie against us For alas Lord our life hath been no way answerable to that perfect obedience which thou by thy holy Law dost justly require at our hands which we from day to day do transgress and therefore do here cast down our selves at this time before thy glorious presence unfeignedly acknowledging our misery and wretchedness from the very bottom of our hearts Yet Lord mercy is with thee and because thou art our Father therefore thou desirest not the death of sinners but rather that they should convert and live For this cause we now fall down before the throne of thy grace with confidence of obtaining thy wonted mercy which thou hast promised to such as call upon thee in truth beseeching thee who art the Father of mercies to have compassion on all such as thou hast humbled under thy mighty hand but more especially on this thy Servant the Queen who lieth here before thee sick of a dangerous disease that as thou hast righteously afflicted her for her sinnes which she also doth with us acknowledge so it would please thee in pardoning them all to her for thy beloved Sons sake to grant that she may profit by this thy correcting hand for the time to come Above all O Lord give her a sweet sense yea full assurance of thy eternal joys that so she may with the greater patience take down this bitter potion ministred unto her from thy hand and that the sole desire of enjoying thy presence may cause her to forget all worldly greatness and magnificence knowing that they are nothing in respect of the glory which is now set before her Endue her also with meekness of minde to bear the tediousnesse of her affliction for though the spirit be willing yet the flesh is weak yea full of resisting and unbelief that so receiving all things from thee as from a Father she may the more willingly submit her will to thine And because O good God thou hast made her hitherto an happy Instrument for the advancement of thy glory and defence of thy poor afflicted people we pray thee if it may stand with thy good pleasure restore her to health again that so the excellent work that thou hast by her means begun may not be left unperfected but by vertue of this her deliverance she may with renewed strength undertake the same in better sort then ever heretofore especially for the well educating and training up the Children that thou hast given her But Lord if thou hast a purpose now to call her home to thy self who are we that we should contradict thy holy will Only we pray thee that thou wouldst confirm her more and more in the knowledge of thy blessed Gospel and thereby also in the certainty of her salvation which thou hast given her by Faith in thy Son Jesus Christ that thus she may not cease to sanctifie and call upon thy holy Name to her last breath And as touching our selves who are here by thy good providence gathered together about her being in bodily health give us to know the uncertainty and brevity of our life that so according to our duty we may behold the same in this mirror that thou hast set before us as knowing that even the greatest in the world are subject to the same calamities as well as the small that so our chief care may be to employ the remainder of our time to thine honour and service All which we crave of thee in the Name of Jesus Christ thy Son our only Mediatour and Advocate Amen During the time of prayer she ceased not with hands and eyes lift up to Heaven to fetch many deep sighs especially when mention was made of the mercy of God in Christ which he extendeth to poor sinners so that all present might evidently see that her heart and affections were joyned to the Prayer that was made by and for her And whilst she thus lay she still continued in her holy desires to depart hence that she might be with Christ taking great delight in the holy and Christian exhortations which were made to her by many godly and learned men who came to visit her to whom also she manifested no small testimonies of that faith and hope which she had in God touching the salvation of her soul by her holy and savory speeches which for brevity sake are omitted Yea although the Lord exercised her much with the sense of her inward disease yet could you not at any time discern any speech favouring of discontentment or impatience to proceed out of her mouth nay scarcely so much as a groan But if at any time she found any refreshings from the violence of her disease there being no malady so vehement which hath not some intermissions and breathing times
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