CHAPTER 7

 

He goes to the Hospital at Guastepea.

 

His inward and outward Exercises there.

 

 I. AFTER this servant of GOD had spent two years at Testuco, he fell into so severe an illness, being attacked by so violent cholics and pains in the stomach, that he was constrained to remove from thence. He then went to the hospital at Guastepea, twelve leagues from Mexico, in the year 158O.

 

 2. He was received there by Brother STEPHANO DE HERRERA, in the best manner he was able, considering the poor condition the hospital was then in, being but newly founded. He lodged him in his own chamber, and treated him with abundance of tenderness. The same he used towards all the poor that came to the hospital, although he had not then a revenue to feed them, or a building to lodge them in. Indeed it appeared impossible that he should, if things were but humanly considered. But the zeal of BERNARDIN ALVAREZ, the founder, and the blessing of GOD, conquered all things.

 

 3. I remember, that when I asked ALVAREZ, Whether he was willing to receive LOPEZ into his hospital, he replied,’ Would to GOD there were room in my hospital to lodge all the poor that are in the world; for I have such confidence in the. goodness of JESUS CHRIST, that I cannot doubt but he would provide for them all.' And how pleasing to GOD this his faith was, soon appeared; for in less than two years, after the hospital was founded, they gave away there every day sixty-five measures of bread. Neither did they refuse to entertain any poor of any sort, men or women, Spaniards or Indians; not only those that came from New Spain, but from Guatemala and Peru. And they were so well received, so well attended, and treated with so much care and love, that almost all these patients were in a short time restored to perfect health.

 

 4. As LOPEZ was discharged from all outward care, he employed himself wholly in contemplation, in order to confirm himself still more in the love of GOD and of his neighbor; of which he had so long before begun to lay the foundation. But although this was only the continuation of the same spiritual exercise, yet the growth which he received day by day’ was such, that it appeared to be entirely new.

 

He used to spend all the morning alone in his chamber. At noon, when the clock struck, he went to the refectory, having always his head bare, with an admirable modesty and gravity. He brought his pot of water, covered with a little napkin, and eat his portion, as the rest of the patients; but did not speak at all, while he was eating, although others were talking round about him. After his meal he drank of the water, which he had set to warm in the sun, because of the extreme weakness of his stomach: When grace was said, he remained some time, talking of spiritual things with the Brothers of the hospital. But when any men of learning, or of a religious order were there, he conversed with them on things of the most elevated nature: And that with so much moderation and wisdom, that one would rather have taken him for an angel than a man. No sooner was the conversation ended, than he retired with a cheerful countenance, with much civility, and a remarkable humility, carrying his pot and his little napkin into his chamber, where he remained in his ordinary recollection of mind until noon the next day.

 

 5. Father HERNANDO DE RIBERA relates, that being then very, young, and Father HERRERA sending him to call LOPEZ to dinner, he sometimes found him in a kind of trance, so that he did not answer when he was called. But when he continued to call, he answered at length,’ What do you want, my son'‘ I come to call you to dinner,' replied the child; on which he followed him, saying,’ Praised be GOD.' He went on Sundays and holidays, and some other days, with a mantle of the same does as his habit, to the public service in the hospital-chapel; or, if there was none there, in a neighboring monastery.

 

 6. Those who were sick of any contagious distempers he could not visit, his own extreme weakness not allowing of it. He therefore the more earnestly exhorted the Brothers to supply his lack of service: On which he spoke to them with such force, as redoubled their fervour in that holy exercise. Thus he performed by them what he could not do in person, and seconded his advice by his continual prayers. As to the other sick, he comforted and encouraged them in so touching and affectionate a manner, that they were unspeakably edified, and knew not how to praise GOD enough for all his mercies. He was particularly assisted to calm the spirits of those, whom either their own natural impatience, or the greatness of their pains, rendered so fretful and outrageous, that none else were able to bear them.

 

 7. As much as he loved solitude, he never shut his door against any who came for spiritual relief or comfort. And many declared their troubles to him, and opened their whole hearts. He administered comfort and counsel to them all, without ever refusing it to any: And, indeed, he did it in so persuasive a manner, that few went from him without much joy and satisfaction. Many persons of learning also went on purpose to confer with him concerning several passages of Scripture; and were as much amazed at his knowledge of divine things, as his sanctity of manners.

 

 8. About this time, Father PEDRO DE PRAVIA, first Professor of Divinity at Mexico, who had refused a Bishoprick, and was eminent for his humility, piety, and knowledge, went privately to Guastepea, talked with LOPEZ a whole evening, and said at parting,’ You will come to me tomorrow morning.' LOPEZ went to him in the morning, conversed with him until noon, and after dinner continued the conversation until night. Father PRAVIA afterwards said,’ I had heard great things of LOPEZ, but I have found far more than ever I heard.'

 

 9. While I was in the hospital he compiled, for the sake of the sick, a book of receipts, containing simple remedies for most diseases. He wrote it all with his own hand, and so well, that it looked as if it was printed. With these remedies almost incredible Cures were wrought; so that one would have thought the author of that treatise had made physic his study for several years: But indeed he had not studied it all; nor had ever learned that science but in one book, that of the love of GOD and of his neighbor.

 

 1O. He sometimes employed himself in mending his poor habit, which he did with great address; and he made himself a little brown cloak to cover him. As for a bat, he did not make use of any, unless he was abroad, when the sun shone very hot. He was not skilled in making shoes; but he mended his own so dexterously, than one pair served him more than three years.

 

CHAPTER VIII.

 

A severe Illness obliges him to return to Mexico; whence he retires to St. Foy.

 

 1. GOD, whose will’ it was that the light of his servant should now shine in other places also, sent him a disease which was not known at first, but which proved to be a purple fever. His great courage, his mortification and patience, made him pass thirteen days without taking his bed. But then the violence of his distemper constrained him to suffer himself to be treated like a sick man. Being so weak as he was, the being blooded fourteen times must needs have cost him his life, had not GOD preserved it for his own glory and the profit of many souls. He recovered from that extremity, but there still remained an inflammation of the. liver, attended with a slow fever. So that he was constrained to change the air for that of St. Augustine; a - village three leagues from Mexico. He no sooner came hither than he sent me word, just as I was taking horse to go - and see him at Guastepea. I went to St. Augustine; but found him so weak that it was absolutely necessary he should have more help than could be, had there: So I removed him to Mexico, to my own lodging. He remained there some months, "and several persons during that time coming to consult him, in points of the highest concern, were so profited thereby, that it clearly appeared GOD had brought him thither for that very purpose.

 

 All the time he staid here, he never went abroad but to hear divine service. And though the MARcHIOVFSS DE VILLA MAxRICO sent three times, desiring me to bring him to her, he excused himself, saying,’ I have no need of seeing her, nor she of seeing me:' Which was the more remarkable, because the Viceroy, her husband, was greatly feared, and she had an absolute power over him, But some years after, hearing the Marquiss was deeply afflicted at the coming of a Commissary from Spain, to take information of his actions, he told me,’ If the Marchioness desires to see me, I will go to her now.

 

 But to return. He did not recover his health at Mexico His fever continued; he had no appetite, and was as weak as ever: So I sought for some country place near Mexico, which might be better for his health than we found the city to be.

 

 2. With this design, we went together to see St. Foy; a town two leagues from the city. We judged it to be an extremely proper place, and he pitched on a little house, separate from the town. He settled at St. Foy on the 22nd of May, 1589, and passed the rest of his life there in contemplation and prayer, without ever going out of it but twice, to a church which is a small half league from St. Foy. Before he communicated there, he fell on his knees before Father VINCENT CALBA, and striking his breast said,’ Through the mercy of Gon, I do not remember to have offended him in any thing. Give me, if you please, the most holy sacraments;' which Father CALBA repeating with amazement, said,’ Is it possible a man should have attained so high a degree of virtue, as not to be conscious to himself of even an idle word'

 

 3. In his little lodging here, he employed himself in the same spiritual exercises as before. Having for seven months scarce any company at all; only that I visited him as often as I was able, in doing which, I observed continually, more and more, so great a depth of piety in him, that my affection for him, and my desire of living wholly with him, increased in the same proportion. I recommended this to GOD in fervent prayer, and desired several persons to do the same, begging that he would be pleased to show me clearly what was his will concerning me. For I had the care of the great church in Mexico for more than twenty years, and some judged that I had done some good in my charge, were it only with regard to the poor who were ashamed to ask relief, for whom I had provided above ten years, by means of the alms which I procured for them. At length I was convinced it was my duty to retire: My, superiors consented to it; so I went to LOPEZ on CHRISTmas-day the same year, and staid with him till his death. I then observed, both day and night, all his actions and words, with all possible attention, to see if I could discover any thing contrary to the high opinion which I had of his virtue. But far from this, his behavior appeared every day more admirable than before, his virtues more sublime, and his whole conversation rather divine than human.

 

 4. His life was so uniform, that, by one day you may judge how he employed whole months and years. As soon as the day began to dawn, he opened the window of his chamber, washed his hands and face, and spent a quarter of an hour, or a little more, in reading the Bible, in consideration of its being the Word of Gon, who ordered him to read it; likewise to the end, that what he did not well understand at one time, he might understand at another; but chiefly because he had such a reverence for the Holy Scripture, that he took it for the rule of his conduct every day.

 

After this reading, he entered into so deep a recollection, that one could not judge by any outward mark, whether he was active or passive, whether he was speaking to Gon, or GOD was speaking to him. All one could conjecture from the tranquility and devotion which appeared in his countenance was, that he was in the continual presence of GOD. But that presence of GOD wherein he lived was not barren or unfruitful; seeing it daily produced more and more acts of love to GOD and his neighbor: That love which is the end of the commandment; and the sum of all perfection.

 

 5. Behold how this servant of GOD passed all the morning, all the evening, and great part of the night! Behold the bread with which he nourished his soul every- day! But although this was in his mind continually, yet I have observed, it was in the morning chiefly that he was, as it were, transported out of himself. He had not herein any determinate place, nor any fixed posture of body; but_ commonly he was standing, or sitting; sometimes walking in his chamber; and sometimes he went, for a few moments into the sunshine, in a little gallery, which was near it. As for kneeling, he could not, during the last years of his life, by reason of his extreme weakness.

 

 6. At eleven he quitted his posture of recollection, took his cup of water and his little napkin, and we two dined by ourselves, unless it fell out that any stranger came in; for he never sent any away; much less any person of piety. While we were at dinner, we talked on religious subjects, and sometimes of natural things, and even from these he would take occasion to speak truths of the sublimest nature.

 

 7. After dinner we continued for a while to entertain each other in the same manner; and if any person of a religious order came, it was a pleasure to hear Lopez talk with him: But it was only by answering questions, or when occasion was given; for he never began the discourse.* At

 

other times I read to him at this hour the Lives of the Saints, the Spiritual Combat, or some such book; after this reading, which was a kind of recreation to us, he retired into his chamber, where he continued in his union with GOD, which neither eating, nor conversation, nor business, nor any thing whatever could interrupt. And, as he never slept in the day, he had a great deal of time to converse with GOD; he had seldom any visitant in the morning, but in the afternoon, his gate was open to all the world: He advised them, comforted them, and promised to pray to GOD for them. Accordingly, in the last years of his life, he was perpetually visited not only by people of the common rank, but by ecclesiastics, by men of learning and of authority, by gentlemen and. noblemen, who either came to him themselves, or wrote to him to desire his advice, and to recommend themselves to his prayers.

 

 Among these DON LEWIS DE VELASCO, Marquis of Salinas, who had been twice Viceroy of New Spain, then Viceroy of Peru, and afterwards President of the Royal Council of the Indies, had such an esteem and affection for him, that he came several times to see him, and remained shut up with him for two or three hours: Such a capacity did he find in him, not only for things relating to conscience, but also for secular affairs, even those which concerned the government of a kingdom.

 

 8. Thus did he employ the afternoon. Before sun-set he returned to his chamber, whence he went out no more until the morning.

 

He never used any candle; upon which several inquiring, what he could be doing all that time he spent without light I replied only,’ They did not comprehend that his employ being wholly interior, he had no need of a material light, but only of that spiritual one which enlightened the eyes of his understanding no less by night than by day.

 

 9. As he never ate in the evening, he remained alone until half an hour after nine o'clock, and then wrapped himself up in his bed-quilt, which was the most delicate bed he had had from his youth. For many years he lay on the bare ground; afterwards on some sheep-skins; but a few years before his death, I constrained him to have a thin quilt besides his coverlet. I do not think he slept in'.the whole night above two or three hours; the rest he spent in contemplation until break of day; and this he continued until GOD called him to an eternal repose.

 

Before I speak of the time which he spent at St. Foy, it may be proper to give a more particular account, both of the graces and supernatural gifts, with which it pleased GOD to enrich his soul.

 

CHAPTER 9

 

The Knowledge which GOD infused into his Mind.

 

 1. HE has sometimes owned, that GOD himself had given him to understand the Scriptures. And so it appeared; for though he had never learned Latin, he translated the Scripture from Latin into Spanish, in terms so proper, as if he had been equally acquainted with that and with his native tongue. It seemed, that the whole Bible was continually before him: When men of learning asked him, where such and such texts were he not only told them without hesitation, but showed them the sense of them with such clearness, however obscure they were, that there remained no difficulty or obscurity in them.

 

 2. Twenty years before his death, Father DOMINIC DE SALAZAIR, afterwards Archbishop of the Philippines, said before several persons of learning,’ What is this, my Fathers, that after we have studied so closely all our lives, we know nothing near so much of divine things as this young layman Many persons of eminent knowledge came to him to resolve their doubts concerning passages of Scripture; and they all returned not barely satisfied, but amazed at the understanding which GOD had given him.

 

 3. Indeed he had a vast and comprehensive knowledge of things, even of the speculative sciences. And what heknew, he knew so well, that he spoke on any of these subjects with as great clearness and accuracy as any of those who had made it their particular study.

 

When he was at Guastepea, Father JUAN CoBus, an eminent Divine, was astonished in conversing with him on the' Revelation, at the admirable observations which he made. The Father prayed him to give them in writing. He did so in less' than eight hours, and sent them immediately to him at Mexico, without any erasure in them; who was then no less surprised at his diligence, than he had been before at his knowledge and piety. This tract has been admired by all the learned who have seen it, as the most excellent that was ever written on the subject.

 

Yet was he exceeding far from taking any superiority upon him, from needlessly engaging in any dispute, and from setting himself up as a judge over others, or desiring that they should follow his sentiments.

 

 Father ANTONIO ARIAS, and some others, disputing one day concerning those words in the Revelation: (Chap. 21: verse 1:) 11 I saw a new heaven and a new earth," whether they were to be taken literally or not When all had spoken, LOPEZ only said,’ When we are there, we shall see what will be here.'

 

 4. He knew, with all the clearness which could be drawn from the Scripture and other histories, all that passed from the Creation to Noah; and he recited all the generations, their degrees of kindred to each other, their several ages, and the times when they lived, with as much exactness as if he had had the Bible before him, and were reading them out of the book. Nor was he ignorant of the history of other people; but

 

if occasion offered, he could tell with the utmost accuracy, so far as any records remain, what were their manners, their customs, and the arts which they had invented.

 

 The same knowledge he had of what passed from NOAH to CHRIST, and spoke of these times as if they had been present to him. He referred all profane histories to the sacred; knew the wars and events which had occurred in any nation to the birth of JESUS CHRIST, and spoke of them as clearly as he could have done of the things of his own time.

 

 5. He was a thorough master of all ecclesiastical history, since the birth of CHRIST; as likewise of all the Emperors, to PHILIP the Second, in whose reign he died. He was equally skilled in profane history, ancient, as well as modern. He drew up a chronology from the Creation of the world, to the Pontificate of CLEMENT the Eighth, so exact, though short, that all remarkable incidents, whether ecclesiastical or secular, were set down therein.

 

 6. But his knowledge was not limited to history. He was so knowing in Astronomy, Cosmography, and Geography, that it seemed as if he had himself measured the heavens, the earth, and the sea. He had a globe and a general map of the world, made by his own hand, so just that I have seen it admired by persons deeply skilled in this science; and he was so ready herein, that the MARQUIS of SALINAS having sent him a very large one, he observed in it several mistakes, corrected them, gave his reasons for it, and then sent it back.

 

He had so particular a knowledge of nations, provinces, and-the customs of them, that he could tell punctually where every country was, and in what degree of latitude; their cities, their rivers, their isles, the plants and animals which were peculiar to them; of all which he spoke as knowing what he said; yet without any of that arrogance which usually attends knowledge; because his, coming from heaven, was not sullied with the defects of that which is acquired in the world.

 

 7. He was well acquainted with Anatomy, and several times made very curious remarks in that kind, which gave me room to admire the wisdom of God in the human frame, and to own " we are fearfully and wonderfully made." He was no less acquainted with the art of Medicine; insomuch that he wrote (as we mentioned before) a book of excellent recipes, cheap, and easy to be procured; and God blessed them with remarkable success.

 

 He was an excellent Botanist: He not only knew the quality of plants, and for what diseases they were proper, but likewise, how those qualities might be altered, by mixing or infusing them with various liquors. I have seen and proved that he has by this means made them quite different from what they were before. He told me, if he knew any good and skilful man, he would willingly have given him these recipes: But that otherwise, they must die with him; lest they should be applied to a bad use. He wrote several hands perfectly well, as may still be seen, particularly in the map of the world; all the writing whereof one would imagine to be print, the strokes are so elegant, bold, and strong.

 

 8. But all this knowledge did not -for a moment divert his mind from " the one thing needful." When I asked him one day, whether none of these things ever gave him any distraction he replied,’ I find GOD alike in little things and in great.' GOD being the continual object of his attention, he saw all things only in God.

 

CHAPTER 10

 

His Skill in directing Others.

 

 1. As God had given LOPEZ a peculiar knowledge in the Holy Scriptures, so he instructed him likewise in an admirable manner both to walk in the strait path to heaven himself, and to guide others therein. He saw spiritual things with the eyes of his soul, as clearly as outward things with his bodily eyes; and had an amazing accuracy in distinguishing what was of grace from what was of nature; and that not only with regard to him self, but those also who consulted him in their doubts and difficulties.

 

 2. Several persons speaking before him of helps to prayer, one said,’ That the best help of all was music; and that he had never found so much sweetness and peace in prayer, as in the cathedral service at Mexico.' Another said,’ It was much better to pray with others, and much

 

easier than to pray alone. 'To which LOPEZ said not one word. When they were gone, I asked, why he said nothing to them He answered,’ I would not condemn that conduct of theirs, which serves them as -a staff to walk a little; if you was to take it away now, they would not walk at all.'

 

 3. God had given him so clear a discernment of words and thoughts, that he readily distinguished those that were useful and those that were not; such as came from GOD, and such as came from nature. Upon which he was accustomed to say,’ It was not the love of GOD, but the love of themselves, which makes many speak of GOD:' Tie said also,’ As the love of GOD is all action, it talks little, and often not at all: It was from this light and this quick discernment, his extreme circumspection in all his words proceeded. The same light freed him from all scruple, and kept his soul in admirable tranquility; so that whatsoever attempts SATAN made upon his soul, he never had any doubts of any kind.

 

 4. Many knowing and spiritual men came to ST. FOY, to consult him touching their inward conduct: And he cleared all their. doubts with so much ease that they returned entirely satisfied. That which I particularly admired was, the incredible brevity with which he answered them; and that those few words were sufficient to remove so great difficulties, so that they seemed to be as it were rays of light, which penetrated and enlightened their spirit; sparks which, proceeding from the love which burned in his heart, inflamed their hearts with the same love of GOD.

 

One consulting him, who was in great trouble of mind, was eased at once by his speaking those words, " I counsel thee to buy gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich."

 

 Another, under strong temptation, was delivered by his uttering only that text, " The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.", To many who inquired, what they should do to please GOD, he gave only this answer,’ Do what you do now, out of love to GOD, and it will be sufficient.'

 

 To persons of letters, judges, and men of business, he often said,’ Change your intention, and you will do well enough.'

 

One desiring of him a rule for prayer, he gave him this answer in writing:’ JESUS CHRIST, our LORD, is an admirable Master, who can instruct you how to pray; and all prayer is included in his prayer. But that you may not complain I refuse your request; I will tell you, you need only say these few words: O LORD, my GOD, enlighten my soul, that I may know thee-, and that I may love thee with all my heart.'

 

 5. But when persons came to him out of curiosity, not a real desire to serve GOD, he gave them no other answer than this:’ There are teachers in the Church.' ANTONIO DE AVILA coming out of curiosity, and with a design to dispute with him, LOPEZ, as if seeing his heart, answered him at the first word,’ I do not dispute; neither do I know any thing but what GOD teaches me. Therefore you are come hither in vain.'

 

 6. After it pleased our LORD to make known the graces which he had given his servant, men saw clearly what gift he had received, for guiding those who came to him in their doubts and troubles. They were ravished to see the light which he had received from GOD; they were charmed with the sweetness of his carriage; they respected him as a Divine Spirit, enclosed in a mortal body; they were persuaded that GOD himself instructed him, in all his actions, and all the answers he gave: They came to consult him, as an oracle from heaven, as a prodigy of holiness. He fully satisfied all the doubts that were proposed to him; he instructed every one in the manner wherein he should behave in his profession. None were so afflicted, but he comforted them; he imprinted on the spirit of all to whom he spoke, an ardent desire of holiness. His words were all words of fire, and inflamed the heart with the love of GOD. None went from him, without feeling himself comforted and strengthened.

 

 In the year 1579, Father FRANCIS Losn, (who wrote the preceding and following parts of this life,) being then Rector of the largest parish in Mexico, asked LOPEZ, whether he should not retire from the city,' and live in some solitude as an hermit He answered,’ Remain this year a hermit at Mexico.' LOSA returned thither, and his whole manner of life was entirely changed. Whenever he went through the city, whether to collect or distribute charity, he felt an inward recollection and prayer, which not all the noise and hurry of the city could interrupt; as if he had been fifty years in that holy exercise, he found himself a new man, having lost in a moment all thoughts of earth, and being filled with heaven alone; he renounced all compliments, visits of form, and needless conversation; and his only joy was, to retire into himself, and treat with GOD upon the affairs of salvation. He began to walk alone, unless when he was obliged to go with any one on a work of charity; and the multitude of people whom he met, no more disturbed his attention to GOD, than if they had been rocks and trees. He immediately gave to the poor, all his goods; he renounced all the pleasures of life; he dismissed all his servants, and employed all the rest of his days in serving GOD and his neighbor; he gave away upwards of 6O,OOO ducats, and resolved to give up 2OOO of yearly income. He entered upon a course of rigorous fasting; mean time he was exercised with more violent. temptations, both inward and outward, than ever he had had; but in all he was " more than conqueror."

 

 7. At the end of the year, he went to LOPEZ again; and after having given him an account of all his life, he said, The year is expired; what shall I do now LOPEZ replied,’ Love God and your neighbor.' In returning to Mexico, LOSA began to think on these words; but he thought he had thoroughly practiced this already; and, accordingly, found some repugnance in himself to the advice which LOPEZ had now given him. But remembering what advantage he had reaped from his first advice, he presently humbled himself, believing these few words contained much more than he had at first imagined; and he besought GOD to show him the full meaning of them, and to pardon his pride. Immediately he heard a voice in his inmost soul:’ Before you can love GOD, you must renounce thyself, and die to all the things of the world.' He offered himself to God for this with all his heart, and prayed the Divine Majesty to work this in him; and in the instant he found it in himself, and was so penetrated with his love, that his understanding not being able to comprehend, nor his heart to contain so great a favor, he felt his bodily strength taken away, and thought he should have fallen from his horse. Thus he found the excellence of the advice LOPEZ had given him, and the efficacy of his prayers.

 

So great a favor produced great effects; for he continued six years in this same fervor of love, experiencing all the Christian graces, and enjoying all the fruits of the SPIRIT. And these were his support for forty years after, in all the labors and pains which he had to suffer; so that nothing could move him from his resolution of following in all things the will and guidance of GOD.

 

 8. It was in pursuance of this that he quitted Mexico, and came to live wholly with LOPEZ. The first night he spent there, he was in violent temptations, which he mentioned to LOPEZ in the morning; who replied,’ I forgot you last night; it shall not be so any more.' And in fact, the following nights he had no such trouble, but found his heart calmly stayed on GOD.’

 

 He remained with LOPEZ seven years, in the little house at St. Foy, whom he eased of all care concerning temporals; having a small salary for taking care of a chapel in the hospital, which was sufficient for them-both. After his death, he continued there twenty years, employed in the same private exercises, and in assisting the poor Indians, who had received the faith, in all things pertaining to conscience.

 

In the year 1612, sixteen years after the death of LOPEZ, he wrote his life, and dedicated it to the MARQUIS of SALINAS; being himself at that time eighty-four years old, as appears by the deposition which he made in 169O.

 

CHAPTER 11

 

His Government of his Tongue, and- his Prudence.

 

 1. " IF any man offend not in word," says ST. JAMES, `' the same is a perfect man." We may then pronounce LOPEZ a perfect man; for in all the eighteen years that I lived in the strictest intimacy with him, though I narrowly observed him, I never heard him speak one single word that could be reproved. He never spoke evil of any person; no, not of an heretic or a Pagan." He -was occasionally speaking one day of an Emperor who would’ eat meat fresh killed, when he was in the midst of the sea, and fishes which had been alive just before, when he was in the most inland country.' I said,’ That was HELIOGALUS;' he replied,’ It is enough to condemn the action, without naming him that did it.'

 

 2. When he was told, that certain persons spoke evil of him, he heard it without any emotion, and said first,’ We ought to believe, they had a good intention;' and after a while,’ According to what they have heard said of me, they have reason to judge of me as they do'. He strove not

 

only to excuse the persons, but likewise (as far as truth would bear) the action, without ever attempting to justify himself: And when he could not excuse them,’ he readily shifted the discourse to another subject.

 

 3. His conversation was always of things useful and spiritual, meet to minister grace to the hearers. His manner of speaking was sweet, civil, and invariably serious and equal. The tone of his voice was not high, but very agreeable; he was a perfect master of pronunciation; his discourses continually gained the hearts of those that heard them; and were delivered with such modesty as well as majesty, as made him appear a kind of heavenly man. I never observed, that either the beauty of heaven, the stars, or of the most green or flowery fields, or of the clearest fountains and streams, or the visits of any person whatever, whether at table or after, occasioned his speaking one idle word: I do not mean, a light or trifling word, this would have been an utter contradiction to his whole manner of life, but even an unnecessary word; for he measured his words so well, that he spoke no more than was needful to make himself understood; and he never exaggerated any thing.

 

 4. As excellently skilled as he was in all the arts and sciences, yet even when he was among men of learning, and they were talking on those heads, he never opened his mouth, unless the discourse was addressed to him. And even when he spoke of the things of GOD, as deep as his answers were, they were expressed in the most simple terms; because he retrenched whatever would have been superfluous in them, and was content with satisfying the demands and needs of his neighbors.

 

 One day, standing at the window, I said to him,’ See how hard it rains!' Instantly a flash of lightning struck my hand, and made it smart exceedingly; I told him of it, and he replied,’ You are paid as you deserve for your idle words; did not I see myself how hard it rained'

 

Upon his telling me one day a thing of great importance, I asked,,’ If you knew this, why did you not tell it me before' He answered,’ I do not speak all that I know; but only all that is necessary.'

 

 5. He was as sparing of words in writing as in speaking He never wrote first to any one, nor did he answer others, but when either necessity or charity obliged him to it; and then so precisely, and in so few words, that nothing could be retrenched. I have several of his letters in my hands, of five or six lines each, or less Some of them were written to DON LEWIS DE VELASCO, our Viceroy, in answer to those he had received from him; one of them contained only these words:’ I will do what you command me.' And although this manner of writing might seem disrespectful to persons of so high quality; yet it gave no offence from one who was so far from all compliment, and who never spoke any thing superfluous.

 

 6. But when the honor of GOD was concerned, the truth of Scripture, or the good of his neighbor, if others did not, he spoke without asking; and that largely, if the cause so required. For example: If any one in temptation or great affliction, began to complain of GOD; it was amazing to hear with what strength and piety he spoke, to convince them of their mistake, ignorance, and weakness; of the depth of the wisdom and mercy of GOD, hid from the eyes of men in their afflictions, and, of their obligation to abandon themselves to his conduct, and -to throw themselves wholly into his hands.

 

 7. He heard at all times with attention whatever questions were proposed to him; and he either answered them or not, as he judged it his duty. One of a religious order came to see him, and desired me to bring it about, that he might talk of GOD. I did; and he began a large, pompous discourse. Observing LOPEZ to make no answer, I desired him, by a private sign, to say something on the head; he answered me softly, so that the Doctor did not hear:’ My silence will edify him more than my words.' When he went away, I asked him what he thought of LOPEZ He answered, I esteem his silence much.' LOPEZ said to me after,’ I see that many talk well.: But let us live well.'

 

 8. He was used with much earnestness to plead the cause of Princes, Governors, and Magistrates. To those who - found fault with them, he often said,’ If you was in their place, perhaps you would not do so well as they; and who gave you authority to judge them' If they still insisted, ’they were to blame;' he answered,’ Then you ought to speak it to them; it is useless to speak of it here.'

 

 If persons who passed for religious, spoke evil of any one, he told them,’ I cannot believe that any can be truly religious, who set themselves up for judges of the actions of others, and who speak to their disadvantage.' On these occasions his usual word was,’ This is not the place to remedy this; it is not the business here.' - A person of authority speaking of the King's manner of governing, he said,’ There is not a man in Spain of more ability than the King; and are you more able than he' He stood reproved and spoke no more.

 

CHAPTER 12 His Patience and Humility.

 

 1. HE never mentioned to any one the pains which he endured, nor sought consolation in any creature: Only sometimes when he believed it might be of use to his neighbor, to tell what had befallen himself; but nothing that befell him could ever disturb his recollection of mind. And that equality of spirit which he continually preserved, plainly showed, that he was raised above all human things, and entirely possessed with the thoughts of things above, without ever,losing sight of them.

 

 2. although he frequently suffered great pain at his stomach, and violent cholics, he never made any complaint, nor indeed any show of them; I found it out only from

 

his unusual weakness, and not being able to eat. Observing this one day in particular,. I asked him,’ What was the matter' he answered,’ That he had had a violent cholic for fifteen days, without any intermission.' He had a fever often; and he cured it by fasting for three, four, or five days. But how ill soever he was of any of these disorders, he never would keep his bed.

 

 3. While he was at St. Foy, be had the tooth-ache for almost a year together: But I' did not perceive it by any - outward sign, only that twice he used some herbs, which he knew to be good for it, and that sometimes it was so violent. he could not eat.

 

He was accustomed to say on this occasion,’ We ought not to desire sufferings, but to endure them valiantly when they come.' And this he so, steadily practiced, that one might have imagined, he did not feel them.; as I remarked from the very day that I saw him first.

 

 4. Men naturally desire to be thought better than they' are; but Lorrz was so far from this, that he always esteemed himself less than others:; and I have heard him say more than once,’ For many years I have judged no man

 

I have believed all to be wiser and better than I; I have not pretended to set myself up above anyone, or to. assume any authority over others.' And hence he easily excused them who judged ill of himself. When I told him one day, that many had spoken evil of him, he answered,’ I excuse them not only with my lips, but with all my heart.'

 

 Hence also it was, that he did not desire that others should embrace his sentiments, and that he did not study, to express them in such a manner, as might recommend' them to others. On which he told me one day,’ I knew a man once, who diligently studied what he had to say; and he had no opportunity of saying it at all: Which taught him not to spend time so uselessly, but to trust in GOD, who will not fail to give help in time of need.'

 

 5. He was also far from those inquietudes which arise from the uncertainty of success in our undertakings; inasmuch, as, seeking only to please GOD, he considered those cares as obstacles to his design. Accordingly, he was never in pain for the event of things; nor did he ever lay great designs before-hand, even touching the service of God and his neighbor: He looked upon this as a useless way of spending time, and was always for employing the present moment. 

 

 As he was always on his guard, if a thought of this kind came at any time into -his mind, he checked it immediately by saying,’ I am nothing, I am good for nothing.' He was content to observe the law of Gon, without thinking himself worthy to see into futurity; although he was always prepared to do whatever the divine Majesty should call him to.

 

 6. He was so free from all desire, that he has sometimes said to me,.' Ever since I came to New Spain, I have never desired to see any thing in this world, not even my relations, friends,. or country.' He never desired to see angels or visions':’ I only desire,' said he, ’to see GOD And even in this, he was wholly resigned to his will, as to the time and the manner of it. To which he added,’ That the raptures and ecstasies which he desired to have in this life, were only to unite him to Gon, and to conform him more and more to. his holy will, that he might obey him in all things.'

 

 7. The moment he came to the valley of Amajac, he kneeled down upon the ground, and taking his discipline, began to chastise his body; but his divine CAPTAIN, whose wisdom is infinite, suffered him not to go on: He spoke these words to his heart: "Another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither you wouldest not:" Giving him to understand that he was not to choose for himself, but GOD would discipline him according to his own pleasure.

 

 He began by exercising him with inward trials; and those so painful, that he bad need of all his patience to suffer them. He has told me,’ He could not think of them without trembling; but that he had never told the particulars to any one.' Yet it was easy to judge from his advices to others in their trials, that he had experienced the same himself; he answered them so exactly, as he could not have done, if he had not spoken by experience. Other sufferings he had from the Prince of Darkness; who knowing faith-to be the foundation of all graces, was continually striving to throw doubts or blasphemous thoughts into his soul: But his lowliness and firm confidence in GOD, as often as they returned, put them to flight.

 

 8. And he was no less eminent in denying himself, than in taking up and bearing his cross. From his first retiring, he had resolved to eat nothing to please his taste, but only to sustain life: And this he observed so religiously, even to his death, that when he was pressed to eat either some melon, or raisins, or figs, he only smelt the melon, and said,’ This is enough for this year.' 'On my telling him once,’ You take no rest, and you can take none in the way wherein you go;' he replied, with a calm and cheerful countenance,’ It is true I cannot_ take any rest, while my brethren are engaged in so many labors and dangers; because it is not just that I should think of rest, as long as they are exposed to those hazards. God keep me from giving way to such sloth. If but one of them is in danger, that is enough to make me continue to pray without ceasing for him.'

 

 9. But what cost him the most pain of any thing in his whole life, was, always to follow the grace of Gon: As none can follow this without renouncing himself, (grace so often demanding just the contrary to nature,) accordingly it was his continual endeavor to die to all created things, and to combat nature; which loves to enjoy them, to live in pleasure, and ease, and honor. He desired to be despised, like his Master: He studied to forget all temporal things, and thought only of seeking GOD, and serving him. He received with constant patience, all that could befall him, without seeking any satisfaction, or finding any, even in his virtues, but as they contributed to the glory of GOD, to whom alone his heart was attached, forgetting all things else. He had so great a hunger and thirst for GOD, that no creature could satisfy him. After this Sovereign Good

 

he ran without ceasing, in spite of all his natural inclinations: And this agonizing after GOD is a greater cross, and a heavier self-denial, than any who have not felt it can conceive.

 

CHAPTER 13 His Prayer.

 

 1. SEVERAL things gave me reason to believe, that LOPEZ began to pray from the time he began to reason. He has occasionally told me,.’ That he had never been a child; and that he had never cast one look backward: Whence one may easily infer, he had never been without prayer, even from his tender years. I have likewise heard him say,’ That from the time he came to court, he prayed continually, and went through his business with the same inward peace; as he could have done twenty years after: And that neither the noblemen he met in the way, nor the noise and distractions of the court, any more interrupted his inward prayer, than if he had been in a cavern.' And to this he was brought at first, not by the fear of hell; but GOD always led him by love. The foundation of all his devotion was JESUS CHRIST, the only door whereby we can come to GOD. This he has often told -us, while he has spoken in so affecting a manner of the life and death of our REDEEMER, as made it clearly appear, how well he was exercised in this kind of meditation.

 

 2. The first prayer, wherein he was employed in his little cell, (as was before observed,) was contained in those words: " Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven:" Words that contain the most sublime and the most difficult doctrine in the whole spiritual life: For they contain a fixed resolution, to do all that GOD requires, whether in temporal or spiritual things, the observation of his law in all things, and an entire submission to his orders by receiving at his hand with tranquility of spirit, whatever he pleases, how rough soever it be: Because the will of GOD, being our sanctification, we ought to embrace whatever conduces to it; and to this end to obey him without reluctance, and the creatures for his sake.

 

 This is the way to be always in his presence, and to show our love to him by our obedience. This includes also true mortification in all our works, all our affections, all our desires: For it is to make a continual sacrifice to GOD of our own will, and to have no end but to fulfil his in all our actions. By this exercise one arrives at a state of uniformity, that is, so strict an union of our will with that of GOD, that ours disappearing, we have no will but his, which actuates, guides, and governs us.

 

 3. LOPEZ has told me, that after the first year, he had no need to put himself in remembrance of this prayer, because, his very drawing his breath reminded him of it every moment. The effect of which was, that he was continually raised above himself, without ever having a thought about worldly things, and that his understanding, memory, and will, were all so fully taken up with this divine exercise, that, as great as his temptations were, they had no sooner passed than he had forgotten them.

 

 After three years, GOD led him to practice another lesson, namely, " You shall love the Lord thy GOD with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy strength; and thy neighbor as thyself." And he now employed himself with the same application in these acts of love, as he had done before in those of resignation; insomuch that I have heard him say,’ It would be very difficult to discontinue this exercise for a moment, even in eating, in talking, or in any other employment, whether of body or mind.

 

 4. His soul being in this situation, he applied himself to the Holy Scriptures with more application than ever. In this he spent three or four hours every day; and the love which filled his heart, gave him understanding therein. By this means he acquired also that wonderful discretion in his words, that prudence and wisdom in his answers and counsels, and that evenness with which he loved his neighbor as himself, and sought his happiness, no less than his own. Hence likewise proceeded that great purity of heart, that readiness in all kinds of prayer, that entire mortification of all his senses, and that constant power over all the powers of darkness.

 

 5. I have talked with LOPEZ, (says a person of eminent piety,) sometimes for four hours together, upon spiritual things, and from what I saw and remarked in him, I judged him to be a man highly favored. His soul appeared to be disengaged from all things else, by a pure union with God. Him he always enjoyed in the essence of his soul, where the supreme Majesty delights to dwell. This I could easily learn, during an acquaintance of seven years, from many things which he communicated to me. Hence, I found, that he was in a continual act of the love of GOD; in which his soul, freed from all created things, was so intimately united to GOD, that from this fountain flowed all the graces which it pleased our LORD to bestow upon him. For at the same time that he received this pure uninterrupted love, he made an admirable use of it on all occasions, as knowing that love is the source, the origin, and the mother of all the other virtues; which GOD continually communicated to him, that he might communicate them to others, and enrich their poverty with his abundance.

 

 I asked him once,’ If he had any particular hours, wherein he prayed more than at other times And if he did not abate something of his prayer in his employments and conversations with his neighbor' He answered,’ That he had no particular hours, and that he had no necessity for them; since no created thing was capable of either interrupting or abating his continual love of GOD and his neighbor: That so far from ever drawing back in this his union with GOD, he advanced in it continually, referring to God by this simple act of pure love, all the graces which he was pleased to give him, without assuming any thing to himself; that this union was the source of all his knowledge; and that, accordingly, GOD himself was his Teacher, and not his books; through which indeed he was sometimes taught.'

 

 He told me likewise,' GOD had showed him, there was then the greatest union between GOD, and the soul, when it was such that there was nothing interposed between them; and that he had given him to comprehend what sort of union this was, from that which is between the light and the air For these being two distinct things, and which have each its separate subsistence, are nevertheless so united, that GOD alone is able to divide them. How much closer is the union between the pure essence of the soul, and Him who is an infinitely pure SPIRIT!'

 

Asking him one day,’ What would you have done if you had been a Priest' He replied,’ What I do now.'‘ And how,' said I,’ would you have prepared yourself to celebrate the blessed sacrament' He answered,’ As I now prepare myself to receive it. And if I were assured of dying in a few hours, I would do no other thing than I do now: For I do actually offer up to GOD all that is in my power by a continual act of love; and I can do nothing more until he shall enable me himself.'

 

 He told me farther,’ Perfection does not consist in visions, revelations; ravishments, and ecstasies; although GOD often favors his servants therewith, because he acts towards every one according to his capacity, his need, and the disposition wherein he is. But souls accustomed to acts of pure love, do not need the suspension of their senses, in order to have deep communion with GOD, because these do not hinder them therein.' He added,’ That he had never had any revelations, ecstasies or ravishments, which had deprived him of his senses; nor had his senses ever occasioned in him any distraction of mind, because they were perfectly spiritualized, entirely subject to his reason, and conformable to the will of GOD: ‘Continuing the discourse,’ I knew a man,' said he, (by whom I was assured he meant himself,)’ who for six and

 

thirty years never discontinued, for one single moment, to make, with all his strength, an act of pure love to GOD.'

 

 At another time I spoke to him of some who acquired great inward peace by a passive union with GOD, and by a love which made them continually taste the grace which GOD communicated to them. He answered,., Such souls are happy, and walk in a good path. But yet the perfection is not so great in this state wherein one enjoys these sweetnesses, as in that wherein we labor with all our might to love GOD-in the most perfect manner we can possibly; because in the latter state we act, rather than enjoy; whereas in the former, we rather enjoy than act: For a soul that perfectly loves Gon, can only give him what he gives first; and he requires no more, inasmuch as this is all the Law and the Prophets.'

 

CHAPTER 14 His Union with GOD, and the Fruits thereof.

 

 1. I ASKED him one day,’ Whether his not using a hat, was beeause he was always in the presence of GOD' He answered,’ No: my union with GOD being in my inmost soul, does not require me to be either covered or uncovered; but it is, that I may want as few things as possible, and that I may not make my body delicate.'

 

 Hence proceeded that humility which he possessed in so eminent a degree. - Being always so intimately united with GOD, he had a full knowledge of GOD's infinity and his own nothingness, and earnestly desired that every one should consider him as nothing, and GOD as all.

 

Hence also it was, that he received whatever befel him from men, with such peace and tranquility of spirit, that he readily excused those who despised or spoke evil of him, and that he never complained of any one.

 

 2. From the same fountain proceeded the perfect purity both of his soul and body; for the rays of the. Divinity felt continually on his soul, as those of the sun on a crystal mirror. By this act of pure love, his soul was transformed into the same image. And what purity was thereby communicated even to the body, can hardly be conceived in this life.

 

 Hence sprung that purity of conscience also, which astonished the most spiritual, as one sees by his own words’Through the mercy of GOD, I do not know that I have sinned in any thing:' And upon my asking, Is it possible for any one to remain for any time without committing sin He answered,’ When those whom GOD has enabled to love him with all their soul, do with his assistance all that is in their power, and that with deep humility, it is possible for, them to remain without committing sin; as clearly appears, in that our LORD, who commanded nothing which was impossible to be performed, commanded this: " You shall love the LORD thy GOD, with all thyheart, mind, soul, and strength." But he who does this, not only does not sin, but grows daily in all holiness.' I replied, But how can this be, when the' Scripture says, "The just man sins seven times a day" He answered,’ This could not be taken literally; since we see some who spend not only one day, but many, in uninterrupted prayer, and in one continued act of love to GOD.'

 

 3. But although this servant of GOD was continually employed in this act of love to GOD and his neighbor, yet he had likewise other ways of praying, which did not hinder, but increase his union with GOD. When he had any great inward conflicts, he rejoiced to sustain them for the love of GOD: And after he had conquered, he offered all that he had suffered as a sacrifice to him. He offered him not only the spoils won from his enemies, but the gifts and graces which he had given him, joined with fervent prayer, and an unspeakable sense of his obligations to the Giver of every good gift: So that when he received any new grace or gift, his understanding being more enlightened, and his heart still more inflamed with love, instead of resting on these gifts or graces, he offered them to GOD, for whom alone he loved all that he received: from him.

 

 4. He was likewise accustomed to offer to GOD the life, passion, and death of our blessed LORD, sometimes in behalf of all the world; sometimes of particular persons. He told me one day,’ That he frequently practiced two sorts of spiritual communion; the one, by an ardent desire of receiving JESUS CHRIST in the LORD'S Supper; the other, by receiving into his soul, the FATHER, SON, and the HOLY SPIRIT, thus becoming a living and pure temple of the ever-blessed Trinity, actually giving them an abode in his heart, to dwell and rest there for ever.'

 

 5. He prayed earnestly for the Church, for its increase, and for the propagation of the true faith through all nations; and for all sinners, that they might offend GOD nn more, but might all love him and keep his commandments. What he asked for his neighbor with the greatest fervor, was, that they might do the will of GOD as it is in heaven.. And this he did on all occasions: So when he heard one say,’ That the King was extremely reverenced, because of his: power and justice, and that he possessed his realms in peace;' he immediately broke out,’ LORD, you have all justice, and all power; let all men reverence thee! And possess you thy kingdom over all the earth in peace throughout all ages!' If he heard of a father whom his children loved for his goodness, he would presently say to GOD,’ Eternal FATHER, you art the source of all good; let all thy children love thee.' When one mentioned a gardener, who took great care to make his trees bear, good fruit, he said,’ Suffer not, LORD, any of thy creatures to perish, but make them all bring forth good fruit.' If he heard of great wars, and many deaths, he lifted up his heart to GOD, saying,’ See, LORD, the miserable state of thy children, and my brethren, whom you commandest me

 

to love as my own soul. In a word, there was -nothing, either good or evil, which did not furnish him with matter for prayer. He told me sometimes, that he safe at one glance in GOD, all that was in the world. Hence one may judge how sublime his prayer was, and how near a resemblance he bore to Gon: Seeing all the world was present, as it were, in epitome, in his understanding;, and by so peculiar a gift, he reduced all to one point, to offer it to GOD.

 

 6. He was extremely desirous, that every Christian should continue to pray, even in outward works. And this, he practiced, not only in all he did, but' likewise in all he spoke; for whenever he spoke, either in answering or asking any thing, he lifted up his heart to GOD, and prayed for, his assistance and blessing. Particularly, whenever he had a desire to assist any that was in distress, he had recourse to GOD by prayer. By this it was that he did so many surprising things; saying often,’ It is much better to treat with GOD than with man.'

 

 7. By this means he could say, with the strictest truth, " I live not, but CHRIST liveth in me." For he appeared to all who observed him with attention, to be a real portraiture of JESUS CHRIST, truly crucified with him, and having no affection but for a life wholly divine. Being in a manner transformed into the image of CHRIST, he had an ardent desire to follow him, in his life, in his labors, and in his sufferings, as the most perfect pattern that can ever be set before us. Therefore he had no rest during his whole life, but was laboring and suffering incessantly.

 

He could continually testify, " To me to live is CHRIST, and to die is gain." For it was his chief joy, to suffer for JESUS CHRIST: In this he gloried, and in this alone; saying, with the Apostle, " GOD forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our LORD JESUS CHRIST." Him he regarded in all things, as the only model by which he was to form himself. He said, with DAVID, " My eyes are always lifted up unto thee, O LORD." He was accustomed to say,’ The eyes of a wise man are always fixed On CHRIST, who is his head: And the soul that is touched with the love of GOD, is like the needle that is touched with the loadstone, which - always points to the north. Thus in whatever place a truly spiritual man is, and in whatever he is employed, his eyes and his heart are always fixed on JESUS CHRIST.

 

CHAPTER 15

 

His last Sickness and Death.

 

 1. In May 1596 he began to find himself out of order: He lost his appetite entirely; nor could he swallow any thing but liquids, and that not without much difficulty. A few days after he fell into a bloody flux, which was the more dangerous, because he was so extremely weak. Seeing the concern I was under, he said,’ My father, now is GOD’s time:' Meaning the time of showing by facts his resignation and conformity to the Divine will; according to his common saying,’ True resignation consists wholly in doing, and not in talking.'

 

 As soon as his sickness was known at the hospital in Mexico, the Superior of the Hospital came to visit him and believing he might want one to attend upon him, he brought with him Brother PEDRO DE SARMINTO. When he was come, he could not but admire his patience and tranquility of spirit. He asked,’ If he should not leave this Brother to tend him' He replied with his usual gravity and sweetness,’ He was not willing to deprive the hospital of a help which perhaps they could not spare;' but being assured they could spare him, he willingly accepted of his service. He bore his illness many days with his accustomed courage and patience, never complaining, were his pains ever so great.

 

 2. On the 24th of June I thought it would be well to give him the Sacrament. I asked him, if he was willing to receive it He answered,’ Yes;. and particularly on ST. JOHN the Baptist's day; for whom he had always had a peculiar veneration.' I then gave it him without delay, fearing lest death should prevent, as he was exceeding weak, and received scarce any nourishment; besides that be had an extremely troublesome hickup, and his pulse began to intermit.

 

 His hick up continuing, he said to Brother PEDRO, ~ My Brother, you know what this hickup means;' intimating thereby that his death was near. This day, and the following days, his illness increased continually: Notwithstanding which he would rise, even to the day of his death, and dress himself as often as his distemper required; although he might have avoided that extreme fatigue, by accepting the services of others.

 

 3. He grew weaker and weaker every day, not being able to eat any thing, unless some sweatmeats, which certain persons of quality sent him from Mexico. Upon which he said,’ You art wonderful, my GOD, in that a man who possesses nothing in the world, having need of such food as belongs only to Noblemen, has it provided for him.' I never perceived in him, during his whole illness, any repugnance to the order-of GOD, but an admirable peace and tranquility, with an entire conformity to his will. All his virtues shone marvelously in this sickness, and particularly his humility. - A few days before his death an Indian of St. Foy came to see him, and as he did not understand the Indian tongue, he said to me,’If you please, my Father, hear him; perhaps' he would give me some good advice.' Such was his spirit, to believe he might learn from an Indian, in the state wherein he then was.

 

 4. All this time his pains of body were so great, that when I asked hint, how he found himself, and in what part his sharpest pain lay he answered,’ From my head to my foot: It was then that a lady of quality came from Mexico to visit-him: But as she had not profited by his former advices, but still continued passionately fond of dress, and of gaming, I sent her word,’ She might go back, for she could not see him, nor would he receive any thing from her.' As she earnestly begged she might see him, three or four hours passed in messages to and fro. At length, hoping it might have a good effect, I consented. When she was admitted, she kneeled down by his bed, served him herself, and prepared his food with her own hands, with the utmost tenderness and humility. She was then dressed plain, without any ornaments at all. During the time she staid at St. Foy, she had much conversation with him every morning and evening, and with many tears recommended herself to his prayers.

 

 5. From that hour she felt an entire change in her heart, abhorring the things of which she was so fond before. And some days before she returned to Mexico, she told me with great joy,’ My father, you shall be a witness, that GREGORY LOPEZ has taken a charge of my soul.' He replied,’ I have so.' Immediately his pains redoubled, and she on her part felt herself struck with,the same illness which he had. Nevertheless she continued two days serving him on her knees, and shedding abundance of tears. But her, illness increasing daily, she was constrained to return to Mexico. LOPEZ said to her at parting,’ Madam, farewell: We shall see each other here no more.'

 

 As her illness increased, in the same proportion increased her shame and sorrow for her sins: And so did his pains. When she was in extremity, one came from her, to beg he would remember her. He answered, to my astonishment,’ Yes, I do; and I carry this weight on my shoulders.' In fine, the lady died, giving all the proof which was possible of a saving change. I heard of it a few hours after. When I mentioned it to LOPEZ, he expressed his joy in these few words:’ GOD has all power.'

 

 I have related this to show, how deeply the love of his neighbor was rooted in his heart, and with what ardour he assisted, even in his utmost weakness, the souls that were in danger, and even taking as it were to himself the punishment of their sins, as he seems to have done on this occasion. Seeing, beside the excessive pain of body which he felt, the inward cross which he bore from the time that he charged himself with this soul was so extremely heavy, that he was astonished at it himself; and that not knowing before what it was to complain, he then cried out with the strongest emotion, JESUS assist me: My GOD, how severe is this refining fire!' And one time, when I was going out, he stopped me, saying,’ My Father, do not leave me. Alas, it was not without great reason that CHRIST bade his Apostles stay and watch with him: Such a word as never fell from him before in the severest trials either of body or soul.

 

 6. Yet in the midst of all his inward and outward pains, his courage and faith were unshaken. I frequently asked, during all these storms,’ Do you continue that act of pure love' He answered,’ That is always the same.' To set which in the clearest light, I will repeat the several questions which I proposed, when I saw him at the lowest ebb, and his answers.

 

 One time I asked,’ If so great pain did not a little divert him from thinking on GOD F He answered,’ Not in the least.' Another time, seeing him suffer extremely, I said,’ Now is the time to think upon Gon: ’And of whom should I ever think' was his reply. When he was in the very pangs of death, I said,’ Are you now thoroughly united to GOD' He answered,’ Yes, thoroughly.'

 

 Another time he turned to me, and said,’ Perseverance, joined with peace, is of great price.' And when I comforted him by saying,’ GOD led him in the way of the cross, as he had done his own SON;' he replied,’ I cannot be too thankful for it, nor rejoice in it too much. His holy will be accomplished in me.' In fine, when it appeared to me time to give him the parting blessing, I said,’ Behold the time of going to see the secret of the LORD: He answered,’ All is clear; there is no longer any thing hid; it is full noon with me:' Plainly declaring, that the light which then shone on his soul, far surpassed that of the noon-day sun. And in this marvelous confidence, full of faith, hope, and love, he gave up his spirit to GOD.

 

 7. This was on Saturday noon, on the 11th of July. He lived fifty-four years, thirty-four of them in America. His face appeared as if he had been still alive; his flesh all over his body was as soft as that of a little child; and many who touched him even for twenty-four hours after, found all the parts of his body full as flexible as those of a, living man. His corpse was carried into the church, where it remained all the night. The Indians covered it with roses, and abundance of other flowers, as a testimony of their love.

 

 As soon as his death was known at Mexico, many persons of quality, as well as people of all ranks, ran to St. Foy, that they might be present at his burial, bringing tapers, and all things necessary for the funeral. All appeared full of joy and consolation; believing there was no occasion for tears here, as at the death of other persons, but of rejoicing with him, who was now triumphing in his own country.

 

His body was interred near the high altar, the Dean of Mexico performing the office, and' Brother HERNANDO HORTEZ, one of the Canons, preaching his funeral sermon.

 

 8. He was of a middle size, and so exactly proportioned, that no blemish could be found in him. But his constitution was tender: His hair was chesnut,-he had a large and high forehead, his eye-brows'were arched, his ears small, his eyes black, and his sight so strong that he read the smallest print or writing without any spectacles. His nose was inclining to large; his lips small, though his under lip somewhat thicker than the other. His teeth were even and white; his face and hands of a dead wan colour, through his extreme abstinence. But the beauty of his soul so shone through his face, and wrought such a reverence in all who beheld him, that they considered him rather as one just come from heaven, than as a mortal creature.

 

 

 

THE LIFE OF MR. THOMAS CAWTON, Late Minister of the Gospel at Rotterdam, in Holland.

 

 THOMAS CAWTON was born at Rainham in Norfolk, in the year 16O5, of honest parents, under whose tuition he remained till he was capable of being improved for higher designs than those of his infancy. From a child he had so strong an inclination to the ministry, that nothing could divert him from following that employment.

 

 His parents seeing him endued with so good a principle, were very solicitous how to bring him up in learning; but being much discouraged by the smallness of their estate, they were in suspence, having their eyes towards GOD, whose good hand favoring their intended enterprise, stirred up friends above expectation, and particularly procured the patronage of Sin ROGER TOWNSEND, a Knight of Norfolk, eminent for parts and piety.

 

 When he came a little to understand himself and the use of learning, he was so unwearied in the pursuit of it, that to out-strip others, he did constantly rise very early summer and winter; insomuch that though he had a great way to go to school, yet he would be there before his master was stirring, and had admittance into his master's chamber, where he did every morning construe a chapter in the Greek Testament at his bed-side: By this means he got an exact skill in the Greek text, insomuch that he could at the first sight explain chapter or verse in the whole Testament; and this he would often say he got by the by, while others got nothing: Thus industrious he was even then to improve the very shavings of time.

 

 Having for a while manifested his affectionate love to learning, as also given many demonstrations of his proficiency, he was judged fit for the University, and was accordingly sent thither, and admitted in Queen's College in Cambridge. During his residence in the College, he did most exquisitely perfect and polish his natural parts (which were very good) by art and grace: As he had begun at school, so here he was an excellent husband of his time, so frugal that the highly valued the shreds and odd ends of it, and would gather up the fragments of this also, that nothing might be lost; He presently embraced the present occasion; those that were intimately acquainted with him give him this character, that he was the greatest enemy in the world to delays, and would not only speak for, but himself laid hold on the forelock of opportunity: He accounted more of one hour present, than of the hopes of many to come, and was much for the season for every study, knowing there was *, much time in an opportunity And that time might be kept with bit and bridle (not from fleeing away, but) from perishing. He was so industrious that he had no leisure to be idle, but was most glad of leisure to employ himself; for he esteemed an unemployed life a burden to itself, and thought that man unworthy of the world that never did any thing in the world but lived and died.

 

 He was observed in matters of learning to aim very high He would never set himself bounds, Thus far will I go, and no farther; but was aspiring to the highest pinnacle of knowledge, never setting himself any task, but that of perfection: Yet this generosity of mind was veiled with so much modesty, that his demeanor seemed a continued repetition of that divine precept, " That no man should think more highly of himself than he ought to think, but to think soberly:" Sobriety was woven into and twisted

 

with the. whole course of his studies; it was the frame he made to the picture of the Muses: Though he, were not so modest as to let every one get above and before him, yet he was so modest as to prefer every one before himself, and to slight his own excellency; he was, as NAZIANZEN speaks of ATHANASIUS, lofty in worth, but low in heart;' knowing, that he that is proud of his virtue, kills himself not with a sword, but with a medicine: He could bear any' thing but his own commendation; he had learned how to possess learning,, rather than be possessed of it, and-that by ballasting his mind, lest knowledge should puff him up.

 

 To instance in particulars: He being naturally of a deep judgment, made a famous logician, and would handle an argument with extraordinary dexterity: For the arts and sciences he was well skilled in them too, especially in those of them that concern a Divine.

 

He was an incomparable linguist, for the oriental tongues; few in those times (none almost) of his standing went beyond him: He took much delight in the Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic; and to gain more and more skill in them, he got acquaintance with the famous WHEELOCK, then Arabic Professor: But his chief endeavors were spent upon the Hebrew, in the study of which (as the most profitable) he quickly conquered the difficulties of the tongue, and was master of it, insomuch that he was a great help to others For that was his manner, when he intended to be excellent at any thing, he taught others what he himself had learned; thinking it the best way to get learning, to give learning He was even in his youth apt to teach; and many eminent in GOD *S church' at this day owe all the Hebrew they have to his instructions.

 

He learned and understood the Saxon, High and Low Dutch, the Italian, Spanish, and French tongues perfectly, and read many books in them all, after he left the University.

 

 And it is worth the taking notice, that he got the skill he had in languages most by his own industry, having little or no assistance or encouragement but his love to tongues, which put him upon turning every stone, and using every means to obtain his end; which labor of his was crowned with success, and he without a master made master of the tongues, which to his dying day -he kept as perpetual servants, subservient to their mistress, Divinity.

 

 As his profound reasoning showed the depth of his judgment, so his readiness in languages, in understanding so many, and that so well as he did, does evince the strength of his memory: Judgment and memory seldom meet together in one and the same person; but in him they kissed and embraced each other, and dwelt together in unity, helping one another, and both conspiring to make him thoroughly furnished to every good word and work.

 

 But that which made his parts so eminent was his exalted piety; his holy, strict conversation: He never thought much of doing or suffering much for GOD: He was a noted professor both in the town and college, and went through much opposition, though but a young disciple; yet he was truly conformed to his Master in enduring the contradictions of sinners: He was an early champion for holiness, and could better bear the reproaches of men for his holiness, than the wrath of GOD for his unholiness; behaving himself so that none could speak truly and reproachfully of him at the same time.

 

 He was naturally inclined to solitude, and "having through desire separated himself, he intermeddled with all wisdom;" he loved to withdraw from the world, giving himself to meditation and prayer, thinking be had studied well when he had prayed well: In this solitude he entertained his SAVIOUR, and by his refreshing society was more and - more in love with his solitary (as I may say) society; he could say with CYPRIAN, Solus non est cui CHRISTI comes est; he wants no company that has CHRIST for his companion: And indeed though solitude be to some hateful, to others hurtful; yet he that knows not how to be alone, knows not, how to be in company with profit: This I know, the less wisdom a man has, the more he complains of the want of company.

 

 The society he conversed with was of those that were painful and pious; such as loved GOD were his friends; such as would come together to pray, and confer about religion, and strengthen one anther's hands against profaneness and ungodliness, such were his delight, and with such he would be very familiar and open-hearted; Meantime the Lox being merciful to him preserved him blameless and spotless in the midst of a wicked generation of scholars; his righteous -,soul being vexed for the unlawful deeds of those amongst whom he dwelt. The stream of example was never -strong enough to make him stir along with it, when a gale of custom would carry others with full sails to the port;of endless and Baseless misery. He took up no employment, followed no company, but what he had the broad seal of heaven to confirm, and what' the narrow way to heaven did warrant as useful to travel with up the hill to happiness.

 

 As he was careful of himself, lest he should at any, time fall into bad company, so he was very desirous to keep others out of it. Hence when any youths came to the University either from his own country, or elsewhere, such as he knew, or was informed were well educated, he would be sure to get acquaintance with them at their first coming, before they were entangled or infected with bad company, and would bring them into the society of some pious scholars of which he himself was; and he was very successful therein: Many had great cause to bless God for their first acquaintance with him, for his bringing them to Dr.. PRFSTON's and Dn. SIBBS'S lectures; and some that are yet alive have blessed God for their acquaintance with him: This his unwearied diligence was so generally observed in the College, that it grew almost

 

into a proverb among the profane scholars,’ Such a youth was poisoned by CAWTON's faction;' which nevertheless could not in the least deter him from prosecuting the work of the Lore, or from abiding and abounding in it.

 

 He remained faithful in this good employment, as also in following his private studies in the University, till he took his degree of Master of Arts. Then in order to his study of Divinity, he removed for a time from the University to a place called Ashwell, twelve miles from Cambridge, to live in the house of that holy man of Gon, MR. HERBERT PALMER, then Minister of that place, from whom (as he himself would often say) he reaped no small benefit in his first setting upon the study of Divinity: He followed his business closely, and with much delight; and, which is most and best, he studied divine truths with a divine heart; and indeed they are divine affections and a divine conversation which make the Divine. Having grafted his divinity-knowledge upon a divine heart, and watered it with his tears in his frequent and fervent addresses to the fountain of saving wisdom, GOD speedily gave an increase; so that he in that place began his Ministry, sometimes assisting MR. PALM ER in preaching, always exercising himself unto godliness, giving attendance to reading, to exhortation, and to doctrine; not neglecting, but stirring up the gift of GOD that was in him, and in studying to approve himself to GOD " a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth."

 

 After he had thus prepared himself for the Ministry, though he were fit, yet he apprehended it not so safe to enter upon a pastoral charge, for his singular modesty made him suspect his own abilities: Wherefore he still continued assistant to MR. PALMER, till at length he was called to live in the house Of SIR WILLIAM ARMIN, of Orton, in Huntingdonshire. While he was there he was well beloved both in the family and country, for his abilities, faithfulness, and plain dealing with that family, from the highest to the lowest: A Papist could say,’ That few rich men's Confessors should be saved; that is, that few great men's Chaplains should go to heaven, because they were so apt to flatter their masters:' But he could neither smother faults, nor smooth them over in the greatest; but would so sweetly. reprove and admonish all sorts according

 

to their qualities, that though he were so honest as to be plain, yet he was so discreet as to be pleasing in his reprehensions: This his faithfulness, joined with a grave familiarity, gained him the affections of all.

 

 He was ever taking occasion to do good in that family; more especially in his sound-and plain exposition of Scripture, in his profitable and clear way of catechizing and building them up in their most holy faith: And in his family and private prayers with and for them: Thus he spent and, was spent for GOD; laying himself out for his LORD and Master, and imitating Him in his readiness to instruct the meanest and lowest capacities, suiting himself to them, and becoming all things to all, that he might win some; by which means, backed with a serious godly conversation, he so effectually wrought upon that family, that many have cause to be thankful they ever were of that family, for his sake.

 

He often preached for the Ministers round about him in that country, which province he so zealously, piously, and learnedly performed, that he generally gained the hearts of all the godly in that country, especially of the Ministers Witness that large testimonial given him under the hands of the chief Ministers in that country at his departure; in which they much bewail their great loss in parting with him. He was with SIR WILLIAM ARMIN four years, painfully following his private studies, family duties, and public preaching: And now he was persuaded to venture into the world, and to serve GOD more publicly in his Church, to which, by the advice of some able Divines, he was persuaded, resolving that when God should make way for him, he would cheerfully embrace the offer of a living.

 

 About this time, SIR ROGER TOWNSEND being sick unto death, sent for him, but he could not come (though he made all possible haste) soon enough to see him living: Yet SIR ROGER had not forgotten him; for just before his death, he sealed a presentation of him to a living in Essex, called Wivenho, not far from Colchester, being then void. He found the town notorious for all manner of wickedness; drunkenness, and swearing abounded among them, but especially Sabbath-breaking. It was their common practice, (it being a sea town,) to,bring up their fish and sell it on the LORD'S Day, almost at the church doors.

 

 He was instant in season and out of season, preaching against that sin, reproving them with zeal, meekness, and compassion; persuading them not to go to sea on Saturday, which they mostly did in regard of a market near by, kept, on Monday. But notwithstanding his public preaching, and private admonishing, he found it a very difficult work to bring them off from that sinful practice. Yet he gave not over, he was not short-breathed in the work of the LORD; but still was importunate with them to look to eternity, and proceeded to sharp rebukes, plainly stating their case here, and their case hereafter. Many of his parish would send him fish in the evening of the LORD's Day, but he never would receive any. He would not be bribed to stop his mouth, but more vehemently declaimed against their sin, and gave them no rest, till there was such a reformation wrought in the place, as caused the admiration of all who knew that people.

 

 Thus it pleased GOD to give a blessing to his unwearied labors in a plentiful harvest of converts, many seeing the evil of their sins, were savingly wrought upon, and given him as the seals of the Ministry: Others were restrained to an astonishment: The power of godliness did so shine in his doctrine and life, that it had a commanding authority over the consciences of those with whom he conversed.

 

 No man was ever more beloved of his people than he was; all sorts, rich and poor, did manifest a great deal of respect and affection to him: The very children were so taken with his winning way of catechizing them, that they loved him and their catechism the better for it: A great many of them would every Sabbath day go together to meet him between his house and the church, showing their readiness to be catechized by him. Thus he that at first was counted so severe, was esteemed worthy of all love and honor, and that not only among -the good, but the bad; such a majesty there is in grace, and such amiableness in holiness.

 

 This their love was not ill bestowed, there was none of it lost, there being an ardent love in his breast to them again; insomuch that he would often say, Wivenho was his first love. All the profits of his living for three years together, (being about an hundred pounds per annum,) he laid out upon the parsonage house, which was old, and ready to drop down: He built it with brick from the ground, a very good house, with orchards of his f own planting.

 

 Having finished the house, and enjoying some content in seeing his spiritual children walking in the truth, GOD inclined his heart to marriage; which was after the thirtieth year of his life: He pitched upon, MRs. ELIZABETH JENKIN, daughter to the REV. MR. WILLIAM JENKIN, a renowned Preacher in Sudbury, and grandchild to the famous MR. RICHARD ROGERS, of Wethersfield: He preferred the stock she came of, her religious education, and eminent piety, before a great portion which he might have had with others.

 

 Being married, he returned again to his charge of souls in Wivenho, where he went on in his ministerial function with much delight and diligence: He preached with a great deal of vigor and life, and his life was a continued commentary on his sermons: He went up and down doing good, and did not think all his work was to be done in the pulpit, but discharged his trust with much fidelity; visiting the sick, admonishing the wicked, strengthening the weak, quickening the strong, and counselling all.

 

 Thus this man of GOD continued among them for seven years, during which time he was very sickly, and not likely to live long, being naturally of an infirm constitution; the badness of -the air at Wivenho did not a little add to his distempers. At the end of the seventh year of his abode in Wivenho, he had a very great fit of sickness, insomuch that his physicians and friends did even despair of his recovery: But it pleased the great Physician, as He had built the cottage of his body, so to shore up the building, and he was in some measure restored to health: Whereup

 

on the advice of his physicians was, he should change the air, and the more because he constantly was troubled with an age twice a year. Lordon was the place which was thought might best agree with his thin body: A great many arguments were used to persuade him to leave Wivenho, but none could prevail but that of necessity, by reason of the entire love he bore to his people, and the great blessing he saw GOD gave to his Ministry. Necessity urging him more and more to look after his health, he was at length brought to hearken after a place to serve GOD'S, Church in at Lordon: And his intentions being made known, he was quickly called to the Parish of ST. BARTHOLOMEW, behind the Royal Exchange: The main instrument of his settlement in that living was SIR HARBOTTLE GRIMSTONE, who at that time dwelt in the same Parish, and was his exceeding good friend. In Lordon it pleased GOD he had his health far better than at Wivenho.

 

 His health did not a "little encourage him to his former painfulness in the work of the ministry, in which he now labored more abundantly than ever; he was more careful of himself than ever, knowing he had more eyes observing him, and’ that the sins of teachers were the teachers of sins:' He was well acquainted with the meaning of the ceremony, (Lev. viii. 24,) where Moses put the blood on the lap of the Priests' right ear, on the thumb of the right hand, and on the great toe of their right foot; Ministers must hear, work, and walk right: And therefore he daily went out and in before his people, as an ensample to the flock: The very profane of the parish would say, they believed MR. CAWTON did really believe what he preached, when they were ready to snarl at others, and say of them (as one said of vicious Ministers) that when they are in the pulpit it is pity they should ever come out.

 

 In the year 1648, the February after King CHARLES the First was inhumanly beheaded; he was desired by the Mayor of the city to preach before him and his brethren the Aldermen of Lordon, at Mercers' Chapel on the 25th of that month; which he undertook, and accordingly performed. For that time he escaped the hands of unreasonable melt, or rather the paws of roaringg lions; but not long after having a fast at his own church, there was a warrant procured by some malicious soldiers, that had given information of what they had heard at Mercers' Chapel; (styling his preaching there seditious,) summoning him to appear before the Council of State: When he had concluded the fast, the warrant was presented to him in the very •church, so greedy. were they of their prey. It ran thus: ' These are to will and require you forthwith upon sight hereof to make speedy repair into any such place where you shall understand the person of MR. THOMAS CAWTON to be, who preached before the Lord Mayor yesterday, and hint you are to apprehend and bring in safe custody before -the Council of State for seditious preaching, hereof you are not to fail, and for so doing this shall be your sufficient warrant. Given at Derby House, the twenty-sixth day of February 1648.

 

Signed in the name and by the order of the Council of State appointed by the authority of Parliament.

 

ARTHUR HESILRIGGE, President.'

 

 To ROWLAND HAWKARD and RICHARD FREEMAN, Messengers attending the Council of State, and to all the rest of the Messengers attending the said Council.' When he had looked on it, he told them (without any alteration in countenance) he would go along with them, only desired them to go with him to his house, that he might take something to refresh himself, having fasted all the day: They were followed with multitudes of people, which thronged about the house to see him go with the soldiers: Having refreshed himself and prayed, he sent for a coach, and taking, a friend or two with him, went to the Council of State, and though the warrant was only for seditious preaching, yet when he came before them they had nothing to lay to his charge but these words in his prayer,’ For our legal Sovereign and the Royal Family.' He told them he came to answer for a seditious sermon, not for his prayer, according to their warrant; but they satisfied him no other way, than by telling him he had proclaimed the King, and that was high treason according to an Act of their own making.

 

 They ordered that he should be kept in custody that night. The next day, he was again brought before them, and asked whether he was not sorry for what he had said; he replied he had done nothing but what did become a Minister of the Gospel, and more they could not wring from him by all their menaces: Wherefore they agreed to send him to the Gate-house in Westminster, and immediately drew up a commitment.

 

Hereupon he was carried to the Gate-house: During the time he was there, his confinement did not in the least abate his confidence, which had great reward: One affliction had fitted him for another. Yet many temptations he had to spare himself, as a sorrowful wife big with child, six small children to provide for, a good living in danger of being lost; but he denied them all, that he might deny GOD nothing. He spent almost half a year in prison so exemplary, that his life seemed to those that came to him no less than a miracle; it was a heaven on earth (nay heaven in a prison) to be in his company. It will be worth my pains and thy patience to take a view of those graces that did shine most in his

 

sufferings.

 

 1. His Sincerity, was the corner-stone, of all his other graces: He gave so many evident demonstrations of this, that it was as visible as if he had had a casement in his breast opened for every one to gaze into his heart: " He that ran might read" truth in the inward parts, it was written in so legible a character in his outward practice. A reverend Minister of Lordon lately deceased, said on his death-bed,’ Mr. CAWTON's crown was his sincerity:' Indeed he walked in a plain path, and made straight steps in that plain path: He abhorred crooked ways: He had his "loins girt about with truth, and his heart armed as well as adorned with uprightness: Sincerity was an ingredient in every one of his actions and sufferings, and-the chief cordial that comforted his spirits, and kept them from drooping His conscience bore witness that his sufferings were purely for God and his cause, and that kept him from fainting in his work. He would speak much against half Christians,that served GOD with a secret reserve. He could serve GOD for nought, and thought his sincerity was nought that could not serve GOD for nought. He was so far from having any design of his own in his suffering, that he was of NAZIANZEN's excellent temper, to thank GOD he had anything to lose for CHRIST: In a word, " his rejoicing was this, the testimony of his conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of GOD he had his conversation in the world."

 

 2. He acted Faith to the uttermost, and GOD did try the strength of his faith, as well as, the truth of it, and found him a faithful servant, that could depend on the bare word of GOD, and think that security enough: He would say, they that will not believe unless they see a reason, tacitly imply that GOD does not speak truth unless he prove it, or at least that their faith is more in reason than in GOD. He could confute an eye of sense by an eye of faith, and trust Providence where he could not trace it. Indeed it were nothing to be a believer if every thing were seen here, but to put a holy confidence in that unseen Power that does so mightily support us, that is to believe. He promised himself but little from the creature, and so was never touch deceived by it. He could ask himself that question, and answer it with the advice of the wise Hebrew:’ Why should you beg of a beggar Beg of Gon: Are not all things in the hand of GOD' He knew the world could not give that which it had not, and therefore would not be a friend to that which was never true to any that trusted it. He was one that thought he could not expect too much

 

45'2 from Gon, nor too little from man: It was a note of his own,’ That CHRIST is more jealous of our faith than of our love, for he will let us believe in nothing but himself, though he will let us love something besides him, so it be in subordination to him.' He was a second GAMZU,' whose speech was, whatever befel him,’ Also this shall be for good.'

 

 He believed that a good God made evils good to believers, in making good his promise, " that all things should work together for good to them that love God." By faith this man of GOD cheerfully endured imprisonment. By faith he left his wife and children, and friends, and living, and all; (as shall be related in its place;) he forsook the land of his nativity, not fearing the wrath of the usurper. By faith he sojourned in a strange country, he staggered not at the promise of GOD through unbelief, but was strong in faith. giving glory to Gon; and would often say,’ None but believers make GOD to be Gon:

 

 3. He was a pattern of Self-denial, he durst not look after great matters in the world, either for himself or children, but would often say to his dear wife,’ I would have thee to rejoice more at a little grace in thy children's hearts, than if I had thousands to leave them. Self-denial (it was one of his speeches) is in many men's mouths, but hardly to be found in any man's practice.' It is a rare thing to see self-denial take place of self-love; yet he could say, he loves GOD but little that loves any thing with GOD which he does not love for God. He esteemed all the greatness of the world unable to make him great, otherwise than by his contempt of it. He would often say,’ I observe some professors give a great deal of scope to the flesh, which they of all men should not do, but should tie up their affections shorter, and if GOD be GOD, live as those that believe it.' It was (as one observes) ERASMUS's speech, that since men could not bring the world to Christianity, they have brought Christianity to the world. Those precepts that have been too strict to give us liberty to follow the world's vanity, we have found vain distinctions and expositions for to make them signify no more than we practice. For his own particular, he was one that could not look for much elbow

 

room in the way that leads to heaven. He could strip himself of all his abilities and enjoyments, and lay hims-lf and them at the foot of his SAVIOR: He was so much above himself, that all things were below him: He` thought he was never perfectly himself, till e had put off himself, his interest, his judgment, his will, his affections, his relations; his all went at a word from CHRIST, he denied himself, and denied all.

 

 4. His Patience was singular, which was shown no-, only in bearing, but in willingly bearing any burden laid on his shoulders: To bear is the patience of necessity,’ to love to bear is the patience of virtue: He was not so unhappy in his afflictions, as he was happy in his patience. When at any time he was told of his patience, he would reply,’ I thank God I never am so much impatient as to see religion abused to base and private ends.' All the while he was in prison, and afterwards in all the tribulations he went through he never charged GOD foolishly, not discovering the least discontent, but when his visitants wished his releasement, he would say,’ He that believeth makes no haste, and, in our afflictions we should neither faint nor fret.' He fainted not by despair, knowing that God was all-sufficient; he fretted not by passion, knowing that Gon's cause might often need his patience, never his passion. He was ever contented with a little of the creature; but when GOD called him to it he cared not for any thing of it, thinking those wants well supplied that were supplied with contentedness.

 

 5. For Resolution, and execution of his resolutions none went ever beyond him, he was almost to a proverb called,’ The resolved man: He. chose with ATRANASIus rather to lose his whole See than one syllable of truth; and was observed by many to act more according to the willingness of his spirit, than, according to the strength of his body He would say,’ I am confident GOD will, have me to do as well as say.' But GOD had steeled his breast with undaunted fortitude, and through the power of his might he could defy every thing below Gon; the joy of the LORD was his strength. His Christian generosity and magnanimity fitted him for any encounter, and put him upon something more than other Christians could do: Come of it what would, his heart was fixed' and resolved for high and noble exploits: He was (as NAZIANZE,N speaks of ATHANASIUS) both Magne8 and Adamas, a loadstone in his sweet gentle drawing nature, and yet an adamant in his constant, resolute, unbroken, invincible carriage; he was a wall of brass,, nothing could enter though every thing assaulted: He was of an heroic spirit, as bold as a lion, as a good soldier enduring hardship for CHRIST without any hard thoughts of his Master; nay, thinking light of his sufferings, knowing that it was not the hardness of affliction so much as the tenderness and softness of our nature that makes us fear suffering.

 

 Lastly, he persevered in Well-doing; he was not for GOD when the fit took him, but went on in an even temper, and kept his pace: He was jealous of his own heart, and would say, ’SATAN may take occasion, because I have done somethibg more for GOD than others, to make me secure, which is the way to fall.' Which consideration made him so suspect himself, that with all diligence he scanned every passage of his life, and as he had begun well so he labored to end well: When he saw any good men miscarry he would say,’ If God should leave me to do so, my life would be a burden to me:' And indeed he was so tender of Gon's glory, that he would rather have burned at a stake, than have been a shame to, or ashamed of his pro-. fession: He was " faithful to death," and said often, ’That perseverance would set on the " crown of life,"' which in trouble and persecution he had labored for.

 

 These graces were his fellow-prisoners which welcomed all his visitants, besides the prayers which were made by him, and with him without ceasing, which were the messengers he sent abroad when he could not go forth himself. In the midst of the tears, and sorrowful sighs of his relations, and hundreds of Gon's people looking for nothing but his sudden execution, it pleased GOD to create him a deliverance, the occasion whereof was a victory Parliament had obtained in Ireland; whereupon it was moved in the House, that some acts of grace might be done in testimony of their thankfulness, and it was resolved that some prisoners should be set at liberty. Among others, some moved that MR. CAWTON might have his freedom, and by their votes carried it beyond all expectation.

 

The joy that was among all that knew him is inexpressible; that which himself most rejoiced at was, that Gin had delivered him, and not he himself; that he had kept a good conscience while he was in prison, and that he' kept the same now released; that he was not only free from his confinement, but also free to declare to the world that he was of the same mind he was before, and that a prison and death were but poor arguments with him to deter him from his duty.

 

 For some short time he enjoyed respite, in which being returned to his Parish, he followed his ministerial function with his wonted painfulness and alacrity; not omitting to declaim against the sins of the times, nor ceasing to pray for our dread Sovereign. About which time there was a plot, as they called it, discovered, the design of which was to send a sum of money into Scotland to MAJOR GENERAL MASSIE in the King's service: Sundry Ministers were hereupon clapped up in the Tower, and MR. CAWTON being conscious of the design, and a helper by his own contribution, rumors were spread abroad that he had abused the Parliament's mercy, and should be sent for speedily: This made him take advice of his friends what to do. He was counselled to keep himself secret in the country till it were. seen what the Parliament intended; which he did, and was hid in the house of MR. WHITAKER, at Horn-Church in Essex: No sooner was he departed, but there came a warrant to fetch him away. He continued for some time at MR. WHITAKER'S, and spent it most in prayer; every week one day was set apart for it: And indeed his case was so full of labyrinths, that he knew not what to do, only his eyes were towards GOD to extricate him, and to lead him in a plain path because of his enemies. It was thought dangerous to he long hid for fear of his being discovered; and therefore, having asked counsel of the LORD, and his judicious friends, they agreed he should be conveyed away into Holland; in which voyage MR. NALTON, being much threatened for the same crime, was his companion and fellow-sufferer.

 

 A little before they set upon their voyage, he most solemnly takes his leave of his dear wife in two letters, sent speedily one after another; which, because they show his faith, patience, and resolution in suffering, I think it will not be amiss to, insert. The first was this:

 

Dear Heart, I AM joyful that GOD has assisted thee in the midst of thy sorrows and sufferings, so that you art enabled to bear up and to encourage thyself in GOD, and look upon his hand as the work of a Father towards his child., I do not fear but GOD will be thy Husband in my absence, and the Father of my fatherless children; let them be taught the fear of the LORD, and then they shall not want any good thing; and then He that leaves not his, will be their portion and GOD all-sufficient. I shall endeavor to lay up a stock of prayers in heaven for them; I hope I shall pray and not faint, both for thee and them; the LORD increase our faith, and then be it unto us according to Goes promises and our faith. The wicked have their portion in this life, we in another; rejoice more to see grace in thy childrens' hearts, than if you hadst thousands to give them. Know that our GOD is the GOD of our seed; and remember what the man of GOD said, " I never saw the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Train up your children in their catechism, and in frequent reading of the Scriptures, let them know the Scriptures from their infancy, and they will make them wise unto salvation, let me and them enjoy thy prayers, and the fervent prayers of all our sincere friends: Whatever is laid aside, let not the work of prayer be forgotten. Mind my friends of my condition, that they may beg a way of the LORD for me; and that I may be counselled from heaven how to employ myself, and that I may not be wholly laid aside as useless: Arid that if GOD will give me my life this time also, I may lay it out more than ever for his glory; and that GOD would keep me from the, snares of the place where He may dispose of me. I have lost much time, and now would fain redeem some of it, if GOD Will give an opportunity; when GOD has brought me to a place of rest, I shall, I hope, not loiter in my studies as I have done. If I have an opportunity, my friends, of the ministry, and others shall hear from me; the LORD help us to keep the word of his patience, that he may keep us in the hour of temptation. Whatsoever my brethren can lawfully do, I desire (if it may advantage me for my true and safe liberty) that I may not be left out. Remember me to all our friends that love the LORD JESUS CHRIST in sincerity. Improve thine interest for. me in heaven, that as the Church had " two wings of a great eagle given her, that she, might fly from the dragon into the wilderness," so GOD would make me a member of that Church, and give me the benefit of those wings. What shall I say more to thee, the LORD bless thee; the " peace of GOD that passes understanding" guard thy heart; the joys of the HOLY GHOST, that are unspeakable, fill thy soul: I wish thy perfection. You art mine and I am thine; the great sea shall not quench our love; the blessings of heaven and earth be upon thee. Farewell, farewell in the LORD; the LORD in his good time bring us together again. Adieu in CHRIST.

 

 Thine, through CHRIST really, cordially,

 

A SYMPATHIZING HUSBAND.'

 

 The other letter written upon the receipt of a letter from his wife, in which she testified her willingness to submit to GOD, 

 

and to follow him wherever GOD should place him, was this I HAVE read thy sweet and gracious letter with tears, and great joy: The LORD make way for our happy meeting; at the throne of grace we shall meet I hope every day.

 

 I know GOD will appear for thee and me, and stir us up friends. Let us labor to act in faith, and say daily, LORD, increase our faith. It is a very great mercy that the LORD was pleased to deliver me this time, as I hope he will. I grieve at the very heart to hear what have done, not

 

only to accuse themselves, but to betray the lives of their brethren; yet I will not boast, I do not know what my vile heart might have done, I will rather judge myself, I know my own great unbelief and base fear, the LORD help me against them. I do not fear 1`ut that CHRIST will be

 

thy husband, and make up all in my absence. If GOD make my way plain before me, I shall look upon it (as things now stand) as the greatest mercy that ever befell me in the matter of deliverance; and that if he give me my life this second time, I hope I shall improve it better for his glory than ever I have done. ’I see I could not be without this trial, and yet I think I was not fit for the greatest of this affliction; and therefore I hope GOD will lay no more upon me than I am well able to bear, and will make a way to escape. I hope that I shall at last learn to live to that which I have preached unto others. I grieve for my dear friends in the Parish that will be left as sheep without a shepherd; but GOD will provide for them: Remember my dear affection to them all; they shall have my prayers; and I hope I-shall have theirs. I hope GOD will make way for the employment of that poor talent he has given me, if not in my native country, yet some other where. I have been unprofitable, and therefore GOD may lay me aside; but I hope he will still make use of me. But, sweet soul, how shall I leave thee and my little ones behind me Yet we shall only in body and place be separated, not in mind and affection. For directions I know not what to give thee,. only be thankful, if GOD has left this back-door for thy husband, and has not shut him up in the Tower, from whence no redemption but upon sad terms, which would have been worse than death. Remember what I preached, " Troubled on every side, yet not distressed:" GOD has troubled thee and me on every side, yet hitherto we never were so distressed as that there was not some way to escape.

 

 My heart cannot express its love to thee, much less my pen; be assured I shall be the same I ever was; when GOD shall bring us together, it will be a resurrection from the dead: What shall I say I shall now leave thee, but not lose thee; and when I leave thee, you have One that will " never leave thee nor forsake thee;" my heart will be with thee, wheresoever my body shall be. Speak to all my dear friends, that they would pray for me more than ever, that I may not fall into the hands of unreasonable men, and that GOD would make my way plain before me, and that He, who is the GOD of the sea and dry land, would bring me to my desired haven. What can I say more unto thee but the LORD bless thee, and make his face to shine upon thee; the LORD fill thy heart with joy and gladness by believing. Be of good cheer, my sweet soul; it is better thy husband should be taken from thee, than not be. Learn' to walk without such a poor arm of flesh Remember how long you have enjoyed me beyond expectation.

 

 My serious blessing to my poor babes; I shall pray for all of them. Farewell, my dearly beloved in the LORD, farewell. The grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with thee, Amen; Amen.

 

Thy sincere, cordial, and truly

 

LOVING HUSBAND.

 

 Presently after the writing of these letters, he made preparation for his voyage, and secretly departed by ship to Rotterdam; from whence he and MR. NALTON went to the University of Leyden, intending to sit down a while there, till the storm in England was blown over: Yet GOD's providence so ordered it, that though they came under a disguise, yet they were quickly known, and speedily messengers were sent from the English congregation at Rotterdam to find them out, and bring them thither; the place being at that time destitute of a Minister. The English messengers found them at Leyden, and saluted them with the speech of the Macedonian man, " Come and help us." They did not a little wonder how they should be known to be Ministers, seeing they kept themselves so private, and were not at all to be discerned by their garb. But turning their admiration into adoration, they praised GOD for the door he had opened to let them into their former employment, and went along with the messengers to Rotterdam, where they were joyfully entertained by the English, particularly by MR. HARRIS and MR. SHEPHEARD, and were received into MR. SHEPHEARD's house. The Sabbath-day came wherein MR. CAWTON preached in the forenoon, and MR. N ALTON in the afternoon, with general approbation Thus these Prophets were not without honor save in their own country.

 

 MR. CAWTON's wife followed her husband with some of her children, and safely came to him at Rotterdam, where they most joyfully met together and remained MR. NALTON having staid about half a year there, had leave to come home again, and so returned into England: But no pardon for MR. CAWTON, but upon unworthy terms, which. kept him where he was, to supply the place of Minister to the English congregation. That which he most rejoiced at was, that he was out of the reach of temptations; he would say,’ It is a blessed thing for those that have not strong grace, to be out of temptations.'

 

 He did not at all hanker after his native country, but was weaned from it to admiration. When his wife spoke of coming to England, he would say,’ It may be, GOD will call me to exercise more and greater resolution and sincerity than ever I have.' He exactly verified that which a reverend Minister of Lordon said in a letter to him,’ A godly man is a plant that, will thrive in any soil: Any place is a country to him who makes no place here below his country, but as a pilgrim and stranger seeks a better country, that is an heavenly.' A citizen of heaven is a citizen of

 

any place on earth; it is all one to him where he is. He took extraordinary pains in preaching to his congregation, and spent himself by reason of the want of help, there being few or none that could preach in the English tongue; yet he persisted, though he were not assisted by any but GOD; by which he was able to say often, " When I am weak, then am I strong."

 

 It will be superfluous to tell you he was an experienced Preacher; he felt what he spoke, and then spoke what he felt: He was not over curious in his words, but used such as were very significant: He used so much art as rightly to divide, not to rend the Word of Truth; he preached not to show his learning, but that the ignorant might learn. I need not tell you of his trials, his whole life was but one continued series of temptation: He was given to prayer and meditation, to which if you add his sufferings for a good conscience, you may behold the character of a complete Divine, whose three notes are, prayer, meditation, and temptation. But these are generals, to descend to a few particulars:

 

 1. He was an excellent textuary, well read in the sacred pages; he was an ark of Scripture, and would often say,’ That sermon is no sermon to me, that is not full of rightly applied Scriptures.' He never rose in a morning but the first thing he did was to take his Bible into his hand, and so lifting up his eyes to heaven in a most serious manner, he prayed shortly, and then read some portion of Scripture, which being observed by his loving consort, she asked him why he used that practice And he told her,’ It was my custom ever since GOD made me a Minister.' Neither did he only delight in GOD's law, but was very clear and plain in expounding it; he could fit his discourses on it to every necessity and capacity.

 

 2. He was Minister (as has been declared) in three places, Wivenho, Lordon, and Rotterdam; and in every one of these he preached over the whole body of Divinity very methodically and exactly; and though it were in different places, yet he never preached one old sermon, but has left three bodies of Divinity, on several texts, and differently handled, behind him as witnesses of his laboriousness in his function; nay, all the while he was in Holland he never preached one old sermon. By going through a system of Divinity he laid a foundation for his people to build on, and successively held forth in one head after another all they were to believe or do.

 

 3. He was eminent for the study of the Sacraments, especially the Lord's Supper; he was noted by many to be singularly well versed in the doctrine of this Sacrament, particularly in that great work of self-examination, and self-judging, but in the practice of it he was most divine and seraphic; whether he received from another or administered it himself, he did it with so much reverence and affection, that he was almost transported on a Sacramentday. The first time he ever received, he was so deeply affected with the love of his SAVIOR, that he swooned away as soon as he had received the bread, and not coming to himself till the Sacrament was ended, he had the cup administered to himself alone. Ever since he was Minister he celebrated the Lord's Supper with so much heavenliness and seriousness, that all his communicants could not choose but observe him, as if they had received angel's food from the hand of an angel; for at that work he showed himself more than man.

 

 4. In writing his sermons he used to set down nothing but his heads and places of Scripture, so that his notes are very short: He never read any thing, but always laid his notes behind him, and would dehort young men from reading, telling them that memory loved to be trusted.

 

 5. He himself observed, that Providence kept him about seven years in every place he was in: GOD so ordered his affairs, that he was seven years at Cambridge, seven at Wivenho, seven at Lordon, and as many at Rotterdam He would often say towards the end of the seventh year in Holland,’ Where shall I be next' But GOD had no more apprenticeships for him to serve: The good. and faithful servant is now entered into his Master's joy.. Thus as a Minister.

 

 As a master, he was a Prophet, Priest, and King in his family, a Prophet to teach, a Priest to pray for, and a King to govern it; he was not so much a master as Sfather of a family; though he could trust God when GOD's cause required it, with his family, yet he did not provide for it (God enabling him) in a plentiful manner, though he thought him worse than an infidel that provides not for his own house, yet he counted him no better than an infidel that does it by any unwarrantable means. He could not abide to trouble himself with worldly affairs, but committed all to his second self: He thought it below a man, much more below a Minister, to be at leisure to take account of what was spent in his house: He was given to hospitality, even in Holland, where his means were small in comparison of his charge: He never dined on a Sabbath-day without some of the poorer sort of his congregation, and he would be sure not to forget to call upon them when he came out of the church, to come and take part of what GOD had given him. He was so mild and meek to his servants, that he did seem rather to love, than to rule them; to' desire, than command them: By which sweet disposition he wrought so deeply upon them, that they could not but love and speak well of him; nay, some of his servants, next to Gon, owe their salvation to his ministry and conversation He was the same at home as he was abroad, and the -same in his heart as he was in his house: He kept a constant hour, morning and evening, for reading the Scripture to, and praying with, his family, thinking that they that kept no set time were in danger to keep no time.

 

 As a husband, he was loving and tender; he chose a wife for her lovely virtues, and loved her with the greatest affection; they wedded one another's humors as well as persons, and so went the shortest way to perfection. He never denied her any thing in all his life that was consistent with his ministry, and she never desired any thing but what was becoming the Gospel. He would be stirring her up to resolution for Gon, not that he thought her backward, but to make her more forward. He would communicate his secrets to her, whom he knew to be faithful, and of his mind. He would not slight her advice in any business, but if good, embrace and execute it. As for temporals, he gave her the disposing of all, himself seldom meddling with any such affairs, unless they were too hard for her to do., In all things he behaved so as in the twenty years they were married, there was not the least jar or discord, but a perfect sympathy and union of affections.

 

 As a father, he was very careful for his children's good, training them up in the way they should, go; he took a great deal of pains to instruct and catechise them, to bring them up in L the nurture and admonition of the LORD." He was very exemplary to his children, and did sweetly command by his example; with a welcome violence, and free necessity, he insinuated into their hearts; they were constrained, and yet consented; there was so powerful and attractive a virtue in his carriage, it would have forced love from a marble breast.

 

 To his example he added many encouragements both by speeches and gifts; he never let any sparks go out for want of blowing up either by commendation or reward: He was wisely indulgent, and would dispense with any slip but breaking of Goes laws. If he came to correct his children, he did it with so much love, that his sweet admonitions and pathetical instructions, showing the evil they had done, and his loathness to correct, but that it was GOD's ordinance, did more break their hearts than the correction itself: He was often so moved with compassion, his fatherly bowels did so yearn over them, that the tears would trickle apace from his eyes when he was correcting them: Nothing ever wrought upon me like this sight, which did plainly convince his children of his unwillingness to chastise, but that he was forced to it; his tears did sink so deep into their hearts, that they could not but be softened at least for that time; for, believe me, to see one's parents weep, cannot but be a grief to dutiful children. He had his children in subjection with all gravity; and yet I may say “that never was father so little feared as he, because so much loved. In a word, he left his children GOD for a Father, when he left them; and they count it no small privilege, that they can call GOD the GOD of their father. This man of GOD had not been long at Rotterdam,’ but his fame was spread abroad through all the United Provinces: He was highly esteemed by the Dutch, French, and English Ministers round -about. He had correspondence with most of the famous Professors, particularly with DR. GISBERTUS VOETIUS, Divinity Professor, and Mr. LEUBEN, Professor of the Oriental languages at Utrecht, with Ma.

 

UCH'rMAN and Mir. HUtsnUs, both Hebrew Professors, the one of Leyden, the other of Breda.

 

 Though Rotterdam was a place very waterish and cold, yet he took notice of GOD's great goodness in reference to his health, which was better the first five years, than ever it had been in any place in his own country. It is not an healthful climate, but a good Physician, even the LORD,. that makes us healthful.

 

 But the two or three last years he was weak, and for half a year together had a continual pain at his stomachs so that it was a very difficult thing for him to preach; yet he left not off, but cheerfully and constantly preached, as at other times: Though he never went up into the pulpit, but every one thought he would either faint or die before he came down He was indeed weary in his work, but never weary of his work. Once he did faint in the pulpit, insomuch that his voice failed him, and he was taken down, being unable to proceed; but by the means of cordial waters given him he recovered his spirits in some measure, yet not so as to preach in the afternoon: When his friends came about him in the evening, he told them,’ The pulpit is a good place to die in.' By the next Sabbath he was (by GOD'S blessing) recruited, and preached forenoon and afternoon with much vigor: But from that time till within half a year of his death he visibly decayed.

 

 About this time he had an only son almost fit for the University, whom he did always, but especially now, much instruct and forward in his studies MR. ROBERT SHERINGHAM being then in exile at Rotterdam, he sent his son to him to learn the Hebrew, Syriac, and Arabic tongues; and would every morning call him to his bed-side, to expound a Greek or Hebrew chapter: He spent much time in catechizing him in particular, seasoning him with the knowledge of GOD, and charging him to walk as in Go D's sight, when he was from under his father's eye. The time coming, he went with him to the University of Utrecht, and there bestowed him, committing him to the care of DR. GISBER

 

TUS VOETIUS, and•his son MR. DANIEL VOETIus, both Professors in that University, and eminent for learning and piety.

 

 His son thought good to communicate a letter of advice, written to him by his father, which is as followeth SON THOMAS,

 

I AM glad to hear of -your welfare and studies: My directions at present in order to your happy and safe progress in learning are,

 

That you would take what counsel you can to get a fixed and regular method in your studies, that they may neither be confused nor troublesome. I send you here a little book, Bisterfeldi Logica, in the end of which are two little treatises, which I would have you read over a thousand times, and to have them perfect at your finger's end: The one he calls Phosphorous Catholicus, or the Art of Meditation; the other COnsilium de studia sfelieiter instituendis. You must now begin to settle yourself in an unchangeable method of studies, that you must hold all your life, you must always be noting of what you hear, read, and observe. I think you cannot be better advised by any, than by this little Treatise; yet something may be added to it in the matter of taking notes, and about paper books; you must inquire what method-others follow, and compare their's with this,

 

and what you find excellent in their's add to this. I do in tend to consider what paper books you must have for all sorts of learning: In the mean time II would have you note things in a quire of-paper, that you may transcribe them when you have settled your method: You may call your book of daily notes your Diary, and here there must be nulla dies sine linea. This method of your studies must be long deliberated on, because it is but once to be done.

 

 ' As you frame your elocution and gesture now while you are young, such they will be when you are come to age. I would have you write all your letters to me in Latin, for exercise sake: Exercises are the very spirit of studies. Learn to make your sentences more short and quick.

 

' You have your time before you, and you may say with the ancient, Si non nunc, quando Therefore, be careful you lose it not, for it is short, that which is past you can never recover, and what is to come you know not whether, you may live to come to it; and for the present time, it is but a moment that soon passes away: Now is the time while you are young to perfect yourself in philosophy, languages, and all other divine and human learning: Now your parts are vigorous, and now you have nothing else to do, or to molest you. Be constant in reading over the Old and New Testaments in their originals, that you may be very ready in the texts of Hebrew and Greek. I have heretofore counselled you to read often ST. PAUL'S Epistles to TIMOTHY and TITUS, and can do no other than put you in mind again. Pray to GOD daily for a blessing on your studies: LUTHER got more learning by prayer than by study: Follow ST. PAUL'S rule, "Keep yourself pure, that the sins of your youth may not be a trouble to you in, your old age. Add God's fear to all your studies, knowing that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of (true) wisdom."

 

4 My desire is not only to have you a scholar, but an excellent scholar; let therefore your resolutions and endeavors be to excel; get as far on as may be, and let not others overtake you; let that noble spirit be in you to get above others, and to put out your parts. "I desire nothing but (as ST. PAUL says) your perfection;" and, with PETER, "that you may daily grow in grace and knowledge; give yourself wholly to these things, that your profiting may appear to all, that you may be a workman that needeth not to be ashamed." I send you RINGELSBEI, and desire you to read every day one chapter in it; it is a book that will put life into a scholar: I hope the excellency of ANNA MARIA SCHURMAN will provoke you young scholars, not only to do as well as she has done, but also to go beyond her.

 

 ' Let us know what you do in French, for which I would have you spare one hour in a day, that when you are master of that, you may begin with Italian, and so with Spanish; in these languages there are many excellent books If you could converse with some scholar that has the French tongue perfect, you might get it with ease; when you understand a little, go to the French church; always be speaking that little you have; it maybe hereafter you may go into France, and study some time there.

 

 ' I very well approve of your following the Chaldee Paraphrase, and the being exact in the punctuation. I will send you CLENAITD'S Epistles, which I hope will stir up your zeal towards the Arabic tongue; they were commended to me by the learned Arabic Professor, MR. ABRAHAM WHEELOCK, when I began to study Arabic; they are very good epistolary Latin, and there are many things in them worth the taking notice of.

 

 ' I see you have much work upon your hands; the good GOD of heaven help you to go through it to his glory, to your parents' comfort, and to your own comfort and benefit. The GOD of wisdom breathe upon your studies: Be sure to get what learning you can, while your father lives. Your father grows ancient and infirm, and you know not how soon GOD may call him from you: You are he that I hope to see come up to’something before I die; and if it shall please GOD to let me live so long as to see you thoroughly furnished for the work of the Ministry, it will be a great satisfaction to me, and above all to see you endued from heaven with grace as well, as abilities.

 

 ' Believe that your father and mother both will be so careful of you, that you shall have all the encouragements we are able to give you, even to the uttermost, that you may proceed cheerfully and with courage in your studies: Do all that is of good report, want nothing.

 

 ' Have a care of your health, and use some scholar-like exercise, that will stand without loss of time; read, note, write, meditate, pray much, lose not the least inches of time. The reason I press you to so many things is, that when you are dulled with one, you may refresh yourself with another. 

 

 ' Your mother and myself send you our blessing, counting it our only blessing here, to see our children walking in the truth. That good man old DR. VOETIUS will endeavor to season your heart in the matter of religion, without which, learning is but a sword in a madman's hand. CHRIST JESUS dwell in your heart, and keep you, and open your understanding to understand the Scripture. I have nothing else, but to believe that GOD will make you an instrument of his glory and our comfort. To his grace I commend you, and rest, Your loving Father, THOMAS CAWTON.'

 

 Having settled his son at Utrecht, it pleased GOD to give him another son, which was his third child in Holland, and the last he had. He named him GERSXOM, for he said, " I have been a stranger in a strange land;" and devoted him, like another SAMUEL, to the LORD and the Ministry from his cradle: But GOD's Providence has taken him away from us, to be a companion to his father in glory as well as in sufferings.

 

. A little after, in the year 1658, the King's Majesty being at Brussels, and calumniated as being a Papist, his Majesty was pleased to send a letter to MR. CAWTON testifying his constancy in the Protestant religion, and desiring him to wipe off that unjust aspersion by satisfying all of his steadfastness in that religion; the letter was printed a little before his Majesty's return to this kingdom, to clear him then; and deserves here to be inserted: It is this TRUSTY and well-beloved, we greet you well; we have received so full a testimony from persons (to whom we give entire credit) of your good affection to our person, and zeal to our service, that we are willing to recommend an affair to you, in which we are very much concerned. We do not wonder that the malice, of our enemies should continue to lay all manner of scandals upon us, which might take away our reputation; but that they should find credit with any to make our affection to the Protestant religion in any degree suspected, is very strange, since the world cannot but take notice of our constant and uninterrupted profession and exercise of it, in those places where the contrary religion is only practiced and allowed. And though we do not boast of doing that, which we should be heartily ashamed if we did not do; we may reasonably believe that no man has, or can more manifest his affection to, and zeal for, the Protestant religion, than we have done; or in some respects has more suffered for it. And therefore we are the more_ sensibly affected, that those calumnies can make impression to our disadvantage, in the minds of honest and pious men, as we are informed they have done. And we do the rather impart the sense we have of our suffering in this particular to you, because, as you have the charge of the English congregation in Rotterdam; so you cannot but have much conversation and acquaintance with the Ministers of the Dutch Church, and others in that populous place, with whom we would not suffer under so unjust and scandalous an imputation. And we presume and expect from you, that you will use your utmost diligence and dexterity, to root out those unworthy aspersions, so maliciously and groundlessly laid upon us by wicked men; and that you assure all who will give credit to you, that we value ourself so much upon that part of our title of being Defender of the Faith, that no worldly temptations can ever prevail with us to swerve from it, and the Protestant religion, in which we have been bred: The propagation whereof we shall endeavor with our utmost power. And as we shall never fail in the performance of our duty herein, so we shall take the offices you shall do, in vindicating us from these reproaches, very well from you. In which we promise ourself you will serve us effectually. And so we bid you farewell. Given at our Court at Brussels, the seventh day of November, in the tenth year of our reign.

 

By his Majesty's command,

 

EDWARD NICHOLAS.'

 

 The last half year he was observed to look better than ever before, insomuch that many of his friends were not a little deceived; the truth is, he himself found himself better than ever, yet did many time cast out speeches, as if he could not live long. The last Sabbath he ever preached -was the third of August, 1659. That day he administered the Sacrament of the LORD'S Supper with his wonted heavenliness, and preached forenoon and afternoon, with as much zeal as ever he was known to do: His text was that of our SAVIOR to his disciples: “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you;" showing, that the usual means whereby men are made clean, was the preaching of the Gospel. He made two excellent sermons on those words; and if he had known he should have concluded his ministry that day, he could not have chosen a fitter text.

 

 Having spent himself much with preaching, and being wearied by the great pains he had taken that day, after the afternoon sermon (according to his usual manner) he laid himself down upon his bed to rest a little: After he had slumbered about half an hour, he awaked, and having some warm thing brought him to drink, he drank heartily, but said not any thing, being a little sleepy. He laid down again about a quarter of an hour, and had another little slumber, and then rising, got up alone, and sat upon his bed side: His wife perceiving him to look very ill, (though she did not in the least suspect more danger than formerly,) asked him how he did He answered,’ I' cannot tell how:' She leading him to a chair two or three steps off, he sat down and suddenly fainted. He was a good while rubbed and chafed, having his mouth opened by force to pour in strong waters; and coming a little to himself, he lifted up his eyes and said,’ I shall never come to myself again Whereupon his wife said to his son, Fetch the Doctor quickly, but he said’ No, no.' The Doctor was just gone by his door, and coming back, gave him some little physic, which wrought well; but he was very sick and faint, and not able to speak, so that about seven o'clock he was had to bed, and continued slumbering all night, not once speaking to any, or so much as opening his eyes, but refusing every thing the Doctor appointed him to take. In the morning he with much ado spoke two or three words, and bade his son answer a letter that came from Amsterdam, but all the day lay in a drowsy posture speaking to none. It proved to be a palsy all over his right side and tongue, and so he lay till four o'clock on Thursday morning, being the seventh of a * is, that on Wednesday he called for all his children by name, and blessed them, laying his hand on their head, and lifting up his eyes, and had his memory so well, that one of his children being wanting, [sleeping in its cradle,] he said 'One' more,' and so it was brought to him.. He had his eye fixed for a great while together on his eldest son, and stroked him often as he stood by him, lifting up his eyes to heaven, in token of his praying for him.

 

 The Dutch Ministers took order to have him buried in their own grave, and accordingly attended him to it. He was about fifty years old when he died, of stature tall and thin, in countenance lean and pale, of a very weak constitution, yet very active; of a courteous nature, very affable, and easy to be entreated; in his fashions neither rude nor fantastic: He was both moral and gracious, and in all his actions graceful; earth has lost and heaven has gained a saint by his death. He is now blessed, and no doubt but his name is precious among those that have "received like precious faith.".

 

END OF VOL. 27