THE LIFE OF
WILLIAM WHITAKER
WILLIAM WHITAKER was born at Holme, in the parish of Burnley, in Lancashire, of an ancient family. His father was one who, by his industry, increased the ancient inheritance of the WHITAKERS. In his childhood he was educated under his parents, and brought up in the school of Burnley: but when he was thirteen years old, he was sent for, to LONDON, by his uncle, ALEXANDER NOWELL, Dean of St. Paul's. His uncle kept him in his own house, and placed him in St. Paul's school. At eighteen years old he was sent to Cambridge, to Trinity College, where he was chosen, first, Scholar, and then Fellow of the House.
A while after, leaving PLATO and ARISTOTLE, he became a diligent reader of the Sacred Scriptures, to which he always attributed the chief authority, not only to build our faith upon, but to determine all controversies by. In a few years he read over most of the Fathers, both Greek and Latin; and if by any occasion of friends' visits he was interrupted in his studies, he would gain so much time out of his sleep, as to finish the task he had imposed upon himself. But as by these his labors and watchings he much increased his learning, so he much impaired the health of his body, which he never recovered.
DR. WHITGIFT, then Regius Professor, took so great a liking to him, that he esteemed him as his son, all his life after. When he took the degree of Bachelor in Divinity, he performed his exercises in such a manner, that his auditors knew not whether he showed himself the better Christian or Divine. When this work was over, he lived quietly for a while in the College; " being never less idle than when idle, nor less alone than when alone." For when he was free from public business, he prepared himself, by studying controversies, for public work; thereby presaging, as it were, what afterwards came to pass. For, shortly after, DR. CHADDERTON, the Master of Queen's College, and Regius Professor, was made a Bishop; and Though WHITAKER was but young, yet, considering his great learning, he was unanimously chosen to be his successor in the Professorship.
When he began to read his lectures, he performed them to the abundant satisfaction of all his hearers; nothing being found wanting which could be required in the best Divine, and most accomplished Professor. For he showed much reading, a sharp judgment, and a pure and easy style, with sound and solid learning; so that his fame spreading abroad, many resorted to his lectures; and reaped much profit thereby.
The first thing that he began with, in his lectures, was to expound the first three chapters of ST. LUKE: after which, he went over the Epistle to the Galatians, the First Epistle to TIMOTHY, and the Canticles. Afterwards he betook himself to the controversies between the Papists and us, in the year 1585.
About this time he married a wife, a prudent, pious, chaste, and charitable woman. After her death, at the. end of two years, he married another, a grave matron, the widow of DUDLEY FENNER. By these he had eight children, whom he educated religiously.
DR. WHITAKER was shortly after chosen Master of ST. JOHN'S College in Cambridge, which, Though at first some of the Fellows disliked, yet, within a little space, by his clemency, equity, and goodness, he turned them unto love and admiration of him. Yea, he always governed the College with -much prudence and hinderation, not seeking his own profit, but the public good. In choosing Scholars and Fellows, he always, carried himself unblameably; so that he would never suffer any corruption to creep into the election: and if he found any one; who, by bribes, had sought to buy suffrages, he, of all others, (Though otherwise never so deserving,) was not to be chosen.
The week before he died, he performed an excellent work, not only for the University of Cambridge; but for the whole English Church, for whose peace and unity he always studied, by undertaking to compose some differences which sprang up about some heads of religion for which end he went towards LONDON in the midst of Winter,- in the company of DR. TYNDAL, Master of Queen's College: but what with his journey, and want of sleep, (being too intent upon his business,) he fell sick by the way, which made him~ return to Cambridge; and finding his disease increase, 1e sent for the physicians, who resolved to take some blood from him, which was. yet neglected for two days, The third day, when they went about it, he was unfit, by reason of a continual. sweat that he was in; yet that night he seemed to sleep quietly; and the next morning a friend asking Min, how he did, he answered, "O happy night I I have not taken so sweet a sleep, since my disease seized upon me." But his friend, finding him all in a cold sweat, told him; that signs of death appeared on him; to whom he answered; " Life or death is welcome to me; Which GOD pleases; for death shall be an advantage to me." And after a while he said, " I desire not to live,- but only so far as I may do GOD and his Church service." And so shortly after, he quietly departed in the LORD, in the year 1595, in the forty-seventh year of his age; having been Professor sixteen years.
CARDINAL BELLARMINE procured his picture out of Fngland, and hung it up in his study) much admiring him for his singular learning; and being asked by a Jesuit, why he would suffer the picture of that heretic to hang there, answered, " Though he was an heretic, and his adversary, yet he was a learned adversary."
In the whole course of his disease, which was a fever, he demeaned himself quietly and mildly, acknowledging GOD to be the author of his disease, to whose will he willingly submitted himself, without the least sign of impatience; saying with JOB, " LORD, my GOD, Though Thou kill me, yet I ant sure that with these eyes I shall see thee, for in thee do I hope." In his habit, in his countenance, and in the whole course of his life, he showed forth piety and holiness; and in his private family, where' he most discovered himself; he was the same man. He was most patient in injuries, which he quickly forgot, and was easily reconciled to those who deserved worst of him.
He was very charitable and liberal to the poor, according to his estate, which yet he always carried privately but especially he was most bountiful to such poor as were modest, godly, and industrious, and yet more especially to such poor students as were ingenious and laborious. These he would often secretly furnish with money, and prefer them to places, as far as by the statutes of the College he could.
In passing judgment upon other men's lives and actions, he was always very modest and moderate. Those whom he saw do well, he would encourage and commend: for those that brake out into inordinate practices he would grieve and mourn. In his converse with his friends, he was very courteous and pleasant; faithful in keeping secrets; prudent and grave in serious matters; always most ready to assist his friends in every condition, either with counsel, comfort, or money.
His piety towards his parents was singular; to whom he was very dutiful, and whom he supported, being fallen into decay. And that which added a lustre to his learn’ ing, virtue, and graces, was, that they were accompanied with Moses-like meekness, and almost incredible humility. For although he was endued with a most sharp wit, happy memory, variety of reading, excellent eloquence, as ever was in any Divine, and, lastly, with a most learned and polite judgment, so that he was the oracle of the University; yet did he not hold any singular or private opinion, but what was agreeable to the sound doctrine of the word of Gob: yea, he was so humble, that he despised not his inferiors, but carried himself as et child that is weaned from his mother's breasts.
Bishop HALL says of him; " Never man saw him without reverence, nor heard him without wonder,"
THE LIFE OF PHILIP DE MORNAY, LORD OF PLESSIS MARLY.
PHILIP DH MORNAY was, by the father's- side, of the house of Mornay, allied to the most illustrious families in France, being some while since united to the royal family of Bourbon. He was born November the 5th, 1549. JAMES DE MORNAY, his father, was much addicted to the superstitions of the Church of Rome, in the which he was very careful to bring up his children. His mother, daughter to CHARLES DE BEC CRESPFN, Vice-Admiral of France, had some knowledge of the true religion in her husband's life-time, and endeavored under-hand to instil it into her family; and in the end wrought so far with her husband upon his death-bed, that, after some ardent exhortations which she used to him in his extremity, he signified to the by-standers, that he had no need of the Romish superstitious ceremonies, but grounded his salvation upon the alone merits of CHRIST JESUS his SAVIOR.
His first master was one GABRIEL PRESTATI who, together with human learning, infused gently into him some principles of true doctrine, Though he durst not make any open mention of religion to him, for fear of his father, who knew not that GABRIEL was a Protestant. He was afterwards brought to Paris, where` he continued for two years; Though the course of his studies was often interrupted by sickness.
About the end of the year 156O; he was called front Paris to his father's funeral. Being arrived at his mother's, he was solicited by her to read the Protestant Catechism, which he refused, but demanded a New Testament in Latin and French; and one of the Geneva impression being_ offered unto him, he likewise refused it, but accepted of one printed at Lyons, which he greedily read, praying GOD to enlighten him in the knowledge of his truth; and, withal, carefully observing, that the chief doctrines and services of the church of Rome were riot to be found in Scripture, such as purgatory, invocation of saints, the sacrifice of the mass, adoration -of images;. each of these, still as he found no mention of it in Scripture, he blotted out of his mind, and began tp suspect the rest: so that at last he desired to satisfy himself concerning transubstantiation and justification, by reading concerning those subjects; which wrought so good effect on him, that, about the. end of the year 1x61, he became resolved to quit the Church of Rome.
His mother, Though she exceedingly rejoiced, yet would not willingly have had him to profess it so soon, because ahe as yet adhered outwardly to the Papists. But GOD having, about the same time, cast her into a sickness, almost unto death, she made a vow, in the presence of her children, that if GOD would please to raise her from that bed of sickness, she would make open profession of the Gospel, which she performed at the end of the same year,. 1561.
About the beginning of the year 1562;. he was again sent to Paris by his mother, where he had scarcely continued three months, before the troubles for religion broke out, which forced him to leave the cit~. Being returned home, he fell sick of a pleurisy, wtt5ch, with other infirmities, so far interrupted his. studies, that he forgot almost all which he had learned: whereupon his mother had an intention to make him Page of the King's chamber. But peace being re-established in the year 1563, his importunities prevailed so far with her, as to return once more to Paris, where in a short time he recovered what before he had lost, so far as to outgo his master. It is observable, that during this time of his continuance at Paris, he was never seen to play, or take other recreation than expounding, before his master, PLATO'S Timaus, or some such like author.
About this time his uncle, the Bishop of NANTES, strove to win him back to the Church of Rome, exhorting him to read diligently the ancient Doctors of _the Church; and the better to allure him thereto, he promised to resign unto him his Bishopric, and to put him in present possession of a Priory. But lie, thanking him for his proffers, answered, that he would commit himself wholly unto GOD, from whom he was confident he should receive whatsoever was necessary for him. And afterwards, he did often, by letters, mark out unto his said uncle such passages of the Fathers as confirmed-the Protestant religion, and confuted that of the Papists.
In the year 1567, the second troubles arising for religion, he prevailed with his mother to put himself into the army, with two of her brothers. But the eternal providence of GOD, which reserved him to higher employments, brought it so to pass, that his horse, falling upon him by the way, broke his leg, which forced him to return. This hurt was long in healing, and at length constrained him to undertake a voyage into foreign countries, the use of hass being requisite to his full recovery.
In September, 1569, he went to Frankfort, and from thence into Italy, remaining some time at Padua to continue his studies. His idle hours he passed in the physic-garden, learning the natures and names of the herbs and plants. At the same time he read over the greatest part of the Bible, under RABBI MENAKEN, a Jew, the most learned of that age.
At length, the State of Venice making a league with Spain- and the Pope, against the Turks, occasioned a more strict search to be made by the Bishop of Padua after such as professed the Protestant religion; of which profession MR. Du PLESSIS being known to be, he retired to Venice, to MONSIEUR Du FERRIER,' then Ambassador for the King of France there. And here also he was likely to have come into danger: for a certain officer of the Inquisition, proffering him an oath upon some articles proposed to him, he answered in Italian, that his religion permitted him not to take it. The officer, misunderstanding the word religion, (which, in that language, most commonly signifies some order of Friars,) asked him if he was a religious person. MONSIEUR Du PLESSIS, understanding the officer's question of a Protestant, (such being in France called "of the religion,") answered, "Yes;" whereupon the officer proceeded no farther. Divers like dangers he escaped, by the providence of GOD, in other parts of Italy. At Rome, a Provost came by night, and examined him concerning his country and his name. He told him his name was PHILIP DE MORNAY; the Provost not hearing Du PLESSIS, by which name he was more ordinarily called, left him, supposing he was not the man he sought for.
From Venice (having first seen the rest of Italy) he went to Vienna, and from thence by Hungary, Bohemia, and Saxony, to Frankfort, and so to Cologne, in the end of the year 1571. Here he was familiar with PHILIP XIMENES, a Spaniard, the great friend Of CASSANDER, with whom he had frequent conference about religion. XIMENES confessed many errors in the visible church, but would by no means allow of a separation from it: Du PLESSIS, having obtained his arguments in writing, gave him an answer to them, to which XIMENES promised, but never gave an answer.
In the spring, 1572, he passed into Flanders, and so into England, where he was favorably received by Queen ELIZABETH, who already had him in great esteem. At that time MONSIEUR DE MoNTMORENCY, and MONSIEUR DE FOIX, were newly arrived in England, to swear the league between the Queen and CHARLES King of France. These intended to send Du PLESSIS to the Queen of Scots, then prisoner in England, to salute her in the name of their master. But when he perceived that he was to deliver some letters secretly to her, which made against the league, he refused that commission, saying, " That he would not begin his employment by so evil an action."
At the end of July, 1572, he returned into France, and went to wait upon the Admiral at Paris; that fatal marriage being then ready to be solemnized between the King of Navarre, and MARGARET of France. His mother was then in the city upon her return home, and himself ready to accompany her, when crews was brought that the Admiral was hurt, whom presently he ran to aid at his lodging. He had always suspected that marriage, but this wicked act confirmed his suspicion. Wherefore, desiring his mother instantly to depart, he resolved himself to stay, and attend the issue of what he suspected. Upon ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S Day, (the day of that horrid massacre,) the messenger whom he had sent to inquire concerning the Admiral's health, returned affrighted, and told him, that the Admiral's lodging was broken into by force. At this sudden news, he leaped out of his bed, and, putting on his clothes, felt an extraordinary motion in himself, which caused him to say, " GOD will deliver me out of this danger, and I shall see it revenged:" on the contrary, RAMICI, his tutor, presently answered, And I shall die in it:" both which came to pass.
Whilst he intended to hasten to the Admiral's lodging, divers hindrances kept him within, till the murderers arrived at his house, so that he bad scarcely time to burn his papers, and save himself on the top of the house, till they were gone. A day or two he lay hid in Paris; and on the third day of the massacre, he slipped out of the city Though not without much danger) under the disguise of a lawyer's clerk. Arriving at his mother's, he found the family dispersed, and herself concealed by a mean gentleman of the neighborhood. Having saluted her, he resolved to venture for England: to which end, one offered to procure for him the Duke of Guise's pass; but he refused it, saying, " that he would not owe his life to those for whose service he should ha does to employ' it; that GOD had delivered him from the massacre, and therefore into his hands he would commit his passage;" and within two or three days, finding a boat at Dieppe, he passed in it safe to England; where he had been recommended to the Queen by the Lord WALSINGHAM, then Ambassador in France.
Being there, he wrote some remonstrances, by which he exhorted the Queen to the defense of the afflicted Church; and confuted the calumnies imposed. upon the Protestants. He was likewise employed in the treaty of marriage between the Duke of Alencon (brother to the French King) and Queen ELIZABETH. This Duke, by reason of some differences between his brothers and himself, took up arms; and made use of the Protestants, as a discontented party, tQ assist him; to join with whom MONSIEUR Du PLESSIS was much solicited, which occasioned him at length to return into France; but withal, he expressed his dislike of joining the interest of religion with the Duke's ambitious and discontented ends.
This war not succeeding, he retired to Jametz, till the death of King CHARLES 8:, who died in 1574. After this he came to Sedan, where he was desired by the duch*ess of Bouillon to undertake a journey to the Duke of Cleves, who, with the Elector-Palatine, had been, by her late husband, constituted executors of his will; which(Though a business of much hazard) was undertaken by him, and performed tothe great contentment of the duch*ess. During his sojourning at Sedan, he married CHARLOTTE ARBALESTE, a widow, who, having likewise escaped the massacre at Paris, had fled thither for religion. At her request he composed his " Treatise of Life and Death."
In the year 1576, he went to the King of Navarre, at Guienne, who immediately received him for one of his council, and to whom he did much service in the wars, against the pretended Holy League; in reference to which, he was, by the said King, employed in 15i7, with an ample commission to the Queen of England, to solicit her for aid against the leaguers. Being arrived in May at LONDON, the Queen (who was very prompt in such kind of speeches) told him, that she had expected him as messenger from a Duke, but now she saw him as an ambassador from a King. At his audience he obtained from her the sum of eighty Thousand crowns to levy men in Germany for that war, which nevertheless were not raised, by- reason of the peace which followed in the same year. During this his abode in England, he composed his " Treatise of the Church."
Being resolved to pass into the Low Countries, in June, 1578, he took leave of the Queen at Norwich; who, besides an honorable present bestowed upon him, would have a particular cypher for letters to pass between them. In his passage he was robbed by pirates, where he lost (besides other things) his papers, amongst which there were some books of the History of his Time in Latin, which he had begun.
Arriving at Antwerp, he was present at the treaty between Queen ELIZABETH, Duke CASIMIR, and the United Provinces in which treaty he caused likewise to be included the King of Navarre, his master. Soon afterwards an attempt was made to poison him by one GUERIN, who had been hired to poison the Prince of Orange; but his Thouth and good constitution overcame the force of the poison. During his stay here, he fell into a grievous sickness, which the physicians judged to be caused by the remains of the poison. This continuing upon him, and the plague raging in Antwerp, he was invited by those of Ghent, for change of air, unto their city, where they provided a house for him.
The next spring the King of Navarre again took up arms, and commanded MONSIEUR Du PLFss&IS (laying all other business aside) to make another journey to England to elemand succors, which he immediately undertook. The Queen of England was then about to make peace with the King of France, so that this embassage was not very agreeable to her: yet after his return to Antwerp, she wrote a letter with her own hand to MONSIEUR Du PLESSIS, telling him, that he should be welcome, whenever he pleased, to return into England; and that never any gentleman had treated with her, in whom she took so much pleasure as in himself.
In the year following, (1583;) he was sent by the King of Navarre to the National Synod of Vitray, in Bretagne, where he was joyfully received by the whole company, with this preface, " That had they met him occasionally in the streets, they should have earnestly importuned his presence with them." He was likewise present in the General Assembly of the Protestants held at Montauban, by the King's permission, in the year 1584, where he was desired byy the Assembly to draw up- the form of their complaints against the violation of the edict- for peace, which he, together with> the Count DE LAVAL, presented afterwards to the King at Blois.
The league of the House of Guise breaking forth in the year 1585, which was formed first against the King, tinder pretence of the defense of the Catholic Religion, and afterwards declared against the King of Navarre-and the Protestants that famous declaration, in the name of the said King, was penned by MONSIEUR Du PLESSIS, wherein the King, having answered the calumnies cast upon him by-that' faction, proposed (to avoid the calamities of a civil war) that the quarrel might be ended between himself and the Duke of Guise, notwithstanding the inequaiity of their conditions, by a combat, either of one to one, two to two, or ten to ten, more or less, at the choice of the said Duke: to which declaration MONSIEUR Du PLESSIS would not set his hand, till the King of Navarre had promised that he should be one of the combatants, if the conditions should be accepted. But this not being accepted by the Duke, there followed the civil wars, in which MONSIEUR Du PLESSIS did many important services for the King of Navarre and the Protestants.
After the death of the Duke of Guise at Blois, then followed a truce between the Kings, in the year 158'O. Upon this MONSIEUR Du PLESSIS was, by the King of France, made Governor of Saumur. One memorable passage during these wars cannot well be omitted:-The King of Navarre, having abused the daughter of a gentleman in Rochelle, (by whom he had a son,) the Church had often remonstrated with him but he could not be persuaded to take off the scandal by a public acknowledgment, till MONSIEUR Du PLESSIS, giving him counsel about a battle which was then ready to be fought, took the opportunity to tell him how necessary it was to seek the favor of Almighty GOD, the only giver of victory, and thereupon urged him to consult with his conscience, whether he ought not to give glory to GOD upon such an occasion, and what remorse it would create in him, if GOD, for want of it, should blast his undertakings, to the ruin of so good a cause; which so nearly touched the King's heart, that he commanded him to consult with a Minister concerning what he had to do in that business; according to whose advice he made, the next day, a public acknowledgment of his fault in the church before all the Nobility of his army. This' counsel being Thought by some to be too rigorous, MONSIEUR Du PLESSIS made this answer, "That as a man could not be too courageous before men, so he could not be too humble in the presence of GOD."
After the murder of HENRY 3: By a Jacobin at St. Cloud, in August, 1587, MONSIEUR Du PLESSIS was made Counselor of State to the King of Navarre, (now HENRY 4:, King of France,) whom he served in the recovery of his right against the league of the House of Guise, Though with much hazard to himself, some having been, by their own confession, hired to murder him.
Afterwards, the Duke of Florence being willing to join interests with the King, fearing the too great potency of Spain, sent a gentleman to him, who proffered to MONSIEUR Du PLESSIS twenty Thousand crowns a year, if he would counsel the King to Change his religion, to which he stoutly replied, " That his master's conscience Was not to be sold, any more than his own. In the year 159O he built a church for the Protestants at Saumur, and obtained a grant from the King for the institution of an University there, which was afterwards confirmed by a National Synod.
In the year 16O2, a certain monk had hired two young men to kill him; who came in sermon-time into the church at Saumur; the one of them drew so near, as to lift up the carpet which lay before him, but had not the boldness to strike. Being taken upon suspicion, he confessed his intentions, and who set him on work; whereupon the monk was apprehended and hanged.
In January, 16O5, the only son of MONSIEUR Du PLESSIS was sent for to the Court by the King, who intended an employment for him: but the design for which he had been sent failing, he desired leave to go,~ into Holland, which was granted him, where he was, the same year, unhappily slain before Gueldres; which caused so great a grief in his mother, that she lived not long after, departing this life in May, 16O6. This was one of the most remarkable years in the whole life of MoNSIEult Du= l'LESSIs, in the which two such losses had befallen him, After his son's death, he had both his own- grief to combat with, and to comfort his wife; but after her death he,was wont to say, " That heretofore she had been an aid to him in living well, and should hereafter be so in teaching him to die well."
The horrid murder of the King following, in the year 161O, lie, upon notice of it, took so good order, as to keep the people about his government in quiet, who, upon that sudden change, were ready to take up arms. And as soon as he received the edict for the regency of the Queen-Mother, he administered the oath of fidelity to all the Clergy and people within his jurisdiction; making a speech unto them, in which he desired them to forget the distinguishing names of Papist and Protestant, which, having caused so many misfortunes, ought to be buried in this great one, and professing, that whoever would show himself a good Frenchman, and a faithful subject, should be by him respected as his brother.
Some years following were spent by MONSIEUR Du PLESSIS in procuring the peace of the Protestant churches, and endeavoring to keep a good correspondence between the King and them, which was continually ready to be interrupted; in which business he carried himself with so much prudence and fidelity, that he was admired and praised by all yea, even CARDINAL PERRON himself (heretofore one of his greatest enemies) showed him great respect in the Assembly of Estates held at Roan, in 1617, speaking of him in all companies with an excess of praises, and telling the King himself, that those men had done him wrong who had hindered MONSIEUR Du PLESSIS from having a greater power in the management of his affairs; that his religion ought not to render hint unprofitable in the exercise of those graces which GOD had given him; and that his Majesty ought to keep him near his person so long as he should live;-which praises the said Cardinal reiterated upon his death-bed, in September, 1618, charging his friends, then about him, to send a solemn farewell from him to MONSIEUR Du PLESSIS, and to manifest his sorrow for not having made a stricter league of friendship with him, having so high an esteem of his conscience and integrity:
His government of the town and castle of Saumur was continued unto him till the year 1621, when the King, regarding the Protestants with displeasure and suspicion, by reason of their high deportment in the Assembly at Rochelle, displaced him, at first but for three months, with a promise of restoring him so soon as affairs should be quieted. But these discontents growing to an open war, he could never procure a re-establishment; wherefore, retiring to his house in the forest upon Daytime, be continued there till the day of his death, applying himself to holy meditations and exercises of patience.
He, did, by a particular providence, make his last will, for the peace of his family, and the edification of those that should survive him; which having finished upon the 3d of November, in the fore-mentioned year, he expressed himself to be now discharged of one of his greatest cares, and that nothing was left for him to do, but to die. The next day he was seized by a fever, forcing him to keep his bed, which so continued and increased upon him, that upon the ninth of the same month, the physicians gave over all hopes of his recovery: nevertheless he lived. for forty-eight hours after, which he well husbanded. In _all this time be gave, both- by word and action, so many evident signs of his faith, that it may be truly; said, that in this short time he confirmed, by irrefragable proofs, all that he, had said or written of the truths of the Christian religion.
In all this time he felt little pain, so that when the Minister asked him how he did, he still would answer, u Well; very well." His speech continued till the tenth clay at midnight, which he constantly employed in prayers for himself and his enemies, and in comfortable speeches to the by-standers. Being asked if he felt not the SPIRIT within him, sealing unto him the promises of GOD, he answered, "Yes, indeed, I am assured of it;" and again, " I feel, I feel what I speak." Two hours after, his speech and his hearing failed him, and his breath between six and seven in the morning of the eleventh day, which was the hour when he yielded up his spirit into the hands of GOD; finishing, by a happy death, a life of above seventy-four years' continuance.
Additional Particulars concerning the last Hours of MONSIEUR Du PLESSIS had made his will upon the 24th of October, 1623; but he did not sign it till the 3d of November following, which having done, " Now," said he, " I am discharged of one of my chief cares, and for the time to come have nothing else to look after but death. And indeed, from the day following, he kept his bed for the most part, being seized by a continual fever.
On Thursday, the ninth of November. MADAME DE VILLARNOUL, his eldest daughter, came in the morning to his bed-side, where, after she had inquired of his health, as she stood silent, he told her that he desired some one might come and hold some good discourse with him: upon which occasion, they caused a Minister, being his household Chaplain, to come, that he Might give him notice of the dangerous condition in which he was. The Minister used much liveliness in the delivery, without making use of the circ*mstances wherewith then commonly usher in such discourses: to whom MONSIEUR Du PLESSIS, with a countenance full of assurance, answered, " It is true! I am very well content it should be so; and do in the first place pardon from my heart, all such as have done, or procured, evil to me; further beseeching GOD, that he would pardon and amend them, The Minister, praising GOD for this, prayed him, that as he had edified him in his life-time, so now, he would do the same at his death; and since he still enjoyed the use of his tongue, that he would comfort the by-standers -by his speeches. To this be answered, "that he had not his speech so free as they imagined; neither could he speak without pain.
Nevertheless, the desire he had to give an outward testimony of the disposition of his heart, made him in some measure overcome this hindrance; only he abridged into as few words as he could all that he had to say. Theta he began a confession of his faith; but not being able to finish it, he lifted up himself from the chair whereon he sat, and said to the Minister, " I have a great account to make, having received much, and profited little." It being answered, that he had, by the grace of GOD, faithfully employed his talent, having served the church with much profit, and advanced the kingdom of CHRIST Alas," said he, "what was there of mine in that work; Say not that it Was I, but GOD by me." Afterwards, being laid upon his bed, "There is nothing," said he, " more just and reasonable, than that the creature should obey his Creator." Then, lifting up his hands above his head, he thrice cried out; "Mercy;" adding, that he did it to show; that it Was the mercy of GOD to which alone he had his recourse; that he had heretofore desired to live, in hopes to see the deliverance of the Church; but that finding no repentance in it, he found nothing that should invite him to continue in it. Then composing his countenance, with a firm and grave voice, he gave his blessing, first unto his daughters, afterwards unto his sons-in-law, recommending peace unto them, " which," said he, " I leave Thou, as also Thour children, and whole posterity, as well present as absent, praying GOD to ratify this my blessing, by his most holy benediction." He gave his blessing likewise to MONSIEUR D'AUBERVILLE his nephew, and his wife; afterwards to his family and household servants; and, ii particular, to the Minister who assisted him:, beseeching the LORD to prosper the ministry of his word in his hands. He called likewise MONSfEUR DISSENDEAU, the Physician, who had always faithfully served him in his sicknesses; and blessed him.
At the same time calling to mind MONSIEUR BOUCHERBAN, Muster of the church in Saumur, he prayed GOD to bless him; "and let it not trouble him," said he, " to be patient;---he has to do with a troublesome people: I beseech GOD not to impute their sins unto them; there are some in the company who know what I mean." He understood by these words those horrible calumnies, with which he had been unworthily charged. Afterwards he gave his blessing to the church of Saumur, and to that of St. Iovin, (which was the nearest to his house,) taking notice that there were in it many good men. At length he prayed to GOD for all the Church in general, that he would deliver it, arid relieve it from oppression. After which, he gave charge to the Minister to write to DE Noixas, daughter to his wife by her former husband, to tell her, that he gave his blessing to her and all her household. Remembering, awhile after, MADAME DE L'ISLE, daughter to Monsieur and Madame DE VILLAR, he expressed his sorrow for not seeing her, blessing her and her children: as also, a while after, he blessed his grand-children, saying, he was assured they should be blessed with the blessings both of heaven above, and of the earth beneath.
This being done, he protested, that he had, through his whole life, made GOD’s glory his end; adding; withal, that such as knew him were not ignorant, that had he proposed any other end to himself, it had been an easy matter for him to have come to great riches and honors. Thereupon, the Minister questioning him upon that subject, he declared, that he persisted constantly in the faith wherein he had lived, and which also, by the grace of Gou, he had defended by example, word, and writings; that were his life again to begin, he would walk in the same way, by which he had already steered his course, to wit, by persevering in the profession of the Gospel, notwithstanding the many disfavors which he bad suffered for it; and that this his faith was altogether founded upon the mercy of GOD in CHRIST, who by the 1{ ATHER had been made unto him,- and to all such as believe in hint, wisdom and righteousness, sanctification and redemption. " And for Thour works, Sir," said the Minister unto him, " do Thou attribute no merit at all unto them" "Away," answered he, "away, with- all merit both of mine, and of any other man's whatsoever: I call for nothing but mercy, free mercy Upon which the Minister pronounces unto him, in the name of JESUS CHRIST, the remission of his sins, and the inheritance of eternal life, belonging unto all those that believe in the SON or GOD; saying, that he did it in the virtue and discharge of his duty,: not that he at all doubted, but he in his heart fully felt the grace of GOD, and had full assurance of his mercy. 11 I thank Thou," said lie, "for it, and take Thour saying for an earnes'. And the goodness of GOD towards me, praised GOD that he saw him: enjoy so much comfort in his end, which he had always heard him desire, during his life; that he might be able to testify it froth his heart, and not die without speaking it.
"I feel," said he unto him, "my Son, I feel what I speak." Afterwards the Minister demanding if he desired that they should pray to GOD to fortify him more and more, and likewise that be would restore him unto his health, that he might further serve him: "'Pray unto GOD," said lie, " that he would dispose of me." It being answered, that all hope, was not yet lost; that what had been told him concerning the danger of his condition, was but for fear lest some accident should take away the consolation of hearing him speak; but that Goii was Almighty, able to raise up even those that were already in the grave;" I am not," said he; " an enemy to life; but I already see one that is far better than this."
Awhile after, MADAME DE VILARNOUL said unto lain" that she hoped GOD Would restore him at the instance of their prayers; " My daughter," said he, " let him do what he pleases I depend upon his arrival." And, indeed, Though he always testified a great resolution and assurance to encounter with death; yet he never rejected such remedies as were proffered to him; and that day he dined as he was customed. He retired from life; he fled it not, After this they prayed by him, during which exercise he was extrethely attentive; his hands and eyes following the motions of his heart: and as long as the least sense Was left him, he constantly lent a like attention to all the prayers, Which at divers times were presented unto GOD for him, during the space of those forty-eight hours; so that, about five hours before his death, when motion and sense began to fail him it was marked, that he endeavored with one hand, to lift the other from under the clothes, that he might hold them up, during the prayer.
Prayer being ended; he desired they would read unto him the 71st Psalm, of which himself made choice; there was likewise read unto him the meditation which himself had before time made upon 2 Tim. iv,’1, `1 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, h have kept the faith;" and, moreover, by his command, another, which he had likewise published upon those words of the Psalmist, " Cast thy burthen upon the LORD:' Whilst these were reading, he was very attentive, giving us infinite testimonies of the pleasure which he took therein, and of the. applications which he made for his own consolation: all this continued during three hours, and above, after which, we left him to his repose; as since we always observed the same, to-give him some time of rest. All these spaces he employed in prayers and holy meditations, as appeared by the motions, sighs, and words, which fronT time to time broke from him, of the assurance which he had in GOD,. and of the victory which by his grace he had obtained against the Tempter.
In the afternoon, upon a discourse which was made to. him of the blessed immortality, the Minister saying, that here below we have but the right and title, the possession being reserved for us in heaven, himself cited to this purpose the words of ST. JOHN, in the third chapter of his First Epistle: "Beloved, now are we the sons of GOD, and it does not yet aupear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him. "From whence an occasion being given. too discourse unto him of the resurrection, he Thought good that they should read unto him the fifteenth chapter of the First Epistle to the Corinthians,. and remarked (so fresh and untroubled was his spirit) upon the forty-seventh verse; " The first man, being of the earth, is of dust;" for so it sounds ira, the French translation.
About the end of this, arrived Madame Dr TABARRRERE, his daughter, sent by her husband to visit him, and render the last offices of her duty. He expressed, much contentment in seeing her, saying, that GOD had granted him- what he desired;. that she made up a great part of his comfort, and: had. done him a great pleasure, in coming. He inquired likewise concerning some of her children, whom she had not brought with her, and gave her his blessing;-afterwards exhorting all his children to union and brotherly love, that they might possess in peace the inheritance which he should leave them, and enjoining them, in particular, not to go to law about it; which was promised him by his sons-in-law, and daughters, and particularly by Madame DE FONTENAY, in the name of her husband, then absent in Normandy. This being done, full of content, he said " that he was arrived at the height of comfort, since he died with the assurance of leaving peace amongst his children." And as all withdrew themselves to leave him in repose; " How should I sleep, said he, " there: being so many good: people near me s " His daughters then returning, he took them by the hands, saying, " that be would speak- to them, and would have them answer him:" and then he repeated' unto them all the preceding exhortations, tending to the fear of GOD, and to peace and mutual concord. Some time after, the Minister discoursing to him, that of all his enemies he had now none left to fear, not sin, not death, not the Devil, not the world, these being already discomfited by the LORD JESUS, and speaking to each of these in particular, he seemed to take much delight in that discourse amongst the rest, as he spoke unto him concerning sin, he said, " that its power was the law, abolished by CHRIST' for such as believe in him; and that as for death, it was indeed to be feared by those that are out of CHRIST, but not by those that die in the LORD, by whose cross death was disarmed." As touching the world, the Minister telling him, that he knew well by his own experience, how little its temptations can prevail against those whom the LORD fortifies, his grace and mercy having always constantly accompanied him in all his ways, even to the present hour; he answered, lifting up his eyes on high, " Thy gifts, O GOD, and thy calling, are without repentance:" declaring further, that he was fully assured to have part in all his promises, so that " neither life nor death, things present, nor things to conic, should ever be able to separate him from the love of his SAVIOR:', which saying he repeated divers times.
After this, he insisted much upon confession of his sins, saying, that he was a grievous sinner, even one of the greatest that was upon the earthy that there’acre in him by nature the seeds of all evil; but, that in JESUS CHRIST be should obtain mercy:" and thereupon he required, with much affection, that they would speak unto him touching the death and passion of our SAVIOR; which being done, and followed by prayer, he beard all with great devotion, and at the end of the prayer said "Amen, by JESUS CHRIST our LORD, in whom all the promises of GOD are yea, and amen."
On Friday morning, as we approached to his bed-side, praying him that he would continue to edify and comfort us, by the testimonies of his faith, he began with a prayer, which he pronounced in Latin; " LORD, open Thou m y lips, and I will show forth thy praise: LORD, make me to know my sins, to weep for them, to detest them, to have, them in execration;" which be repeated twice. Upon this the Minister took occasion to speak to him concerning the remission of his sins, and the comfort which follows it, founded upon the hope of immortality. Citing unto him part of the fifth chapter of the Second Epistle to the Corinthians, and laying a particular emphasis upon these words, "We know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building Of GOD, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens," and asking if he believed not all these things, and if in this faith he were not assured to be made partaker of that eternal weight of glory, he answered, " that he was entirely persuaded of it, by the demonstration of the HOLY SPIRIT, more powerful, more clear," and more certain, than all the demonstrations of EUCLID."
In the afternoon he was heard praying to himself, saying, in broken sentences; " 1 flee, I flee to heaven; the angels carry me into the bosom of my SAVIOR." Then the Minister approached, and, to comfort and confirm him more end more, called to his mind the manifold favors which GOD had showed him, in preserving him from so many dangers through which he had run, fortifying him against so many assaults which he had sustained, and having always had a particular care over him. The Minister continuing this discourse, he cried out, "LORD, Thou have been our refuge in all generations; before the mountains were brought forth, Thou art GOD." Whereupon it being added, that as the goodness of GOD towards us was from everlasting, so it is firm to all eternity; whence he might rest for ever assured of it, nor should the weakness of his flesh make him at all to doubt of it; he answered, " 1 know that my Redeemer lives; I- shall see him with these eyes: repeating these last words in Latin three or four times. And as for the infirmity of the body, which turns into dust, it having been said, that this should not weaken our hope, because that GOD, into whose hands we resign it, is powerful and faithful to preserve it;. that he suffereth us to turn, as it were, into nothing, in order to raise us up again more gloriously, taking pleasure to magnify his power in our weakness,. of which he often had experience during; his life; and that it was still to be seen in his death, in which, by the LORD's assistance, be triumphed over all his enemies:;--" We can do all things," answered ho, " through CHRIST that strengthens us."
From that time he still grew weaker, so that towards he could no longer pronounce entire periods, nor testify the motions of his heart, but by short answers to them which they demanded of him, Being asked, if be felt riot within his soul the force of the HOLY SPIRIT, sealing unto him the promises of GOD, and filling him with a lively. Consolation; be answered,. " Yes, indeed;" and another tithe, " I am assured of it."
Thus in the midst of these blessed Thoughts, he entered into the possession of the true life, leaving by little and little this earthly life. His speech failed about mid right, his hearing two hours after, and his breath between; SIX and seven in the morning, at which time he surrendered his Spirit unto GOD his Creator.
JOAN BRUEN, Esq., of Bruen-Stapleford, in the Countypalatine of Chester, was born in 156O; and the Lord, preserved him in his childhood and Thouth from the poison of Popish superstition, and the contagion of those common and gross sins, which reigned in those parts. When he was about seven years old, his father, for some offence, rebuked him sharply, which be being much grieved, took a prayer-book, and going into his father's chapel, read in it, and prayed as well as he could; and it pleased the LORD to comfort him with inexpressible joys. The next day he went to the same place, and used the same means, but found not the like comfort.
In 1574, he was sent to Oxford, where he first received the love of the truth, being then about seventeen years old; he lived in Alban's Hall as a Gentleman-Commoner, and was familiar with JOHN BREXRWOOD, his countryman, an Alderman's Son, of Chester.
In 158O, his father sent for him home, having provided for him the daughter of one MR. HARDWARE, to whom he was married in the fear of GOD, and lived very comfortably with her seventeen years. But being in the prime of his Thouth, he spent much time in hawking, hunting, and such foolish delights.
But in 1587, his father dying, be began to be much perplexed both in mind and estate. Some sorrows and
fears began to work in him: whereupon he began to search his heart, and try his ways, and to call himself to an account for his former courses; and weighing them in the balance of the sanctuary, he found them to be but vanity and vexation of spirit. And although the pangs of his conversion, and the pains of his new birth, were not so violent as in some other of GOD’s children yet were his passions and affections at this time not much unlike to ST. AUSTIN'S at the time of his conversion, who, being weary of the ways of vanity, and tired out with the weight of his sins, out of an holy desire to cast off the burden that pressed him down, and to shake off the pleasing sins that did entangle him, poured out his heart in prayers and tears before the LORD in this manner. How long, LORD, wilt Thou be angry For ever Be not mindful of my old sins."
MR. BRUEN'S father, together with his lands, left him charged with the portions of twelve children, sons and daughters, which that he night discharge, he laid away his hawks and hounds, and began to cut off all other occasions of expense. And whereas his father left him a park well furnished with deer, he disparked it; and drawing himself to as narrow a compass as he could, he provided competently and comfortably_ for his own family, and faithfully paid his brethren and sisters: all their portions,' and disposed of them in marriage-to their own content. Then he was very careful to set up GOD’s worship in his family, walking wisely in the midst of his house, setting his favor upon the godly, and not suffering a wicked person to abide in his sight; and his principal care was, to dwell with his wife as a man of knowledge, and to train up his children in the nurture of the LORD: and by his holy and prudent carriage, his wife, Though well affected to religion before, yet grew on to a higher pitch in knowledge and grace, and became to him to faithful helper, and careful yoke-fellow. They were both very careful in the education of their children, catechizing them in the principles of religion, and causing them to learn such sentences of Scripture as might make the easiest impression upon their hearts. Neither did he spare the rod of correction, as GOD', healing medicine to cure the corruptions of his children; yet if at any time his heart was overheated, through his hatred of sin, and zeal for GOD’s glory, so that he spoke unadvisedly with his lips, or dealt too violently with his hands, he used to he much humbled for it. The fruits of these holy desires and endeavors he found, and reaped in due season: for hereby he became more watchful over his spirit and speech on all such occasions; he grew more moderate in his corrections; when his passions were most vehement against sin, he much assuaged them by his tender affection to the sinner; and, lastly, he lived to see those, whom he most sharply corrected, effectually converted and reformed.
Among his men and maid-servants, there was not one idle and unprofitable person. He took notice of any thereabouts, who began to set their faces towards heaven, such he loved, and labored to draw them into his service.: so that in a short time be was furnished with gracious servants, both men and maids; and then he looked upon them as his brethren and fellow-servants in and under CHRIST. He would sometimes converse with them familiarly, advise, confer, and resolve with them, in matters of conscience, and on other weighty occasions sometimes he made them his comforters in afflictions and temptations, and received refreshing from them. Among the rest, he had one old disciple, ROBERT PASFIELD, a man, utterly unlearned, being able neither to write nor read; yet through Gov's blessing upon his industry, having a good memory, he became ripe in understanding, and mighty in the Scriptures: yea, he was so well acquainted with the sum and substance of every book and chapter, that hardly could a roan ask hind for any sentence scripture, but he would tell' hint in what book and chapter he might find it: he had a good gift in prayer, and was very willing and able to confer of good things, whereby he became very useful, both in the family, and to other young Christians abroad. For the help of his memory, he invented and framed a girdle of leather, long and large, which Went twice about him: this he divided into several parts, allotting every book in the Bible, in its order, to one of these divisions; then for the chapters, be affixed points or thongs of leather to the several divisions, and made knots, by fives or tens, by which to distinguish the chapters of that book, and by other points he divided the chapters into their particular contents, or verses, as occasion required. This he used instead of pen. and ink, in hearing sermons, and made so good use of it, that, on coming home, he was able to repeat the sermon, and to quote the texts of Scripture, to his own great comfort, and to the benefit of others: this girdle, BRUEN kept after his death, and hung it up in his study. With, this old, ROBERT, his master used to converse very familiarly; when conveniently he could, he would have him near him, and would often go to the hop-yard- or barn, where his business lay, to talk and confer with him; and when he was grown old,. having been in his service about thirty years, he was so far from casting him off, that he daily fed. him: from his, owls, table, and set hill not far from him, which he continued too his dying day. Such other servants as he chose to be ever about him, at home and abroad, he made. happy, by taking opportunities to impart some wholesome admonition and instruction to them.
To them all he allotted their places and employments, according to their skill and. knowledge; proportioning also their labor to their strength, and their wages to their labor; ever allowing them both liberty and leisure, means and helps, to accomplish the work they took in hand; and not suffering them to want any encouragement which might make thorn cheerful and faithful in his own and in GOD’s service. For this ends, as opportunity would permit, he would go amongst them to see the work, and encourage the workmen, and would take occasion to raise matter of discourse from their callings, work, or wages; sometimes from the good creatures of GOD, their nature and use; or from the season of the year, as spring, seed-tine, harvest, fair or foul weather; applying to these subjects those places of Scripture in which they had heard or read the same things for their further instruction and edification. In their labors, what he saw well done he would well accept of, and by a due commendation provoke them to continue in well-doing what he saw amiss, if it were of small concernment, he would wisely pass by; if of greater weight, he would admonish or reprove them for it, yet, without reviling words, sometimes more sharply, according to the nature of the fault, and disposition of the offender, and sometimes more mildly, as he found the party more sensible of his fault, and more capable of amendment. There was not the meanest of his servants, but he would cheer and encourage him, especially if he saw in him any thing of CHRIST. His servants also did usually exercise themselves unto godliness, exhorting, admonishing, and encouraging one another in the ways of GOD, and praying to GOD, in their turns, every night, for his blessing upon themselves and labors; which duty they performed in the kitchen, after family-prayers were ended, before they went to bed. And for such of his servants as were inclined to marriage, he provided well, sending then, out, in the fear of GOD, to establish GOD’s worship in their own houses.
He never Thought his table better furnished, than when he had some godly persons to sit with him, or stand about him; nor his meat better seasoned, than when it was mixed with the salt of wholesome words. The religious duties which he daily performed in his family, morning and evening, were these. He rose every morning between three and four in the summer, and at fare in the winter, and then spent an hour or two in private, before he rang the bell to awaken the rest of his family. Sri hr's secret prayers he used to make mention of every one in his family, and especially as their occasions and afflictions required, and gave thanks for such mercies as either he or they had received: then he meditated upon some part of GOD’s word, or works, wherewith he seasoned his mind in the morning: then he wrote out part of some sermon that he had heard lately before: then his family being up, and met together, he, with his heart and his hands lifted up to heaven, spoke in this manner:- “Blessed LORD GOD, and our most merciful Father in CHRIST JESUS, we, thy poor children, do humbly beseech thee graciously to assist us by thy HOLY SPIRIT in this our morning exercise, that we may faithfully perform the same to thy praise, aril our comfort, and that for CHRIST's sake, our only SAVIOR and REDEEMER. Amen."-This set form of short prayer he used morning and evening before his exercise, to convince the ignorance of those, who deny the lawfulness of forms. Then he, with his family, sung a psalm, with which exercise he was much delighted, and oftentimes so ravished therewith in his spirit, that his heart would even spring and leap it-, his body. Yea, he was so affected with praising GOD, that tae took the word Hallelujah for his motto, and usually wrote it in the first page of all his books. Then he read a chapter himself out of the Bible, keeping a constant course in his reading, to make his family better acquainted with the order and matter of the Scriptures, and to season their hearts with some portion of GOD’s word in the morning, as a preservative against all evil Thoughts, speeches, or works, all the day after. He also prayed with them, and that with such power, feeling, fervency, sincerity, faith, and humility, that he was often much admired by them who heard him. He so wrestled with GOD by prayers and tears, that he would not let him go, till he had prevailed, insomuch that they seldom met again to pray, but he had some new and fresh cause of thanksgiving for the returns of his prayers, In the evening he called them together again to the like service; which he performed very religiously after the same manner, saving that, after the chapter, he propounded some wholesome instructions to then, as the portion of Scripture gave occasion, whether to convince of any error, to confirm the truth, to rebuke sin, or to instruct in the way of righteousness.
In 159O, having provided for his parish a worthy Preacher; the people, Though they admired his gifts, yet would not so much as thank him for his pains; which was' a great discouragement to the Minister. Hereupon MR. Baunrr withdrew his Preacher into his own chapel, in order to make the people more to prize the word by the want of it, more careful to seek it where they might find it, and more thankful to GOD and his servants, by whose means they did enjoy it. But after a while, at the importunity of Christian friends; he restored him to the public congregation, maintaining him, and other Preachers after him, till, by the death of the incumbent,. GOD established a faithful Pastor among them, concerning which, hear Mr. CLARZIC’S words at his funeral: " He was," says he, " the chief instrument to plant and establish the preaching of the Gospel in this congregation: first, by providing divers of GOD’s Ministers to preach here often when the Incumbent was grown old and decrepit;- afterwards, by maintaining a Preacher at his own proper cost; and lastly, by being a means to obtain the place for me in reversion, and allowing me the greatest part of my maintenance: so that this parish has cause for ever to acknowledge him a nursing father of religion amongst them, and a blessed instrument to bring in the light of the Gospel unto them, when they sat in darkness, and in the shadow of death."
And whereas the people of Tarvin had a bad custom of keeping wakes upon the Sabbath-Day, at which times there was much profaneness practiced, to the dishonor of GOD, by banqueting, drinking, dancing, &c., this godly gentleman studying to remedy this great evil, against that, *, thine; every year, provided three of the best Ministers in the country, who spent the greatest part of the three days in preaching and praying in the church, so that the pipers. fiddlers, bear-wards, players, gamesters; &c., had no time left them for their follies, but went away with great fretting. Yet multitudes of well-affected people filled the town and the church, greatly rejoicing before GOD; and these he feasted at his house also, so that, at one of these times, he used in his house a fat ox and a half, in the space of three days. And this he did for divers years together, till, -by degrees, he had worn out those profane wakes.
Hereupon he began to be admired for his fervency in religion, insomuch that divers gentlemen of the best ran ft desired to sojourn in his house, for their better information in the way of God. One of them, at his first coming`, would by no means endure to be reproved for his faults but how it was afterwards with him, MR. BUEN thus left upon record o-" It pleased GOD whilst my brother; and’his wife, children, and servants, were it! my family, so to work upon their souls, that they went home with new hearts; converted unto GOD, and professed religion in holy sincerity till their death. it-ly brother' HARDWARE, upon his return to Poole, set up religion' in his family with great power and comfort; so that the very first evening after their coming home, they~ began to sing psalms, to read the Scriptures, to pray, and to catechize. All this being ended, his wife went to bin), and kissed him, saying, " O husband, I thank GOD, and bless his name,: that ever Thou went to Stapleford."
And whereas in those days the LORD was pleased, in compassion to his people, to raise up, and establish, many holy exercises of religion in Cheshire and Lancashire which were maintained monthly by the faithful Ministers of CHRIST in those parts, with comfortable success; Mr. Baud, frequented these exercises, and with great care and conscience stored himself with their treasures, whereby he was better enabled to promote religion in his own family, and elsewhere, s occasion offered. In frequenting these exercises, he took much pains, riding early and late, in heat and cold, and through foul ways, sometimes ten, twenty, yea, thirty miles. These sermons he wrote diligently, repeated them as he went home, and, for about thirty-six years together, wrote over again the substance of these exercises, whereby he left to the heirs of his family so many volumes of manuscripts, set up orderly in his study, as is scarcely credible.
In the midst of these sweet comforts, the LORD was pleased to exercise him with great affliction, by taking away with a stroke his dear wife, who, being well in the morning, began to be ill at supper, and departed this life the same evening yet did the LORD so sanctified this affliction to hire, that, by the power of grace, he moderated his affections; not mourning as a man without hope, but assuring himself that his loss was her gain.
After this, finding that he stood in need of marriage for the necessity of his family, he sought by prayer a prudent wife from GOD; and the LORD' was pleased to answer his prayers. For as he was in Manchester, attending upon the holy exercises of religion, he cast hip eye upon a very amiable gentlewoman, who diligently frequented those assemblies upon sight of whom a sudden Thought arose in his mind, that this was she whom the LORD had provided to be his wife. But, that he might deal prudently, he employed one of his most trusty servants to make inquiry after her, who, being born and bred in those parts, soon brought him word, that she was named LAIRS ANN Fox, sister to Mr. Fox of the Rhodes, well descended both by father and mother's side; and that she was a virtuous and religious woman, well reported of in the church, and of good esteem amongst GOD’s people. Upon this encouraging report, he neglected no time, but took the first opportunity to make a motion to her mother and friends, which being readily entertained by them, he wooed the young gentlewoman, and so proceeding in the fear of GOD, they were married, and his mother-in-law gave them and theirs their table, the first year; during which time he was careful to do good to that family, as if it had been his own; and he quickened himself and them to prayer and praise, reading the Scripture, singing of psalms, holy conference, and catechising.
Concerning this, himself thus writes: "My mother-in-law tabling us for a year, we set up the exercise of religion morning and evening; in which time, through GOD’s grace, my mother-in-law got saving grace, and so did my sister-in-law, and another half sister of hers, and their brothers, a servant or two, and some neighbors blessed be GOD for it'.
At the year's end, he brought home his wife to Stapleford, where they lived in great peace and love. And being well settled, there were many of the greatest gentlemen in the county that sued to him, some for themselves, some for their children, to be entertained in his family; that under his government and holy example, the ignorant might be instructed, the unruly reclaimed, the profane converted, the babes in CHRIS' grow up by the sincere milk of the word, and such as were of riper years be fed with stronger meat: by which means his house became a nursery for religion; a vineyard which the LORD blessed to bear trees of righteousness and fruits of holiness.
His manner was, when any came first, into his family, to try their dispositions and inclinations, and how tractable they were likely to be to good duties and practices: for which end he carefully observed their ways, saw much, and said little, bore and forbore, as occasion required; taking special notice of any good they said or did, and passing over many lesser faults, till he had fitter opportunity to reclaim them.
Concerning this, hear what himself says: "Afterwards, many more desired to table with me;----the LADY EGERTON, widow, daughter-in-law to the then Lord Chancellor, with her company; my cousin THOMAS DUTTON, of Button, with his wife, son, and daughter, now wife to the LORD GERRARD, being ten in that cone-pany,-and four gentlewomen of Hatton, who were sisters, and their maid. This maid was at first froward against religious duties; but GOD in mercy began first with her; for being in grievous affliction of conscience, she was soundly humbled, and had a comfortable conclusion blessed be GOD for it! And then two of the sisters had a more easy conversion, but I believe, true grace: the other two sisters, being convinced, were very honest modest maids: and as for my cousin DUTTON, his condition with me was to keep the holy Sabbath with my family, as well in the afternoon as in the forenoon, which he and all his did, in the public congregation."
But in the midst of these comforts, the LORD again sent a tempest of grief, by taking away his yoke-fellow, which not long after caused a dispersing of that whole company, to their no small grief. The loss of this gentlewoman was so much the more grievous, both to her husband and to the whole family, because of the great help and comfort they all had by her. She lived ten years with her husband, a faithful helper, bearing to him nine children, sons and daughters, and continuing with him in great peace and love; a prudent wife, and a wise fellow-governor in his house, much respected and beloved, not only by her own, but by all the gentlemen and gentlewomen that tabled with them.
Concerning this event, himself thus writes: u When it pleased GOD to take away my wife from me, then all mourned for her loss: as also my tablers must now part, being about the number of one-and-twenty: but so does we were to part, that I requested them to stay with me that quarter more, which was very thankfully accepted; in which time we had much comfort, but mourned often to think of the quarter's end: and the last day, sitting at dinner together, all were so full of heaviness, that there was no meat eaten, so that I was forced to hide myself, and could not take leave of them. Then I lived a single life rive years and a half and being their debt, and having four daughters, and divers sons to dispose of, by advice of my friends I gave over house, and went to live at Chester for a season; in which time GOD stirred up the hearts of many of my neighbors to come to prayer with us, which meetings were at first traduced, yet, after a while, as it became well known what they were, no fault was found. In this time it pleased the LORD to give a great blessing; all praise be to his holy name! Many were converted, many confirmed, and many convinced. In these three years, GOD also gave me a great blessing in my outward estate: I paid all my debts: I married two of my daughters, and paid their portions: I preferred a son or two: I maintained the poor- in mine own parish in the country, allowing them all the profit of my two mills: I maintained the poor in Chester, both at my gates, and otherwise, weekly. All thanks be given unto GOD, FATHER, SON, and HOLY GHOST, for evermore! Amen"
The three years being expired, he returned home to Stapleford, and married another wife, by whom he had, one daughter that died, and one son living. Encouraging himself in the ways of GOD, he daily performed these four duties: First, meditation for the increase of knowledge, and good affections towards GOD and for his help herein, he carried about him some part of the Bible, or notes of sermons, when he went into the fields within doors he read much in the Scriptures, and made collections of the promises, precepts, comforts, and prohibitions; and these he made the subject of his meditations: for this end also he often read the works of divers learned men, and drew into heads what was most worthy of observation.
In the next place, he was very careful to observe GOD’s works, both of mercy and judgment, for which end he observed and recorded many of them. Hear his own words. a Some few years before my brother HARDWARE died, he had a man-servant, as many Thought, bewitched, who grew daily weaker and weaker, so that my brother sent to me and my family, to spend a day with him in fasting and prayer. At that time I had good MR. WATTS, the Preacher, with me: we went to the house, where ire found the man very sick and weak, and like a skeleton, having nothing but skin and bones, not likely to live a day longer. He was brought and laid in a bed in the chamber where we prayed, and the same evening he began to amend: the next morning he walked abroad, and the third day was so strong, that he went to his work and labor. All praise to GOD for it-In 16O1, my servant going with his cart laden, fell down, and the wheels being iron-bound, went over his leg, yet hurt him not at all. Praised be GOD!-11-1 16O, my son JOHN going into the field, took up a scythe to see how he could mow; the scythe entered his stocking near the shin-bone, shaving the hair, and came out at the back of his leg, and touched no flesh nor skin. Praised be GOD!-111 16O3, one that dwelt in my farm in Wimble Stafford, seeing two godly persons going in the way, said to one with him, I will dance, swagger, and swear, to provoke yonder two Puritans; and so he did, to their great grief: but presently the hand of GOD was upon him, so that immediately he fell sick, was carried home in a cart, and within three days died most fearfully." But he took the greatest pains in recording the passages about a boy, twelve years old, at Northwich, who was so strangely and wonderfully afflicted and tormented, that many held him to be really possessed by the Devil. Some of the passages were these:-By his torments he was brought so low and feeble, that he was almost nothing but skin and bones; yet for the space of four and twenty hours every day, having only one half hour's respite, which they called his awaking time, and wherein they gave him a little food, he was of that extraordinary strength, that if he folded his hands together, no man could pull them asunder: if he rolled his head, or tossed his whole body, as he usually did, no man could stay or restrain him. He would, to the great astonishment of the hearers, howl like a dog, mew like a cat, roar like a bear, and froth like a boar. When any prayed with him, his passions were strongest, and his rage and violence greatest; he was ready to fly in their faces, and to drown their voices with his yellings and outcries. If one came near him with a Bible, Though under his cloak, and quite in secret, he would run upon him, and use great violence to get it from him; and if he could get it, he would tear it in pieces. Sometimes he would he along, as if he had been stark dead, his color gone, and his mouth so wide open, that he would on a sudden thrust both his hands into it notwithstanding his great weakness, he would leap and skip from his bed to the window, from the window to the table,; and so to bed again, and that with such agility as no tumbler could' do the like; and yet all this while his legs were drawn so- that he could not use them sometimes we saw his chin drawn up to his nose, that his mouth could scarcely be seen; sometimes his chin and forehead drawn almost together like a beaded bow. The Bishop, hearing of the strange torments of this poor child, sent for him: his parents brought him, and once the Bishop prayed with him; but the boy was so outrageous, that he flew out of his bed, and so frighted the Bishop's men, that one of them fell into a-swoon, and the Bishop was glad to lay hold on the boy, who ramped at the window to have gotten out. Hereupon the Bishop granted a license for a private fast in the child's father's house, for his help and release, and that in these words: "Having seen the bodily affliction of this child, and observed in sundry fits very strange effects and operations, either proceeding from some natural and unknown causes, or some diabolical practices; we think it fit and convenient, for the ease and deliverance of the said child from his grievous affliction, that prayer be made publicly for him by the Minister of the parish; and that certain Preachers, namely these following, MR. GENRARD, MR. HARVEY, and MR. PEIASON, repair to the said child by turns, as their leisure will serve, and use their discretion for private prayer, and. fasting, for, the ease and comfort of the afflicted. "RICHARD CESTREN., GRIFFITH VAUGHAN, DAVID YALE, HUGH BARCNES. This was accordingly performed by two godly ministers, and by MR. BRUEN, with several others; yet GOD gave not deliverance at that time. When he was in his fits, without understanding what he did or said, he would often say, "The Devil when he comes takes away my hearing, seeing, understanding, hands, legs, that I should have no senses, nor limbs, to glorify GOD withal.-I have but three Devils: it is likely that one of the spirits will go out of me, and take counsel of a great number of foul spirits, and come again, and trouble me worse. The Devil is afraid when be hears any word that he must be cast out; then he quakes. Some say, if I were bewitched, or possessed, I could neither move my tongue nor my lips; but the Devil can move both my tongue and my lips. SATAN, I am bound to a hard apprenticeship; for Thou wilt not give me leave, neither holy-clay nor work-day, to eat a morsel of bread." On one occasion, being in a sore fit, and a great rage, biting his hands, gnashing with his teeth, foaming like a boar, and casting blood and filth out of his mouth, he uttered these words: " Proud witch! I will tell Thou how these witches work, all upon life, all upon life, all upon life; but they cannot take my life from me. Well, these drunkards and whor*masters do not think upon their sins. there is no drunkard that does drink one drop of drink more than will suffice nature, but the Devil does pen it down in his book: it is a great book, and he does keep it close till the day of judgment, and then he will lay it to their faces, at which time the hills will tremble and quake, and the Devil will quake; yea, he does quake for fear already. They say he shall not go out of me; but when GOD comes he will strike home." And many other such strange speeches did he utter, which for brevity's sake are here omitted.
MR. BRUEN, besides his family duties mentioned before, used private prayer very often, yet not confining himself to any place within or without doors for it, but taking his fittest opportunity, as time and place best accorded. About his own house he had divers places which interchangeably be used for this purpose, not frequenting one, lest he should be suspected of hypocrisy or vain-glory: within doors be had variety of closets, sundry chambers, and other convenient rooms. When he was abroad he had. his gardens, Orchards, harbors, groves, woods and fields, walks and shades, where he delighted to speak, and commune with his best Friend, and to seek the face and favor of his heavenly Father, in and through the mediation. Of CHRIST JESUS. And he was choice of the time, which he constantly set apart every day for private prayer. Seven times a day did he practice this duty first, in the morning, before any of his family rose; next, after family-prayer, before his breakfast; then, immediately before dinner; then, a little while after dinner; then, a little before supper; then, not long after supper; and lastly, a little before he went to bed. And as he was frequent, so was he, through GOD’s grace, powerful in these his prayers: and hereunto, upon extraordinary occasions, he added fasting, which be observed with so great austerity, that he much weakened his body thereby; and as it is recorded of ST. JAMES the Apostle, so was it true of this gentleman, that his knees were grown senseless and hard with much arid frequent kneeling. In these private prayers his principal aim was to search his heart, to examine his life, and to confess and bewail his special sins, craving pardon for then, and power against them, as also for the sins or afflictions of JOSEPH, and the desolations of Jerusalem. He afflicted his heart for the barrenness and backsliding of professors, and for their embracing the world, and forsaking their first love; to which he added praise and thanks giving for mercies; rejoicing in the LORD, and praising his holy name for blessings, earthly and heavenly, bestowed upon him, or his, and sometimes for great deliverances which GOD had wrought for him.
Lastly, his care was to imitate his heavenly Father every day; and this he endeavored by conforming hic - self to his image, and by expressing the properties and virtues, the affections and actions, of him that had begotten him, and called him to be conformable to the image of his SON JESUS CHRIST. For this end he daily labored to be more and more renewed in the spirit of his mind, in knowledge, righteousness, and holiness, according to the image of him that created him.
According to the wisdom Which GOD had given him, he endeavored to have his conversation pure and holy, answerable to that religion which he did profess, which, by the testimony of the HOLY GHOST, is " pure and undefiled before GOD the FATHER.- He was well acquainted with l his natural corruptions, passions, and pollutions of sin, both original and actual, inward and outward, spiritual and corporal. His constant care was, to be pure in heart; (Matt. 5: S;) and this he sought for by faith and repentance, and the help of GOD’s SPIRIT, every purging out old sins, and renewing the beauty of former graces;-to he pure in hand, free from all iniquity and injury; and "washing his hands in innocency," he vas ever ready to lift up " pure hands" unto GOD, and so to compass his altar;"-to be pure in lips and tongue, never suffering any evil speech or word to fall from him; but having learned the language of Canaan, his tongue did often speak of judgment, and his speeches were as the very oracles of GOD;-to be pure in his senses; with his "eyes he made a covenant," restraining them from wanton looks, and resolving then only, or especially, to open them, when they might serve as necessary lights to the body, or to behold the works of the Lord, that he might be bettered thereby; his cars were circumcised, nailed to the posts of GOD’s house, bored by the SPIRIT of grace for audience and Obedience to hear what the " SPIRIT speaks unto the churches "-to be pure in his whole body, ever preserving his "vessel in holiness and honor," and hating the garment spotted by the flesh;" (11 thess.iv.4; Jude 23;)-to be pure in the whole man, both soul and body, " cleansing himself from all filthiness of flesh and spirit," whereby he became a vessel of honor, sanctified for his Master's use; "prepared unto ever,: good work."
Naturally aye was passionate; but having his sin pardoned through the blood of CHRIST, and having gotten power over it, his nature was healed, his passions subdued, an his frowardness changed into mildness. He was easy to be persuaded to any thing that was good, or to be dissuaded from any thing that was evil. An honorable Judge in open court, having a complaint made to him against MR. BRUEN, of some wrong that he did, by a water-course to his mills, out of that good opinion he held of him, said: " I cannot think but that Thou wrong Ms. BRUEN; I will undertake for him: make him but sensible of any Wrong that he has done, and he shall willingly acknowledge it, and make Thou double amends for it."
He was full of mercy and good fruits towards sinners and saints, neighbors and strangers, friends and foes, poor and rich; yea, towards all sorts and conditions of men, as he had opportunity and ability. He saw none that were without the means of grace, but the bowels of compassion yearned in him. He sate none occasionally at their heathenish sports and sinful pastimes, but he looked angrily upon them, and speak roughly to them, yet Withal inwardly mourning for the hardness of their hearts. If occasionally he met with mockers, condemners of GOD, and despisers of good things, he would not cast pearls before swine, but turn away his face, and not so much as salute theca. If any poor soul erred from the right way, and yet desired a guide, how careful was he of his good, how joyful to do him good Yea, to encourage and draw on such, he would give them money, corn, Bibles, Catechisms, and other good works, which he had always by him for such purposes.
Sometimes he would take off a good suit of apparel from his own back, and bestow it upon a godly poor man that wanted it. He was much given to hospitality his house was the common inn of GOD’s children that came near him. Many that passed between Ireland and England, and that came upon business to Chester, horsem*n and others, would take his house for their lodging place, that they might rejoice their hearts in seeing his face, hearing his voice, and conferring and advising with him. His ordinary table was plentiful, not to excess, but to a very competent sufficiency;- yet would he not suffer any waste or abuse of GOD’S good creatures: his cellar was open and free to any, as far as they kept themselves within the bounds of moderation. He did usually give food to great multitudes, which out of his own and other parishes resorted to him: and in the dear years he made provision for them almost every day in the week, and would sometimes serve them himself; both to keep them in good order, and equally to distribute according to their necessities. His purse was ever open to give or lend to such as would borrow: his admonition was, " Remember Thour promise, and pay again, if Thou would borrow again:" and if any that borrowed were willing, but not able to pay, he would rather forgive the debt than exact it.
In the time of a great dearth, fearing that divers of his poor neighbors were in want, taking the opportunity when most of his family were gone abroad, he sent for his neighbors, and distributed fourteen bushels of corn amongst them. Yea, the LORD’s of the poor did bless him, being warmed with the fleece of his flock, or clothed by the cost of his purse: every year, against winter, he made provision to clothe the poor. Yea, he was a protector to the poor, to deliver them out of the hands of those that were too strong for them: he was a counselor to defend their righteous cause, and to plead for them.
When he heard any evil tidings out of Bohemia, Hungary, or the Palatinate, he sat down, (as Nehemiah did,) and wept and mourned certain days, and fasted and prayed before the GOD of heaven. He was frequent in visiting the sick, and such families as had the extraordinary hand Of GOD upon them. If any were troubled in conscience, molested by SATAN, o.- terrified by GOD’s judgments, happy was he that could get MR. BRUEN to come to him; his very presence was some ease and refreshing to them and as his gifts and pains in prayer were great, so were the issue and success thereof, through GOD’s blessing, many times very effectual. He himself recorded divers mercies obtained of GOD by his prayers.
His whole life was a meditation of death, and a continual preparation for it; and therefore his care was so to live, that he might not be afraid to die, yea, so to live that he might desire to die, and to be with CHRIST, which is best of all.
It was observed by many of his friends, both at home and abroad, that in his declining days, when he saw he was drawing towards his journey's end, his faith was exceedingly increased, his hope and rejoicing in GOD much enlarged, his love and zeal wonderfully inflamed, his affections towards GOD and his people more holy and heavenly, and his motions towards heaven more quick and lively than before.
The day before his last sickness, be rose very early; went into his study to private prayer; then came forth and prayed with his family; then returned into his study till dinner-time; and after dinner went into his study again, where it pleased GOD, after two hours, to visit him with an ague, whereupon be laid himself down upon a bed. His wife said to him, " Sir, I fear Thou have done Thourself hurt with rising so early;" to whom he replied, "If Thou had seen, wife, such glorious things as I saw this morning, being in private prayer with GOD, Thou would not have said so; for they were so wonderful and unspeakable, that whether I was in the body or out of the body, I cannot tell. And now it has pleased GOD, lest I should be too much exalted by this glorious sight, to give me a buffet in the flesh." The like ravishing in spirit, and glorious sights, he saw not long before, (as he acquainted some private friends,) after he had been one day in private prayer in his grove, whence he had a strong persuasion that he should not live long, before he made a glorious change of this life for a better.
Though his bodily infirmity grew upon him, yet would he by no means be kept from the house of GOD, so long as he could either go or ride: when he went to church, besides his family, he used to call his tenants and neighbors that dwelt in his way, to go with him, and then calling them about him, they used with one heart and voice to sing psalms, especially the eighty-fourth and he with his train came to church constantly before divine service began, that he might the more comfortably join with the congregation in the confession of sin, in prayer, praise, reading, singing, hearing, and receiving of the sacraments, all which he performed with most reverent attention.
In his family exercises he was so full of life and zeal, that many who lived near him came to hear him repeat the sermons, and pour out his prayers unto GOD with such tender and sweet affections for them all, that the heat of his spirit did cause their hearts, as it were, to melt within them. The joy and comfort that he found in these holy duties were such, that he would often say, " O that every day were a Sabbath, or a fast-day, for then I should be well." And when the Sabbath was ended, it was his usual mariner to bless GOD, with a thankful heart, that he had given hire one Sabbath more than he had looked for amongst his people.
The week-days were more tedious to him, his bodily infirmity increasing and his strength decaying; yet would he quicken his soul, and raise up his heart by faith and hope, often saying, " The time is not long; I must shortly lay down this my tabernacle, and their I shall get the start of Thou all, arid shall celebrate an everlasting Sabbath before the LORD, with the holy angels, and blessed saints, in the highest heavens;" which he spade rejoicingly, and yet with tears. Thus he grew daily more and more weary of the world, and was then best contented when he could dispatch worldly business with fewest words.
It was his provident care to set his house in order, to make his will, and to leave all things in good terms, which accordingly he effected. By these means, his mind being disburdened, and eased of many worldly Thoughts and cares., he got a greater freedom to think and speak of spiritual and heavenly things; and accordingly, as he could stir abroad in the house, he would drop some wholesome words of counsel or comfort amongst such as he met withal.
When any came to visit him, he would often say, "Alas, good souls! what are Thou come to see-a poor wretch, a worm, and no man!" And when any told him of hopes of recovery, he would say, " My task is ended the Lord has no more work for me to do; my warfare is accomplished; my race is run; I now wait for that crown of righteousness, which CHRIST has purchased, and GOD has promised to me. I may now say with JOB,’ If I wait, the grave is my house; I have made my bed in the dark. I have said to corruption, Thou art my father; to the worm, Thou art my mother, and sister.' And yet ` I know that my Redeemer lives, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and Though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see GOD."'
His Christian friends he admonished, to hold on, and to hold out to be steadfast in their profession not to GO be weary of well-doing; to "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our LORD JESUS CHRIST; to increase in faith, and abound in love; never to be discouraged by mocks and taunts, railings and revilings, or any other persecutions for the name of CHRIST, but, as they had given their namesto him, so to give their hearts also and then to be " faithful to the death, that they might receive the crown of life." And for their encouragement, he told them, that when be first began to profess religion, there were almost none in the whole shire that were acquainted with the power and practice of it. " 1 was," said he, a wonder of the world, and a monster of men; and many did bend their tongues like bows for lies, and did shoot their arrows, even bitter words against me; arid yet for all this that came upon me, I did not forget the name of my GOD. But, blessed be GOD, the number of believers in this country is much enlarged, every quarter and corner of it being filled with the sweet savor of the Gospel. Therefore,’ my dearly beloved, stand fast in faith, quit Thou like men, be strong.'
Though his sickness increased, yet were not his consolations diminished; Though he was feeble in the flesh, yet was he strong in the spirit. Afterwards his weakness increased, by reason of an obstruction in his breast and throat, so that he could not take down any liquid thing, but was ready to faint away.
About this time a worthy Knight, coming to visit him, could not refrain from many tears, which he observing, said to him, " Good Sir, weep not for me, for there is no cause of weeping, but of much rejoicing in my behalf; turn Thour tears into prayers, and let me enjoy that fruit of Thour love. Thou are in Thour way, I am at my journey's end; walk on as hitherto Thou have done, and the LORD will be with Thou; he will never fail Thou, nor forsake Thou."
On Monday, January 16, his eldest son carne to him, whom he rejoiced to see, and to whom he gave many wholesome instructions, praying for him, and blessing his children, encouraging him to be constant in religion, and commanding him to uphold the service of GOD, both in the public assembly, and in his family. A little before his death, there came two Ministers to him, of his special acquaintance, whose presence much cheered him, to whom he said, " I am here, Thou see, the LORD'S prisoner, cast upon the bed of my sickness, and in great affliction, yet waiting upon the mercies of my GOD, for a comfortable release in due season." And being asked by them, whether his consolations did not abound in the midst of all his afflictions, he answered, "Yes; and that which is more remarkable, the LORD of his mercy has given me such strong evidence of his favor and love in CHRIST, that I am not troubled with any doubts or fears, or any other SATANical molestations, but rest and wait in patience for the accomplishment of his mercies upon me, according to his good pleasure." Then he desired them to pray with him, and raising up himself in his bed, with his heart and hands lifted up to GOD, he did, as it were, reach after the petitions that were made for him, often with a cheerful consent, saying, "Amen, Amen." After this MR. LANGLEY spoke to comfort him, adding, that shortly he should be released from all sin and sorrow, from SATAN, and this present evil world; whereunto he answered most cheerfully, "I know I shall, and be with CHRIST, which is best of all; and now the messenger of death is upon me;" meaning the hiccough, which had now seized upon him: to which MR. LANGLEY replied, " I hope, Sir, death is not terrible to Thou" "No, indeed," said he," it is not, I thank God; for it is my way to life: I am now called of GOD to it."
Thus he continued in great pain of body, but in great peace of mind, increasing still in consolations, bearing his pains with admirable patience, and not showing the least discontent in word or deed.
He never was quiet, unless he were either meditating, or praying himself, or had some one praying with him. The morning before his death, several of his friends took their leave of him, desiring at their parting a blessing from him, which he did willingly express, by lifting up his hands and heart to heaven for them. And not long after, hearing some one make mention of black, he said, " I will have no black; I love no proud nor pompous funeral; neither is there any cause of mourning, but of rejoicing rather."
Immediately before his death, lifting up his hands, he said, "The LORD is my portion, my help, and my trust: his blessed SOIL JESUS CHRIST is my SAVIOR and Redeemer, Amen. Even so, says the SPIRIT unto my spirit: therefore come, LORD JESUS, and kiss me with the kisses’of thy mouth, and embrace me with the arms of thy love: into thy hands do I commend my spirit; O come now, and take me to thine own self: O come, LORD JESUS, come quickly, O come, O come, O come" And so his spirit fainting, and speech failing, he meekly yielded up his soul into the hands of GOD, in January, 7625, in the sixty-fifth year of his age.
THE LIFE OF RICHARD BLACKERBY.
RICHARD BLACKBERRY was born in the year 1574, at Werlington, in Suffolk. He was the second son of THOMAS BLACKERBY, a person of good estate and realty who had Dine sons and one daughter; and a ho designed l’:31'1, from the first, for the ministry. At the age of fifteen he was admitted a student at Trinity College, in Cambridge, where he lived nine years, and became an eminent scholar in all parts of learning, especially in the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin tongues.
While he was in the University, MR. PERKINS was a Preacher and Lecturer in the town of Cambridge, upon whose ministry he diligently attended; whereby his soul was deeply wrought upon; but he lay some years in great distress of conscience, when his father took him for some time home to Worthington, to see if change of air would relieve his melancholy, which his friends Thought proceeded from temper of body, Though it had another cause, which neither air nor company could remove.
After a short time, he desired to return again to 9: PERKINS; and it pleased GOD, as he was returning to Cambridge, and riding alone upon Newmarket Heath, bemoaning his sad condition before the LORD, to reveal his reconciled face in CHRIST JESUS to him, and to give him that peace of conscience, (so well grounded, and so clearly evidenced,) which he never lost to his dying day.
From the University he went as a Chaplain to the house of SIR THOMAS.7ERMYN, of Rushbrook, in Suffolk, in which family he, both morning and evening, not only rayed, but opened some portion of Scripture, during the whole time of his abode there. From thence he removed to Sin EDWARD LEKNOR, of Denham, in Suffolk, With whom he lived till he married SARAH, the eldest daughter of MR. TIMOTHY OLDHAM.
MR. BLACKERBY lived two years with his father-in-law, Minister of Denham, and from thence was called to be Minister at Feltwell, in Norfolk, where he continued for some time; but then, by reason of his non-conformity; he was forced to remove to Ashen, a village in Essex; near Clare.
Here, not being capable of receiving any ecclesiastical preferment on the account aforesaid,. he betook himself to boarding young men, and educating of Thouth, spending three-and-twenty years in that employment; but during the whole time, he always kept lectures in some neighboring town, preaching weekly in one place or other; and for the last, ten years of the time, he preached statedly either at Castle-Heningharn, Stoke by Clare; or Hunden in Suffolk.
He seemed ever to lose one moment of time in idleness, or non-improvement thereof; and here in is Wrapped up all the practical wisdom of mortal man, viz to improve time for immortality. He rose early, in the morning; winter and summer, and, spent the whole day in reading, meditation, prayer, and teaching others. After a competent time spent in his study in the morning, he would early call his family, or any other family in which he was, and wherein he had any influence, together; and as constantly as the sun rose and set, he failed not, morning and evening, to spend some time in prayer, and in reading and expounding some part of the Scripture, unless in very extraordinary cases. He spent much of his time in teaching young scholars, boarding in his house always a' great number of. Thouths, the sons of pious; entry, tradesmen, and yeomen in the country, whom he daily, instructed both_ in religion and learning. They sat round about the table at his expositions; and if he saw any behaving themselves as not minding, he would call out to that Thouth by name, and ask him what he had said last; by which means he trade them continually attentive.
He was a great walker, and would often call forth his scholars abroad, and teach them both natural and divine knowledge; fitting some for the University, and others for other callings. He walked continually before them, as the picture of Jx:sus among his disciples, abounding in wisdom, holiness, and love. Many grew to be excellent persons in Church and State; and, indeed, his example was enough to commend religion to the head and heart of every spectator. Likewise, divers young students, after they came from the University, betook themselves to him to prepare them for the ministry, to whom he opened the Scriptures, and read divinity, and gave them excellent advice for’learning, doctrine, and life: and many eminent persons proceeded from this GAMAS IRL; as DR. BERNARD, afterwards Dean and Bishop in Ireland, whom he commended to Archbishop USHER, with whom he had great acquaintance; MR. PROSSE, Minister of two Dutch congregations, first in Colchester, then in LONDON; MR. STONE, afterwards fatuous in New England; MR. FAIRCLOUGH; and many others.
He was a man much in prayer,-much in closet-prayer, much in walking prayer, much in solitary prayer, much in conjugal prayer, (for he daily prayed with his wife alone,) much in family prayer; daily with his own family, and almost daily with some other family; very much in fasting and prayer; for which he took all occasions that seemed in any measure to require it.
He used much to ride about from family to family, (when possibly he could be spared from his scholars,) and only alight and pray with them, and give them some heavenly exhortation, and then hasten away to another family, And in the neighborhood of his house, where he would walk, he would frequently visit the inhabitants, especially the poor, diligently instructing them, and fervently praying with them; and would give them Catechisms and Bibles, and money, if he had it, and if they had need of it; for which his going about and doing good,. many praised GOD in time, and more will to all eternity.
His preaching was not altogether in the usual manner, but much in making excellent, spiritual, short observations, and brief and close applications. He had great skill in the original tongues, spent much study to understand the Scripture; and lived much in divine converse; by all which he became a singular textuary, and famous Divines would send to him for his opinion in Scripture difficulties. He was a mighty man; in wounding consciences by the sword of the SPIRIT, and in healing them by the blood of JESUS. His voice used not to be very loud; but his preaching: was accompanied with such an authority of the divine presence, and power of the SPIRIT, that souls fell exceedingly under' the yoke of CHRIST by his ministry: so that he has been constrained to acknowledge to some intimate friends, (Though far from boasting,) that he had reason to believe GOD had made him a spiritual father to above two Thousand persons. Indeed the word of GOD in his lips was so unmixed with any appearance of any by-respects; and came so pure; as if it were immediately from the HOLY GHOST, that like the word of GOD, (Hob. 4: 12;) it was very " quick and powerful;" and men soon became either converts to it, or flyers from it, or with all their might fighters against it. The direct rays of divine light; falling on the conscience, will have a speedy and great effect but when that light is mingled and diluted with a carnal spirit, or not directly leveled at the heart; it may fall, many years, upon the outward ear, but never a piercing drop does enter the soul; or if it does, it is quickly choked there, with the body of death and power of darkness but his preaching was such as must be yielded to, fled from, or fought against. Many profane persons who could both hear other pious Ministers, and would curse them bitterly when they had done, yet dared neither to bear- him, nor speak against hint if they did. There was so much of GOD in him, and with him, that he left a perpetual dread upon many souls that would play with other sermons, and with the names and persons of other Preachers. Multitudes of very profane persons did fall under the power of the word preached by him; a particular instance whereof happened in or near Castle-Heningham, in Essex, among a society or club of young persons, who used to have their set times to meet, and dance, and frolic in their Thouthful sports, sins, and vanities: by his preaching there; all or most of them Were converted, and became a company of, racious Christians, and used afterwards to join in prayer, as before they had done in sin and folly.
Some, whose consciences were seared, would sometimes rise up against his preaching with rage and violence: but the wrath of GOD did often most eminently take hold of such. Thus, at Hunden, in Suffolk, where some time he had a lecture, he met with great opposition divers persons, of considerable estate in the town, joined together, and procured his suspension; but all of them were notoriously afterwards blasted in their outward estates, some brought to beggary, and all but one died miserably. One of them, the next LORD's-day after his suspension, boasting in the church-yard, that now he had got BLACKERBY out of the pulpit, a woman, standing by, replied, " BLACKERBY will preach again in Hunden pulpit, when Thou are crying in hell;" and that very day eight years that man was buried; and the LORD's-day after, MR. BLACKERBY had liberty to preach again, and preached in Hunden pulpit.,
There was never any person, who had the happiness to converse with him, who did not behold both his heart and life so greatly sanctified, and so generally raised to such at, universality and height of true Christian godliness, as is not often equaled. Few persons have ever been acquainted with, or scarcely ever read or heard of, any mere man that did exceed him. Though others might equal hint in some corporal severities, and seem more heated in some particular parts of religion; yet for the impartiality, constancy, and sweetness of holiness, very few have come near hire, and none, since the primitive times, did excel him. He made it his business to live with GOD, and to his glory; not as too many that satisfy themselves in the frequent motions of their affections in some pangs of indigested resolutions, or some fits of pious conversation, as if these were the life and power of godliness; all which are very good and desirable, but yet, at best, they are but seeds and blossoms of the divine nature, which is first_ conceived by the HOLY GHOST in the soul in a real absolute consecration of the whole man to GOD, and grows in a diligent endeavor of perfect conformity too this consecration. He, the business of whose heart and life is not, in all things, through strength derived from CHRIST, by faith, to live to GOD, is yet no living child of GOD, what preparatory affections soever there may be in hint towards it. It would make one's heart tremble to think What multitudes of half Christians drop daily down into everlasting destruction, cheating themselves with pious sentiments, as if they were the life of godliness, which cannot be but in an absolute union with CHRIST, and by living in, the virtue of him, and in faithful obedience to him, as this saint did. He lived not without infirmities but in the eyes of all knowing, impartial, daily spectators, he was free from acting any sin of commission, not so much as speaking an idle or an angry word, or losing any moment of time that he could redeem, or that he was sensible he might better spend; and this by the space of above forty years, as by diligent inquiry, and personal acquaintance of many years, will be justified. His deportment was always such, as if at that moment he saw GOD, and had GOD’s law, his own covenant with GOD, and the day of account, just then before his eye; so that whenever the LORD should come and call him, he would ever have been found so doing. To any understanding converser with him, there always appeared written in his face and demeanor a sense of the divine majesty and holiness; a most fileasing, conscientious, and full dedication of himself to GOD; a watchfulness upon his own heart and life, lest he should offend; a great mortification of heart to all the world; a wonderful purity from sinful pollution; and an admirable transformation of spirit into the divine similitude. Indeed, constant holiness seemed perfectly natural to him, when it seems but endeavored after by others.
With this height of holiness was joined the depth of humility. He sometimes, when walking with his eldest grand-child, then but a Thouth, took occasion to say, after other serious discourse, "O God! Thou little thinkest what a vile heart I have, how I am plagued with proud Thoughts; child, if Thou host acquaintance with GOD in prayer, pray for me, that GOD would purify this filthy heart; Oh! if GOD did not enable me in some measure to keep a watch over it, I should act to the shame of my face." Such expressions did greatly affect the heart of this young person, to hear one so like an incarnate angel, speak in such a,nanner of his heart.
And such discourses as these were frequently held by him` to other persons, when a fitting season offered. I-1e seemed to have small sense of any self-excellency, Though SATAN would fain have defiled him with it, but walked in continual admiration of the vouch safements of free grace unto him. From his humility came that readiness in him to be persuaded or disposed of by others, much inferior to him, in any thing, (so that religion and duty suffered not by it,) little valuing in what place he was put, or what account was had of him, so that he might keep close to his duty, and enjoy the light of the divine countenance.
And that which did set him most high above all others who lived in these latter days, was the impartial universality of his obedience, joined with the greatest charity and candor to all others, in whom there was the least appearance of good. No hopes of preferment, or smart of suffering, could prevail with him to depart from his light; he could not so conform to the Church of England, as the law required, to make him capable of a living; yet wherein he Thought it his duty to conform, no man was more exact than he. And, therefore, being no enemy to the Common Prayer, he would on all days, LORD'S-days and week-days, when divine service was read in the parish church, go with his family to the very beginning, and there behave himself with such reverence and heavenly mindedness, that I never saw any like him therein.
He was far from countenancing any known evil in any. I believe all who ever conversed with him will bear him witness, that he never suffered what he Thought sin in them, without admonition and reproof; as sure as he observed the evil, they heard of it from him, but ever with so much evident love, as well as seriousness, that at the same time both their consciences were awed by the gravity of his advice, and their affections inflamed with the sweetness of his spirit. His reproofs were truly, as one well, expresses, nails dipt in oil, driven with power into the inmost part of the heart, and received with all acceptation, because of the overcoming kindness with which they were accompanied. When he has been in company, and heard great persons swear, or speak profanely, he would with a sad countenance (leaving the table, or departing from the room,) rebuke them, and afterwards privately address the great persons with so much seriousness and respect, that they would be much taken with his dealing with them, thanking him for his reproof, and the manner of it; and one told him, " Had Thou spoken to me at table, I had stabbed Thou, but now I heartily thank Thou." He would neither suffer sin in men unreproved, nor provoke to sin by his rebuke.
He was very zealous for the holy observation of the LORD's day. On Saturday, at four in the afternoon, he constantly preached in his family, (to which divers neighbors would resort,) preparatory to the next day. Of all mornings he would rise earliest on the LORD'S-day mornings; and wherever he was, and had any power, he would call up all the family, but especially his own, to prayer and reading. He usually prayed six times every Lox's-day in the family: -first, As soon as he had got them up in the morning, expounding, some part of the Scripture to them: secondly, When he was going to the public congregation, he carried his family with him, and before they went out of doors, would pour out some petitions for GOD’s assistance and blessing in the public worship of the day: thirdly, When he returned from church in the morning, he constantly prayed for a blessing on what they had heard: fourthly, He led them out again in the afternoon with prayer: When he returned from church in the afternoon, he prayed again for a blessing on what they had heard: After supper, when the family was ready to go to bed, he commended them again to GOD by prayer. But this must be observed, he prayed often, but never (unless upon au extraordinary occasion) very long, neither on LORD's-days nor weekdays, at home or abroad, in family or congregation: nor in preaching would he ever be over-long; so that his exercises, Though frequent, were never burdensome. On the LORD's-day he was impatient at hearing any idle word, or seeing any idle action; nor could he endure any worldly word or act, but what was of charity or necessity; but after dinner he would call upon all, especially those that were apt to sleep at church, to go and take a nap, as he himself usually did, lest they should profane GOD’s public worship, or should hazard the salvation or edification of their immortal souls, by sleeping in the congregation; and therefore also he frequently inveighed against great dinners on the LORD's-day, as apt to make them heavy and dull, on those glorious days set apart for celebration of divine praises, and edification of men's precious souls.
At a place called Linton, in Cambridgeshire, there was a fair usually kept on the LORD's-day once a year, at which time he was once invited to preach; and he then so plainly convinced the town of the greatness of the sin, that they would never more keep the fair on the LORD'S day. Though he lived every day as sinless and as heavenly as if it had been a Sabbath, yet he was very sensible that our time is then much more to be spent in outward religious exercises, than on other days. The business of his life was all the week to obey, glorify, and have communion with GOD; but on the LORD's-clay, the object of his acts was all religious and charitable performances.
He was a man of a most tender and contrite spirit. Any greater than common sins or providences made deep impressions on him: if any such sin were committed in a neighboring town, or any judgment happened in the nation, he would be sure to get divers: Ministers and Christians together, and keep a day of fasting and prayer. In nights of great thunder and unusual tempest, he would call up all his family to prayer, and expound some part of the Scripture to them, to affect their hearts with greater reverence towards GOD. Any notable scripture, any eminent providence, deeply entered his soul, and raised up his graces.
As his life was ever led as in the divine presence, so his heart and tongue were ever ready for prayer, or any holy duty; and he so enjoyed GOD in every religious exercise, that he would almost constantly say when he rose up from prayer, or came from a sermon, or any holy converse, or religious exercise, (especially a day of fasting and prayer,) that he must bless GOD for ever for such an ordinance, and would not, for many worlds, but have been, in it; a frequent expression with him, and if an hyperbole, the only one that he was observed to use.
When he was awake in the night, he spent the time in meditation and prayer. He would often, at midnight, make Greek, Latin, or English verses, exalting the praise of GOD, his attributes, the acts of CHRISTI, or the graces of his SPIRIT, or the like, and give them in the morning to his scholars. His dreams were usually such, as showed a heart that lived with GOD, full of gracious communications from GOD to him, and of faith, love, and obedience to GOD, and abhorrence of sin; and he would in the evening usually pray that his dreams might be holy.
In general, holy dreams are certain signs of much love from GOD, or gracious habits in the man. He often received immediate answers of prayer. I beard an eminent Divine once say, that he knew eighteen persecutors taken away remarkably upon his fasting and prayer. GOD seemed also to make a covenant for him with the beasts of the field. His daughter BURRELL was much affected with a remarkable providence, which happened to him when she was accompanying him, one day, to visit one afflicted in conscience. Their way lay through a field where was a raging bull, that used to do much mischief; which beast, seeing them, made towards them with great fury, and being come very near them, MR. BLACKERBY put off his hat, and prayed in these words, "LORD, if our way be of thee, stay the fury of this beast;" which immediately stopped, and turned from them.
He kept three diaries of his life, one in Greek, another in Latin, and a third in English, wherein he set down all the remarkable acts of GOD towards him, and of himself towards GOD; these he would often read over to affect his soul, and improve them to divine glory.
He was so crucified to the world, and the world to him, that all worldly concernments seemed a perfect nothing to him; the world seemed to have no temptation to him, and he no taste for the world. His passions were so subdued, that Though he was one that was most tenderly affected to his relations, yet their loss discomposed not his mind, nor interrupted his communion with GOD. His eldest daughter was a most excellent person, and one in whom he took great delight: she died a few hours after her last child was born; and he, being present at her death, commended her spirit to GOD more affectionately, but as undisturbedly, as when he gave her person to her husband in marriage; He desired to preach her funeral sermon, which he did; and therein gave her this testimony, that he believed she had feared the LORD in sincerity, from three years old; yet preached so, as showed he had not lost his GOD, Though he had lost his dearest child. Nothing of creatures could in the least draw him from his life with GOD.
Living much in divine communion, he had great insight into Scripture Prophecies, and had many future events deeply impressed on his mind. Men know but a little of GOD’S mind, because they live but little in his presence and converse. He was one of the first that convinced men, in those parts, of GOD’s intent to convert the nation of the Jews. MR. ROGERS, of Dedham, MR. STEPHEN MARSHALL, and divers others, much opposed that opinion at first, but were at last, by his discourses, fully satisfied, and really persuaded of the truth of it. He lived much in the foresight of the glory of GOD, and the peace of the church, in the last ages. He often said, many years before it came to pass, to divers of his friends, that they would live to see the time when there would not be a persecuting Bishop in power in England.
The first time when the Scots army came into England, he said to some who were much troubled for it, that the army should go back without a stroke struck-; and so they did. He said, after the battle of Naseby, that many strict professors of religion should have rest for a little time; but afterwards a blacker time would come unto them than ever they had; which was in part fulfilled: but he used to add, the storm would not last very long. And these were the very last words which he spoke at his death, "There is a sharp storm coming, but it will be but short." The former part of this anticipation has already proved true; GOD grant that the other part may also be accomplished.
He used to say, that GOD had two sieves for the professors in England; one of a coarser make, and that he had used; but there would come a finer one, which all should stand ready for; and this, it is feared, is in a great degree to come. He used to say, it was very probable that this nation would be punished by the French, after whose fancies they went so much a whoring. And he much believed that Popery would come in, but that it would not last; for it could not recover its first strength again in England.
There were some particularities in him that may seem of lesser moment. He could not endure to see any Bibles he catemptuously about the house, but would have them carefully and cleanly used, or laid up; he Thought that a reverence ought to be given to the very outsides of such sacred oracles. He was exceedingly careful to have none of GOD’s creatures lost; he would always have a fowl or two allowed to come familiarly into his eating-room, to pick up the crumbs that would fall from the table.
His conversation was so in heaven, and the majesty of holiness did so shine in him, that that famous Divine for learning and piety, MR. D. ROGERS, of Wethersfield, in Essex, told another Divine, that he could never come into the presence of MR. BLACKERBY without some kind of trembling upon him, because of the divine majesty and holiness which seemed to shine in him. The height and constancy of his holy and heavenly converse were accompanied with a settled peace of conscience, and good assurance of eternal life: for some years before his death he would often (upon seasonable occasions) declare, that for more than forty years he never had a doubting Thought of his salvation. It is our low, loose, unequal walking in religion, that makes the sense of GOD’s love, peace with GOD, and evidence for eternal life, so rare a thing among us.
This holy man was indeed an instance sent by GOD into the world, to show to what a life of holiness and peace Christians may on earth certainly arrive, if hearty sincerity, deep mortification, diligent watchfulness, love of divine communion, and an humble and active faith, meet in the heart of any man. When he was about the age of fifty-five, his son-in law, MR. CHRISTOPHER CHRISTOPHER BURRELL, was presented to the Rectory of Great Wratting, in Suffolk. Mx. BURP-ELL had lived some years as a boarder to MR. BLACKERBY MR. BLACKERBY now removed, and continued a boarder with him for several years; in all which time he continued preaching the Gospel only occasionally, (except at Gerstingtherp, in Essex, where he maintained a constant lecture,) until towards the close of his life.
Then Providence so ordered, that he took upon him a pastoral charge over the congregation at Great-Thurlow; and here his Master found him so doing,'' to wit, very busy in his. Master's service; for as he was preaching on one LORD'S-day, he was taken with a great weakness and fainting while he was in the pulpit, so that, being carried home, he continued very weak six weeksl but kept his bed only two days before he died, which was in the seventy-seventh year of his age.
He had seven children who lived to be men and women; (two sons and five daughters;) his eldest son was a gracious young man, and lived some time a student in Katherine-Hall in Cambridge, but died of a consumption before he took any degree. His other son was also a good man, and an excellent Preacher, and died lately, Minister of Stow-Market, in Suffolk. And now that all his sons and daughters, except one, and all his sons-in-law and daughters-in-law,; are gone With him to everlasting rest, it is most fitting that the world' should know and remember, that there was a man that lived, fifty years-after his conversion, doing good, and walking with GOD, in the eyes of the most strict observers, without perceived actual commission of any known transgression, no, not so much as of an idle or angry word.
His countenance and speech, his deportment and behavior, were perpetually as before the eye of GOD, in the conscientious observance of all his precepts; his heart full of love to him; his face awing the beholder with the majesty, and shining with the sweetness and beauty of holiness. He (to all appearance) spent every moment of his time in his beloved duty, and in zealously doing good, always ready for, and enjoying, spiritual communion with GOD in all his ordinances; and all was carried on with a deep and contrite sense of the natural corruption of his heart, in the lowest humility and condescension, and with most transcendent charity to all men, yet so as not to suffer sin in his brother unreproved. He kept peace of conscience, and assurance of eternal life, inviolate for forty years together; and convinced all men (both good and bad) that knew him, that the power of GOD and reign. Both dwelt assuredly in him; the Divine SPIRIT and power beautifying and adorning him, and assuring both himself and others that he was born of GOD.
