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
the disposition of many of the deponents what little credit was to be given to them and that Master Hildersam might have had the most odious and capital crimes desposed against him by such Witnesses who did not only in matter of fact affirm upon oath that which all the Parish knew to be notoriously false but did also take upon them to know and deliver upon their oath the reason and ground of his pretended practice which they having ever been as all the neighbours knew meer strangers to him was impossible for them to do it The next term the cause came to be heard and censured but Master Hildersam hearing of the heavy sentence against Master Dighton and Master Holt November 21. 1616. viz. to return back to prison there to remain till they conformed themselves they were also fined a thousand pounds a piece pronounced excommunicate and ordered to be so publiquely denounced and injoyned to make their submissions in conceptis verbis in three several places and lastly they were condemned in expences and costs of the suit concealed himself and did not appear at the day of his calling and censuring but did eight daies before send a Copy of his answer to the several points that were desposed against him to his Advocate Doctor Hussey to be shewed to the Court Which Answer in the judgment of rational honest indifferent men was full and satisfactory To instance but in the proof of one Article and his Answer thereunto One George Reding deposed That upon Palm-sunday was two years he was one of those that came up to the Communion-Table in Ashby Church in several companies and though Master Hacket had before given warning that he would admit none that would not receive it kneeling refused so to receive it but would have received it standing and when he could not have it so yet stood still among them that kneeled till the Communion was done To which disposition Master Hildersams answer was That it is notoriously known to all the Inhabitants at Ashby that I was at that time sick in my bed and for many weeks before and after utterly unable to stir out of my Chamber neither did I ever at any other time present my self in that manner to the Communion-Table neither doth Master Hacket or any other deponent charge me with any such matter And this fellow that hath devised this against me whereof there was no colour at all of truth would in all likelihood have sworn any thing that might have done me hurt if he had been required to do it Notwithstanding this his answer to that and his answer to all the rest delivered as aforesaid to his Advocate the Court proceeded to censure him November 28. 1616. whereby he was pronounced a man refractory and disobedient to the orders rites and ceremonies of the Church of England And because he yet refused to submit himself and to joyn in the administration of publique Prayer and divine Service and Sacraments as they are here lawfully administred therefore he was by the Court pronounced a schismaticall person and a Schismatick and thought well worthy of severe punishment And in respect that he was the prime Ring-leader of all the schismatical persons in that Countrey both of the Clergy and Laity he was first fined two thousand pounds to his Majesties use pronounced excommunicate and ordered to be so publiquely denounced as also was ordered to be attached and committed to prison and so to be brought before the Commissioners to be degraded from his Ministry and was further ordered to make his publique submission conceptis verbis as shall be prescribed him by this Court and lastly he was condemned in charges When he heard of this terribly cruel sentence it was his wisdom now to conceal himself which accordingly he did for a long time in the City and God so hid him under the shadow of his wings that his adversaries could not meet with him During this time of his keeping close one Master John Hartly one of the Elders of the English Congregation at Leiden in Holland came with Letters of Credence from the Congregation making offer to him of the Pastors place then vacant which he resolved to have accepted of had not his Wives unwillingnesse to go over the Seas retained him here The foresaid fine of two thousand pounds was estreated without abatement into the Exchequer March 12. 1616. whence several Processes were issued to the Sheriffs of Leicestershire to enquire of his estate but they by several returns answered They could find none At length the said fine was begged and granted by his Majesty King James under the Great Seal to Master Williams Page to the then Marquesse of Buckingham whereupon Master Hilderdsam compounded both with him giving him a great summe of money and with the Registers also of the High-Commission Court for their part of the fine and obtained a discharge from them both I suppose it will be hard to find that any man was before or scarce hath been since in that Court so deeply fined and heavily censured meerly for his judgment and conscience having done nothing either factiously or contemptuously against that Government and those orders of the Church that were then established He was indeed alwaies from his first entering into the Ministry a resolved and conscientious Non-conformist as appeareth by the foregoing story and so continued to his dying day witnesse that clause in his last Will I do hereby declare and protest that I do continue and end my daies in the very same Faith and Judgment touching all points of Religion as I have ever been known to hold and profess and which I have both by my Doctrine and Practice and by my sufferings also given testimony unto He was a great admirer follower and friend of Master Thomas Cartwright famous for Religion and learning who left his papers to Master John Dod and him to peruse and publish what they thought fit Though he himself was a constant Non-conformist yet such was his ingenuity and Christian Charity that he respected esteemed and was very familiar with those he knew to be religious and learned though of another judgment He did alwaies oppose the separation of the Brownists and the semi-separation of Master Jacob with whom as also with some Ring-leaders of the former sort he had divers conferences and disputes He is called by Doctor Willet his Contemporary and sometimes Competitor The Hammer of schismaticks whom they commonly call Brownists as you have it in J. C. his Epistle to the Reader before the forenamed Lectures on John 4. That is Master John Cottons of New-England his dear and familiar Friend who there expresses his high opinion of the Authour those Lectures and his Treatise of the Doctrine of the Lords Supper printed 1608. annexed to a little Treatise of the like Argument set forth by a godly learned man his intimate Friend Master William Bradshaw of which Treatise of Master Hildersams Master Cotten
wany regards was judged inexpedient he removed with his Wife and such of his Family who were not disposed of elsewhere unto Wrenbury in Cheshire where he sojourned with his Wives dear Sister Mistresse Nicolls a godly woman the Widdow of worthy Master Robert Nicolls who had been very famous in those parts both for his labours and great abilities of whom this true character may be given He was a man who had a clear head and a tender heart who led an holy life and abounded in the work of the Lord. Here Master Herring lived privately and comfortably under the Ministry of his good Friend Master William Peartree doing what service he could by comforting afflicted consciences and confirming the hearts of Gods people in the Faith of the Gospel as opportunities were offered Before any further progresse be made in making known his call unto Amsterdam here may seasonably be inserted the description given by a Reverend Neighbour Minister which is as followeth Whereas you desire my opinion in writing concerning that Reverend and Religious man of God Master Herring deceased The truth is I fear my Pen may rather darken his Honour then my Pensil can draw out his Character yet as the Martyr counted it a great mercy to be cast into prison if it were but to see the face of that blessed Angel of God Master Bradford so I have look't on it as no small happinesse that the Lord in his Providence did cast me into these parts to see the face and hear the voice of Master Herring that blessed Angel of a Church in Salop. And I blesse God that I had some intimate acquaintance with him and knew his Doctrine manner of life c. as Timothy did Pauls 2 Epist. 3.10 And I should wrong him if I should withhold this just testimony He was one of whom the world was not worthy a Messenger one of a thousand a faithfull Minister of Jesus Christ A Boanerges a sonne of thunder to brawny-hearted sinners A Barnabas a sonne of consolation to broken-hearted sinners As sweet a grace he had in Elocution as ever I heard man in the Pulpit whose gift of utterance did set a fair glosse on all his holy Sermons Another Apollos eloquent and mighty in the Scriptures and you know the common saying Bonus textualis bonus Theologus His Sermons preached in the Congregation were printed in his conversation In Doctrine shewing incorruptness gravity sincerity for he was a pious and learned Divine and in life shewing himself a Pattern of good works free from visible blame saving humane unavoidable infirmities none could say justly black was his eye He was indued with an admirable gift of Prayer and was frequently imployed in daies of private humiliation even then when meetings in that kind were branded with the odious names of Conventicles yet the perils to which he rendred himself obnoxious could not stave him off from opening his window with Daniel toward Jerusalem He was very fruitfull in conference discreet in carriage and cheerfull and couragious in his sufferings of which this good old Non-conformist had his share And when every door was barr'd and no hope left to enjoy his publique liberty he left the land of his Nativity and on a clear call went into the Netherlands where after some years spent in the work of the Lord this bright star did set to the no little sorrow of his dear Christian Friends c. This faithfull Servant of Christ had many invitations into New-England but received not satisfaction in his spirit to transplant himself thither Afterwards in the latter end of the year 1636 he was propounded by some friends unto Master Rulice who was sent from the English Reformed Church in Amsterdam unto London to provide a Minister to succeed Master John Paget as a man most meet to undertake that place For the case there was this viz. Master John Paget whose works praise him in the gate being through old age rendred unable to uphold his wonted work in that Reformed Congregation was eased of his Pastoral attendance there though the Lords of the City according to their commendable custom continued his competent maintenance till his death therefore Master Rulice his Colleague was employed to find out an Assistant This motion made known to Master Herring was the rather hearkened unto because his suspension from preaching was a burthen to his active spirit and he espied no ground of hope that he should ever be suffered by the Prelates to enjoy his much-desired liberty in England any more Hereupon coming up to London after much seeking of God and serious consulting with godly Brethren he was perswaded that this call came from God and therefore might not be gainsaid Now having resolved in the pursuance of this Providence to leave England amongst other difficulties to be encountred he was much affected with a double conflict the one relating unto his Manuscripts the other unto his near and much endeared Friends He had many papers and letters which he much prized containing both the spiritual breathings of gracious hearts and matters of great concernment and those he durst not adventure to take with him fearing a search nor yet did he judge it safe to leave them because he knew not into what hands they might come therefore upon advice he burnt many writings though both then and afterwards he did with tears think of that Letter martyrdome for so he called it wherein many of the best thoughts of his dearest friends were committed to the flames If this was so grievous then let the Reader guesse with what grief of heart this thought was entertained that now he must leave thousands of his precious Friends without any hope of seeing their faces any more in the land of the living And truly his labours and his lovely conversation had gained him multitudes of Friends in every Countrey and corner where he was known for no man was more generally and intirely affected by all sorts who feared God then good Master Herring Although it be not possible to give a particular account of the Gentry and Ministry most eminent for Religion who highly prized and heartily loved him yet the vertuous Lady Margaret Bromley who then dwelt at Sheriff Hales in Shropshire deserves an honourable remembrance because she was a constant and unparallel'd favourer of all good Ministers and People being both tender-hearted and open-handed towards such who suffered under Prelatical pressures and otherwise and at her house the most famous Ministers in all neighbour Countries had hearty welcomes with manifold sweet opportunities of service unto God and of mutuall edification Besides the frequent soul-helps which the Parishoners of the Congregation to which she was related had upon Sabbath daies for her sake there were few Holy-daies daies of vacancy from worldy businesses in the year wherein they had not one Sermon at least preached by some able Minister of Jesus Christ amongst whom Master Pierson Master Ball Master
THE LIVES Of Two and Twenty English Divines EMINENT In their Generations for Learning Piety and painfulnesse in the Work of the Ministry and for their Sufferings in the Cause of CHRIST Whereunto are annexed the LIVES of Gaspar Coligni that famous Admirall of France slain in the Parisian Massacre and of Joane Queen of Navarr who died a little before By Samuel Clarke Pastor of Bennet-Fink London Qui sanctum virum imitatur quasi Exemplum aliquod intuetur seseque in illo quasi speculo prospicit ut adjiciat quod deesse virtutis agnoscit Minus enim seipsum homo considerat sed dum alterum intendit id quod minus est virtutis addidit Isiod de summo bono LONDON Printed by A. M. for Thomas Vnderhill and John Rothwell in Pauls Church-yard 1660. The Names of those whose Lives are contained in this Part. Dr. Collet p. 1 Bishop Coverdale 4 Dr. Sands 7 Mr. Richard Greenham 14 Mr. Thomas Cartwright 19 Mr. Paul Baines 27 Mr. William Bradshaw 32 Mr. Richard Stock 78 Mr. Richard Rothwel 85 Dr. Preston 95 Mr. Arthur Hildersam 144 Dr. Thomas Tailor 157 Mr. Hugh Clarke p. 160 Dr. Sibs 166 Dr. Chaderton 168 Mr. John Ball. 171 Bishop Potter 182 Mr. Richard Sedgwick 184 Mr. Julines Herring 188 Mr. John Dod. 198 Mr. Robert Balsom 213 Mr. Herbert Palmer 218 Gaspar Coligni Admirall of France 243 Ioane Q. of Navarr 297 To his loving Friend Master CLARKE upon his Lives of these eminent DIVINES SAMUEL CLARKE Anagr. Make us recall MAke us recall the lives of Worthies dead Herein thou art blest soul our learned Clark In suffering times thereby to hold up head And live their lives Herein thou art our Mark To soare aloft their Glories to ascend And sing such Praises here thou art our Larke To live when we are dead and so to end Our Pilgrimage and enter Noah's Arke Thy paines and pattern Make us to recall Their Graces Glories and their Lives withall John Herring Mr. of Arts and Minister of Gods Word The Life of Doctor Collet Dean of Pauls who died Anno Christi 1519. JOhn Collet was born of Worshipfull Parents in London his father Henry Collet having been twice Lord Maior of London by whom he was carefully trained up in learning In his younger daies he travelled into France and Italy whereby he much improved his learning At his return into England he went to Oxford commenced Doctor of Divinity and began to read publickly upon Pauls Epistles instead of Scotus and Tho. Aquinas which before were only in request in that University When he came to London he Preached often and had a very great Auditory both of Courtiers and Citizens His diet was very frugall his life upright and unblamable In discipline he was very severe in so much as being made Dean of Pauls his Canons complained that they were held in too much by him He alwaies preferred the honest and honourable estate of Matrimony before the unchast single life of Priests At dinner time he used to have some portion of Scripture read to him either out of Pauls Epistles or Solomons Proverbs He used no supper at all He was no friend to the irreligious religious orders of Monks and Friars He was an enemy to the barbarous Divinity of the School-Doctors as of Scotus and Thomas Aquinas insomuch as when Erasmus highly commended Aquinas for his learning and acutenesse Doctor Collet answered What tell you me of the learning of that man who unlesse he had been of an arrogant and presumptious spirit durst never have taken upon him to discusse and define all things so boldly and rashly as he did And except he had rather been worldly minded then heavenly he would never so have polluted Christs wholsome Doctrine with mans prophane Doctrine as he hath done The Bishop London at this time was Fitz James who of a long time bore a great grudge to Dr Collet and therefore joyning with two other Bishops they entred an action of complaint against him before Dr Warham Archbishop of Canterbury The Articles exhibited against him were three First For preaching against the worshipping of Images Secondly About hospitality for that he preaching upon those words in the Gospel Feed feed feed having expounded the two first for feeding by Doctrine and example the third he expounded for feeding by hospitality yet not so much for feeding the body as the soul by good counsel and conference The third was for speaking against such as preached bosom Sermons declaring nothing to the people but what they bring in their Papers with them This the Bishop of London used to do and therefore took it as spoken against himself which much irritated him against Dr Collet But the Archbishop more wisely weighing the matter and being well acquainted with the worth of Collet so took his part against his Accusers that at that time he freed him out of trouble Another design of Fitz James was to make him an heretick for translating the Pater noster into English but the Archbishop holp him out of that also Yet the Bishops malice was restlesse for when he could not prevail against Dr Collet before the Archbishop he laid a train to accuse him to the King and the occasion thereof was this About this time King Henry the eighth was preparing War against France and the Bishop with his complices took advantages against Dr Collet for that in one of his Sermons he had seemed to preferre Peace before any kind of Warre though never so just For this they inveyed against him in their Sermons and traduced him also before the King Yet on good Friday after Dr Collet preached before the King at which time he treated upon the Victory of Christ exhorting all Christians to fight under Christs standard against the devil adding moreover what an hard thing it was so to do He shewed also that all they who upon private hatred or ambition took weapons against their adversaries one Christian to destroy another they did not fight under Christs Banner but under Satans He exhorted therefore all Christians in their Wars rather to make Christ their Prince and Captain in fighting against their enemies then to imitate Julius Caesar Alexander c. The King hearing this and fearing lest the hearts of his souldier should by these words be withdrawn from the Wars took him aside into his Garden after Sermon and had much private conference with him Bishop Fitz-James and his a associates seeing this were now confident that they should see Collet presently sent Prisoner to the Tower and therefore they waited for his return out of the Garden But contrary to their expectation the King used him very courteously bad him put on his Cap much commended him for his learning and integrity of life and agreed with him in all points that he had taught onely he desired him lest the rude Souldiers should misinterpret that which he had said that in his next Sermon he would
over-awing modesty accompanied with an undervaluing repute of themselves and their own abilities and partly through the iniquity of the times wherein they have lived and the disaffection of those who have swayed most in the State and Government under which they have resided Such was the condition of that worthy and faithfull servant of the Lord Master William Bradshaw though a man richly endowed as well with such spiritual graces as in truth are of highest esteem being peculiar to Gods favourites that have interest in his Christ as with such gifts and parts also as might and did render him usefull and instrumental for the publick good of Gods people yet never enjoying any plentifull condition howsoever never prone to complain of want nor forward at any time or in any place to put himself forth as having ever a very low and mean conceit of his own parts and admiring in others what his own eye either could not descry or would not take notice of howsoever to others conspicuous enough in himself and being never suffered to continue long quiet in any setled place of more publick imployment through the envy and malice of some that had a jealous eye on him and the disturbances of him in the work of his Ministry set on foot by others ill-affected towards him but accrewing from the same pursued by some of those who were of greatest power and authority in Ecclesiastical affairs and could not brook any that did not in all particulars comply with them and their courses as they conceived him not to do He was born at Bosworth a Market-Town in Leicestershire famous for the Battell fought near to it wherein that bloody Usurper Richard the third lost his Crown attained by the unnatural murther of his two Nephews in their non-age together with his life His Father Nicholas Bradshaw though descended from an ancient Family of the Bradshaws in Lancashire with the crest of whose Coat therefore being a Buck browzing this our Brother used to seal yet living but in a mean condition and being not so well able therefore to train this his Son up in learning as he desired an Uncle that he had at Worcester undertook the education of him whether being Master of the Free-School there as some have supposed or of some other Profession as some other conjecture for that he hath been heard to report that Master William May who was sometime by the Turky Merchants imployed at Aleppo and afterward lived and ended his dayes in or about London a man of more then ordinary skill in the learned languages and in Exposition of Scripture very accurate and exact was Teacher in a publick School at Worcester while he lived there relating withall what a neat man he then was howsoever in his after-dayes he grew Cynically sordid and by his uncouth deportment and jealous disposition made himself nothing so usefull to others as otherwise he might have been But however it was for his Uncles Profession under him who by some Relations of his may not improbably be deemed to have been a Scrivener or publike Notary he was brought up and kept at School untill it pleased God to bereave him of this support by his death After whose decease returning home to his Father at Bosworth he was enforced though very much against his minde and desire to intermit the prosecution of his studies in literature for some space of time His Father now designing him to some other course of life out of despaire of maintaining him in a way so chargeable as his meanes being not large would not reach unto especially having other Children three Sons and two Daughters to provide for besides him But while the disposall of him hung thus in suspence it pleased the Lord who is wont to have a more speciall Providence over those whom in his secret purpose he hath fore-designed unto the work of his Ministry to have them fitted for the same to stir up the spirit of one Master Ainsworth a man of much worth then School-Master at Ashby de la Zouch in Leicestershire to divert his Parents purpose of disposing him to any other imployment For by his favour having taken notice of his capacity industry eager desire of farther progresse in good literature fitnesse of disposition to be wrought upon to that purpose and by some buds sprouting out from such seeds thereof as had already been sown in him conceiving good hopes of such future fruits as did accordingly ensue he was taken into the Free-School there where he so profited and made so successefull a proceed that after a years continuance being then about eighteen years of age he was deemed sufficiently fitted and furnished for the University and in the year 1589. was together with that worthy man of great renown Joseph Hall after Bishop of Exceter first then of Norwich and Hugh Cholmeley who had both been trained up in the same Schooll with him and did continue also afterward a kinde affection to him and friendly correspondence with him he was admitted into Emanuel Colledge in Cambridge where with them also he followed his studies under the tuition of that reverend Divine Master Gilbie then Fellow of that Colledge being there maintained partly by the allowance of some Gentlemen his fellow-pupils under the same Tutor and partly by some supplies afforded him from two noble Knights of the honourable house of the Hastings Sir Edward and Sir Francis on the latter of whom his Father also had some dependence upon the recommendation and at the motion of that worthy servant of God now with God Master Arthur Hildersham who was himself also allied to that Family In the Colledge with these supports he continued husbanding his time to the best advantage with an abundant blessing of God upon his sedulous endeavoures to a clear evidence of large improvement manifesting it self in such scholerly exercises as his time and place there required in the performance whereof speciall notice was taken of him as an acute and eager disputant untill he had taken both Degrees first that of Batcheler and after that of Master of Arts. But then being not capable of a Fellowship in that Colledge for that the Statutes of the House admitted not above one of the same Shire and of that one for Leicester-shire Master Joseph Hall before-mentioned being of the same time and standing with him was already possessed and having refused a Vicarage endowed with some competent yearly revenue by that Noble Knight Sir Edward Hastings one of his Patrons tendered him not daring yet to adventure on a work of that nature Master Laurence Chaderton then Master of the Colledge and the first from the very foundation of it bearing a singular affection to Master Bradshaw as well for his parts of learning as for his pious deportment but being unable for the cause above-mentioned to bring him in there cast about with himself how to procure a place and get some employment for him elsewhere
given out against me out of yours and others mouthes your shame shall send them home again and I will wear them about my neck as Chains and Garlands In particular for your self though I desire the love acquaintance and favour of any well-gifted Minister it will be no great disgrace to me to sit at home without your countenance except your self were in greater countenance with them that truly fear the Lord. Thus leaving you at this time to a better spirit then that which set you so greedily on work against me I commit you to the grace mercy and pardon of God and my self to his wise direction hereafter to take heed how I give mouthes so readily open to reproach my Ministry any just and direct occasion Chatham the last of April 1602. Your Fellow-labourer and Minister in the Lords work desirous of peace and if it were possible of love also William Bradshaw This Letter though somewhat large it seemed not amisse at full to relate because it representeth to the life both the Character of many such Teachers as were forwardest to oppose Gods faithfull Messengers in those times and the manner of their teaching which the most of our Antinomian party that give out themselves as the only Gospel-Preachers come so near unto now adaies and the most unequall and unchristian courses also that were by such then commonly practised to work them into disgrace with the people and to procure trouble to them from the State But the malice of the man stayed not here which of it self for ought he was able to do was not much to be regarded For being netled by this Letter upon consultation had with some of his complices a Knight of note in that County a man of some parts of learning and wit but of loose life utterly averse from and adverse to the profession and practice of piety was by them procured to come down from Rochester where he then was to Chatham on a Lords day to hear Master Bradshaw and that for no other end but to pick somewhat if it might be out of his teaching for which upon his information against him a practice most unworthy a man or his rank his mouth might be stopped or he inhibited at least from farther imployment in that place And according indeed to their wicked design and ungodly desire the plot proceeded For whereas Master Bradshaw being then entred upon the handling of the story of Christs Temptations related by two Evangelists on which his Sermons much desired by many that heard part of them and though not fully perfected by him yet by some small supplies being made up may peradventure hereafter see light had observed that this was the main scope of Satan in his first encounter to bear our Saviour in hand that howsoever he had been put in some hope by a voice as from Heaven that he was the beloved Sonne of God yet God by his present neglect of him and leaving him in such difficulties destitute of all necessaries did thereby manifest that he did not respect or regard him at all hereupon he took occasion to admonish all true Christians to arm themselves diligently against this temptation and to strengthen their Faith in the assurance of Gods favour towards them care of them and undoubted truth of his Promises made to them using this as an Argument to incite them unto the greater care in this kind for that said he If this temptation do once fasten upon us that we shall come by Satans sleights to be perswaded that there is no such matter that God hath no such respect or regard unto us it cannot but cool our love unto God Which words of his very wholesome and good the Knight perverting and misreporting enformed underhand against him that he should deliver That a man was not bound to love God unlesse he were sure that God loved him Hereupon Master Bradshaw was shortly after by a short note under Doctor Buckeridges hand bearing date May twenty six 1602. and directed unto him at Chatham made acquainted that it was the pleasure of his Lords Grace of Canterbury and his Lord of London the main prosecutor of the business against him that he should the next day by nine of the clock appear personally before them at Shorn a Town situate between Rochester and Gravesend whither accordingly he repaired and there appearing after some questions moved and answers thereunto returned the Bishop of London began to charge him with teaching of false and ungodly Doctrine such as had been suggested by the Knight before-mentioned whereunto when he answered Negatively relating withall truly and sincerely what he had delivered and offering to produce not a few of good credit who could and would testifie what then he taught that would not be admitted London affirming that what had been enformed was averred by such as were able to conceive being learned and to understand aright what it was that he delivered and received it not by report from others but had been ear-witnesses of it themselves However at last to strike all dead sure subscription was tendered to him whereat they knew he would stick which because he professed that he could not condescend unto they inhibited him to preach any more at Chatham and having bound him to appear when he should be farther called upon for the present so dismissed him The next Lords day was one suborned in the habit of a traveller to repair early in the morning to Master Bradshaws lodging at Chatham who asking to speak with him pretended that he came on purpose out of his way to hear him and demanded of him whether he preached that day or no whereunto he answering that he did not being by authority inhibited he made shew of much sorrow as being frustrated of his expectation but he was descried to be no other then a Spie sent to found Master Bradshaw what he intended to do so greedy were they to have farther ensnared him if by any meanes they might The same day Master Bearblock was observed at Strowd as triumphing after a Victory atchieved against some great adversary to have appointed to be sung before his fore-noon-Sermon the former part of the 27. Psalm Those of Chatham much affected with the inhibition of their faithfull Teacher and grieved in their souls for the restraint of that precious food which they had formerly received from him were not backward to use what means they might for the taking off of the inhibition and removal of the restraint To this purpose a Supplication was framed in the Name of the Parishoners of Chatham unto the Bishop of Rochester their immediate Diocesan in these words Right Reverend Father and our very good Lord If we were not by manifold triall and long experience assured of the love that you bear and the care that you have over that flock which the Lord hath committed unto your charge we could not with so good hope and comfort as now
russet cloak is reported by some that were then in company with him to have said to them Do you see the man that goeth yonder in that plain habit and in that self-neglecting garb and posture he hath more sound learning in his head then twenty of us have And that famous Professor Doctor Prideaux after his decease in some company hearing his Son yet surviving then present there named demanded of him whether that Master Bradshaw that wrote the Treatise of Justification were his Father and being informed that he was he professed himself heartly glad to see the Son of that man for the old acquaintance he had not with his Father himself but with that work of his for those were the Doctors own words Hereunto may be added the Verdict of that great and grave Counsellour of State so much esteemed for his judgment in Law-Cases the Lord Cook who visiting the Gentlewoman by the marriage of her daughter to his Sonne noe neerly linked to him at her house where Master Bradshaw then lay sick and finding the Book lying accidentally in a window after the perusall of some good part of it freely professed That he had seldome read a thing more pithily and pregnanly written Nor was this work of his in such esteem at home only but with other learned also abroad Among whom Master Lewis Cappel a man of speciall note for variety of learning and Professor of Divinity at Salmure in France having received the Book sent him from London by Master Aaron Cappel his kinsman then Minister of the French Church there returneth him many thanks for it requesting him withall to enquire after the Authors place of abode and convey from him unto him the Letter enclosed In the Superscription whereof he stileth him Doctissimum ornatissimun clarissimúmque virum and in the Subscription out of his respect to him and estimation yea admiration of him in regard of that piece alone thus writes of himself Tui non studiosus modò sed cultor admirator In the body of the Letter after signification how upon some occasion being to part with the Book he had taken pains before he would let it go out of his hands to translate it out of English into French he passeth this censure of it A little Book small for bulk but for learning wit and acutenesse a grand one To speak ingenuously I never hitherto read ought in any humane writing of Doctrinal Divinity that so exceedingly liked me so learnedly acutely soundly pithily plainly and yet with admirable brevity is this Argument so fully comprised and throughly handled therein I want words wherewith to commend and extoll it according to its due desert I have oft read it over and yet never have enough of it but the oftner I return to it and read it over again the more eagerly is mine appetite stirred up unto it so much light and brightness of learning wit and art shineth forth in it And whereas treading then precisely in Piscators steps he propounded his doubts withall concerning some particulars wherein Master Bradshaw seemed to swarve from Piscator Master Bradshaw to give him farther satisfaction therein and yet save much writing at large to and fro reviewed his own work and endeavoured to clear those things somewhat better wherein also he was farthered by some Exceptions from Master Wootton imparted unto himself unto which he had returned an Answer and having turned it so revised into Latine he sent a copy of it in writing unto Master Cappel who upon receit thereof wrote back at first briefly but not long after more fully in these words Right worthy Sir I wrote before to you that I had received your truly golden Book enlarged by you and turned into Latine and that presently I read it over but in haste so eager an appetite had I unto it by reading the other Edition of it in English before Since that I have read it over again not once but often and taking leasure thereunto Which the oftner I read over the more it pleaseth me and is approved of by me so accurately and exactly is it composed by you I hope this birth and issue of your mind will find approbation with peaceable and moderate dispositions on whether side soever albeit you condescend not unto them in all things that they require You so space in the middle between either opinion that neither of them ought to be displeased with you if they truly love peace and concord Thus that learned man word for word translated out of his Letters in Latine which in the same language have been represented also and published elsewhere Whereby may appear what entertainment approbation and estimation this Treatise which yet the Author speaks so meanly of himself in private Letters to his Friends found with the learned in forreign parts and he himself also where otherwise wholly unknown for it And whosoever shall with a regardfull eye read over the generally well approved and deservedly much esteemed writings of those worthy Servants of God now with the Lord Master William Pemble and Master Samuel Torsel concerning this subject collated with this of Master Bradshaw which came forth some good space before either of them had writ ought he shall easily discern on whose foundation they built in whose steps they trod with whose heifer they ploughed at what Torch they lighted their Tapers and from whence they received much of their light in that Argument For it may be with good ground of truth be averred that amids the extream opposition of Divines in this point dissenting this our Brother did herein beat out such a middle tract between them as appears not to have been formerly discovered by any wherein these two men of special note coming after him for the main matter of their principles have kept close to his footsteps in the path by him cut out and cleared to their hands Of this latter in Latine a Copy being sent over by him to Doctor Ames not long before his dicease was by him not long after it printed Unto this his purpose was to have added a Treatise of Justifying Faith the proper nature peculiar act and Office of it in that work and great pity it was that such and head as this one piece shews him to have had was not set apart for such like employments How many points of much difficulty might haply been clear if one of his parts had received encouragement and means of support to apply himself and his main studies unto so usefull an employment Surely what he saith of another might be well said of him That if such as he was had the handling of Controversies Questions would not be so infinite and intricate oft as they are and being aright stated some that now fight most eagerly one against another would be found to agree being brought at length aright to understand either other A second businesse whereunto he applied himself about which he took much pains was in the discussion of the matters then in
his child-hood he with two or three School-fellows were so religiously disposed that on play-daies they would pray together and repeat the heads of their Catechisme with the Sermons which they heard upon the last Lords day before they went unto their Lusory exercises Thus this Timothy grew acquainted with God and his Word and the waies of Religion while he was a Child Being very well fitted for the University he was sent unto Cambridge bout the fifteenth year of his age and admitted into Sidney Colledge where he was studious and a good Proficient in Academical Learning When he was Master of Arts coming home to his Father he preached often in Coventry with very good approbation amongst those who were best affected towards the waies of Godlinesse Here he had special encouragements in the study of Divinity from Master Humphrey Fen famous for his Ministry and Non-conformity at Coventry who in the Preface to his last Will and Testament made so full and so open a Protestation against the Hierarchy and Ceremonies that the Prelatical Party would not suffer it to be put among the Records of the Court when the Will was tendred to be proved and his conscience was unsatisfied to enter into the Ministry by Episcopal subscription but through a good Providence he with Master John Ball were made Ministers by an Irish Bishop without that subscription The first place of his setled Ministry was Cawk in Derbyshire a small village whither he was called by means of his much honoured good Friend Master Arthur Hildersam and where he had good incouragements from Master Bainbridge a Gentleman there of good estate and estimation for Religion In this place which was six miles from Derby and three from Ashby de la zouch his peace and liberty was the better preserved because it was a peculiar and so not subject unto Episcopal visitation Here God was pleased to set a broad Seal to his Ministry making him an happy Instrument to build up many who were brought to Christ by Master Hildersams labours and also to turn many others from darknesse to light and from the power of Satan unto God At this time there was great scarcity of good Preachers in those parts whereupon people from twenty towns and villages flocked unto Cawk-Chappel as Doves to the windows every Sabbath day where more congregated especially in summer and in afternoons then the Chappel could contain yet standing at the windows without they might hear the Sermons preached and Scriptures read because Master Herrings voice was clear and strong Hither great companies came in the morning with joyfull expectation of wholesome soul-provisions here they continued all day with cheerfulnesse some bringing their victuals from home with them and others going to a third ordinary provided purposely for the refreshing of strangers and they went from hence in the evening in companies repeating the Sermons and singing Psalms in their return home Here amongst many others Master Simeon Ashe received some of his first impressions and bents towards Religion whom Master Herring loved from his childhood and who lived in his heart and Prayers unto his death And this is a matter considerable that few if any in those parts who were hopefully brought unto God and by the Ministry of Master Hildersam and Master Herring have been turned aside into the by-paths of errour and separation in these broken dividing times but they continue sound in their judgements and holy in their conversations well remembring the principles whereof they were well instructed and grounded by those two Worthies their Fathers in Christ. When he had continued at Cawke about the space of eight years he was forced from thence for Non-conformity by the Prelatical power being informed against by ill-affected men who maligned the great service which he did and envied the great respect which he had in those parts Before he removed from thence the Lord provided for him a most gracious yoak-fellow who was no discouragement but an encouragement rather unto him alwaies both in his services and sufferings for Christ and his cause His Wife was the third Daughter of Master Gellibrand sometimes Preacher to the English company at Flushing in Holland and Grand-child to that man of God Master John Oxenbridge Minister of Southam in Warwickshire and afterwards of Bablick in Coventry where he died and as she came out of a godly stock so she hath expressed and still doth expresse the power of godlinesse in every condition and relation of her life to Gods honour By her he had thirteen Children and as they were happily mutually helpfull in the waies of holinesse so it was their joynt care to educate their posterity in the nurture and fear of the Lord. They were taught the Principles of Religion from their childhood and their tender good Mother according to their Fathers appointment caused them to learn the Proverbs of Solomon by heart Neither was this gracious care in vain for the blossomes and fruits of grace sweetly appear in their lives to the comfort of their Parents and Christian Friends And here this one thing is notable and imitable in this worthy man in reference to his Children viz. That ever before he gave them correction he endeavoured to convince them of their sin against God and sought by tears and prayers for Gods blessing upon that means for their good When the course of his Ministry was interrupted at Cawk and there was no hope of his peaceable continuance there God by means of Master William Rowley a wise religious man and his faithfull Friend was pleased to open a door for the more publique exercise of his Ministry in Shrewsbury Here he preached at Alkmares Church every Tuesday morning and upon the Sabbath also so long as liberty was allowed which Sermon was at one a clock that neither the Ministers of the town might be offended nor other Congregations emptyed by the peoples flocking unto his Ministry The Sermon which he preached on the Lords day he repeated it the same night before Supper at the houses of Master Edward Jones Master George Wright and Master William Rowley by course and whereas some spies were usually sent thither crowding in with the company to pick quarrels he behaved himself so prudently and prayed alwaies so affectionately for the King and present Government that his adversaries gave this testimony of him viz. Though he be scrupulous in matter of Ceremony yet he is a loyal subject unto the King and a true Friend unto the State Beside the great good service which was now done in Salop by his Ministry and private conferences with Christians in reference unto him many other Ministers had the more frequent recourse unto the town Master Pierson Master Nicols c. who were put upon preaching once or oftner before they departed thence whereby knowledge was much increased and the power of Godlinesse much cherished and promoted there But Satan maligning those opportunities of service unto Christ some envious ill-affected
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