hearts of many of which some live here some in glory His Books will prove more durable Monuments of his name then that his Sonne erected for him in Ashby Church And yet his Name with the lively picture of his Person lives in his worthy Son Master Samuel Hildersam whose learning Cambridge knew while he was Fellow of Emanuel Colledge and whose present ministerial labours and pious conversation at West-Felton in Shropshire do perpetuate the honour of his reverend Father whose very memory he doth much reverence and whose rich Vertues both personal and ministerial he doth happily imitate And his good help from his Fathers Papers and other waies hath most conduced to the drawing up of this faithfull relation that God may be glorified and many souls may be edified by this famous example thus presented unto publick view Dr. TAYLOR The Life of Doctor Thomas Taylor sometimes Pastor of Aldermanbury London who died Anno Christi 1632. THomas Taylor was born at Richmond in Yorkshire of worthy and godly Parents His Father was Recorder of that Town and a very Gaius or Onesiphorus to the silenced Ministers of England and to the exiled Ministers of Scotland He brought up divers Sonnes into the Ministry This Sonne of his as the other was of a Child trained up in the holy Scriptures which are able to make wise to salvation Afterward as age came on he was well grounded in other Learning and was sent to Cambridge where he became Fellow of Christs Colledge as one that should do the Lord Christ abundance of good service He was there most painfull and unweariable in the study of Tongues Arts Sciences all sorts of Exercises about them and especially for Divinity which was his Profession One while he was Hebrew Reader to the Colledge Being soon ripe he entred into the Ministry at the age of one and twenty years In Queen Elizabeths time he was called to preach at Pauls Crosse and preached the Sermon in King James his time In the course and work of his Ministry he spent thirty five years with all diligence and painfulnesse even to the very end when by right he might have spared himself living in all sincerity and godly purenesse with entire love of souls with all watchfulnesse with meeknesse wonderfully quickned with zeal He was an utter enemy of Popery Arminianisme Antinomianisme and other Sects which crept up in those times as appeareth partly by his writings Amidst all his pithy Discourses he was also an excellent and nimble Orator and wound up his matter with a good farewell even when at times it was but ordinary And from this course he would scarce suffer himself to be withdrawn at any time to refresh his spirits by a little freedom Yea sometimes when he was drawn forth into the Countrey for recreation by the solicitation of Gods people he escaped not without his usuall burden Or he spent his vacant time in preparing Books for the Presse which were both many and very usefull and will be to posterity who have cause to blesse God who giveth gifts to men and publique mindes that they may profit farre and near both hearers and strangers all debtors to him And men of understanding observed a great Seal put to his Ministry in several places whereto he was called Some converted others confirmed others comforted in the way of God And in these times of division wherein many Professors have turned into by-waies those that were his constant Hearers continue in that way stedfast and unshaken in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus Yea at Reding there was a generation of young Preachers who under his Ministry grew up in knowledge and holinesse and some eminency of gifts profiting by him and his pains there and some professe it at this day Perhaps also in the great City of London and at Cambridge Neither was he altogether for the publick but pious in private and not only in the course of his Family but in keeping Fasts among the godly of the place which in those daies was something a dangerous exercise And to make them solid Professors indeed he put them upon a weekly way of handling Chatecheticall points of Divinity that is every week to conferre of one of the heads of Religion according to the Catechisme subjoyned to Mr. Dods Treatise on the Commandments still proving the Doctrines by Testimonies of Scripture For other personall qualifications he was a man full of love alms-deeds and mercifull consideration of the needy though not with a Trumpet And he was a man blest of God with all the blessings of wisdome Prov. 3.16 Length of daies riches and honour He had every where both godly and great Friends and is likely still to have among those that shall converse in his worthy works In that his holy and blessed course he drew on toward his end It was his Clymacterical year of 56. Having over-laboured himself with preaching in the City he betook himself to his Countrey-house at Isleworth to be a little refreshed But having inflamed and corrupted his blood by preaching he soon fell into his mortall disease a Pleurisie for curing whereof though no meanes were wanting yet the desired effect through the Counsel of God followed not In the beginning of his sicknesse he set his house in order most holily and as became so worthy a Father and then bad farewell to all as one throughly prepared for his departure full of Faith and Patience and joy in the holy Ghost a great help in that acute disease Carefull of the welfare of the Church at home then in danger to be corrupted grieved for the evils he knew in some mens dealings Rejoycing greatly in the midst of the apprehension of death for the happy proceedings of the heroicall King of Sweden then victorious in Bavaria And once when he was told he must a little help himself by cheerfulnesse he fell into a most contentfull discourse of those noble deliverances and victories and more would have spoken if weaknesse had permitted But especially his joy in God and in the conquest of Christ Oh said he we serve a good Lord who covers all imperfections and gives great wages for little work and in mercy he hath provided for me some of the greatest With other holy speeches full of faith and joy which his infirmity would not suffer him to utter perfectly In which manner he languished by degrees and at last on the Lords day being the usuall day of his principall labours he was dismissed of all and went to keep a perpetuall Sabbath in heaven where now he resteth from his labours and his works follow him even a full reward in endlesse glory which eye hath not seen nor ear heard neither can enter into the heart of man to conceive what things those are which God hath prepared for them that love him The Life of Master Hugh Clark who died Anno Christi 1634. HUgh Clark was born at Burton
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
explain himself more fully to them which afterwards he did accordingly And so after long communication and great promises of favour the King gently dismissed him with these words Let every man have his Doctor as himself best liketh this shall be my Doctor His adversaries seeing and hearing this dust never after that time molest him any further He did many excellent works of Piety and Charity and amongst the rest he erected that famous foundation of Pauls School London where one hundred fifty three poor mens sons should be taught freely and for this end he built a very convenient dwelling house for the Schoolmaster He assigned also a large annual stipend both for the Head-Master and Usher whom he willed rather to be chosen out of the number of married men then of single Priests with their suspected chastity He left sundry rents and houses for the payment of those stipends which he committed to the oversight of the Worshipfull company of Mercers in London He caused to be ingraven upon the School in Latine Schola Catechisationis puerorum in Christi Opt. Max. fide bonis literis Anno Christi M.D.X. The first Moderator of this School was Mr William Lilly a man no lesse eminent for his Learning then Dr Collet was for this Foundation he made the Latine Grammer which ever since by authority hath been used in all Schools Dr Collet was very expert in the Scriptures especially in Pauls Epistles which he hath illustrated by his Commentaries He held Justification freely by the merits of Christs and not by our own works He was an enemy to the idle and unchast life of the Popish Clergy He abhorred those that persecuted the Professors of the truth He died Anno Christi 1519. and was buried in Pauls Church upon whose Tomb Mr Lilly engraved this Motto Disce mori mundo vivere disce Deo The Life of Miles Coverdale sometimes Bishop of Exester who died Anno Christi 1568. MIles Coverdale was born in the North of England and from his childhood was much given to learning and by his diligence and industry profited exceedingly therein so that in the reign of King Henry the eighth he was one of the first that professed the Gospel in England He was very well skilled in the Hebrew and translated the Bible into English and wrote sundry Books upon the Scriptures which Doctrine being new and strange in those daies he was much hated and persecuted for it especially by the Bishops whereupon he was forced to fly into the Low-Countries There he printed the Bibles of his Translation and by sending them over and selling them in England he maintained himself But John Stokesly Bishop of London hearing thereof and minding to prevent their dispersing in England enquired diligently where they were to be sold and bought them all up supposing that by this means no Bibles would be had but contrary to his expectation it fell out otherwise for the same money which the Bishop gave for these Books the Merchant sent over to Miles Coverdale by which means he was enabled to Print as many more which he also sent into England This caused the Bishops to pursue him with such eagerness that he was forced to remove himself out of Flanders into Germany and to settle himself under the Palsgrave of the Rheine where he found much favour At first he taught children for his subsistence but having learned the Dutch language the Prince Elector Palatine gave him a Benefice at a place called Burghsaber where he did much good by his Ministry and holy life maintaining himself partly by his Living and partly by the liberality of Thomas Lord Cromwell who was his good Lord and relieved him very much At length when by the happy coming in of King Edward the sixth Religion was altered in England and the Gospel had a free passage he returned into his native Countrey where he did very much good by Preaching At the time of the commotion in Devonshire for Religion he was appointed to go down as Chaplain with the Lord Russell who was sent to suppresse the same and after the work was over for his excellent learning and godly life he was made Bishop of Exester being consecrated thereunto at Lambeth by Tho. Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury Anno Christi 1550. He most worthily performed that Office that was committed to him He preached constantly every Sabbath and Holy day and most commonly twice in the week he read a Divinity Lecture in one Church or other within the City of Exester Considering his Means he was a great lover of Hospitality and kept a very good house He was sober and temperate in his diet holy and blamelesse in his life friendly to the godly liberall to the poor courteous to all men void of pride full of humility abhorring covetousnesse and an enemy to all wickednesse and wicked men whose society he shunned and whom he would in no wise intertain or keep in his house or company His Wife was a most sober chast and godly Matron His houshold another Church in which was exercised all godlinesse and Vertue He suffered no one person to abide in his house who could not give an account of his faith and Religion and who lived not accordingly And as he was very carefull to promote Religion in his Diocess so was he as ready to give direction for good Government in all Ecclesiasticall affairs And because himself was not skillfull therein neither would be hindred from his godly studies nor encumbred with worldly matters and yet judging it meet that the Government should be carried on with all uprightnesse Justice and Equity he sent to Oxford for a learned man to be his Chancellour and by the assistance of his Friends he obtained Mr Robert Weston Doctor of the Civil Law and afterwards Lord Chancellour in Ireland unto whose fidelity he committed his Consistory and the whole charge of his Ecclesiasticall jurisdiction allowing him not only all the Fees belonging thereto but also lodged and found him his Wife and Family horse and man within his own House and gave him a pension of 40lb lb per annum besides which was a very great matter in those daies so liberall was this good Bishop in the allowance which he made to this good Chancellor And surely the Bishop was no more godly and carefull in performing his Office of preaching then his Chancellor was diligent strict and just in doing of his Office without the reproach of partiality or bribery Yet notwithstanding that this godly Bishop lived most holily painfully and virtuously the common people whose old bottels were not capable of new wine could not brook nor digest him and when they could find no other cause this was judged a crime sufficient that he was a Preacher of the Gospel an enemy to Papistry and an honest married man Hereupon many devises were set on foot for his disgrace and removing him out of his
Some years before that right Honourable and thrice Noble Lady Frances Sidney Countesse of Sussex had by her last Will and Testament given order for the erecting and endowing of a Colledge in Cambridge to be furnished with a certain number of Fellows and Scholars under one Master or Head The Colledge was now in building by the provision of the Right Honourable the Earl of Kent and Sir John Harrington instructed by her for the performance of that work and Master James Mountague Sonne to Sir Edward Mountague then living as Fellow-Commoner but Student in Divinity among the Fellows of Christs Colledge was designed for Master With him dealt Master Chaderton in Master Bradshaws behalf To have him set down for a Fellows place there which through his Mediation was from those Noble Trustees without difficulty obtained But because some space of time would runne out ere the building of the Colledge could be consummated and made fit for receipt it was thought good in the interim to dispose of Mr. Bradshaw for some imployment elsewhere untill he might be setled there It fell out God so disposing it that Sir Thomas Leighton Governour of Guernsey wanting one to be imployed about the instruction and education of his children and having requested that worthy servant of Christ Master Cartwright abiding then at Cornet-Castle with him to write unto Master Chaderton to furnish them with one fit for such a charge this Letter of Master Cartwrights arrived with Master Chaderton in that juncture of time wherein he and Master Montague had this businesse in agitation about Master Bradshaw and the matter being by them broken to him who referred himself wholly to what they should advise it was joyntly agreed that Master Bradshaw should be sent or lent rather unto them to undertake that charge and continue in the discharge of it untill the Colledge building were compleated wherein upon return thence he was then to reside Thither therefore long without delay being furnished with Letters of recommendation from those here to them there he addressed himself and through Gods goodnesse arriving safe there was with all kinde and courteous entertainment by them received By this occasion he became throughly known to and inwardly acquainted with Master Cartwright who highly esteemed of him renewed or pursued rather his acquaintance with him after both Master Bradshaws and his own return also into England as may appear by entercourse of Letters yet to be seen written by him to Master Bradshaw while he stayed behind him in Guernsey and from Warwick also after his departure from thence and to his dying day continued expressions of entire affection to him and due respect of him as also both before and after his decease his Children both Sonne and Daughters and those that they were matched unto rnd his Widow also did And indeed such was his demeanure wheresoever he came that he left behind him a gratefull memory of him in the hearts and minds of all well affected that had occasion to take notice of it not unlike therein to musk or civet that leave a sweet sent behind them even for a long time after they be gone in the boxes wherein they were formerly kept the which continued after his departure thence not among the French Ministers alone in that Island but among such also of the old Garrison Souldiers on whom Master Cartwrights Ministry had had some efficacious and gracious work Who as Sir Peter Osburn who had afterward the government of that place hath been heard to relate would be oft talking of one Master Bradshaw that had lived sometime there and speak with much affection of him But for his constant carriage during his abode there his piety industry integrity fidelity in discharge of the trust reposed in him and charge committed to him together with his course of life and conversation otherwise unreproveable as also the love and affection to him earnest desire if it might have been of his continuance with them and loathnesse to leave him with these who were after some time spent among them there then to part with him all these things will by no meanes better appear then by the Letters of that sincere Servant of God and constant Champion of Christ Master Thomas Cartwright of holy memory and the relations concerning him therein contained being written and directed to divers in these parts either neer upon or at Master Bradshaws departure from thence Among others in one to Sir Francis Hastings of September the fifth 1598. wherein he assures him of his diligence in following his studies and of his sharp and ready capacity likely through Gods blessing to bring forth such fruit of learning as he might have good cause to rejoyce over any cost that he had been at with him or should farther bestow that way on him as also of his love to the best things and his conversation in the Family without reproach for ought he could learn having had an eye constantly on him In another to Master Chaderton of December the fifth the time it seems of his departure thence wherein he thankfully acknowledgeth the great benefit they had received by Master Bradshaw procured by him to take so long and painfull a journey to them and his wise and loving care in so good provision for them returning thanks also to him from Sir Thomas Leyghton the Governour and his Honourable Lady for him and withall requesting him that they may once again taste of his accustomed love and care in that kind And in another yet more fully of the same date to Master Mountague in these words The Law commandeth that of things borrowed great care should be had for the well usage and due restoring of them Both which we have endeavoured in Master Bradshaw But the full performance must rest rather in yours and his acceptation then in pay For as touching the former of them his desert of care to profit those committed to his charge and his Behaviour otherwise in the house hath been more then every one is able to esteem and therefore in all respects not so fit to reward For the other unless unwilling parting with him on all hands be against duty you shall we hope in the Lord have him duly restored Out of all doubt with all thankfulness to your Worship by whose kindness both we have enjoyed him some good time sithence you of right might have taken him away and he hath received a supply of recompence for that we were not able to make good unto him And so with hearty thanks and commendations from the Governour and his Honourable Lady and my humble thanks for your love and this fruit I have received thereof by Master Bradshaw I commend you to the gracious keeping and blessing of God in Jesus Christ. Unto this Letter Master Mountague now Master of the Colledge upon Master Bradshaws access thither returneth answer both thanking him for the remitting of him to them so that on no side thanks for him were
was drawn over to Steeple-Morden in the same shire by one Master Martin an ingenuous Gentleman who enjoying the appropriation entertained him as a Lecturer in regard of the infirmity of the party that was possessed of the Vicarage But while he was thus taken up with employments abroad there arose a storm against him at home and that upon this occasion About that time two Leicestershire Ministers of his acquaintance Master Darrel and Master Moor being questioned about the dispossession of William Somers and Thomas Darling besides some others supposed to be by evil spirits possessed the one of them to wit Darling stood stiffely in avowing the truth of the thing and refused to acknowledge any deceit or collusion therein yea though many slights were used to enduce him thereunto and Letters forged and tendered to him in Master Darrels name as beginning to grow somewhat suspitious of the businesse yet nothing could prevail with him but the other to wit Somers being in like manner dealt with and enticed by large Promises of such provision to be made for him that he should be sure not to want nor should need to go down into his own Countrey again was perswaded to accuse Master Darrell to have set him on work and taught him how to act sundry strange feats and gestures whereby he might be deemed to be a Demoniak Whereupon some of the Bishops London specially in whose house the boyes had been kept apart eagerly pursuing the business the two Ministers were cited into the High Commission Court and there being charged with imposture were suspended and imprisoned untill further cognizance and Master Harsnet Londons Chaplain mean while set on work to pen and publish a virulent Pamphlet against Master Darrell traducing him therein as a Grand Impostour and Jugler and the whole action about the possession and dispossession of William Somers as a meer Puppet-play Hence Master Darrell thus traduced was enforced to write and publish something for the defence of himself and clearing of his guiltlesness herein and so did first in a briefer Narrative concerning the manner of their proceedings with him entituled his Triall and afterward in a larger Answer to Harsnet in way of farther Apology for himself Of these Books some Copies being sent down to Cambridge were directed to Master Bradshaw and a parcell of them by him delivered to one Underwood a Taylor who dispersed of them as well in the Colledges as in the Town Intimation hereof being given to Bishop Bancroft at London that such Books were in divers hands at Cambridge he writes to the Vicechancellor to make diligent enquiry after the dispersers of them He lights on Underwood whom upon examination confessing that he had received a certain number of them from Master Bradshaw he bindeth in a bond to appear upon warning before the High Commission and chargeth him withall not to give notice of ought to Master Bradshaw The next morning by seven of the clock Letters came from the Vice-chancellor to the Master of the Colledge requiring him at eight of the clock to repair unto him and to bring Master Bradshaw with him About the same time that these Letters came to the Master an unknown Scholar repairing to Master Bradshaws Chamber telleth him that Underwood was in trouble and he should do well to look to himself Master Bradshaw upon these tydings thus brought him went presently to Master Wright the Senior Fellow of the house to ask advice of him what to do in this case he wished him to withdraw himself and withall directed him to Gransden a Town about nine miles distant from Cambridge as a fit place of retire where one Master Castle a Gentleman well-affected and Master Wrights Brother-in-law he well knew would be right-willing to receive him But Master Bradshaw resolved first to have an assay made by some other whereby it might be discovered what the Masters mind herein was Hereupon Master Ward was sent for who being requested to break the matter to the Master was right-willing and ready to undertake that Office The Master mean while upon receit of the Vicechancellours Letter had sent his man presently to enquire for Master Bradshaw at Master Gatakers Chamber which in his absence then discontinuing he had the charge of and kept most in being more convenient then his own he not finding him there was returned back just as Master Ward came in to the Master Who upon his repair to him having but named Master Bradshaw the Master before he could deliver any part of his errand demandeth of him where Master Bradshaw was and saith he must speak with him Master Ward told him It was not safe for Master Bradshaw to come to him because he was in danger of the Vicechancellour The Master replied That therefore he must come for that he had Letters from the Vicechancellour to bring him presently to him Which Letters while he stept into his closet to fetch that he might shew them to him Master Ward a fast and true-hearted friend more carefull of Master Bradshaws safety then fearfull of the Masters displeasure and his own danger stayed not the Masters return but slipt away with all speed to acquaint Master Bradshaw how things stood The Master at hs return missing Master Ward was exceedingly enraged against him and threatned to punish him by setting a deep fine for example upon him But the hour being now elapsed which the Vicechancellour had set the Master wrote back to him that Master Bradshaw could not as yet be found Master Bradshaw hereof advertised albeit that all his friends there were earnest with him to withdraw yet for the present refused and requested Master Wright to repair to the Master that by him he might understand from him what his resolute will was which he purposed not to withstand Master Wright according to his request repairing to the Master found him in much heat no nay he would have but Master Bradshaw must needs go it would else endanger him and endanger the Colledge c. Master Bradshaw enformed hereof by Master Wright not at all fearing to suffer in a good and just cause as he deemed it to be and no less loath to have any other endamaged or endangered for him notwithstanding that his friends were all utterly against it without farther dispute or delay went presently to the Master and presented himself to him who entertaining him with hot and high terms the good man answered him in a calm and meek manner that he had no cause to be so much offended with him or incensed against him he knew not of any such Commission that he had when he sent at first to him but sent only to him for counsell in that case deeming it better for him to do it by some other rather then by himself and being loath to come into trouble in those turbulent times for the Earl of Essex his business was then on foot and that so soon as he understood his pleasure he
him sweetly unfolded as may appear by those Sermons now in Print And therefore saith a Reverend Divine the noted humility of the Author I lesse wonder at finding how often his thoughts dwelt upon the humiliation of Christ. As for his Sermons upon Cant. 5. Reverend and holy Mr. Dod upon the perusall of the Manuscript was so taken with them that he professed that he found them so full of heavenly Treasure and containing such lively expressions of the unvaluable riches of the love of Christ towards all his poor servants that sue and seek unto him for it that by his great importunity he prevailed with Dr. Sibs otherwise much undervaluing his own meditations to commit the same to the Presse to which Mr. Dod gave this attestation I saith he judge it altogether unmeet that such precious matter should be concealed from the publick use I judge these Sermons a very profitable and excellent help both to the understanding of that dark and most Divine Scripture as also to kindle in the heart all heavenly affections towards Jesus Christ the whole frame whereof is carried with such Wisdom Gravity Piety Judgment and Experience that it commends it self to all that are godly wise and I doubt not but they shall find their temptations answered their fainting spirits revived their understandings enlightened and their graces confirmed so that they shall have cause to praise God for the worthy Authors godly and painfull labours Indeed he was throughly studied in the holy Scriptures which made him a man of God perfect throughly furnished unto every good work and as became a faithfull Steward of the manifold graces of God he endeavoured to teach to others the whole counsel of God and to store them with the knowledge of Gods will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding He was a man that enjoyed much communion with God walking in all the Laws of God blamelesse and like John the Baptist was a burning and shining light wasting and spending himself to enlighten others He was upon all occasions very charitable drawing forth not only his Purse in relieving but his very bowels in commiserating the wants and necessities of the poor Members of Christ. He used sometimes in the summer-time to go abroad to the houses of some worthy Personages where he was an Instrument of much good not only by his private labours but by his prudent counsell and advice that upon every occasion he was ready to minister unto them And thus having done his work on earth he went to receive his wages in heaven peaceably and comfortably resigning up his spirit unto God Anno Christi 1631. and of his age 58. The Life of Doctor Chaderton who died Anno Christi 1640. LAurence Chaderton was born of an ancient Family at Chatterton in Lancashire about the year 1546. and his Parents being both Papists they trained him up in that Religion yet bred him to learning and when he came to some maturity of years his Father sent him to the Inns of Court But he being not pleased with that kind of life through the motion of Gods holy Spirit who had a work for him to do in another Calling and place left the Inns of Court and went to Cambridge about the twentieth year of his age and the sixth year of Queen Elizabeth And getting some acquaintance in Christs Colledge it pleased God that the Master and Fellows took such a liking to him for his ingenuity and industry that they admitted him into a poor Scholars place Then did he write to his Father to acquaint him with his present condition and to request some means of maintenance from him But his Father disliking his change of place and studies but especially of Religion sent him a Poke with a groat in it to go a beggâ— withall further signifying to him that he was resolved to disinhâ—â—â—â— him which he also did Yet did the Lord support his spirit to preferre an heavenly before an earthly Inheritance and seeing that he had nothing else to trust to he fell close to his studies and through Gods blessing upon the same he so eminently profited in all sorts of Learning that Anno Christi 1567. being but yet Batchelour of Arts he was chosen Fellow of Christs Colledge Anno Christi 1578. he commenced Batchelour of Divinity and the same year October the 26. he preached a Sermon at Pauls Crosse which he also Printed He was chosen Lecturer at St. Clements Church in Cambridge which place he supplied about the space of sixteen years and by his Holy Learned and judicious Sermons did very much good and was succeeded therein by Mr. Michael Bentley Fellow of Christs Colledge a godly plain and profitable Preacher He was a man famous for Gravity Learning and Religion so that when Sir Walter Mildmay Counsellor of State to Queen Elizabeth Chancellor and under-Treasurer of the Exchequer Founded Emanuel Colledge Anno Christi 1584. he made choice of this man for the first Master and when Master Chaderton shewed himself not willing to undertake that great charge Sir Walter replied saying If you will not be the Master I will not be the Founder of it In the beginning of King James his reign he was one of the four Divines for the Conference at Hampton Court chosen by the Ministers that desired a Reformation in the Church Government and for his Learning and sufficiency was the same year chosen to be one of the Translators of the Bible Anno Christi 1612. when the Prince Elector Palatine came to visit Cambridge he would needs have Mr. Chaderton commence Doctor of Divinity which accordingly he did He deserved very well of Emanuel Colledge for whereas the Founder gave allowance for the maintenance of three Fellows only together with the Advouson of Stranground Rectory in Huntingtonshire near Peterburrough Dr. Chaderton procured by his friends and acquaintance allowance for twelve Fellows and above fourty Scholars of the House besides the Advousons of Auler and Northcudberry Rectories as also of the Vicaridge of Dulverton in Summersetshire Piddle-Hinton in Dorcetshire and Loughburrough in Leicestershire of the Noble Henry Hastings Earl of Huntington which Noble man was a great friend to godly Ministers After he was Master of Emanuel his manner was not to suffer any young Scholars to go into the Countrey to Preach till he had heard them first in the Colledge Chappel All his younger daies he used to expound a portion of Scripture twice a week in his Family He was married fifty three years and yet in all that time he never kept any of his Servants from Church to dresse his meat saying that he desired as much to have his servants know God as himself If at any time he had a Servant upon triall though they could do as much work as three others yet if they were given to lying or any other vice he would by no means suffer them to dwell in his house Towards his
but even formerly from his first undertaking a Pastoral charge at what time it may well be supposed to have been a thing both of greater difficulty and danger then of late years to keep off unworthy receivers from prophaneing that holy Ordinance In order hereunto his first work was to abate as much as might be the number of ignorant people by perswading them to be willing to receive instruction which with much care and diligence he was ready to afford unto them in such waies as is before expressed Which though a difficult work was yet carried on with so great successe through Gods blessing on his endeavours that in his Parish of Ashwel where was no small number of people he had in a short time brought them to so great a measure of knowledge that there was either none or very few either old or young who were not able to give a good account of the principles of Religion When he had once prevailed with them to be so far sensible of their own ignorance as to be willing and desirous to learn it waâ— then no hard matter to perswade such of their own accord to forbear a while till they had attained so much knowledge as that they might come with comfort which would be so much the sooner according as they were more diligent in labouring to attain knowledge When they had attained a competent measure of knowledge if their lives were answerable and not obnoxious to just exception or at least they willing to redresse what was amisse and ready to follow such good advice and directions as were given them for the ordering their conversations aright towards God and man there was then no reason why they should be longer debarred but rather such good beginnings cherished and encouraged yet with cautions frequently inculcated to beware of hypocrisie and formality and not to rest in these beginnings but to presse forward to perfection But in case they did either obstinately refuse Instruction or notwithstanding their knowledge were scandalous and incorrigible or such as in point of conversation he could not judge fit to be admitted to that Ordinance Then probably they would either be found such as were obnoxious to such scandals as might endanger a more publique prosecution and so curst not be refractory or else by the conviction of their own consciences when the danger of unworthy receiving should be laid open to them or by friendly perswasions from himself or others or by the reverence and awe of his holy and grave carriage and ministerial authority backed with the concurrence of others amongst them eminent for worth and Piety or for fear of being shamed in case they should be openly reproved or refused in the face of the Congregation or upon some other the like consideration would be perswaded to forbear in case he judged them as yet unfit to be admitted to that Ordinance So that scarce any whom he judged utterly unfit have ever peremptorily pressed upon him to partake of it And by these means even in times of greatest danger was he able to avoid the mixture of prophane and unworthy persons at the Lords Table Hereunto his naturally courteous and affable disposition did much conduce whereby he could with the more ease gain accesse both to the persons and affections of all sorts of people together with an excellent mixture of meeknesse and courage which being managed with singular Prudence and indefatigable industry enabled him happily to carry on that difficult work which might otherwise seem almost insuperable And by the same courteous and prudent carriage he obtained a like interest in the affections of his people both at Dukes-place and Westminster Insomuch as those who were fit to be admitted to that Sacrament were either otherwise sufficiently known to him by his conversing with them or else would willingly upon that occasion approve themselves to him both in point of knowledge and conversation And others who were unfit nor cared to attain a fitnesse for it would rather of their own accord forbear then venture the hazard of being refused By means whereof himself and some hundrds of godly persons who did communicate with him could with great comfort joyn in that holy Communion and Fellowship On the 11 of April in the year 1644. he was constituted Master of Queens Colledge in Cambridge by the Earl of Manchester then employed by Ordinance of Parliament for thâ— reforming of that University He had a great influence upon the general Reformation of that University and by his advice and counsell did very much help forward that work exciting also and encouraging others therein notwithstanding the difficulties in the way that were represented as almost invincible and did improve all that interest which he had both in that Noble and Religious Earl of Manchester and in the Assembly of Divines who were to give their approbation to all such as should be put into the places of such as were ejected in that University whether Masters or Fellows that all possible care and circumspection might be used that such only as were both learned and religious might be commended to or approved for those places lest in stead of those that were cast out others as bad as they should succeed them as well in their vices as their places But more especially in reference to that place to the Government whereof he was designed whereof also he had formerly been a Fellow it cannot easily be believed how exceeding circumspect he was how cautious and wary in the choice of those who as Fellows were to joyn with him in the Government that they might be learned pious and unanimous The happy effect of which care in so quiet and peaceable establishment of that society as could not easily be expected in so troublesome a time was to the great astonishment and amazement of all even of those that hated them and hath had a very great influence upon that happy and flourishing condition thereof ever since What his aime was in that place did continually appear by his constant expressions and Prayers which sounded of nothing more then the advancement of Religion and Learning And he was as true to those expressions in his continued endeavours and actings His first and main care was the advancement of Religion and practical Piety knowing that where this took place a conscionable improvement of time in other things could not well be wanting This made him extraordinary sollicitous for the constant presence of the whole society at the publique Worship of God which he did carefully look to when he was present amongst them and was usually one of the last things he gave in charge to all the Students when his more publique employments at the Assembly called him away and whereof he was very inquisitive in his absence He took care also for the constant instruction not only of the young Scholars but likewise of all the Colledge-Servants in the principles of Religion The exercises of Common-places or Sermons in the
His marriage Conformity strictly pressed Gods good providence over him The trouble of his Wife Gods mercy His return to Newhall The Lady Ferrers respect to him though a Papist His prudence in his Ministry Bishop Neals malice Gods Providence over him His Letter about Master Rediches death Note He is inhibited from preaching But soon restored His last sicknesse His Death An. Christi 1618. His behaviour in his sickness His counsell to his friends His Burial His excellent parts His method in teaching The efficacy of his Ministry He used a form of prayer and why The Scriptures which he preached over His works that were published His zeal against Sectaries and Separatists A Disputation His Charity Doctor Halls character of him His birth and breeding His remove from Cambridge His coming to London His marriage His painfulnesse 1 Cor. 9.2 The effectualnesse of his Ministry Isa. 53.1 and 49.4 Isa. 8.18 1 Cor. 4.15 Jam. 5.20 Dan. 12.3 Luk. 1.16 Rom. 10.1 The danger of unprofitabe hearers 1 Cor. 9.27 Mat. 23.3 His exemplary life What makes a compleat man What makes a compleat Minister His manner of preaching His zeal for the Sabbath His prudence His care of his Family His Apology for quoting the Fathers His faithfulnesse in reproving sin His last sicknesse His death 1 Tim. 4.12 His birth and education His natural and acquired parts His entring into the Ministry His course of life before his Conversion The means and manner his Conversion Power of Prayer His Faith and comfort Confess l. 5. c. 13 14. His going into Ireland The efficacy of his Ministry The places of his first employment The study of the Prophesies His contests with the Bishops Mat. 26.13 The Lady Bowes her great charity His self-denial His patience and courage His carriage amongst his people Special Providence His persecution by Bishop Neal. * Gnats His last sicknesse His last sicknesse He foretels his death His death His strange sicknesse and recovery Satans malice The power of prayer His dispossessing of the devil His Birth His education His going to Cambridge His remove to Queens Colledge His Character His studiousnesse He is chosen Fellow He studies Physick His study of Astrology His Conversion He is chosen to oppose before the King His many Pupils His zeal His diligence The Bishops Hypocrisie His courage His Prudence Master Preston preacheth before the King He is made the Prince his Chaplain His travel in the Low-Countries He is chosen to Lincolns-Inne The Duke of Buckinghams Letter He is chosen Master of Emanuel A special Providence His last sicknesse His Parentage His education His conversion A special Providence His going to Cambridge 2 Cor. 7.6 A special Providence His first Sermon He is chosen Fellow of Christs Colledge but opposed His remove to Ashby His marriage His first silencing His Sermon before the Judge Judge Aderson angry with him He manageth the Petition for Reformation His second silencing The successe of his Ministry He is restored to Ashby His Lectures on John 4. His third silencing Wightman burnt for Heresie Slander He is cited into the High-Commission Court Silenced His sicknesse His second summons into the High-Commission Court His imprisonment He is falsly accused His censure in the High-Commission Court A special Providence He is sent for Leyden His constancy His humility and charity He opposeth the Brownists and Independents Master Cottons testimony of him Dr. Prestons testimony of his Lectures on John 4. His studiousnesse His care to profit by the Word His sicknesse His recovery His Lectures at Ashby on Psal. 35.3 His Lectures on Psal. 51. He is again silenced His last sicknesse His death His burial His charity His Parentage and education His going to Cambridge His Sermon at Pauls Crosse. His painfulnesse in the Ministry The success of his Ministry His piety in private His sicknesse His prudence therein His death His birth and breeding His going to Cambridge His remove to Oxford His going into Northamptonshire Gods judgements on Sabbath-breakers Isa. 28.15 Levit. 26.27 28. A special Providence His remove to Woolstone He is opposed by the Bishop His courage He is suspended and excommunicated Absolved by the Archbishop He is accused of treason and imprisoned Sir T. Lucy He is acquitted The Bishop enjoyned to ask him forgivenesse P. Petiver Binley Wood. A special Providence His great pains The success of his Ministry His care in the education of his children Gods judgements on Sabbath-breakers His powerfull manner of preaching His last sicknesse His death His Country His going to Cambridge His promotion in the Colledge and University His conversion He is chosen Lecturer in Cambridge Master of Katherine Hall His prudence in the Ministry Mr Dods testimony of his Sermons on Cant. 5. His piety His charity His death His Parentage His remove to Cambridge His Father casts him off He is chosen Fellow Chosen the first Master of Emanuel He commenced Doctor His care of the Colledge His care for young Students His care of Servants He resigned his place His death His birth and education His going to Oxford His remove into Cheshire His improvement of his parts His frequent Fasts and Prayers His constancy His Non-conformity He is ordained Minister His call to Whitmore His marriage His diligent studies His skill in comforting afflicted consciences His indefatigablenesse His unwearied pains on the Sabbath His frequent Fasting and Prayer His readinesse to do good His temperance and meeknesse His frugality His charity His humility His esteem of the weight of the Ministry His humility The necessity of stadying controversies The danger of Separation His high esteem of God His gratitude for mercies His high esteem of Jesus Christ. His prudence His distaste of frowardnesse The means of cure His love to the Church and to his Children His contentednesse His care to keep the Sacraments from pollution His dislike of separation His judgment about Independency His judgement about revelations His humility and modesty His intended works His great abilities His last sicknesse His Faith His humility His death His birth and education His preferments at Oxford His humility His holinesse His Lectures at Abington and Totnes He is chosen Provost of Queens Colledge He is chosen Bishop of Carlisle His painfulnesse His Sermon at the beginning of the Parliament His death A favouerer of godly Ministers Mr. Thomas Richardson now Pastor of Newbold Pace in Warwickshire An enemy to the book of sports His birth and education His conversion He is rejected by his Uncle His going to Cambridge Humane infirmity A special Providence His recovery He is persecuted And entertained by Sir Edward Bois By Sir Edward Anslow His great pains His faithfulnesse His preaching at Battersey His self-deniel His marriage He is again persecuted His Courage He is chosen by the Merchants He erects discipline in the Church Conversion The efficacy of his Ministry Gods judgement on a persecutor His charity His self-denial His return into England His Lecture in Wales His call to Wapping His painfulnesse A