The Life of MR. GEORGE TROSSE

 

PART 1: (Pg.378-379, and 382-383 missing)

2. He was brought up, according to his degree, as well as any in the City of Exon. At the Grammar School, having a quick apprehension, and delighting in his book, he outstripped most of his school-fellows. He was also modest, civil, obedient to his parents, and free from those youthful extravagancies to which others of his age were addicted: So that his master was much troubled when he was taken from him, and said, He thought his mother did her son and him an injury in removing him from school; for he was the most forward boy that ever he taught.

3. Being now about fifteen years of age, and- having a mind to be a merchant, and to travel into foreign parts, his mother sent him into France to learn the language, before he was an apprentice. From hence he dates the beginning of his after-sins and calamities: Forgoing abroad into a world full of snares, with a blind mind, a foolish fancy, and a graceless heart, he was drawn, into great evils; of which he drew up a relation (as he says) to warn others from running upon the like temptations, and to caution parents against indulging their children's unreasonable desires.

4. He tarried awhile at Morlaix, in Lower Britanny, and from thence was sent to Pontive, to MR. RAMET, a French Minister, who taught the tongue to several English youths that were boarded with him MR. TROSSE having a good memory, and some knowledge in the Latin, within a year spake French so readily, that they said there was but one Englishman there before who excelled him. Here an ague seized and held him about nine weeks, by which he was brought very low: But he was secure and stupid, having no serious thoughts of GOD or another world.. While he continued in this place, MR. RAMET was killed by, a piece of timber which fell upon him. The Papists took advantage from his death to insult his family, and cry after them, when they went abroad, “The great dog is sent to hell!' When his year was out, he returned to Morlaix. There he stayed about nine months; and having no employment, nor any to reprove him for what he did, he addicted himself to an ungodly course of life. He met with many incitements to sin, and much fuel for his lusts, and spent a great deal of time and money in tennis-courts and taverns, - in music and dancing. He also frequently drank to excess; for which, when he came to himself, he would be ashamed, and take up resolutions against it; but he soon broke them, that he might gratify. His sensual inclinations. Once he vowed never more to drink in a tavern; but after a little while, to satisfy his conscience, and secure himself (as he thought) from the breach of his vow, he put his head out at the window, or went out into a gutter to take off his glass,, till at length he forgot his vow, stifled his conscience, and could drink as frequently in taverns, and to as great excess as ever.

5. When he had been about two years in France, he was sent forborne: And being much concerned what account he should give his mother of his extravagant expenses, that he might prevent her displeasure, he pretended he had been visited with, a very expensive fit of sickness, and that he had been often let blood for it. This was a gross lie; for he never had any blood taken from him there; yet he often affirmed it, and persisted in it, several years, without the least temptation to it. All he brought home for so much time and money spent, was (as he says)’ The French tongue, garb, and manners, a little music and dancing, and an initiation into company-keeping.' His mother was offended at his gallantry, and ripped off the broad gold lace from the sleeves of his doublet would not take him on those terms. He was surprised, as he had reason, and nettled at these words: And being afraid the time he had already served would not be allowed as part of his apprenticeship, he acquainted his master that he was resolved to return for England; who in displeasure told him;’ If you will desert my service, you shall pay for your diet all the time you have been with me.' This he thought hard and unreasonable: But he was in the lion's mouth; therefore he-chose rather to take up money of the factor before-mentioned, than to continue at such uncertainties. So he paid his master the sum which he demanded and left Oporto.

From thence he traveled by land, in company with MR. ROBINSON, a Papist, the Proconsul of that city; to Lisbon, where he tarried about three months, while the ship, in which he returned, was taking in her lading. In the mean. time, he went to see the Convent of the English Jesuits, where he found many young gentlemen of our nation recreating themselves, and saw all manner of attractives to sense and fancy. His fellow-traveler, out of a desire to enrich the Fathers, advised him to go home, get his portion, and then return and join himself to their society, that he might live as handsomely and happily as they. But the ship being now ready to sail, after two years and three quarters' stay in Portugal, he went on board, and in six days arrived on the English shore. The vessel was bound for London, but by stress of weather was forced into Plymouth.

Upon his return from Portugal, he makes the following reflections:’ Every day, for many years, upon my knees, I have been thanking a wise and gracious GOD for bringing me thence, and not suffering me to stay there any longer. I might have lived there 'many years more, got a good estate, and come home rich and flourishing; but then I should have dishonored God all that time, and have brought home infinitely more curses upon my person, than crosses in my purse. I should have returned with a heart full of pride and lusts, and fuel to feed them all my days. But, blessed be God, that I tarried there not a day longer. I would not live there now one day, as I lived then months and years, for all the riches in Portugal.'

He met with very stormy weather in his passage, but was unaffected, both with the danger, and the mercy of God in preserving him, and bringing him home in safety from a Popish country; nor did he make any suitable returns. The day he landed, which was Saturday, he was very drunk. The Lord’s-day he went to church, and heard a sermon, but neither by a thought in his mind, nor a bill in the congregation, did he give thanks for his safe arrival; yea, even on that day he drank to excess. The Monday morning he was so overcome with liquor, that when he was come a little way out of the town, he fell from his horse, and lay (as he was told) dead drunk in the highway; from whence he was carried to an ale-house, and put to bed. The next day he got safe to Exeter.

While he continued there, which was five or six years, he lived as bad, or worse than ever. As reason, bodily strength, money, credit, vain companions increased, so did his crimes.’ What a life (says he) I led! What a course I took to increase my wickedness, and to out-strip the common, yea, those who were more than ordinary sinners, can never be related or lamented by me as it ought! Iliad so accustomed myself to wickedness, so blinded my mind, and seared my conscience, that I had not the least sense of the evil of sin, the wrath of God, or the necessity of a change; but was disposed to go on in this course to the end of my days. All these years I lived in such a constant violation of God’s commands, as if I had learned the words of them on purpose to contradict them. The Devil was my master, his cursed work I loved and delighted in: " I had bored mine ear to his post, to serve him for ever.” I superadded willful hardness to what was natural, and deserved (if ever any did) to be given up to that which is final and judicial. How many thousands, who never were so great sinners as I, are now (probably) enduring the torments of hell, which I deserved far more than they!

Experienced Christians might well expect, that if ever GOD should bring home such a sinner, it would be. by fearful horrors and dreadful convictions, which at last fell out accordingly; for I was so fixed and riveted in my sins, so perfectly depraved by my lusts, and so enslaved to SATAN, that many such tremendous Providences could not drive me off from my wickedness, as may be seen in the next period of my life.'

CHAPTER II:

ONE day he rode with his mother to Feniton, about twelve miles from Exeter. The next morning, contrary to her mind, he returned to the city, and, that he might ingratiate himself with the Cavaliers, became surety for one who had been a Major in the King's Army, in a Bond of some hundred pounds. After this lie drank to excess, vet made a shift to get on horseback in the evening, by the way, he fell off his horse, but got up again be knew not how, and at length came safe home. He reeled into the kitchen, asked his mother's blessing, fell flat on his face before her, and was carried to bed. A servant asked him, whether he was not afraid to lie alone He answered,’ I do not fear all the Devils in hell, but can go and lie any where at any time.' He slept soundly all night, but the next morning the folly and danger of his being bound for the Major came into his mind; his brain was disordered, and he was hurried with disquieting thoughts, which ended in outrageous madness.

2. On his perplexity in being bound for the Major, he says,’ The Devil, who, in our blindness and presumption, tempts us to venture upon, rash and foolish actions, knows how to set them home in a time of trouble, with such aggravations as utterly to sink and distract us.'

3. On his impulses and visions:’ I am persuaded some persons formerly were deluded by such impulses of the unclean spirit, whom they thought to be the SPIRIT of GOD; many of them being grossly ignorant, and so fitted to entertain such delusions of the Devil, as I then was. And I verily believe, that those many visions and voices among the Papists, which gave the occasion, and are the establishment of their Purgatory, came from the same author or cause, namely, a cracked brain imposed upon by a deceitful and lying Devil.'

4. Upon his convictions and horrors:’ My awakened conscience mustered up my secret sins -in order before me. The terrors of the LORD surrounded me. My darling sin became my perplexing misery, and my impure Paradise was turned into a confounding hell. My buttons, gold, and the silk upon my sleeves, lay very heavy on my conscience, as an intolerable burden, as weighty as a world. I endeavored to pluck off the hair of my head, because I had been proud of it. Little do foolish extravagant gallants, who pride themselves in hair and apparel, think how dear it may cost them, and how heavy it may lie upon them in a lay of conviction.'

5. Upon the endeavors used to conceal his distraction, from the neighbors, when he was carried in a coach to Glastonbury, he expresses himself thus:’ It is natural to us, with ADAM, to be more ashamed of our nakedness, than of eating the forbidden fruit; of GOD's chastisements, than of our own transgressions.'

6. Upon his despair, blasphemies, and stubbornness against GOD, he makes this reflection:’ I have cause to admire the infinite goodness of God, the boundless merits' of CHRIST, and the unlimited latitude of the grace of the Gospel, that such horrid sins as mine, with such tremendous aggravations, should be within the bounds thereof. ’I have been apt to believe, that none ever knew such a sinner converted and pardoned as I have been.'

7. Upon his return to drinking, and bad company, after his recovery, he says,’ It might well be presumed, I should live the most watchful and mortified, the most diligent and fruitful, the most religious and shining life of any in the world, having had such experience of the evil of sin in itself, and in its effects: But nothing can change a sinner's heart, without the efficacious operation of the HOLY SPIRIT. I remained vain and carnal, and in a short time I returned to my former extravagant courses; but GOD neither suffered me to fall so foully as formerly, nor to continue long in my relapse: For I soon began to be troubled in mind, my spirits were disturbed; upon which my friends sent me the third time to Glastonbury, where I was as miserable and outrageous as ever. Yet after a while, GOD was pleased, by the use of physic, and the excellent counsel and prayers of MRS. GOLLOP, (the gentlewoman of the house where I was kept,) to deliver me from my madness, and inexpressible misery, and to restore me to the use of my reason, to give me a sound mind, and a healthy body; which when I had enjoyed some time, I returned to my friends and relations at Exeter.'

8. He concludes this account with these words, ` Thus I have given a brief narrative of a wicked and wretched life, a life full of daring crimes, and visited with dreadful judgments, till I was about five and twenty years old. Though GOD might then have justly cut me off, and cast me into hell, or have left me to the power of the Devil, and the sway of my lusts, to have increased my eternal torments every minute of the remaining part of my continuance on earth: Yet such was his infinite goodness, such his incomparable and matchless grace, that here a period was put to my ungodly courses, but not to my days. I believe I may date my beginning to seek after GOD, and my perseverance in that search till I had found him, from this very time For though I cannot tell the Minister or sermon whereby I was changed; yet, I bless GOD, I can say, I am what I was not, I am quite contrary to what I was in the past years of my life, both in judgment, heart, and conversation; and about this time I began, or at least endeavored so to be. GOD was pleased to make use of all the terrors of my conscience, those dreadful convictions, and the lively apprehensions I had of the lake of fire and brimstone, to drive me from sin and hell. And, if any one was more eminently instrumental in my conversion than another, I have still thought MRS. GOLLOP was the person.'

CHAPTER 3:

AFTER he had lived at home some time, he rode to Oxford with a nephew of his brother-in-law. There he met with one of his acquaintance, who so commended an academical life, that he had some inclination to it. This, at his return, he proposed to his mother, who gave her consent, and promised him a handsome allowance. He went thither the latter end of May, 1657, in the six and twentieth year of his age; entered Gentleman Commoner in Pembroke College, and tarried there seven years.’ While' I continued in the University, (says he,) I kept my chamber and study as closely, though I do not say as successfully and profitably, as any in my tinge. And I may well call my going thither a blessed and successful enterprize, and my stay there the most happy and beneficial period of my life hitherto.'

2. He had for his tutor, MR. THOMAS CHEESEMAN, a blind man, who came to his chamber. He made it his business to recover his Grammar learning, and in some time understood the Classics tolerably well. He studied the Greek tongue, and made such a progress in it, as to read THUCYDIDES, HERODOTUS, and other historians. After he

had gone through Philosophy and Divinity, he had one to teach him Hebrew, in which he got-so much skill, that he read over the Hebrew Bible several times.’ This I speak (says he) not to boast of my learning, (for I know I have very little,),but to magnify GOD's wonderful goodness towards me, that he should so compose my brains, after such fearful distraction, as to capacitate me for hard study; and that he did so wonderfully preserve my health, in such a sedentary and inactive life.'

7.. MR. ROBERT ATKINS, a worthy Non-conformist, for whom he had a high esteem, was very desirous to have him ordained. At first he was somewhat averse to it; but when the Oxford Act drove Dissenting Ministers from cities, corporations, and their own benefices, he consented, and was solemnly set apart to the work of the Ministry in

Somersetshire, 1666. Mr. JOSEPH ALLEINE, of Taunton, prayed over him, and was joined in imposition of hands, by MR. AMES SHORT, MR. THOMAS LYI,' MR. WILLIAM BALL, MR. ROBERT ATKINS, and MR. JOHN KERRIDGE. He accuses himself for entering upon the ministry too rashly, not duly considering the weight and- importance of that glorious function; the gifts and graces requisite as due qualifications for it; and the temptations which attend the faithful discharge of it. For above twenty years he preached once a week, and administered the Lord’s Supper every month, in the midst of the most violent persecutions.

8. While King CHARLES'S indulgence lasted, which was about a year and a quarter, he preached in a licensed house; when that was recalled, he desisted from public. preaching on the Lord’s-day, and went to Church as formerly, yet be continued to preach and administer the Sacrament at other times, until the Revolution. When King JAMES gave liberty of conscience by his Declaration, (April 11, 1687,) he would not preach on the LORD's-day till the afternoon, when the public worship was ended; because he suspected a design to weaken and undermine the Church of England, and when that was done the Dissenters might easily be crushed. Besides, he thought it a great instance of arbitrary government to dispense with the laws of the land, and that it was done in favor of the Papists: Therefore, if he had been prosecuted upon the Act against Conventicles, he resolved rather to suffer than to plead the King's Declaration, which he thought contrary to the subject's liberty, established by law, and to have a direct tendency to destroy our religion.

9. In the beginning of King JAMES's reign, the Dissenters in Exon were obliged to meet very privately, and in small numbers, being narrowly watched by the persecuting party, who hoped to ingratiate themselves with the Court, by rooting them out. About twenty persons, with three aged Ministers, of whom MR. TROSSE was the youngest, were met to pray together; a malicious neighbor informed the Magistrates, (who were at the Mayor's Feast,) that there was a Conventicle. Three of them, attended with constables, and some of the rabble, searched after, and found out their little meeting. When they had given the Ministers hard language, and treated them as if they had been the worst of malefactors, they offered them the Oxford Oath:’ That it is not lawful, upon any pretence whatsoever, to take up arms against the King, or any commissioned by him; and that I will not at any time endeavor any alteration of Government, either in Church or State.' He declared his resolution not to take it, because, under_ some circumstances, he should swear against his duty. He gave his instances and reasons, to which he received no satisfactory answer. Then be, desired leave to put in the word unlawfully;' but they told him he trust take it verbatim, as it was in the Act. This he could not do. He pleaded, that the Act did not reach him, because he never had a benefice, nor was he legally convicted of keeping Conventicles. However, he and MR. GAYILAID were committed to prison MR. DOWNE took the oath, and was not imprisoned MR. TROSSE and MR. GAYLAID found three of the City Ministers in the prison on the same account, namely, MR. JOHN SEARLE, formerly of Plympton, MR. JOSEPH HALLETT, and MR. JOHN HORRINGNG.

10. The Justices, not content to make a Conventicle of this meeting, indicted the two Ministers, and MR. CRIsriN, one of their company, for a riot, that they might fine them at their pleasure. To prevent this, they brought a certiorari to remove it to Westminster, upon which the Magistrates dropped their prosecution, for they were ashamed to have such palpable oppression seen in any Court but their own.

11. At the six months' end, he was discharged from his confinement, which he esteemed the place of his enlargement for his prison was. inconceivably better to him than a palace, more comfortable, and more profitable to his soul. He enjoyed his health, followed his studies, and in the night found his meditations upon_ GOD more sweet than ever.,

12. When Dissenting Protestants were permitted and allowed to worship God according to their consciences, by a law made in the first year of King WILLIAM and Queen MARY, (commonly called the Act of Toleration,) he again preached publicly in church-time, and so continued to his death.

13. Thus (says he) I have given an account of my ignorant and wicked life, to my convictions, of my distraction, horror, and despair; with my fearful relapses, until I sought to get into GOD's favor, and endeavored in some measure to walk worthy thereof. At best, I come infinitely short of those returns of gratitude, love, zeal, contempt of the world, self-denial, vigilance, and laboriousness ill the service of Gou, which my experience, engagements, advantages, and the blessed 1he11s afforded me call for. Yea, I have sadly experienced the working of corruption, and been insensibly drawn into great snares, and in danger of scandalous falls: But keeping close to the throne of grace, God has preserved me from bringing the greatest dishonor to his name, disgrace to religion, scandal to sinners, grief to saints, triumph to SATAN, and ruin to myself. Till I was four or five and twenty years old, I lived in a course of sin and folly, which I experienced to be base, unreasonable, and destructive to health, estate, name, rest, and reason, leading to horror and despair, rage and hell. Ever since, for many years (blessed be God for every minute of them) I have kept on steadily in the ways of holiness, and found them blessed, honorable, and comfortable, both with respect to body and soul, to all outward’ and inward concerns. I can say, if any, that” godliness has the promise of this life, and that which is to-come: “ And must again declare, That I never heard, or read of any one so almightily saved from sin and hell, and so wonderfully blessed with all favors and mercies as I have been.

By my sin and folly in my youth, I destroyed my health, broke my constitution, and took a course to be an hospital of -diseases in my elder years: But now, at this age, I have a great measure of health, sound vitals, a good stock of spirits, and can go through such ministerial labors, that many wonder at my strength.

By my sin and folly, I had brought myself into distraction and perfect madness, being deprived of the use of reason and common sense: But now my brain is composed, I have a ready invention, and a memory to retain what I clearly understand, as my own and others' sermons.

By my sin and folly, I lost my Grammar learning, and was grossly ignorant in matters of religion: But now I understand Latin and Greek Authors, and have read many volumes of both, and look into the original of, the Old Testament with much satisfaction. I know also that I am orthodox in the fundamentals of faith and practice, and I hope in their superstructures.

By my sin and folly, I had plunged myself into the depth of despair, concluding it utterly impossible for me to obtain pardon and salvation: But now I am persuaded I have a well-grounded peace of conscience, and hope of eternal life.

14. What My God will be pleased to do by me, for me, and upon me, in the remaining part of my life; and how he will dispose of me living and dying, I know not, nor am I solicitous about it; only let him answer my constant prayer, and enable me to act the graces, and discharge the duties of every condition he shall think fit to bring me into, and then let him call me to do and suffer what it pleases him, as being the most obliged and engaged Man, Minister, and Saint, to act for him, or suffer for him, or from him, in compliance with his will, and for the promoting his glory, that ever has been in the World, in the Ministry, or in the Church.

P. S. This relation of my life was finished-by me the 15th day of February, 169', and of my own age, sixty-one years and about four months.'

PART 2:

CHAPTER 1:

I SHALL now relate some remarkable passages concerning him, chiefly during the last part of his life, hoping that some may be excited to endeavor after those eminent degrees of holiness, and activity for GOD, which, by such examples, appear attainable, through the assistance of the HOLY SPIRIT. I shall consider him as a Minister, and as a Christian. As a Minister, I shall show his qualifications for the sacred office, and his fidelity and diligence in the discharge of it, both public and private.

2. He was furnished with good natural endowments, and excellent ministerial abilities; all which he looked upon as talents to be employed for his Master's honor. His apprehension was quick, his invention rich, his judgment solid, and his memory tenacious. Though he set out late, being in his twenty-sixth year when he went to the University, yet by hard study he arrived at a considerable degree of learning. Besides his skill in languages, he read a great deal of history, and was well acquainted with the works of the Fathers and Ecclesiastical Writers, in which he read half an hour by his watch daily, except on the LORD's-day, to his death.

3. He was as great a reader as most this age does afford. Though he was far from ostentation, he owned to a friend who visited him when he was sick, that he had read over all the books in his study, and about sixty large folios,, which then stood in his, bed-chamber, being more than his study could contain. When he began an Author he read it through, and that not cursorily, but with observation, making particular marks with his pen as he went along. He set a high value on practical books of men of our own nation, particularly MR. BAXTER'S, whose Saint's Everlasting Rest, he thought one of the best books next the Bible.

4. By giving attendance to reading and meditation, and by fervent prayer to the Father of lights,” for the illumination of his SPIRIT, he became `mighty in the Scriptures:' He had them ready in his memory; and well he might, having (as he said many years before his death) read over the Bible in English, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and French, an hundred and an hundred times: And he made good use of them upon all occasions; not playing with texts, or quoting them barely by the sound of words, but with judgment producing such as were apposite to his purpose either for illustration or proof. Such a Body of Divinity as he had in his head,, was the storehouse of his sermons, and enabled him, as occasion offered, to preach profitably on a short warning, without much study or preparation. Once at Topsham, on a day set apart for prayer and humiliation on the death of MR. BERNARD STARR, the Minister appointed to preach not coming, MR. TROSSE without any warning before he came into the congregation, preached a sermon suitable to the occasion, on Matt. 9: 37, 38, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few,” &c.

5. Shortly after the death of MR. JOSEPH HALLETT, which happened the 14th of March, A. D., 1689, MR. TROSSE was unanimously chosen to succeed him. In that large congregation, his work in public and private was very great. In the year 1687, September 27, he began a catechetical lecture on Tuesdays in the afternoon; in which he explained the principles of the Christian religion. He spent ,many years in explaining the attributes and works of God, and was come no further than the end of the First Commandment, when God put an end to his labors. January 8, 1688, he began to examine six of his neighbor's children in the Catechism:, And he drew up an explication of it, for his Catechumens. He preached a weekly lecture on Wednesdays from Mr. HALLETT's death, until about three years before his own: From which time, by reason of indispositions, his three colleagues took their turns with him, and he preached it but once a month.

6. Besides this his ordinary work, he preached many occasional sermons, as on days of public and private Fasts, and thanksgivings, and preparations for the”LORD'S Supper. He was often called upon to preach funeral sermons for his people; and he performed this office for fourteen of his brethren in the Ministry. H e preached before an assembly of Ministers at Taunton, September 7, 1692, on 1. Cor. 4: 1,”- stewards of the mysteries of Gon: " And before another at Exon, May 4, 1698, on Rev. 1: 20,” The seven stars are seven angels.” He was many times employed in preaching, giving the exhortation, or praying at the imposition of hands, at Ordinations. He has sometimes preached eight times in a week; and he was seldom less than two hours and a half in the whole exercise, but often more. lie loved the pulpit, delighted greatly in his work, and seldom desired any to preach for him, when he was able to do it himself.

7. His discourses were methodical, free from needless excursions. Though he did not confine himself to words, yet he would not allow himself to ramble; nor did he offer to GOD or his people what cost him nothing. Though he wanted little time to compose a sermon, yet he did not spend upon the stock, but by reading and meditation, was still, even in old age, laying in, and increasing his treasure of sacred knowledge.” His preaching was not with the enticing words of man's wisdom;” nor did he, by labored periods and starched language, hinder the edification of the common people, and destroy their reverence of holy things. He studied” to show himself approved of GOD, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” His public exercises bad spirit and life in them. His heart was inflamed with love to CHRIST, and with ardent desires after the salvation of his hearers: And he spake as one who had a mighty awe of GOD upon his spirit; as one whose own soul was possessed of those graces which he recommended, and those affections which he endeavored to excite in others; as one who had no other design upon his hearers, but to reform their lives, and save their souls. He was skilful in explaining and applying Divine truths; and faithful, “keeping back nothing” from his people” which was profitable unto them.” He” shunned not to declare unto them all the counsel of God, that he might be pure from the blood of all men.”

8. He had great plenty of phrases, and delivered himself with much freedom and fluency. His matter was weighty and substantial. He carefully avoided vulgar proverbs, slovenly phrases, and- any thing light and trivial. He spake the things which become sound doctrine; and he delivered himself with all gravity and seriousness, without whining or affectation. He was a stranger and an enemy to distorted looks, fantastic gestures, and loud vociferations. His voice was somewhat shrill, clear, and for most part even, which, though he raised, when matters of great moment occurred, yet he did not strain. He was not wont to speak of the great things of eternity as a man in a dream or half asleep, but as one deeply affected with the truth and importance of them And that peculiar concern which he manifested upon such occasions, was very serviceable to engage the attention of his hearers. His pronunciation was distinct, and his whole behavior in the pulpit such as becomes a messenger of GOD, put in trust with the Gospel

of his SON.

9. It appeared that he was sent by God, because God was with him, and gave many seals to his Ministry. He did not labor all day, and catch nothing, but was very successful in his work. Once as he was showing the necessity of restitution, in cases of-theft and injustice, God was leased so to set home his discourse upon the consciences of such that heard it, that several came to him, confessed their sin, gave him money, and desired him to make satisfaction to those whom, they had wronged.

10. He had a wonderful gift in prayer; expressing himself so fluently, and with such fervency as to excite the devotion, and raise the admiration of those who joined with him. He suited his prayers to various emergencies; and though on solemn occasions(as Fast days)he commonly held out long, yet his invention was so fruitful, his heart so full, his memory so faithful, that he was not at a loss for words or matter. But a little before his death he continued in this duty, at a private Fast, two hours, with such exactness of method, variety of matter, and warmth of affection, without any thing like nauseous tautologies, as could not but appear very extraordinary for one in his eighty-second year. It has been observed, that when several have prayed on such days, and he has concluded, he has taken a quite different method from those who went before him, and with a surprising variety and flood of matter, has, for near two hours, strangely engaged the attention of the congregation, with most seasonable and pertinent supplications and thanksgivings. Few equal him in this respect; and such as did not approve of his prolixity, could not but be much affected with his pious zeal and fervor, and admire the, gifts and graces which GOD bestowed upon him.

CHAPTER 2:

THUS faithful and diligent was he in his public perform antes, in preaching, catechizing, and administering sacraments: Besides this, he had a great deal of work in private for he took hold of opportunities to” exhort, and comfort, and charge his people, as a father doth his children. “He had an excellent faculty in resolving doubts, and comforting afflicted consciences, “by the comfort wherewith” he himself had been” comforted of God.” Multitudes, both in the city and country, not only Dissenters, but of the National Church, when they were under temptations, or trouble of mind, made their application to him, some by letter, some in person. He was a skilful and compassionate spiritual Physician; and there were few of any degree and persuasion that lived near him, who did not send, or come to him for advice and help, if they had” wounded spirits,” or “suffered GOD's terrors.” I am persuaded, few Ministers were more consulted in such cases than he: And GOD was pleased to make him an instrument of satisfying and comforting many melancholy, dejected, and tempted people. It is probable, he was the more particular in his narrative in relating his own sins, blasphemies, and delusions, out of respect to such as being haunted with blasphemous thoughts are ready to sink into despair, and to conclude, that none were ever in their case.

2. He had a singular way of comforting dying Christians; such as have been trembling at the thoughts of leaving this world, after he had spent some time in discoursing about the vanity of all. things here below, the glory of heaven, and the blessedness of the righteous, have some of them received great satisfaction in their spirits, and upon his fervent praying with them, have been ready to say, with good old SIMEON” LORD! Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace!” He was often sent for by sick and dying persons, to discourse with them, and assist them in their preparations for another world: And has many times risen out of his bed in the dead of the night, to visit and pray with such, when it was dangerous for him to appear in the streets by day; as particularly, when there was an order made by the Justices of the Peace, at the Quarter Sessions, held at the Castle of Exeter, the 2d day of October 1683, against Dissenting Protestants, and Non-conforming Ministers, in which they declare and resolve, as followeth:

We have been so abundantly convinced of the seditious and rebellious practices of the Sectaries and Fanatics, that we must esteem them, not only the open enemies of our established Government, but to all the common principles of society and _humanity itself. Wherefore we resolve to put the severest of the laws (which we find too easy and gentle, unless enlivened by a vigorous execution) in force against them.

1. We agree and resolve, in every division of this County, to require sufficient sureties for the good behavior of all such as we may justly suspect, or that we can receive any credible information against, that they have been at any Conventicles, or that shall not in all things; duly conform themselves to the present established Government.

2. Because we have a sort of false men, and more perfidious than professed Fanatics, who either wanting courage to appear in their own shape, or the better to bring about their treasonable designs, privately associate with, and encourage the seditious clubs of the Sectaries; and yet that they may pass unsuspected, sometimes appear in the Church with a false show of Conformity, only to save their money, and the better to serve their faction; that we may (if possible) distinguish and know all such dangerous enemies: We will strictly require all Church Wardens, and Constables. at all our monthly meetings, to give us a full account of all such as do not every Sunday resort to their own Parish Churches, and are not at the beginning of Divine Service, and do not behave themselves orderly and soberly there, observing such decent ceremonies as the laws enjoin.

3. Being fully satisfied that the Non-conformist Preachers are the authors and fomenters of this pestilent faction, and the implacable enemies of the established Government, and to whom the late execrable treasons, which have had such dismal effects in this kingdom, are principally to be imputed: We resolve in every Parish of this County, to leave strict warrants in the hands of all-Constables, for the -seizing of such persons. And as an encouragement to all Officers, and others, that shall he instrumental in the apprehending of any of them so as they may be brought to Justice, we will give and allow forty shillings, as a reward, for every Non-conformist Preacher that shall be so secured. And we resolve to prosecute them, and all other such -dangerous enemies of the Government, and common absenters from Church, and frequenters of Conventicles, according to the directions of a law made in the thirty-fifth year of the Reign of Queen ELIZABETH, entitled,’ An Act for the keeping her Majesty's subjects in due obedience.'

This order for putting in execution the severest laws, particularly that of the thirty-fifth of Queen ELIZABETH, the penalties whereof are imprisonment, abjuration of the realm, or death, (which one would think, no Protestant should reckon too easy and gentle to be inflicted upon his brethren, for not conforming to ceremonies,) DR. THOMAS LAMPLUGH, then Bishop of Exon, afterwards Archbishop of York, ordered all the Clergy of his Diocese to publish the next Sunday after it should be tendered to them;’ that the care of the Justices of Devon, for the preservation of the public Peace, and advancement of true Religion, might be fuller known, and have a better effect.'

3. As a good Shepherd, he was diligent to know the state Of his flock, that he might apply himself to them suitably to their several circumstances and conditions: And as a faithful and wise Steward, he frequently conversed with that part of” the household of GOD,” over which he was placed, that he might” give them their portion of meat in due season.” He” warned the unruly, comforted the feeble-minded, supported the weak,” and was” patient towards_ all: " Yet be neither pryed into the secrets of families, nor did he encourage idle people to run with little stories against their neighbors; but if any came with a complaint, his way was to send for the person against whom it was brought, before he would hear it; and he exhorted his brethren in the Ministry to do the like.

4. He showed much love and prudence in reproving, and was unwilling to expose such as were faulty without -great necessity, and therefore avoided personal reflections in the pulpit; yet he was too faithful to suffer sin upon his people. He thought the usefulness of a reproof very much depended upon the manner and time in which it was given; and therefore would many times send his mind in writing,

when he wanted a fit opportunity of speaking it, or apprehended the doing it - that way would do more hurt than good. Thus he once dined at the table of a great man, who swore many oaths in his presence; and not thinking it proper to reprove him openly before the company, he did it after his coming home by letter; and several which he wrote of this nature had a very good effect. Upon the request of a friend, he attempted the reclaiming one much addicted to drinking, and a very remarkable reformation soon followed upon the letter he sent him. He was indeed of too sweet and obliging a temper, willingly to offend any, and would be complaisant in any thing but sin, and in reproving that-too, so far as was consistent with his duty.

5. Thus did he go on in his work- with unwearied labor, consecrating all the powers of has. soul, and spending his time and strength in the service of CHRIST. He, if any in our day, “took heed to the Ministry which he had received in the LORD, to Fulfill it.” For above six and forty years after he was ordained, he continued with exemplary pains and diligence to discharge all the parts of a vigilant and faithful Minister.

6. One might wonder how it was possible for a man to go through so much work in public and private as he did; but he set a high value upon time, and improved it well’ I bless God (says he) idleness is my greatest toil, and consequently business and employment my own pleasure.' When he was at the University, he afforded himself very few hours for sleep. His candle has been observed by one who lodged over against him, to be burning all night long. He often reflected with shame and sorrow upon the days of his youth; and was deeply sensible of the years he had lost. Shortly after he went to Oxford, he thus expressed his -thoughts and resolutions:’ In this place I hope with constancy to abide, till the Lose shall enable me to do some service for his glory, and the good of others in my generation. It is time to set about it; “for the night cometh when none can work: “The night of age for such an employment is coming fast on upon me; and the forenoon of life being vainly and sinfully spent, it now concerns me to run with more swiftness my spiritual race, lest the dismal night of preventing death cut me off in the midst of my way.' And after he had been above six years there, he gives this account of himself, in a letter to his sister FORTESCUE; speaking of a large folio which he sent her, he says,’ In making-this collection of my sins, miseries, and mercies, I did not bestow so much as one of the usual studying hours, but took that time for it which others use to take for their recreations, which were my after-supper hours, in which I have performed this; being graciously assisted by God with greater strength and abilities of body, for night-studies, than many, if not most others may have been. I so distributed my time that my books had a convenient portion of it, for the attaining (by GOD's blessing) of learning and abilities for my design, which is to be a dispenser of GOD's word, in a little Church in our city, where I have most dishonored God. Though I employed so many hours in this undertaking, I rather took time from my sleep, than study, to effect it.'

7. He was not for a soft and easy course of life, but wrought with his might. Heretofore he arose at four o'clock in the morning, and even to the last at five, Winter and Summer.’ I should blush (said he) if the sun should call me sluggard, finding me in bed after he was up, if I was thoroughly awake after a competency of sleep.' When his alarm, which he kept at his bed's side, went, he would throw himself out of bed, though sometimes he was very sleepy. He kept close in his study till about eight o'clock, and was unwilling to be disturbed before that time. He thought the morning was made for God, and would often speak, how pleasant his morning hours were to him. Hay ing performed family-duties, and refreshed himself, he returned to his study about ten; and, unless public work, necessary avocations, or something extraordinary occurred, there you might be sure to find him from that time to twelve, and again from one to seven in the afternoon. At seven he came down to supper, after which, having sat a little while, he returned to his study, and read ten verses in his Hebrew Bible; after”' that he walked in his chamber, or sat in his chair for some time. At nine, when he heard the bell ring, he called his family together, read a chapter, and prayed about half an hour, and between ten and eleven he went to bed. He concerned himself very little about the affairs of his family; studying was his main business, his delightful work early and late, from which he was loath to be diverted, and he would complain, if company- detained him longer than he was willing;’ When at any time (says he) I have been long in a visit, and find myself beginning to be melancholy, then I presently take my leave, go home, and immediately retire to my study, and betake myself to my knees, or to my books, and in a little time my heart is as light as a cork.' So covetous was he of time, that when he went out into his court to wash, he would often carry a book with him, lay it on the head of the pump, and cast his eye upon it: Yea, while he was sitting by the fire, or walking below stairs, lie commonly had a book in his hand.

8. He had also a good habit of body, able to endure watching, fasting, cold, and much study, which, as SOLOMON says, is” a weariness to the flesh.” One, in whose house he has sometimes lodged, gives this account of him, (among several) other things,) that he has given order for a candle to be brought up into his chamber in very cold weather at four in the morning, and about eight would come down and pray in the family, and then go to the meeting and on a private Fast, when there was no other Minister besides him, he has continued praying and preaching six or seven hours, and yet, to his astonishment, the next morning he would be at his private devotions between four and five, ordering a candle to be brought to him at that time. He would not suffer a fire to be made in his chamber, no, not in the coldest season. GOD was pleased to give him a great measure of health, and he did not spare himself, but exhausted his strength for the good of his people: And being affectionately desirous of them, he was willing to have imparted unto them, not the gospel of GOD only, but also his own soul, because they were dear unto him. He had, moreover, a mighty sense of the worth of souls, which made him labor night and day for their salvation: And having himself been rescued from everlasting destruction, by a miracle of mercy, he thought he could never. do enough to testify his gratitude to God, and his compassion to men. When he was old, he did not think himself at liberty to remit his pains, indulge his ease, or hide his talent; but” as a good soldier of JESUS CHRIST, he warred a good warfare.” He still labored in the word and doctrine, and brought forth fruit in old age. His friends often importuned him to favor himself, and have respect to his age and infirmities, that he might be the longer serviceable in the world: To this his reply was,’ I came late into the vineyard, and must work hard, and one moment in heaven will be a sufficient recompence for all that I can do upon earth.' He would also say,’ If I do two years' work in one year, I serve a bountiful Master, who will abundantly reward me.'

Once he fainted in the pulpit; having named his text, he was not able to repeat his doctrine, but sunk down. When he came to himself, he said to one that would have brought him out of the pulpit, ' Shall I not do my Master's work Yes, I will.' After he

he had drank something he recovered, finished his sermon, and afterwards administered, the LORD'S Supper. Another time, coming from his house, and not drinking in the morning, as he was wont to do on Sacrament-days, he fainted in delivering the elements, and was not able to speak distinctly; but when he had taken something to refresh him, he proceeded with his usual vigor.

CHAPTER 3:

HITHERTO I have chiefly considered him as a Minister: and given some account of his excellent qualifications for, and his great prudence, fidelity and diligence in that holy office: I come now to consider him as a Christian, and to speak something of those Divine graces and virtues which, rendered him so shining and exemplary. As he was industrious in his study, and fervent in spirit, serving the LORD in the pulpit, so he was regular in his devotions, and circumspect in the whole course of his life. He solemnly dedicated himself to GOD, and conversed much with Him. He lived” soberly, righteously and godly in the world,” and was” holy in all manner of conversation.” His mind was transformed and renewed by the mighty efficacy of Divine grace, and he walked with GOD. He spent a great deal of time in reading the Scriptures, in meditation, in prayer and fasting: Yet he did not rest in these as the end of religion, but used them as means, that by them he might become more like unto GOD. His language, and all his behavior, showed what a mighty awe and reverence of the Divine Majesty he had upon his spirit.

2. Love to God is the root of all holy and acceptable obedience: With this, the heart of this excellent person was inflamed: This was the principle which moved and acted film in religion. He read, and meditated, and fasted, and prayed, and labored, and suffered, because he loved. The sight of GOD's amiable perfections ravished his heart; the sense of his love in giving the LORD JESUS CHRIST to die for him, in pardoning and regenerating him, knit his soul to GOD. The thoughts of God _were pleasant to him, and it was his meat and drink to do the will of his heavenly FATHER. He loved all that belonged to GOD; his word, his day, his worship, his people. He was deeply affected with, and would often speak with admiration of his distinguishing love to him in his conversion. He expressed this admiration, in these words, with which he many times concluded his prayer after sermon.’ All which we beg for CHRIST'S sake, -to whom with thee, O GOD our FATHER, and with thee, 0 GOD our Sanctifier and Comforter, we desire to give from the bottom of our souls, as we acknowledge to be infinitely, and only, and from us, or some, or one of us matchlessly due, and that it is our glory and bliss to give to thee kingdom, power and glory, mercy, grace, pardon of sin, and salvations, now, henceforth, and for evermore. Amen.'“ Much was forgiven him, and he loved much.” The love of CHRIST constrained him to speak and act for Him, to labor in his vineyard, and to suffer for his cause: This made him so diligent in his work as a Minister, so strict in his conversation as a Christian. All his unwearied labors, and his sincere, uniform,- and constant course of obedience, are pregnant evidences of the love of GOD which dwelt in him. Such as observed how he was filled with the fruits of righteousness, could not but conclude him to be rooted and grounded in love.

3. He showed the height and ardor of this affection by his tender regard for GOD's honor and interest. He was zealous for the great truths of the Gospel against damnable errors and heresies, and for the purity of CHRIST'S institutions against the sinful additions of men. His spirit was stirred within him when he heard any fundamental article of our holy religion denied, or GOD blasphemed: But he was a stranger to that devouring zeal which makes Christians call for fire from heaven, to consume such as differ from them in their sentiments. He embraced no opinion but what he thought had good foundation in Scripture, and neither friends nor worldly interest were of force to pervert his judgment, so as to make him renounce what he judged to be a Divine truth.

4. His life was very much made up of devotion. He did (as he says) affect retiredness; and withdraw from the view of men that he might converse the more with GOD. He was a hard student, and had an insatiable thirst after knowledge and learning, in which he still endeavored to increase, even to the last: Yet he always kept his hours for secret prayer.’ My desire (says he) to endow my mind with sciences and languages, and to treasure up notions and knowledge, has been very pressing upon my spirit, since I came hither, not only to take my pen from paper, but also my heart from prayer; not only to bind up my hands from writing, but also from lifting them up to the throne of grace; and my calling to be a scholar has often been a great temptation to call me from being a Christian: Yet I have been enabled (through grace) to keep my religious hours, as well as my studious, and to frequent the Temple as well as my Study. And, I know, I have lost nothing, but my gain is inconceivable by it.' He was so often upon his knees, that they became hard and brawny.

He was a strict observer of the Loan's-day, which he esteemed a high and good day. He devoted it to religious exercises, and delighted in its solemnities. He wrote in vindication of it, being persuaded’ that a due observation thereof will have a gracious acceptation with, and a bountiful remuneration from our GOD and our Savior, according to all the blessed experiences of its strict and conscientious observers.' He remembered it beforehand, and made due preparation for its approach. He always studied his LORD'S days sermons on Fridays, for fear he should be hindered by any accident on Saturday. He went to his closet on Saturday after dinner, spent about a quarter of an hour in prayer, (as his constant manner was before he betook himself to his studies,) and then continued his ordinary studies till three o'clock. From three to four be spent in prayer, and from four to six, in reading books of Practical Divinity and meditation. At six he came down, and examined seven or eight persons (in his own house) in the Catechism. When that was over, in the Winter he sat by the fire reading usually some little book in French; in the Summer' he walked out into his garden or court, with his book in his hand. After supper, he again sat a while by the fire, or walked a few turns: For he never went to study presently upon meals, judging it, injurious to his health. Then he returned to his closet, where having spent about an hour more in prayer, he walked a while in his chamber, reflecting (as is thought) on the sermon, or sermons he was to preach the next day. At nine he came down, and performed family duties; for that was his hour morning and evening.

Thus exact and regular was he in his studies, and in all his actions. On the LORD's-day he rose as on other days, prayed for a blessing on his secret duties; read a Psalm and chapter, always in order, (except on Sacrament days, when he editated on the 9,d 2Psalm, and the 53d Chapter of Isaiah,) and having reflected on them, he spent the remainder of the time, till a little after seven, in prayer. Then he went down, and having refreshed himself, he continued in family duties till almost nine, which was church-time. How he was employed in public we have seen already. When he came home, he went immediately to his chamber, without warming himself in the coldest season. When he had walked a little, he betook himself to his study, and continued there in prayer till dinner. After that he walked by himself, while his servants dined. Then he prayed for a blessing, and repeated the sermon he had preached or heard, in the forenoon: (For he would, by heart, repeat other Ministers' sermons with great readiness, though he

had very little time to recollect himself:) And having sung a Psalm, he went again to church At his return from whence he went forthwith to his chamber, and, after a little while, to his study, where he continued about an hour in prayer. Then he supped, and afterwards read in some good book.

After his servants had supped, he performed family duties thus. He began with prayer, read half an hour by his watch, in some practical book, sung part of a Psalm, (as he did every morning and evening before prayer,) and prayed about three quarters of an hour. He was larger in prayer and praise on the Loan's-day, than on other `days; for which he gave this reason;’ Because under the law of Moses, whereas only one lamb was appointed to be offered in the morning, and another in the evening, on other days, two were required on the Sabbath, to teach us to double our devotions.' Family duties being ended, in the Winter he sat by the fire about half an hour, reading in some little book, and warmed himself well: For he would seldom suffer his bed to be warmed, thinking too much tenderness and delicacy no good preparation for a suffering condition; and he would say,’ As old as I am, I may be called out to suffer for righteousness' sake.' When his chamber was in readiness, he read a little while in his study, and prayed about half a quarter of an hour in his chamber just before he went to bed, which he did also every other night, ending as well as beginning the day with prayer. When he had been thus employed from five in the morning, till almost ten at night, he kept his constant hour of rising on Monday morning, and always spent to six in prayer for the Churches, and public blessings.

7. He took great delight in thanksgiving, and was not for thrusting his praises into a narrow room at the close of his prayers, but would be often large and copious in admiring GOD's perfections, and thanking him for his benefits. His heart seemed greatly affected with the kindness and love of GOD, which made him sometimes thus express himself:’ Blessed and praised be thy name, 0 Loan our GOD, by us, and all Angels and Saints, now and ever, for thy love and goodness: For thy love which thou hadst to us from all eternity, and thy goodness which thou hast conferred upon us throughout all time. Were our minds as light as the sun, and our hearts as wide as the ocean, and had we the tongues of men and Angels, we could never sufficiently bless thy name for thine innumerable benefits towards us.' A great part of many of his prayers was taken up in blessing God, in exalting his glorious attributes which shine forth in the works of Creation, but especially in the work of Redemption.

He carefully observed such public Fasts as were appointed by authority to deprecate GOD's judgments, and avert his wrath; testifying the inward contrition of his soul by abstinence from food, and other acts of humiliation. And, besides these, he kept a secret Fast every calendar month, with such strictness as is rare to be found. On that day he rose at his usual hour; till eight he continued upon his knees, and that in the severest Winter seasons, without fire or candle. Then he came down, and in cold weather warmed himself well: After which he performed family duties, and at ten returned to his study, where he remained upon his knees till twelve. Then he came out, and walked an hour in his chamber. At one, he again betook himself to his knees, from which he never rose till about six. Thus did he spend eleven hours in secret prayer and meditation, on every-such day. He gave a strict charge not to be disturbed on such days, unless upon life and death; and would say, his fasting days were better to him than his feasting days.

9. His zeal for the honor of GOD, and diligence in the work of GOD in his health, were not more remarkable than his patience and submission under pains and sicknesses. Though he had a strong and healthy constitution, yet his hard studies, public labors, watchings and austerities, impaired his health, and brought upon him many indispositions: But the mighty efficacy of Divine Grace supported him under the heaviest burdens. He was sensible of the hand of God in whatever affliction befel him, being far from a stoical apathy, and yet very silent under the rod; no murmuring or repining being ever heard to proceed out of hiss mouth. At several times he had a peripneumoida, acute rheumatical pains, a distemper in his head, which made him very sleepy, and a defluxion of rheum on his eyes, which was the more grievous as it hindered him, from reading. About five years before his death, a sharp humor caused an ulcer on his ancle bone, which being a nervous part, his pains were most acute. However, he endured them with exemplary submission, never complaining, while he was under the cure; only he *thought it much to be so long confined, and longed to return to his beloved work. He often rode, or was carried in a chair to the Public Assembly, when unable to walk thither. When he was to undergo a very painful operation of the surgeon for a dangerous malady, he preserved great serenity of mind amidst the torments he suffered, bearing them with a truly Christian magnanimity.

The method he took was, a deep meditation upon the most bitter sufferings his blessed Savior endured for him. This calmed his passions; and his pious expressions and humble carriage, made such an impression on a young man then present, that he said,’ He thought this was the very way by which the primitive Christians cheerfully underwent the pains of martyrdom.'

10. As he was thankful for mercies, and “served the Loan with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things,” in a, day of prosperity; so he maintained an even temper under afflictions. No changes of Providence, as far as could be discerned, made any considerable change in him. -He rejoiced” in earthly comforts “as if he rejoiced not, and wept,” for earthly crosses,” as if he wept not;” being careful to observe the following counsel, which he gave a friend under a great loss:’ It is far better to lose the world than ourselves, which by impatience and immoderate sorrow we do; being thereby unfit to serve GOD, a burden to ourselves, and a trouble to our friends. IV herefore I beseech you to pray to God for, and to endeavor after an increase of patience, whereby you may possess your soul, refresh others, and be an example worthy of imitation.'

11. His firm belief that all things were ordered in the world in general, and as to himself in particular, by a wise and gracious Providence, brought him to acquiesce in' the will of Gon. He looked upon that as best for him, which was allotted him by the unerring wisdom of his heavenly Father. He frequently put up these requests in his prayer before sermon: ’Lord, dispose of us, and all our concerns, living and dying, by thy wise and gracious Providence, as shall be for thy greatest glory by us, for that must be our greatest good from thee. Let us never have that prosperity, though we ever so earnestly desire it, which will be a temptation to us to sin, and an occasion of thy dishonor; and let us never want that affliction, though we ever so much deprecate it, which may be for thy glory, and our spiritual good; but let our lives be holy, and a continual growth in grace; let our deaths be hopeful, and let us expire inn peace; and after death, let us be for ever with thee in glory.' Being thus resigned to GOD's disposal, he was neither eager in' his desires after any thing of this world, nor dejected under disappointments. He was a good proficient in the art of Christian contentment, and instead of entertaining hard thoughts of God, had learned to justify Him in all his dealings. He showed this resigned frame under very great and sore afflictions. He was so far from complaining, that he observed mercy in the midst of judgment, and acknowledged the severest strokes to be very gentle, and infinitely lighter than the very best of his actions had deserved. His way was to “pour out his soul before the Loan,” and to desire Him to “look on his affliction and remember Him.” He cast his burden upon the LORD, spread his troubles before the throne of Grace, made the eternal God” his refuge,” and was sustained by “ the everlasting arms.” When he had” cast all his care Upon Him who cared for him, his soul did dwell at ease;” and lie could see abundant matter of praise for, as well as under the most smarting rods.

12. In dangers and difficulties he placed his confidence in God. By faith and prayer he put himself into GOD's hand, relied upon his protection, and was courageous in his cause. When the times frowned upon conscientious Dissenters, he made God his fear and his dread, and found him a sanctuary. When” he saw bonds and afflictions abiding him, none of these things moved him, neither did he count his life dear unto him.” He went on in the faithful discharge of his duty,” fearing none of the things which he might suffer.” He was true to his principles, valiant for the truth, and ready to” contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints.”, He appeared boldly in the defense of the Gospel, and esteemed it an honor to be called to suffer for the sake of CHRIST.

He thought it his duty to use prudence, that he might not needlessly expose himself to sufferings; But when God saw fit to lay the cross in his way, he readily took it up. When he was cast into prison for his Non-conformity,” the Loan was with him, and showed him mercy.” He gives this account of his prison-comforts and experiences, in his narrative:’ My prison was to me very healthful. In it I followed my studies, served God with the rest of my brethren, and found constant opportunities to withdraw by myself: So that I can truly say, the prison to me was inconceivably better than a palace, more comfortable and profitable to my soul:

13. He had formed in his mind a great and noble idea of GOD's perfections, and of the wisdom of his government, which brought him to such a sedate temper, that sudden accidents which were shocking to others made little impression upon him. To give some instances of this. Once, when he was a hearer at Petrock's Church in Exeter, something fell down upon the canopy of the pulpit: The noise affrighted the congregation; the Minister ran down from the pulpit; the people in a wild disorder endeavored to let out of the Church. In the press at the door, some were much bruised, and their lives endangered: But he kept his seat, as one unconcerned.

Again: While he was preaching MR. ROBERT CAREL'S funeral sermon at Credit on, there being a great number of hearers, the main beam of a gallery in the Meeting-house gave such a crack as caused a general consternation in the assembly MR. TROSSE, without visible disturbance, sat down in the pulpit. After some time, when the tumult ceased, and the people began to be quiet, he said,’ If all be well, pray sit still;' and so went on with his work.

Another time, at an ordination at Moreton Hampstead, while he was praying over the candidate, some seats in the gallery cracked with the weight of those who stood upon them, to see the imposition of hands. A panic fear spread itself through the congregation, that the Church was falling; which was the more easily believed by those who belonged to the Meeting, because they had been apprehensive- of some danger from the leaning of one of the walls. Every one made what haste he could to get out of the place. The noise and confusion obliged him to break off in the midst of his prayer: But when the hurry was over, and it appeared there was no danger, the people returned to their seats, and he began just where he left off, and finished his prayer with all composure of mind.

CHAPTER 4:

HUMILITY is one of the chief lessons of Christianity; and is (as DR. BATES says) to other graces, as the morningstar is to the sun, that goes before it, and follows it in the evening. Humility prepares us for the receiving of grace: “God gives grace to the humble:'' And it follows the exercise of grace: " Not I, (says the Apostle,) but the grace of GOD in me.” This grace was eminently conspicuous in this excellent servant of CHRIST. He learnt of Him who was” meek and lowly of heart.” Though God had enriched him with more than ordinary gifts and graces, and raised him high in the esteem of others, he was very low in his own. Scarce any man could have a meaner opinion of himself than he: As if he thought he should arrogate too much by styling himself GOD's servant, he was wont to express himself thus,’ Thy.meanest and most unworthy creature.' It was with the utmost sincerity he professed himself,’ The greatest of sinners, and the least of saints;' and, on-all occasions, he declared the low thoughts he had of himself in such a manner, as made it evident that he really meant as he spake. He neither fondly admired himself, nor did he desire that others should commend him, or have his person or performances in admiration.

He would sometimes argue warmly for some notions, and yet could willingly bear with such as differed from him. He was not desirous of titles of honor: Though he was seven years in Oxford, he took no degree, nor did he value it. He wrote thus to his mother,’ If I had but the learning, I would not seek after the honor of a degree.' When a good woman said to him, 0 that I had as good a heart as you! He replied,’ If you had my heart, for aught I know, you would wish for your own again; for there are in mine unsearchable depths of wickedness.' He visited an ancient gentlewoman (who was long confined to her bed) every LORD's-day in the evening, and prayed with her. When she complained of her being deprived of public ordinances, he said,’ You honor GOD more by your patient suffering, than I do by all my preaching.' So mean an opinion had he of his own labors, and so high an esteem of others' graces.

2. As he was humble and modest, so he was courteous and affable. He did not put on a supercilious gravity, nor look disdainfully upon others in order to procure reverence to himself, but saluted persons kindly, and treated them civilly, being very obliging in all his deportment. He showed himself easy of access, and as free to discourse with the poor as with the great and rich. Of the great numbers of poor, afflicted, doubting and tempted persons who resorted to him, none had reason to complain, or to suspect themselves despised or neglected by him. He was forward to do offices of kindness to all who stood in need of them; and so, great was his condescension, that if the poorest beggar in the street paid him respect, he would return it.

3. He understood and observed the rules of conversation, and gave ”honor to whom honor was due.” He readily received visits, which he also punctually returned, and studied to make profitable by good discourse. He made it his business to instil wholesome notions into the minds of those with whom he conversed; for ”his tongue was as choice silver, and his lips fed many.” He was also ready to write in the behalf of his friends and acquaintance, and careful to answer such letters as were sent him. This his civil and respectful behavior endeared him to all with whom he had to do.

4. Though he was naturally warm and hasty in his temper, yet he had so mastered it, as to be seldom ruffled with passion. He readily forgave injuries, and showed meekness under great provocations; and yet his exalted piety, and inoffensive useful life could not secure him from reproach and obloquy.. When he was treated with contempt and rudeness, it appeared that he had learned of CHRIST to'" love his enemies,” to “bless them that cursed him,” to “do good to them that hated him,” and to” pray for them that despitefully used him.” Accordingly he declared, he had prayed very heartily and particularly for one, who in writing exceeded the bounds of decency, and betook himself to downright scurrility, desiring GOD to give him repentance and forgiveness; for otherwise (said he) it will go ill with him.’ I am well assured (says one who was intimately acquainted with him) if any who had injured him had desired an office of kindness from him, he would have done it as readily (if it were in his power) as for the nearest relation, or most intimate friend.'.

5. His candour and ingenuity well deserve a place among iris other shining virtues. Charity disposed him to think and speak the best of others; if he had ground to commend, he did it cheerfully, and without flattery, otherwise he kept silence. He had a great aversion to slander and reviling, and was a perfect stranger to detraction. He took things by the right handle, and interpreted them in the best sense. Preaching about love to the people of GOD, he mentioned this as one effect of it:’ To put favorable constructions upon their words; we should (said he) put a hundred good constructions upon what men say or do (if we can) before we put one evil one.' And his practice was agreeable to his doctrine; he was a most candid hearer of sermons; before liberty was granted to Protestant Dissenters, he went to hear an aged Conformist, and repeated his sermons with a great deal of affection and seriousness, to the edification of such as heard him: When some wondered that lie would attend on that man's Ministry, and told him, they thought he might get more advantage at home; he answered,’ I thank GOD I do not think so.' To one who complained how dull and dead some of the Clergy were in the pulpit, he said,’ You must put life into their sermons;' meaning, by meditation and close application. He heartily loved, and greatly encouraged young Ministers, whom he regarded as the hope of the rising generation: He did not aggravate their faults; nor cavil at their performances; but made needful allowances to them, treated them civilly, and willingly took several journeys into the country, even in his” old age, to assist at their Ordinations.

6. He” put on bowels of mercies and kindness;” and showed himself tender-hearted and compassionate. This virtue above all others, has obtained the name of humanity. When we do good, and are sensibly affected with others' calamities, we show ourselves men, and follow our best natural inclinations; whereas they who” shut up their bowels of compassion,” are not only void of love to God, but even unman themselves. This excellent person was full of compassion; when he saw any in adversity or affliction, he sympathized with them, and his bowels yearned over them. This his tenderness of heart was exercised, not only towards rational creatures, but extended even to brutes. He thought that the lives of such of them as God has given us for food, ought to be taken away mercifully, with as much speed, and as little pain as possible. In one of his papers he condemns himself for hard riding, in the days of his vanity, and adds,’ SOLOMON says,” A good man is merciful to his beast.” (Prov. 12: 10.) They are bad men who are cruel to their horses, riding them out of breath, or off their legs.-Without doubt, the willful putting any beast to what is above his strength (unless in case of necessity, as the saving a man's life by flight) only for a lust, or profit, or pleasure, is vicious.' He also thought, the pulling birds alive, and thrusting feathers into partridges' heads, to make them die a lingering death, in order to please our palates, unwarrantable cruelty; and that it was yet a greater sin to torture and rack the creatures for our sport, and to delight in bull or bear-baiting, or fighting of dogs and cocks: The enmity of the creatures one against another, being an argument of the horrible confusion sin has wrought.’ I think (says he, concerning such as take pleasure in seeing dogs and cocks wound and destroy one another) it is no great breach of charity to conclude, that if it were a custom, the cock and beast-masters would turn men-masters, and with as much delight look on gladiators, as on cocks and dogs when they are fighting.- GOD's law (Deut. 22: 4) requires us not to suffer our neighbor's beasts to lie down under their burden, but to help them up; much less may we cast them down, ride them down, cut and hew them down, by exciting their rage one against another.'

7. Great was his temperance and sobriety. He did not ”make provision for the flesh, to Fulfill its lusts;” nor was he nice and curious in his diet, but moderate in eating and drinking, and lost little time at it. He preferred plain substantial food, before that which is composed with art and trouble. He seldom drank between meals; and being short and sparing at them, was the fitter for study; his abstinence conducing to maintain the vigor both of his body and mind. Some passages in his letters show, that he was neither given to appetite, nor desirous of dainties. Upon the receipt of a dainty from his mother, he thus expresseth himself;’ I hope, for the future, a foolish child-like appetite shall never cost you so dear, as this has done. It is special wisdom, according to our abilities, to make the backs of the poor our wardrobes, and their bellies our barns. He who feeds often upon such dishes, sacrifices too much to his belly, and will be able to give but a sad account of his wealth. God help us to remember we must give an account to a mite of all the pounds he has entrusted us with.'

8. To his temperance he added heavenly-mindedness, and contempt of riches. Though he had not, with some Religious Orders among the Papists, vowed poverty; yet there is good reason to believe, he sat as loose in his affections to the world, as most in it. As one born from above, his soul had a vehement tendency towards heaven and having his heart and treasure there, this world appeared little and inconsiderable to him; he despised the flatteries and frowns of it. He neither affected splendor, nor hunted after preferment. He carried on no secular interest, and sought not great things for himself. He did not desire to hoard up wealth, but would say, Enough to keep body and soul together, is enough till GOD and the soul come together.' He was not forward to intermeddle in making wills, that he might prevent offence, and cut off suspicion. When one who had been his servant made him Executor, he gave almost all that she had left him to the poor. He often inveighed against the counterfeit Pageantry of the world, and expressed no small indignation against such as choose it for their portion. How strictly would he charge his hearers to keep it under their feet, and not suffer it to usurp the throne of their hearts! And with what deep concern would he bewail the dangerous estate of those who mind earthly things!”

9. One instance of his low opinion of riches deserves to be recorded. His mother having a plentiful estate at her own disposal, when she made leer will, offered to make him her Executor, which would have been worth to him many thousands. Upon his refusing that, she put all into his hand, leaving him to take what part he pleased: He chose only a competency to provide him” bread to eat, and raiment to put on,” with something for books, and works of charity for he had then no thoughts of marrying.’ He left the rest to her disposal, who gave the bulk of her estate to his eldest brother's son.

10. He behaved himself as a son of peace, and was of a moderate healing spirit. His principles and practices were truly catholic; he longed for the union of Christians in those things which are essential to Christianity; bewailed the breaches and divisions which are among Protestants, and would have done any thing but sin in order to heal them. He was a happy instrument of maintaining unity and concord in the city where he lived, and of restoring it to other places.. For many years before his death, there were no considerable differences or animosities among those who belonged to the three united congregations in Exeter;. with whom he bestowed his labors. He heard many differences, and was often desired to make up breaches, and decide controversies, in which he had good success; persons being generally pleased with his determinations. While some who knew not the way of peace, are (as one says) for unchurching, unchristianing, and unministering Protestants at home and abroad; he owned all such as, were united to CHRIST the Head, and did not think that others' disclaiming us, as if we were not children of the same FATHER, would warrant our disowning or rejecting them; for uncharitable brethren are brethren still. His soul came not into their secret, who having their heart inflamed with rash zeal, set the Church and the world on fire.

11. He declared himself fully satisfied in the reasons of his Non-conformity, but was eminently moderate in it. His latitude in some things was greater than that of many of his brethren. He was free to join in the public service at funerals, and the like occasions. He went to his parish church on Christmas-day, when it happened on a week-day, if he did not preach himself. He has told us, that’ he. held forms of prayer in some cases, not only lawful, but necessary and praise-worthy: And ’that he should not have refused to submit to Prelatical Episcopacy as Jure humano, had there not been other things required which his conscience could not allow of.'

12. To one who wrote, that it was not without a very sensible regret that he was forced to dissent from him, about the new singing; he replied,’ You have no more reason to regret your dissent from me, than I have mine from you; for in all things we cannot agree till we come” to know as we are known,” and to sing our Hallelujahs in an everlasting concert, where our voices shall never clash, nor shall we any more dispute about, nor trouble one another for the mode of them.' This his peaceable temper made MR. BAXTER thus conclude a letter, which he wrote him but a few months before his own death;’ Dear brother, I rejoice to hear of your health, and labor, and love to concord and moderation, being your languishing, now useless fellow-servant.'

13. I shall end this head with that prayer, wherewith he concludes his vindication of his Discourse of Schism,’ The LORD, the God of all flesh, and FATHER of all spirits, pour out the SPIRIT of love, wisdom, humility and forbearance, upon all his faithful servants, that “whereto we have attained” in the grand and saving fundamentals of doctrine and practice, we may all” walk by the same rule,” and” mind the same things,” and wherein we are” otherwise minded,” and differ in remote matters from those fundamentals, we may wait till God shall reveal the truth unto us; and in the mean time grant us condescending, healing, and forbearing spirits toward each other, and hush all uncharitable, violent, and rending spirits and methods, whereby our breaches are more widened,Go.o more dishonored, Sacs more pleased, and sin and guilt more increased; that, it po sible, peace and unity may be had on earth; if not, this is our comfort, that it will be completed and eternalized in heaven.'

CHAPTER 5:

HE was a man of strict morals, and severe honesty; just in rendering to all their due, faithful in discharging his trust, and punctual in Fulfilling his promise. With what warmth and earnestness would he plead for what appeared to him equal and reasonable! Justice was a virtue, for which he had so great an affection, as sometimes to break out into some warmth in her quarrel.

2. His friendship was sincere, and his love without dissimulation. He did not walk in craftiness, but acted with such simplicity and godly sincerity, that they who differed from him in opinion, and from that difference were not apt to think or speak too favorably of such as he, gave him the character of an honest man. He showed a most ingenuous disposition, very sensible of any kindness done him, and wonderfully grateful to his benefactors. He lived not only free from gross miscarriages, but did shine as a light in the world in all the-parts of his conversation.

3. In company he was cheerful and pleasant, and withal grave and serious. He abstained from indecent levities, scarce ever fell into laughter, and was careful to” give no offence in any thing, that the Ministry might not be blamed.” He took opportunities to profitable discourse, and when he had a prospect of doing good, would be sure to drop something that was serious.” No corrupt communication proceeded out of his mouth,” and where that which was good and edifying was not entertained, he grew uneasy, and sometimes departed sooner than he intended; for he thought that time lost which was spent in nothing but idle chat; yet he showed great prudence, that he might not expose religion or himself by discoursing about holy things unseasonably.

4. He discovered a public spirit, cried mightily unto God for the remnant of the Protestants abroad, and preferred the prosperity of the Church above his chief joy. He showed a pious zeal for the National Church in the day of her distress. Though he could not submit to all impositions, yet he frequented her public worship: And his sufferings for Non-conformity did not abate his hearty. concern for her welfare. When great endeavors were used to subvert the Protestant Religion, and the laws and liberties of the nation; when he saw a Roman Catholic High Sheriff of the county of Devon, and a Mass-house opened in his native city, in order to seduce the ignorant and unstable, he set himself to confute the errors of the Church of Rome, and endeavored to establish people in the truth, and to prepare them for a day of trial. He had seen something of the ignorance and bigotry of the Papists in France, but more in Portugal, and dreaded the thoughts of the return of Popery into England. He neither preached in Church time during King JAMES'S Liberty, lest it should be construed as if he had favored that dispensing power, on which his Declaration was founded; nor would he join in any address of thanks for it, that he might not seem necessary to the designs of such as were patrons of Popery, or arbitrary Government.

5. Among those other graces which were visible in his conversation, his charity was very remarkable; herein he had few equals. He was a man of an excellent spirit, his mind was filled with noble and generous designs, and he abhorred all that is sordid and selfish. He took as much delight in dispersing and giving to the poor, as others do in heaping up riches. He had a large hearty full of tender compassion to the poor and distressed, and kept one pocket always furnished with money on purpose to relieve them. He devised liberal things, and would say,’ That only is laid up, which is laid out in charitable deeds. “He went up and down doing good, visiting the fatherless and widows in their affliction. He distributed to the necessity of Saints. The blessing of loin that was ready to perish came upon him, and he caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. He was eyes to the blind, and feet was he to tile lame.” He fed the hungry, clothed the naked, visited and. comforted the poor in their sicknesses and calamities.

6. So various were the objects, so frequent the acts of his bounty, that it is no easy matter to enumerate them: I shall mention some particulars. His charity was large and extensive, neither stinted as to the measures, nor confined as to the objects of it. He abounded in this grace, being willing to give to his power,. yea and beyond his power. He laid aside the tenth. part of what he received for preaching, and of all gifts and legacies, as a fund for charitable uses, which he would never alienate any part of; to which he added much more, as there was occasion, giving away at least seventy pounds a year. He was not strait-handed in his alms, nor’ could he satisfy himself to give by pitiful scantlings, but he sowed plentifully. He gave forty pounds to the workhouse When corn and coals were dear,-he gave ten pounds to Mr. EDWARD COLLIN, (then Mayor of Exon,) by him to be distributed among the poor. He was frugal and sparing towards himself, that he might be rich in good works, and might liberally supply such as were in great want.

7. Besides what he gave, as occasion offered, many had a share in his stated constant charity. He contributed yearly to the support and maintenance of poor Ministers in his life, and left several legacies to such at his death. The French Refugees, who were driven over hither by the bloody persecution, had large supplies from his bounty; to one French Minister he gave five pounds per annum. He was a great encourager, 'and a considerable benefactor to many hopeful, young men who were designed for the Ministry. He took care of the education of one, procured hint a handsome allowance, and left him half his study (except English books) at his death. To another he contributed for several years, while he was at a Grammar school, and when lie entered upon academical studies, doubled his contribution. He gave largely towards the keeping poor children at school; relieved many prisoners for debt, and gave no small sums to several of them, in order to obtain their liberty, and to others to prevent their being cast into prison: He paid a great deal for physic, for some who could not well do it themselves. He had a particular regard to such as once lived well, who by calamitous Providences were brought into straits. He showed great kindness to widows and fatherless children, especially to the widows and posterity of pious Ministers. He readily gave forty shillings towards the putting one such orphan to a trade. His heart and hand were open to poor house keepers, who labored hard, and bad a great charge of children.

8. His charity was not confined to a party; nor did he consider men's opinions, but their necessities. He would not turn away his face from any that were in distress, what ever their persuasions were.- He had a hearty love for all who were sound in the fundamentals of the Christian religion, and led their lives conformable to its rules, though they differed from him in lesser matters. He did many acts of kindness for, and was very serviceable to the Church party; among whom not a few of the Gentry thankfully acknowledged the benefit and comfort they received by his prayers and counsels, when they were visited with sickness, or lay under spiritual trouble, and had great respect for him as long as' they lived. He has lent scores of pounds gratis to some of the Clergy, when in straits, and been very free in his gifts to, others. He gave liberally to one Clergy man, to free him out off prison, and readily lent some pounds to another to prevent his being, carried thither, carrying the money to him over Ex-bridge when he lay under arrest.

He did not inquire what particular persuasions they were of on whom he bestowed his bounty, but whether they were distressed, sober, and virtuous. When he was told that one whom he had liberally relieved was no Dissenter, he replied, I That is no matter, provided he was a fit object of charity.' An eminent merchant, and Alderman of Exeter, who was sober, skilful and industrious, was fallen into decay by many losses during the wars: He being about to send his son beyond the seas, this good man furnished him with a considerable sum to defray the charge of his passage, and afterward gave him more to put him into a habit fit for the business in which he was to engage: The Alderman and his son were both of the Established Church, and no way related to this their benefactor. His imprisonment, and other hardships received from his fellow-citizens, did not hinder him from giving a valuable legacy to the chamber of Exeter.

9. His heart was set upon doing good; this made him wait for, and rejoice in opportunities of being useful and beneficent. He was ready to distribute, willing to communicate, and took care of his flock, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. Neither the length of the way, the severity of the weather, nor his own weakness, or the danger of infection, hindered him from visiting sick and dying persons, when he was desired.

Many instances of this might be given, I will mention a few. Some years ago there happened a contagious fever at the Workhouse among the poor people; one of them who was very sick, sent for him on a public Fast. When he had ended his work in the assembly, as he was going to visit this poor man he found himself faint, his spirits being exhausted with labor and abstinence; for he had eaten nothing all the day till that time, which was four o'clock This obliged him to eat a morsel or two of dry bread at a friend's house without Southgate; after which he went to the Workhouse among the infected people. He had such love to souls, that he never refused to visit sick persons in the most infectious distempers. He was sent for by a poor man who lay very ill in a spotted fever; the apothecary advised him not to kneel, or stand near the sick man, because of the malignity of the disease: But his spirits being sunk, and his voice low, MR. TROSSE laid his ear close to the mouth of this dying man. He did not count his labor, his purse, his health dear unto him, when he was in the way of his duty.

10. He did not give grudgingly, or of necessity, but loved mercy, and showed it with cheerfulness. When a proper object was recommended, there needed not many words; for he did good offices unsought, and often bestowed his alms unasked. One time as he passed by the alms-houses near Northern-Hay, he gave something to the poor people, and said to those that were with him,’ It is a mercy we have objects of charity, wherein we may show our love to JESUS CHRIST: He neither-held the distressed in suspense by needless delays, nor mocked them with feigned pretences, but gave willingly and speedily, knowing that he gives twice. who gives quickly.

11. He showed prudence, both as to the objects and measures of his charity, giving most largely to such as bad greatest need, and were most deserving. The worst, who were reduced to great extremity, received some succor from him. Even to common beggars he would give something; but for good men, who are the excellent of the earth, he had a high esteem, and towards them his charity flowed. To one he gave four pounds per annum, to some forty shillings, to some twenty, to others ten; and he was so punctual in his payments, that there was no need to put him in mind of his promises, or of the time of performing them. He also showed mercy in lending to such as were in low circumstances, that he might put them into a capacity to maintain their families by their own industry. To some he lent upon low interest, at four per cent., to others freely, without any.

12. And as he was full of mercy, and alms-deeds himself, so he “provoked others unto love, and to good works.” When any motion was made for a collection, whether for the public good, or for private persons, he would animate such as proposed it, and by his own example draw out others' charity: This made those who were employed in collecting in the city, commonly go first to him, who, for the most part set such a pattern as few did care to follow, often giving four times as much as some who had four times his estate.’tie sometimes made use of his own generosity, as a motive to the rich to excite their bounty to the poor. He would never accept money from rich or poor for baptizing children: If any were urgent with him, he took what they offered, but told them he would give it to the poor, which he would be sure to do. Having baptized, and preached a funeral sermon for a child of one of his hearers, the parent importuned him to accept of a guinea, which he absolutely refused, but said,’ When an object of charity presents, perhaps I may come to you for it.'

13. He kept a constant watch over his heart and ways, guarding against the particular temptations with which he was assaulted. He showed great tenderness towards others, being ready to excuse them, and make favorable allowances to them; but he was strict in examining, and severe in judging himself. His humility, and holy fear and jealousy over, his own heart, made him live in a constant dependence upon the, assistance of the HOLY SPIRIT. He was universally conscientious: His thoughts, his words, his actions were all under the- command of religious principles. He walked with God in the whole course of his life, and had respect to all his commandments. His conversation was so exemplary, that I dare appeal to all that knew him in the words of the Apostle,” Ye are witnesses, how holily, and justly, and unblamably" he”behaved" himself" among you, that believe."

14. He filled up his particular relations with duty. He was very respectful and obedient to his mother. After his repentance and recovery from his distraction, he wrote thus to her;’ I resolve not quite to shake off all filial duty, because hitherto I have been undutiful; but to submit myself to your disposal, here, and wherever else I shall he upon earth: Knowing obedience to parents is the” first commandment with promise;” for the breach of which chiefly, I think these afflictions have befallen me, next to the forgetfulness of my Maker.-I am ashamed to think of returning to you, when I consider the tears, and, as I fear, the drops of blood which my relapses have drawn from your eyes and heart.' Other letters discover how earnestly he desired her welfare and happiness. In one he writes,’ I rejoice to hear of your welfare, which, next to my peace with God, and the prosperity and increase of the people of GOD, is the thing which I desire.' In another, ’Next to my own soul's salvation, I have no one thing nearer to my heart than tours: Before he was married, he would say,’ I have nothing to do but to serve GOD, and please my mother.' And in another of his letters, he professes,’ As long as my interest at the throne of grace continues, you shall have my prayers; and as long as I have a heart, my love and observance; and as long as life and strength, my duty and service.'

15. When he had a family, he walked within his house with a perfect heart, and was an example of strict and serious godliness. A. D. 1680, he married SUSANNA, the daughter of Mr. RICHARD WHITE, a noted merchant in Exeter, of whom he himself says, That she was pious and religious, prudent and frugal, sober and temperate, sedate and composed; seldom or never moved with passion, a very delightful and advantageous yoke-fellow.' He was a very affectionate husband to her, and most compassionately tender of her in afflictions; be made provision for her by his will, and left her a comfortable maintenance. He paid great respect to her parents, and was kind and obliging to her brothers and sisters. He once took a journey of near fourscore miles, on purpose to visit and comfort one of her sisters, when she labored under spiritual trouble.

16. To his servants he was a kind and gentle master, being careful of them in health and sickness, instructing them in, and exhorting them to their duty, and calling upon them to redeem time for secret prayer. His meek and quiet spirit made him easy with his domestics; he neither spake roughly to them for trivial matters, nor did he aggravate such faults as- were committed through forgetfulness, but rather excused what was not sinful.

CHAPTER 6:

THUS lived this faithful and laborious Minister, this pious and excellent Christian, showing forth the virtues, and advancing the honor of his Divine Master. It may with reason be expected, that a man of such unwearied diligence in the work of CHRIST, and-of such an exemplary conversation, should be favored with some special manifestations of GOD's love to his soul: And in this respect the Loan dealt bountifully with his servant; for after his return to GOD he enjoyed settled peace of conscience, and had a lively and joyful hope. In a letter from Oxford, almost fifty years before his death, he writes thus,’ I earnestly beseech you to “give diligence to make your calling and election sure and then you may look sin, death, hell, the law, and the day of judgment, in the face with triumph; as an infinitely worse sinner than yourself, through almighty and incomparable grace can do.' And in a letter to his

-other, he declares,’ Though among earthly parents you may not have your peer; I know by sweet experience where is One, of whose goodness and love all in you, and in all other parents, is no more than a shadow to the body, or a drop to an ocean; namely, our FATHER in heaven, who has pardoned all my sins; smiles upon me, and speaks peace and comfort to me, though my sins were exceeding great, and my soul was once full of horror and despair; who purifies my soul, and keeps me in a way of duty, whereas I was before a polluted sinner, and was going on in a course of rebellion; who keeps me close to my calling, and blesses, me in it whereas before I did,the Devil's work, and had all curses belonging tome; who gives me health and strength, though I had often wasted it by provoking sins; who has given me maintenance from you, and yourself a loving mother, though I had spent much of my own estate in the Devil's service, and by my undutiful and ungodly practices forfeited your affections, and deserved to be a rejected outcast for ever. This is the GOD of goodness who is my God, and will be my God unto death.'

2. Under several fits of sickness and disorders of body, he enjoyed a blessed composure of mind, and good hope - of everlasting happiness, without any anxieties about his future state.. When he was ill in a *; a worthy Minister who visited him, asked him how he did, he answered,’ Here my heavenly FATHER is pleased to lay his rod upon my back, but I desire to bless Him for that he shines upon my conscience.' At another time he said to another pious Minister,’ GOD has made me to see He is well pleased with me in JESUS.' To one who asked him, whether be had assurance, he replied,’ I have a strong confidence of Heaven, and believe I shall go thither-; but I never had any great joys, except when I was in prison, and in a great sickness in 1688.' In another sickness, he said to some who stood by his bed's side,’ Death is no terror to me, I can look with comfort into the grave.' And at another time,’ It is no more to me to die, or to think of dying, than to go from one room to another.' Again, he said to a relation,’ All is well within.' Dining at a friend's house, when some present expressed their fears of the small-pox, he said,’ Let them be afraid to die who have no GOD to go to.'

Having given an imperfect account of his ministerial qualifications and labors, and of his Christian graces, and exemplary behaviour in the course of his life, I proceed to say something of his death. This faithful servant of CHRIST,' being full of days, and satisfied with life, the time came wherein it was his LORD's pleasure to call him hence, that he might -rest from his labors.” For some weeks before his decease, he complained that he was weak and indisposed; yet would he not remit any thing of his public work, private studies, or secret devotions. He had been long preparing for, and expecting his dissolution; and the evening before he was taken away, he told his wife very positively, that the time of his departure was at hand. This lie spake with a great deal of Christian courage, without betraying any slavish fear. When he perceived that she was much affected with his words, lie desired lice not to be troubled, and put her in mind that he had been a great while with her. She being solicitous about an affair of consequence, inquired of him concerning it. He said, he would not think or speak about the world then, for lie would prepare for the LORD's-day, which was approaching; but on Monday (God willing) lie would satisfy her. Though he did not live till that time, she found all safe and well.

4. The LORD's-day he rose early in the morning, and preached at the meeting near Southgate in the forenoon. Though his indisposition grew upon him, it did not hinder _him from going through his work. In his prayer after Sermon, he gave thanks to God for assisting him who was weak in body, but (as he said, according to his wonted humility) much more weak in soul. As he was returning home, being seized with faintness, and carried into an apothecary's house, he said,’ I am dying.' When he was a little recovered, and had a prospect of the King of

Terrors, who was just ready to seize him, he was not at all dismayed, but looked the last enemy in the face with comfort, and received the sentence of death with cheerfulness, saying to those friends who were about him,’ There will shortly be an end of all sin, sorrow, and trouble. I thank you for all your kindnesses to an unworthy servant of CHRIST.' When they expostulated with him for preaching under such disorders, he said,’ It becomes a Minister to die preaching.'

5. He could not be prevailed upon to be carried in a chair, but walked home. Before he got thither he began to grow faint again. An intimate friend who attended him, intreated him to sit down, but he refused. When he was just got into his own house he fell down; after which his lips kept moving for some time. Though his tongue, which had been a ready and faithful servant, now failed him, yet he seemed to be still breathing after GOD in fervent prayer; his friend thought he heard him pronounce the words 4J 1:SUS' sake.' The physician was called, and rich cordials administered, but could- not reach his case, and renew a life quite spent, and worn out in labor and watchings, and so in about three quarters of an hour, he quietly surrendered his spirit to GOD, about one o'clock, the 11th of January, 1713, when he had lived eighty-one years and eleven weeks, and been an ordained Minister above six and forty years.

6. As he lived beloved and honored, so he died desired and lamented. Though God spared him to a good old age, he did not survive his usefulness. And more years might have been expected from the strength of his constitution, if he would have been persuaded to spare himself. The suddenness of the stroke increased the sorrow of, his friends: They who in the morning sat under his ministry with great pleasure, could not but grieve exceedingly in the afternoon, when they understood that they should see his face no more.

7. On the Thursday following, January 15, his remains were carried from his own house to Bartholomew Church yard, in Exeter, attended by a very great multitude, among whom were many of the Gentry of the city and country, who did him honor at his death. He was buried near the east wall, by the grave of a kinsman who bore his name. His executrix has erected over him a plain fair monument, on the top of which, being_ a black marble stone, is the following epitaph of his own composing.