thanks to the Lord both before and after in very heavenly and savoury expressions His Father then conversed with him about the time and extent of his conviction of sin he said he thought that work was never through till the time of this last coming to London though he had prayed diverse times before yet he thought it was not so right but since by his Fathers speaking to him and praying with him of â—ate he was throughly convinced of his â—ndone estate by Nature and upheld much by that word in Iohn 6. 37. And â—im that cometh to me I will in no-wise cast â—ut and that Mat. 11. 28. Come unto me â—ll ye that are weary and heavy laden and â— will give you rest Also from Psal. And sinners shall be converted unto thee â—bserving that God had mercy for such as â—ad been transgressors sinners Thenceâ—orth he continued daily blessing the Lord â—rom day to day for his goodness but â—hrough his Mothers occasions many pertinent passages were omitted He did often this week speak also of his faith in and desire of the Ordinances of Baptism and Church-fellowship as his duty wishing earnestly he might be baptized and joyned to the Lord's Fold His eldest Sister and Brother also about this time propounded themselves and were accepted upon a satisfactory Confession of their Faith in that Church were Caleb longed to come lamenting that none would take him up being perswaded that he had strength to go to them to witness to the Lord in his Congregation though he could not sit up an hour for several dayes before but seeing that denied him he prevailed with his Father to propose to the Congregation that some might be imployed to hear him then in bed and about twelve faithful Brethren being nominated and a liberty left unto others not being too many to anoy the room by reason of his weakness his Mother went up to see him before to whom he said earnestly Mother I pray you do not hinder me for I know God will be with me and enable me to be baptized and I do not think I shall be the worse but rather better in my body for I am assured God will not suffer any to receive hurt in doing what he hatâ— commanded them but however if I should die in it I would not omit it for I would do what I could And coming up to him again before the Friends appointed were come he said Mother I think I have seen a Vision since you went and God hath exceedingly comforted me and given in such strength that if the Maid would have suffered me to rise I am perswaded I could have come to the Congregation my self and exprest much longing for their coming to him who were appointed soon after above twenty came to him to whom he affectionately complained and to his Father that no body would help him up to come unto them being perswaded of more strength for that than for common occasions and being set up in his Bed though before his sickness the greatest contest with him both by Parents Masters and Friends was his shamefac'tness that he could scarce speak to a man he was in this under much holy modesty very undanted not caring who or how many heard him and uttered himself to the Company Candles being set on the bed and they round about him after this manner following God speaks once yea twice yet man regardeth it not Thus it hath been with me in two sicknesses God spake to me first in my sickness in London about five years agoe and afterwards at Ewel about two years ago when I grew serious and it stayed with me for some time and I betook my self to Prayer in private and think I had some Communion with God therein But after I came to Newington and went to School I fell into company and did again lose those Convictions falling to play among my School-fellows as if those convictions had never been and now you see that made good in Iob The bones that were not seen stand out Since which time God hath more than ever set me into a serious consideration of my condition which began when I was in London at my Fathers house before I went into the Country but I had not so much the savour of it after in the Country though I was not there without thoughts of it and think I had some communion with God there yet I lost much of that time but since I came again to London things were more powerfully revived upon my soul and when I heard that word from my Father speaking from that Scripture What thou findest in thy hand to do do it with all thy might c. It did afresh set me into a pursute after God and I have been seeking after him and desire to follow him fully here he made a stand It was then asked him what he had to make out to us that were to judge of his true faith in Jesus Christ that might fit him for the Lords Ordinances He said God had said to him He that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out But it was asked what he intended by comming He said to Christ by believing He was asked how he would come and what need he saw of Christ He answered He knew he was lost and undone by nature that Scripture had been much upon his heart Eph. 2. And are by nature the Children of wrath as well as others and that in Adam all dyed And that word I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance and he had been sensible of this And that word in the Psalms had been of great use to him And sinners shall be converted unto thee If sinners shall be converted said he there is hope for such a one as I and it is my encouragement to expect good from God Then it was asked him what sin he was sensible of that he should make use of that word sinners should be converted unto thee His answer was HE SAW HE WAS A SINNER IN ADAM BEFORE AND HAD SPENT HIS TIME VERY CHILDISHLY AND PLAID AWAY HIS CONVICTIONS And had been frothy which was his great sin Then it was asked what he did when he saw himself such a sinner He said he applied to God by prayer as well as he could as a poor soul that needed Christ. It was asked then what was the effect of that He said God did relieve him and direct to Christ. Then it was asked how long he was under the sence of his sin before he received this satisfaction in Christ. He answered he had some comfort in his Fathers house in London when he lay sick before he went into the Country but he thought he lost much by being in the Country but being more serious in his mind since he came last up to London considering also what is said in Iob 33. 21. The first Scripture that relieved him in his distressed condition was Come unto
them saw of their Children through grace walking in the Truth then which a great Apostle had no greater joy His Father went to attend the Lord in his Courts on that day intending to revive the Lords afflicted Remnant with the account of this gracious addition to their causes of Joy but his Mother stayed with him on which day it pleased God for the humbling of them and his people who might else perhaps have been subject to have been lifted up to renew a fresh sentence of death upon him by general indisposedness and subjectness to fainting so that his Mother feared his dissolution that day she thought â—e appeared weak in the morning after his Father was risen and asked whether he â—hould stay with him he said No Mother I had rather he should go about the work of the Lord and he desired his Father that he might be prayed for that as he had put on Christ so he might grow up in him among his People But after his Father was gone he lay in the forenoon as if he had â—een dying and the Friend Mr. B. aforeâ—aid coming in told his Mother he thought he was drawing on and that there would be little alteration seen in him till he died She desired to know what she should give him He said if he were his own he should give him nothing more but about noon he was again suddenly revived to the great admiration and refreshment of his Mother to whom he said he was now pretty well but troubled with shortness of breath and desired to dine with her and his sisters and then did eat more with them with chearfulness then he had done at once many days before He took then occasion to say to her He had resigned himself to the Lord and Life or Death was alike to him but my greatest trouble if I should die now said he is the scandal that I am afraid will be cast upon my Father and Mother by the world which he said did lie in wickedness who would say they had killed me by suffering me to be Baptized whereas I am not the worse and I know if I dy now I should have died if I had not been Baptized and afterwards he said I am willing to live if it please the Lord that I might serve him among his people But had afterward several faintings that day and spake little but towards the Evening enquired for his Father who had occasion to stay later than he intended hearing he was better than when he left him by a Messenger he sent who received the account of his chearful condition about noon but not the alteration But calling upon the Friend aforesaid who had seen him in the Morning was acquainted with his opinion he was drawing near his end when at he hasted to him and found him very low indeed and cold and understanding his Mother had omitted upon the advice of the friend to use any thing being tender of disturbing him his Father a little grieved thereat applied to his Lips and palms of his Hands the refreshing he used to be relieved with and inwardly a little of his usual inoffensive revivers in a small quantity and caused cherishing fumes to simper on coals in his Chamber which with the Lords blessing together with the content of his Fathers company greatly restored him and he was cheerful and disposed to converse His Father asked him then whether he was not sorry he had been baptized now He answered no he would not but have been baptized for all this world and said he was sure he had got no hurt by it but told his Father he had been very ill that day And when he could scarce speak he was so weak he heard his Sister Nancy say Who shall have Calebs Bird when he is dead But said he Father I shall not think of dying yet but if I do I will give it to my Sister Betty who hath none for Nancy hath one already His Father asked him whether he thought he should live then I know not Father said he for I have resigned my self to God but he is able to recover me His Father having prayed once with him before he desired him again at parting to recommend him to the Lord and he left him chearful He had but little rest 〈…〉 and in the morning said to his Mother I have been dying twicc this night and to his Sister Tell my Father I live still who when he came to him found him in a sweet composed frame and disposed to converse saying Father how doth the World lie in wickedness And now Wisdom calls to her Children How long ye simple ones will you love simplicity and fools hate knowledge And speaking another time of the joy of the Wicked he said there will be shameful spuing upon all their glory His Father having occasion to write in the room did not presently entertain discourse with him but after some time of silence he said Father will it not disturb you to talk with me He said No Child I will come to thee Then he said Father I find my self greatly comforted in God I was once without him and now see what it was if God should have cut the thread of my life and now I wish I might warn others and do good whilest I live His Father breakfasting with him he did in a very lively sort enlarge upon the sure mercies of God to his soul praising him much for his goodness in enabling him to do his Will and for his Parents tenderness to him begging the Lord would not suffer it to go unrewarded and that if it might please him to spare his life he might be helped to acknowledge it and praised God that he should have a tender Father in Heaven and tender Parents on Earth too in such a condition That day he gave all his toyes to his little Sisters saying if he should live he hoped he should never mind such things His Father told him the Congregation had condescended to appoint a Church-meeting with him that evening that he might have the priviledge of the Lord's Supper wherein to the eye of Faith Christ would be evidently set forth crucified before him for his consolation which he accepted thankfully and said he would lye still to preserve his strength thereunto and when the time came his father spake briefly from Iohn 10. I am the door by me if any man enter in he shall be saved He attended with very great diligence and partook with great reverence sitting up in his bed to attend and afterwards humbly desired thanks might be returned to the Congregation for their love and care herein The next day being the first day of the week his Father tarried at home with him and enlarged upon the latter part of these words viz. And shall go in and out and find pasture setting forth in more variety what a soul entring in by Christ as the door and going out of himself
the World c. found in God to feed upon especially upon the new Covenant in Christ's Blood and in the end he said God hath comforted me greatly with what hath been now spoke And going to rest chearfully intreated that company might not have recourse to him saying he would keep his strength now for the next day to enjoy the benefit of some Friends who intended Prayer in his Chamber and he had a good night On the twentieth he was comfortable in the morning and brake fast chearfully with his Father and a Friend returning thanks very graciously and then reverently attended in Prayer the most of that day being filled with the sence of the love of God and saying sometimes to his Mother fervently God loves me Mother and sometimes I love the Lord. But in the afternoon the Friends retired into another room that he might take rest but his little Sisters remaining in that room he called to the eldest of them being seven years old and said unto her Mary come hither have you got any good by being prayed for to day observing to her she had been particularly mentioned in prayer She answered I hope I have Said he Mary if you should dye now what do you think would become of you She said I do not know He replyed it is your great concern to follow God that so you may know with many other words inforcing it and it is observable that from that time she hath been serious so as never before and pondred his sayings in her heart At night his Father supped with him upon a small Bird and afterward he returned thanks a Physician coming in whilst he was speaking and looking in at the Beds feet with his hat on he enlarged his desires that God would strengthen him his poor creature that he might never be ashamed to confess him before men who-ever they were and desired his Parents might be helped to resign him up to God and that he might alwayes have refuge for rest unto Christ being earnest for Sion with sence of her low estate as he was almost in every prayer and that night he rested well Some Friends had thoughts on the advice Iam. 5. 14. compared with Mark 6. 13. wherewith his Father acquainted him and he desired time seriously to consider of it and the next day being the 21 of the ninth month he seemed yet more hopeful and then desired a dayes time longer to weigh it but being told a Friend that might be concerned about it would not be in Town after that day he then gave his thoughts by way of Query humbly Whether it should be administred when one was mending before being careful lest it should reflect on so solemn an Appointment for he felt himself now mending and therefore had the less clearness therein but if he grew worse he should have further thoughts of it And after he invited that Friend and his Father to Breakfast when he prayed and praised God to the great refreshment of their souls His Mother being gone down with his Father and he feeling some weakness desired then to rest but noise being made among the little ones to his disturbance and his Mother coming up heard him speak to the Maid and them with some trouble in these words The Word of the Lord saith To him that is in affliction pitty should be shewed by his Friends but you take the ready way to hurt me It is well for me I have such a tender Father and Mother or else it might be worse and complained a little of them to his Mother which he never did before and said his strength failed him but God would never fail him His Mother reproving the disturbers left him to rest which he did but awakening towards night exprest much admiration at the goodness of God to such an one as he and said his bodily strength was little he was upon the brink of the grave and his breath almost gone if he spake but a little but he knew if he should die he should be received into the Arms of the Lord. And after a little time grew pretty chearful and desiring to sit up in his bed called his Cousin and little Sisters about him who had partly occasioned the noise of his disturbance and with his own hand cut out some of his Jelly and gave unto them intending himself to sup with his Father but he being prevented of coming up to him he gave some of his small Bird also to them all and then spake to them when they had supped in these words O the sweetness of the Love of God did you experience it as I do you would esteem it more than all the pleasures you can enjoy And with vehemency to his Mother Servants Cousins and Sisters admiration said further O my dear Sisters I long to see you converted O the damned in Hell how would they improve it but it is too late O therefore whilst you have time before the evil day comes take hold of the Righteousness of Iesus Christ and make sure of the Love of God What will you do upon a sick bed without it O my dear Sisters my bowels yern for you I hope I am sure of the Love of God and if I dye this night I shall go to the Lord and be with him for ever O that you knew the sweetness of the Love of God as I do Christ will make you rare without compare And now I call to minde some of Mr. Chares Verses saith he whereof having many more in his memory he repeated to them these If comliness I want His Beauty I may have I shall be fair beyond compare Though cripled to my grave And if above it all To Christ I married be My living Springs O King of Kings Will still run fresh in thee His Mother then said And do you remember Child what he saith of young â—saacs Yea Mother said he and then â—urther repeated some of these concernâ—ng youth Young Isaacks who lift up their eyes And meditate in fields Young Jacobs who the Blessing prize This Age but seldom yeelds Few Samuels leaving youthful playes To Temple-work resign'd Few do as these in youthful dayes Their great Creator mind How precious Obadiahs be That feared God in youth How seldom Timothy's we see Vers'd in the Word of Truth Few Babes and Sucklings publish praise Th' Avengers rage to bind O then in these your youthful dayes Your great Creator mind Few tender-hearted Youths as was Josiah Iudahs King Hosannah in the high'st alas How seldom Children sing Youths rarely ask for Zions ways Th 'had rather pleasure find But O in these your youthful dayes Your great Creator mind What Children Pulse and Water choose Continually to eat Rather than Conscience should accuse For tasting Royal meat Should you not bow a King to please Though tortures were behind Oh then in these your youthful dayes Your great Creator mind Much more with affection
and fervency he uttered to them and then being weary he lay down to rest and said Oh Mother slighty Convictions are dangerous temptations lead to sin and sin bereaves of all good And to the Maid who had kept him from his Cradle and instructed him till he came to his Latine tongue HONOUR I hope God will work a work of Grace in you and make you that you shall not be ashamed to confess him and then blessed the Lord for his own mercy in his Parents with many endeared expressions especially for their care of his soul afterwards said unto them all The Lord keep you I desire that the Lord may keep you all And his Mother staying by him he said Mother I love your company dearly and so speedily fell asleep and slept comfortably the greatest part of that night The two and twentieth day he brakefast with his Father and as their manner was of late one of them began and the other ended with blessing the Lord wherein he very thankfully owned his great supports from God and ardently desired if it pleased the Lord to spare him it might be to serve him faithfully in his Generation That day he was perswaded to rise a little in Blankets whilst his Bed was made when be said I feel to my self like a peice of earth I am as nothing and admired greatly the power of God keeping him alive Being laid again in his bed he said I feel my self very weak but I am kept alive by the mighty power of God saying Father God is very good to me indeed the Lord loves me I am sure And to his Mother Oh how am I refreshed but if God were not my God what should I do now His Mother asking him how he had done to day he said Indeed Mother I have been supported very much to day Oh this is a troublesome world a vain world nothing the eye beholds can stand us in stead I can now triumph over death God hath enabled me I would not now be without what now I enjoy for all the world Mentioning that Scripture Greater love can no man shew than for a man to lay down his Life for his Friend c. And that blessed are the dead that die in the Lord they rest from their labours c. And expressing his affection to his Parents which he did often he asked his Father affectionately the meaning of that Scripture But for a good man one would even dare to die and so applied to sleep in much peace and joy The twenty third day he complained of some weakness in his body but said He was strong in God but desired some living creature might stand on the bed by him to prevent Melancholly thoughts when he could not rest being asked what He said a young Lamb Pigeon Rabbit or any thing but a Squerril being named hoping it might easily be procured he was earnest for that having he said never seen any but once in the field Some were immediately imployed to procure one at any rate but all failed and his mind seemed to run so much that day and the next upon it that his Father said why dost thou so much desire it He said I find my self inclining to melancholy and I think such a thing would be pretty company for me and therein I may see the workmanship of God but I trust nothing shall evermore take off my heart from God At breakfast with his Father he had savoury discourse some of which his Father set down when he went out from him in his own words whilst they were in memory viz. Oh Father God greatly supports me I would not be without the love of God now for all this world if I die now I hope I shall meet with you in Heaven which is best of all His Father said Dost thou think thou shalt die He answered I cannot tell Father but I expect it for I have resigned my self to God His eldest Sister coming to him he said God hath done for us what man could not do with his eyes lifted up with holy admiration saying also Oh how said is it with those that have not God That day being taken up a little to have his bed made and finding it troublesome all his bones being sharp as if they would pierce his skin having no flesh to interpose in any part he uttered a word savouring of more weariness and impatience than any before namely It is better for me now to dye than to live His Father said nay Child be not weary of â—he Lords hand who hath done so great â—hings for you He accepted the Exhorâ—ation so as to be presently abased for it and did then upon occasion of taking refreshment solemnly pray for pardon oâ— the rash word he had spoken as he called it humbly begging more patience that hâ— might be kept from repining and owning the great goodness of the Lord to him his pooâ— unworthy servant Being laid in Bed and asked how he did he said His Bones were sore and he wâ—â— weak in his outward man but strong in God and indeed he very seldom complained oâ— sighed And when at any time his Father did remember him what God haâ— done for his soul he presently forgot hiâ— pain and was refreshed with very sensible acknowledgement of the favour oâ— God so that sometimes when he would say his Bones were sore his Father would reply I Child but your soul is not tâ— which he would say No Father God â—â— very good to me and dwelt so thereon as tâ— forget pain And speaking of the Lovâ— of God would say often chearfully now â—â— experience it He had a pretty good night The 24th day in the morning he waâ— pretty chearful and breakefast with his Father but eating little he said I do nâ—â— live by bread only His Mother asking hiâ— consent to go abroad he was very desirous of her stay with him but when â—â— heard it was for prayer he did more freely part with her His Father sitting in the Room he said Father God hath setled my mind greatly this day and I have nothing â—ow to hinder my joy in Christ Iesus But Father said he Though God hath sweetned death to them that he loves yet do not you think that death is troublesome His Father replied Yes Child a little to the flesh to which he answered cheerfully Yea Father and was no more solicitous He was willing in the Evening some Christians might meet in his Room and finding himself weak desired them to pray for him being asked what he desired he said That he might live in Gods sight His Father asked him if he did still freeâ—y resign up himself to the Lords dispose â—or Life or Death he answered chearfully Yea Father His Father further asked him if he had met with any assault against â—â—t he answered No he had not But shortly after he had a faint fit in which he called to his Father to come quickly to
than a Congregation of Christ How few hereby find a Wife as Solomon speaketh Prov. 18. 22. that is to the end God instituted them but seeking money as a HELP-MEET to them get a Woman with the World and the Devil with her unawares as Eve when the mouth of the Deceiver to a bitter day perhaps a Saphira helping by hypocrisie to save their earthly Estates and lose their Souls Herein Parents add to their prayer for Childrens Conversion their pains to effect their Perdition as one that prayeth a fire may go out adding fuel thereto so are these provisions for Lust under prayer for Life Did not Solomon King of Israel sin by these things yet among many Nations was there no King like him who was beloved of his God and God made him King over all Israel Neh. 13. 26. Nevertheless even him did outlandish-women cause to sin But lastly How doth neglect of Parents instruction of families or ill example therein before their Childden either in pride covetousness wrath lightness or other ill carriage unbecoming profession in Parents expose their observant Children and make fruitless and frivolous their performances amongst them when they shall discern them to fulfil Tit. 1. 16. before them Beware therefore of this above all that you lay not a stumbling example before them but that in simplicity and godly sincerity you shew them your good conversation in Christ filling up faithfully every relation in secret according to your open profession that they be not stumbled by finding the contrary for O the wound which Christ anâ— Truth and souls have received by eminent lâ—â— gifted Professors of contrary conversations 〈◊〉 little have either the lusts or Inhabitants 〈◊〉 world fallen before them How would Abraham be ashamed of such Children who so have shamed their profession in their opportunities Heb. 11. 15. wherein else they might have shined to the conviction and conversion of many Mat. 5. 16. 1 Pet. 3. 16. O tender Parents for the Lords sake then and for the sake of the soules under your charge pray for your own return to the attaining again the holy Examples of Fathers in Christ that they who dwell under your shadow may revive as the Corn and grow as the Vine the sent whereof shal be as the Wine of Lebanon Hos. 14. 7. That your Children and Servants may bless you in the name of the Lord and add not to their corrupt Nature any of these hazards aforesaid under your education in the sence whereof and how many poor Children lately may have been carried Christless thither and like sheep layd into the grave whose Parents thought it time enough perhaps to teach them soul-concernments at leisure this earnest of encouragement to poor endeavours for the souls of Children is published in love which its hoped by your acceptance and help may provoke very many to the salvation of souls And a special double Note is placed in the Margent pointing to the sick-bed lamentation of â—â—â—s little one for the loss of first convictions in 〈◊〉 most harmless manner of trifling away his 〈◊〉 with his most innocent School-fellows choaking for a season the tender Seed in his soul the reviving whereof by especial grace in an acceptable season stood him in so much stead as you will see in the face of Death and Iudgment whereunto none of his great natural parts nor School-attainments durst approach Be pleased to peruse it therefore and improve it unto the most special care of your Childrens eternal welfare and pursue your frequent prayers for their conversion in the paths thereof so as by all means to promote and by no means to betray your prayers that the account of them may not be with grief but joy which is the earnest prayer indeed of Your and your Childrens wel-wisher in the Gospel of Christ I. V. In Commemoration of our Friend and School-fellow the truly virtuous and Religious Youth CALEB VERNON An ELEGY CALEB Ah peerless Caleb art thou dead No no thou art not but thy soul is fled To Heaven thy better part shall never dye But shall survive yes and thy memory Shall ever live and though thy life expire Yet shal all those that knew thee thee admire And honour thy remembrance Worthy youth Whose chiefest love was Piety and Truth Who tho so young and tender yet didst chase Away the thoughts of sin and didst embrace Sincerity and with an upright heart Didst God 's Commands to chuse the better part A second Timothy I well may stile thee Of which true title none can ere beguile thee Which thou deserv'st and hast an ample share In his perfections although so rare I' th Scriptures from a child he knowledg had And stuck close to the good shuning the bad Even so didst thou whose chief sole delight Was for to serve the Lord thy God in spight Of all the opposition which was made By Satans instruments to make to fade Thy hot love t'wards thy Lord fervent zeal Unto good works which no vain thing could steal He in the graces of his Parents dear Enjoy'd a very large and ample share So thou the virtues of thy Father and Thy gracious mother at the second hand Deriv'st A rare example he did prove Others for to provoke his God to love So thou a holy pattern didst appear Although so young while that thou livest here And though th' art dead thy soul doth sore on high Death wher 's thy sting Grave wher 's thy victory Caleb blest Child the Victory is thine Who like an other Sun in Heaven dost shine O Child belov'd of God admir'd of men For all thy virtues and thy graces when Shall we again thy like behold whose Spirit A beautious Crown of Glory dost inherit O wonder of our iron age wh'ast left Something of which the world can't be bereft Let us lament our losse whilst he above Sings holy praises to the God of Love W. D. Another AH cruel Death that no one dost regard But unto all entreaties still art hard It is thy sting that makes so many grieve 'Cause mortals of their lives thou dost bereave It is thy deadly Spear that doth divide Poor Children from their Parents thou dost guide Thy piercing Iavlin to the mortals heart Thou strik'st ev'n Youth it self by thy keen Dart. Couldst thou not stop thy hand O greedy Death But with thy mighty stroak must stop his breath Who in his youthful dayes did flourish much O Death why didst thou rob the world of such A Iewel which with few I might compare One that in time might been the Son and Heir Of Learning one beyond his age endu'd Wisdom and Virtue were by him pursu'd O Death couldst thou not execute thy rage On other men that feeble be with age Or on some other youth in whom such rare And virtuous qualities did not appear But must so soon deprive us of a Iewel Oh envious Death What i' st makes thee so cruel Such a most pretious Iem all ought to
prize I 'm sure they do who 're virtuous and wise We mourn He doth rejoyce Ours is the loss His is the gain He 's free from every cross S. D. Another I. WHat nought but grief what nought but floods of tears Pray tell me why This common Desolation appears That also I May spend a tear I hear with these mine ears A sad reply Weep Rocks weep Mountains for all joys are fled The finest Flower in the Field is dead II. 'T is true we all must die but paled death With his sharp clawes Hath put a period to my dear friends breath But for what causâ— He in his youthful sides his Sithe did sheath I yet must pause Weep Rocks weep Mountains for all joy is fled The finest flower in the field is dead III. Me thinks sweet Philomel begins to sing Her mournful notâ— And prest with sorrow hangs her little wing Whilest that her throâ—â— Proclaims her sorrow look how every thing With grief is smoâ—â— Weep Rocks c. IV. When ere his person came into my sight Me thought my eye Was ravisht with a suddain sweet delight His modesty Was a fit copy any one might write After him by But weep O Rocks for all our joyes are â—led The finest Flower in the Field is dead V. Me thinks the new-blown flowers hang their head And oft bemoan Their hapless lot because their Friend is dead They deeply groan And sigh the sight of which might draw indeed Tears from a stone Weep Rocks c. VI. Learning and Piety Virtue and Wit His portion was Learning he had beyond his years but yet Alas alas Deformed Death no notice took of it But crackt his glass Weep Rocks c. VII He saw the vanity of earthly things Therefore made haste Unto the Kingdom of the King of kings That he might taste The blessed joyes that Heaven with it brings That nought can blast Weep Rocks c. N. P. An ACROSTICK CAleb hath now attain'd the promis'd Land After his journy through the Wilderness Living he tasted of its Clusters and Espied its beauty which tongue can't express Blest soul he rests now after much distress Val'rous though small he was for he hid find Entrance tho death did at the entrance stand Resisting him his God strengthned his mind Now he 's victorious and enjoys the Land Ocoward Death thou set'st upon a Child Nor could'st thou conquer but by it wast foy'd S. P. ANAGRAM CALEB VERNON Once Venerable ALL earthly glory posts away with speed What Once was Venerable now is dead W. D. CALEB VERNON Cure None able ALL help in Man is vain where shall I flee who 'l Cure None able Lord I flee to thee S. P. CALEB VERNON No Rule can be DEath varies oft No certain Rule can be He strikes Old Age Youth Manhood Infancy S. P. EPITAPH HE is inter'd whose soul now fled away Once took a Lease of this small house of clay She had not long her house inhabited Before she was to her Redeemer wed She brought forth Children who do now inherit Her Husbands wealth the graces of the Spirit When as she saw her family increase She did repent that she had tan'e a Lease House-room was scant therefore she sought about To find a larger habitation out Her Husband did a Mansion prepare An heavenly Mansion very large and fair Thither she did her houshould goods remove And now she 's left this House and dwels above She with her Cottage twelve years was content And now tho worms dwell in 't doth not lament S. P. Job 19. 25 26 27. For I know that my Redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the Earth And though after my skin worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God whom I shall see for myself and mine eyes shall behold and not another though my reins be consumed within me THE Life and latter End OF Caleb Vernon CALEB was born in the Inns at Dublin in Ireland Anno 1653. and called by that name by agreement betwixt his Parents seriously with desire he might follow God fully being both then very sensible of Professors defection This Child was brought up with them at least six years before he was sent to School he was of very great capacity but exceeding shame-fac'd and small of stature and so timerous that his Parents could scarce trust him abroad out of their sight Howbeit he profited so under their care as to read the Bible distinctly at Four years old and by six became very apt in places of Scripture the Theory thereof and moral regard thereunto exactly observant of his Parents with ambition to serve and please them in love He had his share early in afflictions for being put to School when he was but seven years old at Hillington he deeply resented the troubles on many good people at that time and being visited with a violent Ague there he began first to have a deep sence of death questioning whether he should be saved but recovering that sickness came to see his Father then prisoner in New gate for the worship of God according to the Gospel of Christ and sick at the same time which was thought to affect the Child together with the fears of Souldiers in the way that the night he arrived at London he fell sick again in which sickness further convictions of his undone condition by nature seized more on him and his elder Brother who then fell sick also but both of them with their Father recovering went to the waters at Epsam where his Father finding his practice in Physick as much as he desired to be imployed in the Lord taking away his youngest Son there was disposed to retirement and abode there all the Summer after a short time sent him with his brother again to School taking for the â—est of his family Lodgings at Ewel all Winter supposing he might be less obâ—oxious than at popular Meetings in London and lived there in his practice peaceably A School-Master coming to live in that Village he brought his Sons thither also determining to settle there for his Life and to that end bought a piece of Ground with intention to plant it and build which when a malitious Chyrurgion too notorious for all open prophaness observed to impair his Practice he secretly with his Father-in-Law and Allies of debauched dispositions by slanders of many sorts to the Justices sought his disturbance Whereupon the said Vernon being civilly sent for by the Justices repaired to some of the chief and gave so good satisfaction of his peaceable deportment in his calling and the falshood of their various reports as he received an ingenious account of the slanderers and forgers of them with assurance of safety in the like case if attempted for the future which was his encouragement to go on in building for the conveniency of his Family there And though this confederacy in vain attempted his disturbance with the Bishop and
such removes and amongst more civil School-fellows having alwayes averseness to play with profane grew too secure But when the Child Caleb was as a tender plant now again more frequently watered with the living streams of the word of grace by grace yet in London he grew very considerate in his goings and of his own accord so hesitated at the fictions he met with in the Heathen Authors at School especially about God and Heaven and Hell c. which were now on his mind that though he dearly loved and highly reverenced his Master he did very humbly acquaint his Father with his scruple herein and found favour to have it much removed to his satisfaction and encouragement to further proficiency in Learning which was his delight Howbeit sometime after being imployed in an English Poetical Exercise on a solemn Subject wherein he seriously used Scripture language pertinently hiâ— learned Master he said observed to him he should not be so Scriptural but would have him alter it for a more Poetical dialect whereupon indeed the Child as it were astonied and discouraged thereat of his own accord so abated his delight in Learning that he went to School then as under some load which had been as his pastime or delight before Hence did he earnestly entreat his Father he might be brought up with him in his own calling for which he had Learning enough to which he was very enclinable and in which he expressed great aptness with delight more than to play upon all idle times But being returned to School for a season to attain the Hebrew reading into which he was entring it pleased God to visit him with sickness to perfect his compleature for his Bridegroom as followeth Being visited through surfeit by heat with a Feaver and Plurisie near unto death in London he had then a more effectual awakning towards Eternal Life in such lively conviction self abasement and savour as made some about him admire the grace in which he spake both of God and unto him by Christ Jesus fervently and his holy behaviour being much in deep abasement when he was left alone which encreased savourly in him in the Country especially upon every solemn opportunity in the Word and Prayer with the Family for finding some recovery at last in London but very low lean and consumptive the weather and Sickness beginning to be very hot there he was carried into the Country to a Garden House in Battersey where his Father fairly acquainted his Landlord with his judgement in Religion and troubles therefore and his determination yet to maintain meetings in the true Worship of God with his Family and Acquaintance where ever he came which was not only agreed unto but encouraged by the said Landlord who with his Wife and ancient Father carried it with all seeming respect insomuch as the place also agreeing with them they were near agrement for a tearm of years but in the mean time the said Landlord privately boasted that he had been at Ewel and had been prompted to give the said Vernon c. disturbance which yet he said he would not molest foâ— all this world which saying of his being frequently repeated caused some demuâ— in the said Vernons settlement there yeâ— he came as he could be spared from hiâ— Patients in London as at former timeâ— to his Children but fearing the weaâ— Child might be under the influence thereof he was seriously consulted who desired earnestly to come to London for the sake of the pretious Word though the Plague was not much abated there rather than expose his Father to come thither so oft or be absent from him or engage his Father into any other parts having many sick under his Care yea he was much more set on being at London that he might sympathize as he said with the sufferings of the Lords poor visited People there Hereupon finding also his strength came not forwards towards the end of the Summer they were again brought into London Now it pleased God that the honest Waterman that brought the Children to London and the Servant that brought this Child being not able to go in his armes to his Lodging immediately fell sick and died of the Pestilence which aded to the serious mind of the Child though yet he would not endure to hear it called Melancholy conducing much to his inward rooting in that which could not be shaken The first Lesson from the Scriptures in the Family was from Eccles. 9. 10. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do do it with thy might for there is no work nor device nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest From which such grace was through the Lords goodness granted to him that he received more powerful instruction from it with great thanksgiving for it as that which had much helped and refreshed him though his Sister and Brother especially in addition to former grace to them were awakened thereby with trembling and in a few dayes after turned to the Lord with full purpose of heart being further helped by being called upon to call on the Name of the Lord at their meat which they had not formerly done and were afraid to do formally so also did Caleb refuse to do it publickly then fearing he said he could not perform it acceptably but immediately his heart smote him and in much humility voluntarily offered to do it as well as he could the next season arguing with himself that it belonged to the Adoption to cry Abba Father and to a Christian not to be ashamed of Christ. This motion proved also to the great humbling of the other two and wrought mightily to self-abasement in serious sense also that the first fruit of true Conversion was to call on the Lord in truth and not to be ashamed to confess him and it was soon after manifested that they had through Grace received the Spirit of Adoption from him and were help'd to witness unto him unto their admission into his house with joy Caleb then craved a little Closet for himself that he might seek the Lord in secret more seriously which was to his great satisfaction prepared but by daily decay to his outward grew more sensible now of the Winter approaching but the Spring-time to his inward-man was daily made manifest God was pleased to make his weak Bed his Closet and the wearisome nights his seasons of much serious consideration brought to light daily in plenty of wisdom imploying true turning to God most apparently not recorded till the visible decay also of his weak outward tabernacle daily made us fear it was the anointing with fresh Oyl for his Burial And then his Mother admiring the Wisdom by which he spake was minded to gather up what fragments she could in writing without his observing it as he daily dropt them in season with favour declaring him to be wholly a new man to the Lord on whom he now began more to see he believed
the occasion beseeching the Lord to strengthen him his poor unworthy Servant in his Will to his Honour and help him against all the temptations of Satan praying for Sion the reviving the Cause of the Lord and helping those who prosest him to maintain a good profession to his Honour and if it were his Will to give him a Good Day to morrow to witness to him and order it for his glory At which the friend and all the company were well contented as a good conclusion of it The night continued tempestuous and he called often betwixt his slumbers to know what weather and the answer still seemed to daunt him but the morning appearing calm and Sunshine beyond any day long before confirmed him and he was willing to rise often as impatient to go but being deferred till noon and finding his body but weak he desired not to rise till the very instant of going but would not yet be withheld by his weakness saying I will lye still that I may have strength to serve God One in his hearing saying The place for his Baptizing was very dangerous where an Aunt of hers was stoned by the Souldiers upon the like occasion it nothing terrified nor discomposed him yet did not he manifest any vanity in his strength but behaved it as one fully resolved to obey to the uttermost waiting on the Lord composed for assistance with his mind very humbly and unmovedly set upon his will The Coach of a certain friend being lent him and two other hired for the company some other friends going on foot there was one went by to help in any occasion of fainting expected and he with his Father Mother and Gentlewoman who the night before endeavoured to disswade and his Brother who was to be baptized with him went in that Coach where pillows were appointed for his ease on the laps of two of them but in stead of â—ying down or being weary he desired to sit up and sat upright all the way chearfully and as soon as he came out of the Gate said heartily Father me thinks I begin to be very hungry I would I had something to eat His Father said there was Cordial or Sack or Hartshorn-Jelly but he refused those and desired some bread if it could be got which he had not eaten of a moneth before And a rowl being obtained he ate heartily and drank after it calling for more of it again by the way and found himself much strengthened for which he praised God as for fitness to serve him fulfilling his hope His fit came not that day visibly as it had done for many before but being come to the place as he sate by the fire much company coming his Father whilest he was making ready spake to them from Acts 21. 14. And when he would not be perswaded we ceased saying THE WILL OF THE LORD BE DONE Giving a brief account of the occasion with the Objestions and the Answers and Conclusion thereupon Then desired now to witness to it as the will of God shewin the Commands for it Signification of iâ— and Ends that should be proposed in it desiring they might be in them and thaâ— Presence which might make it to both hiâ— Sons the Communion of the Death and Resurrection of Christ to such a putting him on in the virtue of all his Offices as might manifest their being as iâ— were thenceforth new-died with oâ— tinged into Christ to their savour oâ— him in all things in newness of Nature and Life And then being carried downâ— the Administrator being ready received him into his Arms but feeling him so light and such a parcel of dry bones indeed it tried his faith unto some holy trembling to whom the Child said I am not afraid and was very conveniently and speedily baptized his Father standing ready with a warm Blanket to receive him beheld him going back as of a well pleased and indeed shining countenance saying as soon as he could speak I am very well Father And being laid dry on a bed but his breath very short through disturbance in changing the clothes he desired to lie a little season being very cold and it seems had a little spice of a cold fit which began before whilst he was making ready though his Father heard not of it till after and indeed a sentence of death seemed to be upon him in his Fathers esteem who whilest thanksgiving was returned by the brother who baptized him spake often to the Child softly to ask how he did who said I can scarce take my breath it is so short but I shall be better after I have lain a little and in half an hour or thereabouts sate up cheerfully and himself returned publick praise solemnly before them all for the assistance of such dry bones in his service alluding to the dry bones of Israel Prayed likewise earnestly for Zion desiring the repairing her desolate and waste places and earnestly for their standing fast who had put on Christ that day or lately that they might never bring dishonour upon such a holy profession And being again in the Coach seeing an old Friend there present called to him and entreated him to serve the Lord And being on his way rejoyced in the goodness of the Lord that had carried him according as he believed through his will And now Father it will be seen said he that God is greater than man And by the way home called for warm Ale at an Inn and continued better than in many dayes before acquainting his Father and Mother That he had very great joy in Communion with God coming up out of the Water when he could not express it his breath failing through some water that went into his mouth which he merrily said he had forgot to shut and being come home and laid in his bed after a little quiet he appeared more lively than before nor had he any longer any cold or hot fit that day which had not missed to hold him several hours for many days before and said then again to some friends whom he desired might sup in his room Now I hope Mr. B. meaning the friend who last dissented will be convinced that the power of God is greater than the wisdom of man saying he was never so well in his life viz. in his soul and better in his body than before he was Baptized He then desired he mightly with his dear Father and Mother that night And did acquaint them again He thought he saw the glory of God when he came up out of the Water and was very sweetly refreshed though he was not able to express it The next day being before appointed for Thanksgiving in the Congregation upon the choice accounts of healing above fifty of them of the Pestilence and adding lately towards the repair of the Breach upon them by the death of twenty eight above twenty such as is hoped shall be saved and that some of
would be giving something to help which he perceiving earnestly said Oh pray Father do not give me any thing for indeed Father I cannot take any thing but it will stop my passage The Maid said he tryed and could get nothing down which he confirmed his Father being not able to refrain seeing his alteration in countenance and violent labour by cough gushed out into tears which the Child seeing cryed out also and looking towards him said earnestly with weeping Pray Father do not weep but pray for me I long to be with God and desiring again his Father might pray with him he applyed to it briefly in too much trouble the Child strove much to refrain coughing laid himself back a little looked up and seemed to joyn fervently his Mother being also then called came in quickly to whom he said looking upon her when even spent Farewel dear Mother now I am going and to a Friend coming in Farewell dear Sir and the flegm as it was thought coming up into his mouth but carried back again through the length and toughness thereof his Father contented with his Mother and the Friend 's talking comfortably unto him was in great care for him and unwilling to give the Oyl of Almonds and Syrups at hand through his aversness to it ran down for something inoffensive for his relief and coming up instantly saw him thrusting first his finger and then his whole hand into his mouth to catch the flegm and hearing or seeing his Father coming cryed quickly as if he expected to take something O Father what shall I do but immediately as his Father came to him lay back and looking up said God God endeavouring to have uttered more but without groan his breath failing as if choaked with flegm he seemed as by consent to yeeld up the Spirit leaving to the last a very living evidence of the most general change and lively turning to God wholly that his Parents have experienced whereof these fragments gathered from him at last are but a taste of the great Grace granted to him in all heavenly wisdom and knowledge who being dead yet speaketh to the great reproof of his Parents in their shortness to him and of him under so much longer profession and for more full improvement of him whose swift race towards his latter end is impartially set forth uprightly for the sake of Youth and elder than he that may not yet meet Death with his Comfort and Composure so considerately hoping one good end of the Lords removing him may be for the more safe setting forth this part of an account of him through grace to the provoking of many to turn to the Lord which was the greatest end of his desiring to live beseeching all wisely to consider it and duly ponder Eccles. 9. 10. What soever thy hand findeth to do do it with all thy might for there is no work nor device nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest which was through God of great advantage to him By his near Relation An Acrostick CAll to my Burial my Aquaintance young And let them hear what Grace hath done for me Let them allured be by my sweet Song Eternal through Unchangeable Decree Because through Grace by Faith I am made free Vnto the highest praise of God on high Exalt the Prince of Peace in whom I rest Redeeming Mercy made my soul desie Not only Death but ev'ry other test Of my unfained Love at twelve years old No weakness wit nor fear could make it cold In proof whereof bare bones did sacrifice Vnto my Lord the way this world despise And had I liv'd Methusalem's long day Vnto Him should my Soul subjection pay Pro. 10. 7. The memory of the Just is blessed I. V. An Anagram CALEB VERNON Nue Noble Race A New and Noble Race he ran so fast That he o're-took the swiftest Saint at last He ran in earnest to the Refuge City And therein found escape defence pity And underneath the Everlasting Arms Which did support his Soul from fear of harms Indeed he ran as Caleb ran to find The promis'd Land when Isr'el lagg'd behind His Teachers wanted strength to keep him pace He out-ran Parents in his Noble Race As if the Angels had lent him a Wing To run with them in Love to Israels King Like the young Lad which Zechary sets forth With measuring-Line wherein did lie his worth In which the Angels ever do retain Their glory as their waiting doth remain Inviron'd in the Word and Will of God Which was indeed dear Caleb's choicest food And seeing he so follow'd his dear Master I would not faint although he ran much faster But for my Children and my Soul must weep That we instead of running so do creep In twelve dayes and an half from Iordans joy He did more than in twelve years ere did I. But grace perhaps did each day for a year Seal him a Pattent in return of Prayer For Life chiefly that Converts he might make And took him hence for the Election sake That safely this might be set forth of him And he not hazarded hereby to sin For few can bear his praise and few reproof But both I trust hereby shall now help Youth To their Conversion like to Caleb's then To this dispose of him I 'le add Amen But until then excuse me if I weep That yet I live and Caleb fell asleep For else I fear great evils yet to come And such remov'd that Iudgment may have room But may the Mouths of Babes Hosannahs fill The Enemy and th' Avenger must be still The Lord make Caleb's Cluster then in truth The first-fruits of his harvest amongst Youth And stir up Aged too to swifter pace By this Example in the Noble Race J. V. From a very dear Relation An Acrostick CAn Caleb stay when God will have him go Away to Caleb and himself also Loe he a Child yet Christian did become Er 't pleas'd his Father for to call him home But was no sooner new-born but he dies Unto the Lord a most sweet sacrifice E'ne unto him that made him twice to live Render he did what er'e he had to give Name Spirit Soul and Body though but poor Offerd up all What could a Prince do more Now to the Lord alone be praise therefore W. A. An Anagram CALEB VERNON An Noble Cure THou Lord on him hast wrought A Noble Cure From World Flesh Devil thus to set him free His Soul ful sweetly to thee to allure To make him happy to Eternity A Cure so Noble that it shall remain On days to come to praise of thy rich grace Who never undertook'st a Cure in vain Among the Seed of holy Jacob's Race Physician of great value Lord art thou And vertue also from thy Wings is found For healing sin-sick-souls none else knows how As thou of every desperate mortal wound Which to thy praise for ever shall redound W. A. From his own friend his Fathers friend