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 Duchess 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 Duchess. 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 circumstances 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.
THE LIFE OF
JOHN BRUEN.
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 whoremasters
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, horsemen 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
