Google
This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project
to make the world's books discoverable online.
It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject
to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books
are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover.
Marks, notations and other maiginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the
publisher to a library and finally to you.
Usage guidelines
Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing tliis resource, we liave taken steps to
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying.
We also ask that you:
+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for
personal, non-commercial purposes.
+ Refrain fivm automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.
+ Maintain attributionTht GoogXt "watermark" you see on each file is essential for in forming people about this project and helping them find
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.
+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liabili^ can be quite severe.
About Google Book Search
Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web
at|http: //books .google .com/I
THE
LIVES
OF
THE PURITANS:
CONTAINING
A BIOGRAPHICAL ACCOUNT OF THOSE DIVINES WHO
DISTINGUISHED THEMSELVES IN THE CAUSE
OF
)aeIip)U0 Hitiettp,
FROM THE REFORMATION UNDER QUEEN ELIZABETH,
TO THE ACT OF UNIFORMITY,
IN 1662.
BY BENJAMIN BROOK.
IN THREE VOLUMES,
^>0^^>^i^>^^<^>^^>^>^^^
VOL. III.
He, being dead, yet speaketh. — Hebrews.
Many of the Paritans were men of great erudition, deep viewi of
religion, and unquestionable piety; and their writings contain a mine of
wealth, in which any one, who will submit to some degree of labour, will flad
himself well rewarded for his pains. — Wilberforce.
ILonOon:
PRINTED FOR JAMES BLACK,
TORE-STREET, CO? ENT-AARDiw'
' m
I «
> 4-
1813.
• . • • •
. - * • ■ »
« • • • . • * .
^r.*'.\ ^ '•.^ ^ .*
• ■ •
* • • ■ a
• ••• • •.
• . ■ ■ •
I •
■ » • » •
• ••■•• «
••••§•# •
i ■ «
CONTENTS OF VOL. Ilf.
John Dod ••••
Thamas Lj^diat
IVilliaiiiTwisse
Jeremiah Barroaghs
Francis Corn well ••
Thomas Collier • • . .
Philip IVindy
Thomas Moore
John Darance
John Batchelor
Jphn Greene •
John Price
Mr. Symonds '.
Joseph Symonds ....
Henry Barton
Henry Wilkinson ..
Thomas Coleman . . .
Ephraim Paget. ....
Thomas Hooker • • . . ,
John Saltmarsh
Herbert Palmer . • . .
Robert Balsom
Thomas Edwards . • .
John White
Peter Smart
Richard Blackerby t .
Thomas Temple
John jVilkinson
John Geree t tt#
FAGE
1
6
12
18
S5
87
90
31
ib. \
S2
34
37
38
39
40
59
60
64
70
75 I
79 \
88
88
90
96
100
101
108
PAIIB
Thomas Shepard.... 103
Saraoel Crook , lOT
Francis Woodcock 109
Edward Symonds 110
Andrew Wyke 118
Henry Tozer ib»
Christopher Lore 115
Peter Saxton 139
George Walker 140
John Vicars 14S
Patrick Yoong 145
Daniel Rogers 140
John Cotton...' 15t
William Lyford 161
John Lathorp • • • 168
William Gouge 165
Thomas HiU 170
Thomas Wilson 178
Natkaniel Ward 188
Robert Abbot ib.
John Spifsbury 18S
Cnthbert Sydenham 184
William Erbery 185
Jeremiah Whitaker ItO
William Strong IM
Thomas Gaiaker, j an
Samuel Bolton..
John Morcot •• 884
JothnaHoyle •«
CONTKNTS.
AnilreN' reme Mn
AlPMnJrr firiMi livN
JchnOralle SW
Hklmrd Vlnr* VW
Ila|[b Rnblnxtn XT'B
John Anffi 8M
IUI)ih Koblnwin JUf7
NndHlnlrl linden SWf
Jcrom Tarner U I
Meplwn MidIuII lb.
Timothy Arnilajte Sifil
a)lnW»rkn>w. SS5
TbOBIM YoBM ■■•.. lb.
Jvfen Prndiiri'n 96A
J*lln(iir»rd SST
ft)4ba><l Cnpcl SM
ium Noyr* yol
Edward BTifht SIM
Bebm Hack. va
tUphrn rfame MS
tUmntdtUirbu 9M
Jtmrt RrBnrnrd 9HK
Thaprn* HIabR Sffl
J«hn JaiH-wn; )nl
Jain Unxtr; 9WI
Jabn (;iinblrdrn W1
J«hn FrMt ib.
HB(h l'.*aM SKI
Otadiah H«il|twlck WA
William Nandlirooke Ml
Min Urvi-rlj «0K
Wllllan (^Irr SMI
^hn Uvr) .Wl)
TtMmaa (ioiMlwlH ib.
bberi Hani 9(19
Ohrlilaf hrr f'nkr -ftm
JMp I'aiitidiEi- 311
■ydfanh lynpHD 31S
■obert Dlanlry .114
John Atrnwinltb aift
VMarBulkly 3I«
Hamiirl Jarnmb .1ID
ThoinluCBKIaii .WO
llrnr; fjun.d-r Klf
Cliorlei iierlff au
John Ib>|;<Ti 380
Mnrjtan Unyd 3KD
Ktlward Bitrbrr 330
Jnhn Caniir Jjli
llMkirt Ruurr 341
WIIJ iiMl lHyir 34S
PrlrrHlnTj 317
Kdsiirdl^rfi..... 310
llBuli Pbi,™ 350
John fhiry sgp
llriiiy tVliHIlrlrf 373
Adnnlrau Hyfliild ai4
l^indnnlliw .IcMop an
Henry Di-nne 8TS
franrU Taylor SSO
Kvnn Howru 3S1
Waller CradMk US
WI1linin.T«rrFry SSA
l^hrlitophrr mnchwood ... 3W
»llll«niT4jlr>r S90
Jnhn Jonirt 3t|
PraiiMhid KarrhonB SBfl
John i«y 403
J»bn Hiniptan 4(U
JobnKirlillr 411
Bciuamin Co* , lb.
JahD Nnrlun 4I9
Hamurl Mirmnan 481
HnmuH KInnr 48S
Tboma* I'alinnt 485
VVilllam ThuinpioD 486
Nnmui'l Oolr 41t
Juhu WILun 4.11
Alirnhnm Chrare 4.'U
Klrhnril Mather 440
ZccliariubNymn.... 44A
Jobn I}BfcD|Hirt ib.
CONTENTS.
Cterlct Cbannccy 451
JotanAUen 466
namai GranthBai ........ ib.
TfaomuLoBib 461
diver Bowlii 466
AhD.Fuk 468
n<H>"« Parker iM
P«lerHabar1 471
SuDUd Wbillng 418
John WWIwrlsbl 4T8
Soger ffmiams..... 4TT
JotanSherman 4B8
Tlfoniai Cobbel 48S
John BlllDt 484
Haaiera Kao]}y 4B1
Jobs Ward fiOO
ADDENDA.
Mr.Allen 502
Hr. BroUeiby ib.
Mr. Evans ib.
Hr.Fiis 503
Dngb Boolbe ib,
Tbomai Greihop 504
James Rosier ib.
Dr. Penny ib,
Ur.Sparrow ib.
Mr. Wabh 505
Mr.FDlwer ib,
Mt. Lolrlh ib.
Jobn BroHD ib.
Qavid Tliickiienny. . . .. 506
Edward Chapman ib.
fialpliLever 507
William Dretrel ib.
Jobn ^aih ib.
Mr.Eram 608
JUcbard Prond ib.
JohnHoabe ib.
Jwepb Nicboli 509
J«haUwiiwii ib.
milian Fleming ib.
Jamea GiKwell ik.
JahD Hopkim 610
Thamns FBrmr ib.
JohnOiPnbridgi: ib.
Ml. Harsnel ib.
Nirholai WmramsoD 611
Hr. Gibion Ib.
Blr. Horrockf ib,
Sampion SbeOeld ib.
lUcbard GardiDCT &1S
Mr Kendal ib.
Ezekkl Culvernell lb.
Mr. Bembere 513
George Xfwion ib.
John Allison .......... )k
William Bonme 614
William ^;tbDnt ib.
Mr. Adersler Ibi
Ht. B. Bridcer lb.
Tbomai Newhonie 516
Ttiomai Edmnndi ib.
Stephen Goagfae ib.
Robert ClesTer 5IS
Robert Maodeiill ib.
John WilkinHin ib.
John Morton ^-^ 511
Mr, Hubbard ib.
Jobn Yates ih.
John Frewen 518
Francis Bright ib.
Mr Udney ib.
Samuel Blacklock 619
Mr, Bradslreel Ih.
Mr, Crowder 686
Samael SkelloD lb.
Humphrey Barnel ....■••• ib.
Mr Brodet 591
Aicbard Demon. .V ib.
Jobn Vincent ib.
Jaka Tralk ,.. ib.
VUl
CONTENTS.
PAGB
Adam Blackman •• 68t
Thomas Warren ib.
William Herriofton ib.
Nicholai Beard flSS
William Green ib.
William Powell ib.
WiUiamKent ftS4
Mr. Da? eniih ib.
Mr. Barret ib.
Mr. Salisbory M5
Mr. Jeifryet ib.
Henry Page 5S6
Ralph Smith ib.
Ephraim Hewet. •••...... ib.
Dr. Jenningson ....•..•• ib.
John Jemmet • • • • • fi9T
John Stooghton •••.....«. ib.
Mr. Borchell ib.
TbomaiiSeott i 5S8
WillUm Maditerd ib.
Mr. Cooper 589
FA6B
Edmund Small ib.
Mr. Smith ib.
John Spencer ib.
Hannibal Gammon 630
Mr. Wainwright ib.
John Sims tb.
John Foxcroft 691
Ralph Blarsden ib.
Nicholas Darton ib.
Henry Roborongh ib.
Abraham Pdrson 639
Howcl Vanghan ib.
Robert MatOB ib.
Peter Pmdden 63S
Robert Booth ib.
Walter Rosewell 084
Thomas Ball ib.
Stanley Gower ib.
Henry Flint 635
James Sicklemore ib.
Afpshdix •• 5ST
CONTENTS OF THE NOTES.
Acoriowanecdoteof Bishops Neale and Andrews 2
The occasion of the civil war 3
Accoont of the famous John Selden 9
Archbishop UsBer tamely submitted to Archbishop Laud 15
Bodies dug up after the restoration • 16
Account of the Earl of Warwick IS
A popish book dedicated to Archbishop Laud 49
Mrs. Burton committed to prison 44
Warrant for apprehending H. Burton lb.
to the warden of the Fleet 45
A rurioui anecdote of Bastwick's litany ib.
Sentence against Bastwick and Prynne 47
darendon'i character of Archbishop Land « . 49
The paring of H. Burton'sears 50
The people at Cof entry and Chester prosecuted 61
CONVSMTS. a
PASS
Aecomit of William PryBiie 5f
■■ the portrait of Arckbitbop Laad mad H. Barton 8S
A corioai anecdote of Archbtihop Abbot Yi
Gomnfttee ofreHftonolfeiBlfetoLaad , 81
A£coiiiit of the iDROYBtloni of Dr. Ootim ...••..•• 01
Mn. Smart's letter to her hBifoaad ...« tS
, Sir Edward Lakenor a friend to the tioncoiiformisti M
Anecdotes of BIflhop Nelle 101
Mr. Gibbons beheaded on Towerohill 1S5
Dr. Grey*B opinion of C. Love ••••« 137
Soldiers threatening to shoot Dr. Manton ••••^ 138
A cnrions aneedote of George Walker. J •• 140
Dr. Grey's frivolons reasoning •••••• 148
Account of the Alexandrian maanscript « • • /• • ••• . 148
The Iklse accusation of John Cotton 154
The Mayor of Amndcl prosecntcd...*....^ 165
Dr. Tnck*s severe usage 177
Bishop Kennet's character of the tryers.. 186
Account ofthe assembly's annotations # •• 811
■ ' massacre in Ireland .^ ••... 886
Earl of Essex 883
Anecdote of Dr. Heylln and Bishop Williams • 848
Dr. Grey's insiooatlon of S. Marshall 849
Account of Lady Brown's piety 851
» ■ the flfth monarchy-men ••.•••• 857
■ — William Janeway 2T8
Warrant for apprehending Thomas Cawton 381
Account of Castell*8 Lexicon Heptaglotton 388
— — the monthly lectures in Yorkshire 348
Archbishop Matthews 343
—— — Sir Henry Vane .* 348
Anecdote of Bishop Montaigne •• « M>
Account of Thomas Peters ,, ••••••«. • 353
Waller's plot 356
■ — Mrs. Peters ••••••••» • 368
Bishop Bedell favoured ibe union of protestants 370
King Charles's schismatical remark «« t« 38$
Warrant to the keeper of Newgate* • • • • • • • ^ 398
Oliver Cromwell an enbmy to persecution • • 416
Two anecdotes of Oliver Cromwell •••••# ib.
Account of the infamous Titus Oates ••• • 487
TOL. III. b
X CONTENTS.
PAGE
Ptablic difpatatloM mn relis'ioD to be difcooBleasaced 4311
Arebbiibop Ncile tmagbl tbe people to pny for tbe dead 440
Dr. Merrick tbreateoed by ArcbbUbop Lud 45iS
Aaecdotei of two penecated brotben ^ 487
If n. HotcbiMOD baoifbed and Budered 476
Tbe aoMUCIflc leiiftb of ladiaa woidf 488
OraBger'i ccmare of two books OB eoacroreny 500
Accowit of tbe aatbor'i If S. aathoritiei 639,510
THE
LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
John Dob, A.M.-^Tki8 celebrated divine was born al
Shotwich in Cheshire, about the year 1549y was the youngeat
of seventeen children, and educated in JesUs college^
Cambridge; where he continued nearly sixteen years, rad
was chosen fellow of the house. During his abode in the
university, he became thoroughly convinced of his sins,
betook himself to deep humiliation, and earnestly sought the
blessings of pardon and peace through Jesus Christ; which,
to his unspeakable comfort, he at last obtained. While at
Cambridge he was particularly intimate with Drs. Fulke,
Chadderton, Whitaker, and others, who held their weekly
meetings for prayer and expounding the scriptures. In die
year I6l5y a divioe of the same name, and no doubt the
same person, was elected proctor of the university %• Having
received an invitation to become pastor at Hlinwell in
Oxfordshire, he left the university, and entered upon the
stated exercises of the christian ministry. In this situatioo
he preached frequently, catechized the youth, and united
with others in a weekly lecture at Banburj. Hb labours at
Hanwell were numerous, and most extensively useful. It is
observed, that hundreds of souls were at this place converted
under his ministry .f He was about thirty years old when he
first settled at Hanwell, and remained there about twen^
years, where he had twelve children by his first wife, the
daughter of Dr. Nicholas Bound. After her death he took,
a second wife, and was married by his old fiiend Dr. William
Gouge.
Mr. Dod's great popularity and usefulness in the abov^
situation, roused the envy of several neighbouring ministers,
who, though they seldom preached themselveS| would not
* Faller*8 Hiit. of Camb. p. 1S9.
f ClarlL'i Lire* anntxed lo bit Martyralof !•, p. 168, 169.
VOL. ni. ^
2 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
allow their people to go and hear him ; and for the singular
crime of multitudes flocking to his ministry, he was several
times questioned in the bishops' courts.* In addition to
this, bemg exercised with some other trials, he was induced
to consult Mr. Greenham, his excellent father-in-law. lliis
reverend divine, after hearing his complaints, said, '' Son,
son, when affliction lieth heavy, sin lieth light;" and gave
Mr. Dod such suitable advice, that he had abundant cause
to bless God for it, and found it of excellent use all tlie
rest of his days. However, he was at length suspended
from his ministry at Hanwell by Dr. Bridges, bishop of
Oxford. Being driven from his affectionate and beloved ~
people, he preached a short time at Fenny Compton in .
Warwickshire, llien accepted an invitation to Canons Aahby
in Nbrdiamptonshire. In the latter situation he was treated
with pecidial* kindness by Sir Erasmus Dryden, a gentleman
of great learning and piety ; but he did not contmue long
witfaoiit molestation. For, upon the complaint of Bishop
Neile,f he was silenced by the archbishop.t
Though this excellent divine was cast aside, he did not
remain idle. When his efforts of public usefulness were set
aside, he went about from house to house, giving private
instructions; and by his pious discourse and holy deport-
ment, he was nearly as useful as when he enjoyed hb public
munistry.^ He was particularly desirous of a more pure
reformation of the church, and therefore united with his
brethren in subscribing the ** Book of Discipline.^'! He
con^ued under the above suspension several years. But
Qn. the accession of King James, Sir Richard Knightly
1 procured him his liberty; and he renewed his ministerial
abours at Fausley in Northamptonshire, where he continued,
in great reputation and usefulness, all the rest of hb days.
* Clark's Lives annexed to Marty rologie, p. 170.
f Bhhop Neile of Durham and Bishop Andrews of Winchester, attend-
iai^ upon King James, had the following conversation with him : His
majesty, Always intent upon his prerogative, aslced the bishops, ** My
lortlSf eannet I take my subjects* money when I want it, without all this
fonmility in parliament?" The Bishop of Durham readily answered,
*^ Gdd' forbid, sir, but you should ; yon are the breath of our nostrils*'*
Upon this the king turned, and said to the Bishop of Winchester, ** Well,
my lord, what say yon?" ^* Sir," replied the bishop, ** I have no skill to
judge of parliamentary cases." The king answered, *' No put oifs, my
lord ; answer me presently." ** Then, sir," said he, ** I think it lawful
for y*a to take ray brother Neile's money, for be oflTers it.'* Thii
plcamntry afforded great entertainment to the company. — JBiog. Britan.
vol. i. p. 185. Edit. 1778.
? Clark's Lives annexed to Martyrologie, p. 170.
Faller'f Worthier pact i. p.. 181. || Neal's Puritanfi vol. i. p. 423.
DOD. 9
m
Here, also, he felt the iron rod of the prc^Iates ; and, as iii
the three former sitoations, he was for a time suspended from
his public ministry.*
Mr. Dod was a pattern of patience. He bore his
numerous trials with great meekness of spirit and holy
resignation to the will of God. He used to say, *^ Sanctified
afflictions are spiritual promotions/' In the sixty-third year
of his age, he laboured under extreme bodily affliction, and
was brought to the very brink of the grave : but when the
physician, who gave a check to his complaint, told him he
had then some hope of his recovery, die good old man
replied, " You think to comfort me by what you say ; but
you make me sad. It is the same as if you had told onid
who had been sorely weather-beaten at sea, and was expect^
ing to enter the deSired haven, that he must return to sei^
to be tossed by fresh winds and waves." Having a comfort-
able assurance of heaven, he was desirous to leave th^
world, and to ** be with Christ." And as he enjoyed much
divine consolation in his own mind ; so, in numerous remark-
able instances, he administered the same to others.
This venerable divine used to say, '' I have no reason to
complain of any cr6ss^, because they are the bitter fruit of
my sin. Nothing shall hurt us but sm ; ahd that shall not
hurt us, if we can repent of it. And nothing can do ua
good but the love and favour of God in Christ; and that
we shall have if we seek it in good earnest. Afflictions are
God's potions, ^hich we may sweeten by faith and prayer;
but we often make them bitter, by putting into God's cup
the ill ingredients of impatience and unbelief. There is no
affliction so small but we shall sink under it, if God uphold
us not : and there is no sin so great but we shall commit it^
if God restrain us not. A man who hath the spirit of
prayer hath more than if he hath all the world. And no
man is in a bad condition, but he who hath a hard heart and '
cannot pray."
During the civil wars,f when some of the king's party
came to his house, and threatened to take away his life, this
heavenly divine, with holy confidence replied, " If you do,
you will send me to heaven, where I long to be ; but yon
* FaUer's Worthies, part i. p. 1^«
i* The first ill blood between Kin|^ Cliarles and kit Ml\|ectt, wklck
afterwards ]ed to all the horrors of civil war, was occasioned* by cJi#
severe proceedings in the high commission court, and the cmel censnres la-
the star«chamber ; in both of which the coor^ clergy were allowed tao
much power.— J3<0j^. BriUm, fol. i. p. 372.
» LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
ctn do nothing except God ffive you leave." ' When they
broke open hb chests and cuMKMurds, and canied away what
^ey pleased, his only complaint was, The Lordgave, and
the Lord hath taken atDay ; blessed be the name ofthe Lord.
When they came a second time, he was confineq to his bed
|>y sickness ; but though they cut away the curtains from hisr
bed, and took the pillow-cases from under his head, he uttered
not a murmuring word.* Comii^ a thkd time, and havings
taken most of the linen and household stu£f, and brought
them into the room in which the good old man sat warmmg
himself by the fire ; he, during their absence to search for
more, took a pair of sheets, and put them under the cushion
on which he sat, greatly pleasii^ hiniself, after they were
gone, that he had plunder^ the plunderers, and, by a lawful
robbery, saved so much of his own property .f
. Mr. Dod was exceedingly beloved, though not without his
enemies. These, out of malice, stigmati^ him Faith and
Repentance; because he was constantly recommending these
two things* He was a person of great moderation; and
when he was questioned about subscription and the cere-
monies, he was always e<]^ually ready to give his opinion, and
cautious in giving his advice. He urged all who desired his
opinion upontheib points, to take heed against being influenced
by the example or arguments of others, but to look to God
and his holy word for direction. He used to ask them
whether ^ey could su£fer in that cause aloney if all others
. were deadi Though he was a strict nonconformist, and bore
J bb share of sufferings in the cause, he was of a most
^ liberal spirit, and loved all who loved Christ.
As old age and afilictions came upon him, he usually
compared himself to Sampson when his hair was cut ; saying,
'' I rise in the morning as Sampson did, and think I wUI go
fordi aa at other times \ but, alas ! { soon find an alteration :
I mustvStoop to old age, wluch hath dipt mv hair, and taken
away my strength. But I am not afraid to look death in the
, face. I can say, death, where is thy sting ? Death cannot
hurt me. To a wicked man death is unwelcome ; but to a
child of God, who hath laboured and suffered much, death
is welcome, that he may rest from his labours." During \m
faist sickness he was exercised with most grievous pains, but
was eminently supported and comforted in the exercise of
. fiutfa and patience. He wrestled hard with Satan, and at last
overcame. He longed to be with Christ, and his desire was
* Clark'i IdTCi, p. 174, 175. f Fuller's Cborch Hiit. b. x\. p. S90.
]x>D. a
• • • -
gnmtfd. His last words were, I d^e to be dissolved amd
to he )mth Christ. He finished his course, and recetved llMi
crown of r^hteousness, in the year 1645, aged mnety-MX
years, when his remains were interred in Fansley church.
Dr. Lloyd gives the following account of tms vtfmMo
divine: — '< Mr. Dod/' says he, ''had no ddigfat &i con-
tradiction, nor could he find in his heart to disturb the peace
of the church. He was so far from it, that, as I have
frequently heard fipom his grandchild and others, when some
thought ttieir dissents ground enough for a war, he declared
himself against it, and confirmed odiers in their allesiance :
he professed to the last a just hatred of that horrid rebellion."*
The celebrated Archbishop Usher had tfie highest opinion of
him, and said, '' Whatever some affirm of Mr. Dod^s
strictness, and scrupling some ceremonies, I desire that when
i die my soul may rest with his." Wood styles ban ^ a
learned and godly divine.^f Fuller denominalei him
'' patien^ liumble, meek, and chaatable ; an excellent
scholar, especially in Latin and HebraiMr, and exceedingly
profitaUe m conversation. He was a good chymist, to
extract gold out of other men's lead; and however looae
were the premises of other men's discourse, piety was alwajjss
his unforced conclusion.''^ He is classed lunoi^ die learned
writers of Jesus college, Cambridge.^ Echard calls hiln ** i|
learned decalogist, an exquisite Hebrician, and a moat pioui
and hospitable divine ;" and says, ** he was highly valued hf
all good men."! Granger observes, ** diat in learning he was
excelled by few, and in unaffected piety by none. .If odii^g
was ever objected to this meek and humble man bat his
being a puritan." His sayings have been often printed, and
are still tp be seen pasted on the walls of cottages. An old
woman in his neighbourhood, he adds, told him, ^ that she
would have gone mstracted for the loss of her husband, if she
bad been witfiout Mr. pod's sayings in her house.'t
It is recorded of Mr. Dod, that one evening, being late in
his study, his mind was strongly impressed, though he could
assign no reason for it, to visit a gentleman of his acquaint^
ance, at a very unseasonable hour, !^f ot knowing the design
of Providence, he obeyed and went. When he came to the
house, after knocking a few times at the door, the gentleman
himself came, and inquired whether he wanted him upon any
* Biog. BritaD. vol. vii. p. 4809. f Wood^t Athens, vol. f . p. 758. ,
i F«ll€r*8 VITofftHiet, part i. p. 181.^Cburch Hist. b. zt p. 89D.
S Fuller*! Hist, of Cam. p. 86. I Echard's Hilt, of Eng . ?ol. ii. p. 545.
I GraofeKi Biog. Hist, f ol. i. p. 370.
6 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
iHurtituhur business. Mr. Dod having answered in the
liegAtive^ and sign^ed diat he could not rest till he had seen
jMoOf the gentleirian replied, ^* O, sir, you are sent of God at
this Very hour ; for I was just now going to destroy myself,"
mtid immediately pulled the halter out of his pocket, by which
he had intend^ to commit the horrid deed. Thus the
mischief was prevented.*
It is observed of Mr. Dod, that a person being once
enraged at his close and awakening doctrine, picked a
quarrel with hiin, smote him in the face, and dashed out two
of his teeth. This meek and lowly servant of Christ,
without taking the least offence, spit out the teeth and blood
into hia hand, and siiid, '^ See here, you have knocked out
two of. my teeth, without any just provocation ; but on
condition I might do your soul good, I would give you leave
to dash out all the rest."+ Thus Mr. Dod was not overcome
pf^vil, but overcome evil with good. %
. Mr. Timothy Dod, ejected in 1662, was his son, and
imitated the amiable virtues of his excellent father .j; Old
lif r. Dod Was commonly called the Decalogist, because he
^fid Mr. Robert Cleaver, another puritan minister, published
" An Ei^sition of the Ten Conmiandmcints," 1635. They
also published ^ The Patrimpny of Christian Children ;"
and were authors of '* Ten Sermons to fit Men. for the
Worthy Receiving of the Lord's Supper." Mr. Dod, it is
said^ was the au^or of that singular and well-known little
Sermon^ on ithe word Malt. Bishop Wilkins passes a high
encomium upon hb sermons, with those of other learned
divines.^
Thomas Lydiat, A. M.— This celebrated scholar was
bQrn at Alkrington, or Okertpn, near Banbury, in Oxford-
shire, eaiiy in the year 1572, and educated first at Winchester
school, then at New College, Oxford, where he was chosen
fellow. A disposition to learning distinguished him from
childhood, in consequence of which his parents, who lived in
wealthy circumstances, des^ned him for a scholar, and
placed him at the university under the tuition of Dr. (after-
wards Sir Henry) Marten. He signalized himself by intense
application to his studies, and became almost a prodigy in
good literature, especially in logic, mathematics, astronomy,
• Flavel't Worlu, ▼©!. U. p. 9S%\ Edit. 1797. + Ibid. vol. t. p. 470.
■ i Palmer's I<)[odcod. Mem. vol. iii. p. 30.
S Discourse on Preachio;, p. 8S, 83.
LYDIAT. 7
the learned languages, and divinity. His desire to enter
upon the ministerial function was opposed by a defective
memory and an imperfection of utterance; and, as the*
statutes of the college required him, after a certain time, to
enter upon those studies more immediately connected with
the clerical profession, or resign his fellowship, he chose die
latter, and retired to a smafl patrimonial property at his
native place. He there^ diuii^ seven years, employed
himself in completing literary designs which he had formed
while resident at the university ; and he first made himself
known to the learned world by publishine, in 1605, a work
entitled, " Tractatus de variis Annorum Formis." Of this
he published a defence, in I6079 against the arrogant
censures of Joseph Scaliger ; and he ventured directly to
attack that proud dictator of literature in his ** Emendatio
Temporum ab Initio Mundi hue usque Compendio facta,
contra Scaligerum et alios," 1609* ibis learned work was
dedicated to Henry, Prince of Wales, who appointed him
his chronologer and cosmograplier, and would no doubt
have been a liberal patron to him, as he was to men of
science in general, had not his auspicious commencements
been cut short by an untimely death.
At the above period, Dr. Usher, afterwards the celebrated
archbishop, being on a visit to England, became acquainted
with Mr. Lydiat, whom he persuaded to accompany him to
Ireland, where he procured him apartments in Dublin
college. A community of studies was doubtless the prin-
cipal inducement for Usher to desire liis company ; and it is
highly probable that he derived assistance from him in his
own chronological labours.* Mr. Lydiat is said to have
contuiued about two years in Ireland, though the time
cannot be exactly ascertained. It appears, however, from
letters in Parr's Collection, that he was in Ireland in 16 10,
and that he was returned to England in August, I6I 1. From
the same authority we also learii, that there had been a design
of settling him in the public school at Armagh. He had
many friends, among whom were the lord deputy, and the
chancellor of Ireland, who jointly promised to ao great thin^n
for him ; but were prevented by his coming to England,
and returning no more to that country.f
There is a circumstance connected with Mr. Lydiat's visit
to Irdand which is involved in considerable obscurity. It k
asserted in thie notes to the life of Usher,t that soon after
• AikiD's LiTes of Seidell and Usher, p. 402.
i Wood*i Atiieiise Ozoo. woU ii. p. 46. i B'lOf;. Britan, f oh vi. p. 40(ST«
8 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
his return be entered into the conjugal connexioii, and married
Usher's sister ; for which fact the only authority given is^ the
alleged subscription of ** your loving brother-in-law" to some
of Usher's letters. In reality, however, these letters are only
'signed ** your loving friend and ftro^Aer/' which last appella-
tion Usher bestows upon others of his correspondents : nor
is there foun4i either in th^ letters between them, or in the
several lives pf the primate, the least hint of such connexion^.
Indeed, it is not apparent from any recorded incidents of Mr.
Lydiafs life th^t he was n^furi^d at all. Yet, on the other
himd, Mr. Heqry Biiggs, in a letter to Usher, dated in 1610,
says, '^ I pray you salute from me your brother, Mr. Lydiat,'
which expression can scarcely imply any thing else than a
real relationship, for he was not then a clergyman. In that
case, however, he must hs^v^ been married before h^s return
to England,*
Whatever schemes might have been formed for his settle-
ment in Ireland, they were rendered abortive by his acceptance,
though not without much hesitation, of the rectory of
Okerton, of which his father was patron. Though he entered
upon the pastoral office with considerable reluctance, he
sedulously performed its duties, and continued in this situation,
with some mtemiptions, to the end of his days. During the
first twelve years, he wrote and preached more than siv
hundred sermons on the htanony of the Gospels^ In the
mean time he was also employed in several works of profound
erudition, but which were probably limited to a few readers ;
for, instead of producing any pecuniary compensation to
their author, they sunk all his patrimony in the expense of
printing. Being, moreover, involved in the debts of a near
relation for whom he had unadvisedly become a surety, he
was arrested and thrown into prison at Oxford, whence h^
was removed to the Eang's-bench. The confinement of
such a man was undoubte<uy felt as a disgrace to letters; and
by the contributions of Sir William BosMrell, an eminent
patron of learned men, of Usher, Laud, and some others, he
at lei^th obtained his. liberation. The famous Selden, who
fi'equlsntly extended his bounty to literary merit in distress,
absolutely refused to lend his aid on this occasion, in resent-
ment of a slight pffered him by Lycfiat, who, in some annota-
tions which he published on the Arundel Marbles, had
mentioned him with no oth^r epithet than that of *^ ap
industrious author." Whatever offence there might be in
* Aikio'fl Lives of Selden aod Usbcr, p. 403, 404.
LYDIAT. 9
this want of civility, Selden would certainly have sbewn n
greater and more pious mind in forgiving it»*
Mr. Ljdiati soon after he was restored to liberty, pre-
sented a petition to King Charles, requesting his protection
and pati^nage in an intended voyage to the East, for tli0
purpose of collecting valuable manuscripts. The project
displayed his zeal for the service of learning, but the ensuini^
political troubles^ prevented any attention being paid to hit
applicatioD/ Though he was a man of low stature, and
ramer insignificant m appearance, he was a person of n
ffreat mind and of uncommon learning. He pulled die
Teamed Chiistopher Clavius, the whole college of mathema^
ticians, and even that Goliah of literature, Joseph Scaliger
himself; who, when he found himself outstripped, scorn-
fully st^matized Mr. Lydiat with being a beggarly j beardleu
priest. He was, nevertheless, highly esteemed by the most
learned men at home and abroad. Sir Thomas Chaloner
and other celebrated scholars, vnth those mentioned above^
were among his familiar acquaintance. The virtuosi beyond
..sea wjere pleased to rank him with the celebrated t<oid
•
* Mr. JohD Selden was sometiines styled ** the great dictator of learnlof
jof the English nation/' whom Grotius, his antagonist, calls ** the glory
^of his coantry |'* an4 Sir Matthew Hale, ** a resolved and serious christian.*'
,He was a man of as eztensiye and profound emdition as any of his timef
wd was thoroughly skilled in every thing relating to his own professloa of
the law {. bat the principal bent of his stodies was to saicrcd abd protee
antjqaify. . The greater part of his works are on uncommon sulgecti*
Like a man of genius, be was not content with walking in the beaten tmck
of learning, but was concerned to strike out new paths, and ei^arge the
territories of science. Towards the close of life, he owned, that, oat of the
numberless Tolufnes he had read and digested, nothing stuck so close to hb
heart, or gave him such solid satisfaction, as the single passage of Paul ia
ills epistle to Titus, ii. 11—14. He died in the year ItUMf when th*
celebrated Archbishop Usher preached his funeral sermon, and, withoM
.jscruple, declared *' that he himself was scarcely worthy to carry his bookt
after him.'* Mr. Selden was author of many learned publications, among
which was *' The History of Tithes ;" for which, in 1618, he wasconveoei
before the high commission, and required to subscribe a degrading recaata^
^ion. Afterwards, at an audience of King James, at the time when
Montague was preparing a confutation of this work, the' worthless and
arbitrary ^ou^ch stem^ forlwde him to make any reply, saying, *^ If
you or any of your friends shall write agaiast this confutation, I will
^Ibrow you into pri^o." He was a valuable member of the long parliftp
Tnent, and one of the lay members who sate with the assembly of. dt vines.
In tlpeir debates he spoke admirably, and confuted divers of themia tMr
:own learning. Sometimes, when they cited, a text of scripture to prote
their ^ssertlofi, be would tell thep, ^^ Perifapf }p your little pocket Bibles
v^ith gilt leaves," which they would ofleil poll out and tread, ** tho
translation may be thus, bat the Gvcak or Hebrew signifies thus and thus t*'
and so would silence them. — Oramger'M Biog, Hist, vol. ii. p. 92t.—
MkifCt Lives of Selden and Vsktr^ p. 96, S87.— fcltctic Rewiewy vol. vlii.
p. 20^.—Whia»cke'9 Mem. p. Tl . Bdit. 17S9.
JO UVES OF THE FTUTANS.
Bkmi mi Mr* Jmtfh Mtie-, md wlm ther foood tint
Ik; IttJaofcif^r preftmienty dier nid that FiigliAmen (fid
ttcit deitfTve mkdk prat sdholarv, since tbej made so fitde of
dbm. ^TWiM^ tlicj have wronged his memory/' sajs
FflJkr, ^ wfco have rtpreaeated him as an anabaptist: jet
1m was dhafectcd to the dUdpUme and aramomes of die
c1mvc( ;^* OB wlkfc accovDt he isy with justicey dasaed anioii|r
Mr* \j9Sa/L thoufifa opposed to the ecclenastical dis-
dfdbe 12ro;»o»», <i^^^ of lojal Dnndples, »>d
dweovcrad fait zeal in the ntyJL cause ; for which, upon the
eommtoceneat ^ the ci%il war, he was a considerable
JO&srer from the porliameiit^s army. His own statement
to Sir Wiiltam Compton, ^orernor of Banbury castle, affirms
dbat hit rectory was foiv times piUaged, and himself reduced
to so gieat a want of coounon necessaries, diat he could not
change his linen for a quarter of a year, without borrowii^ a
sUrl« He was also twice carried away to prison, and was
crtidly used by the scdcfiers for refusii^ their demands of
tooaey, for d^mding his books and papers, and for his bold
speeches in finrour of the royal cause. From this and other
carctnnstaoces^ it appears that his mannerB were not con-
ciliating, aad that, to a scholar's ^orance of the world, he
jCMiied the bhmtneas of an independent character. Of his
confident and sanguine disposition, a judgment may be
formed from a passage in one of his letters to Usher. After
expre9siog a hope that his learned friend would in the end
assent to the truth of what he had delivered concerning the
beginning and conclusion of Daniel's serenty weeks, and all
the dependencies thereon, he says, ** For certunly, how weak
soerer I, the restore and publisher diereof,^ am, yet it is
strong and wiU prevail ; an<C notwithstanding mine obscure
estate, in due time the clouds and mists of errors being dis^
persed aad vanished, it will shine forth as bright as the clear
tun at noon-tide.'^f
This learned man finished his painfrd life, and died in
indigence and obscurity at Okerton, April 3, 1646, aged
seventy-four years.} Though be obtained considerable repu-
tation among learned men at home and abroad; yet his
fame is so &r obliterated, even in his own country, that
it is probable few English readers have known to whom
Dr. Johnson refers in hb *' Vanity of Human Wishes,'*
• Fuller*! Wortbiei, part if. p. SS8.
. i Aiklo*sUveflorSel4eiisiidUiher, P/40T.
t Wodd'f AtbeoB 0»>n. ? ol. ii. p. 46—48.
LYDIAT. 11
where, as a warning against the enthusiastical expectations
of the young scholar, he says/
If dreams yet flatter, once Rg^ain attend ;
Hear Lydiaf s life, and Galilio's end.
Wood says, ** he was a man possessed of some excellen*
cies ; yet he set too high a value on his own performances,
and for many years spent an idle and obscure life.^f Echard
denominates him '^ a man of a great soul and incomparable
learning, particularly in mathematics, antiquities, la^^uagea
and divimty;" and adds, '' that he ,was admired by the
greatest scholars of the age/*t Kennet styles him '^thal
master of astronomy and mathematics, who, besides his
admired works in print, left twenty-two volumes of manu-
scripts, as rarities, in the hands of Dr. John Lamphire/'t
Mr. Lydiat'a remains were interred by the side of his
father and mother in the chancel of Okerton church, where
a monumental inscription was afterwiutb erected, of which
the following is a translation :)
Sacred to the Memory
of Thomas Lydiat, rector of Okerton,
an accomplbhed divine and niathematidaB»
^ whose tomb was erected
at the expense of New College, Oxford,
in memory of so great a scholar.
He was bom in 1573,
and died in 1640.
His WoaKs. — 1. Tractatus de variis annomm fonnis, 10O6y—
2. Prelectio Astronomica de naturi coeli & conditionibus elemento>
rum, 1005. — 3. Disqnisitio physiolog^ca de origine fontiam, 1005.-—
4. Defentio tractatus de variis annorum formis contra Joseph!
Scatigeri objectionem, 1007. — 5. Examen Canonum Chronologic
Isagbgicorum, 1007. — 10. Explicatio temporum ad initio mondi hoe
usque, compendio facta, contra Scaligerum & alios, 1009.-7. Ex-
plicatio & additamentum argumentorum in libello emendationis tea-
porum compendio faetae, de nativitate Christi & ministerio in terris,
1013. — 8. Soils & liunae periodus, seu annus magnus, 1020. — ^9. De
anni Solaris mensmi Epistola Astronomica, ad Hen. SaYilinm,
1020. — 10. Numerus aureus' melioribus lapillis insig^tus factusq;
Gemmens, &c., 1021. — 11. Canones Chronologici, nee non series
summorum magistratunm & trlumphorum Romanorum, 1075.—
|2. Lstten to Archbishop Usher, printed in his Life, 1080.
• AlkiB*i Uvet, p. 406.
' f Wood's Hist, et Antiq. 1. ii. p. 149.
" Ecliard*8 Hist, of £og. vol. ii. p. 56S.
Kennet'e Chronicle, p. 764.
Wood's Hilt, et Aatiq. 1. ii. p. 149.
12 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
' William Twisse, D.D.— -This iUustrious dSmnt was
born at Spenham-Landy near Newbury, in Berkriiirey about
the year 157^^ and educated first at Winchester school, dien
in New College, Oxford, where, he was chosen fellow. He
spent sixteen years at the university; and, by a most intense
-applicaton, obtained an extraordinary knowledge of logic,
philosophy, and divinity. His profound erudition appeared
m his public lectures and learned disputations, but especially
in correcting the works of the celebrated Bradwardine, then
published by Sir Henry Savile. He took his various degrees
^ith universal applause. He was an admired and popular
preacher, and greatly followed both by the collegians and
townsmen.
He continued in his beloved pursuits at the university, till
his brilliant talents and profound literature excited very
public attention. His uncommon fame reached the court of
'King James, who chose him to be chaplain to Lady Elizabeth,
^B about to leave her native country and go to the Palatine*
He cheerfully complied with the appointment,. and accom-
panied the pious young priivcess to the foreign court; and^
to moderate her grief, and adnUBister comfort te her troubled
mind, upon her. painful separation from her friends^ he
expounded spme portion of scripture to her every day.
He dwelt much upon the great uncertaiuty of life, and the
importance of a smtable preparation for death; and, from
his appropriate instructions and admonitions, she derived
that signal advantage by which she was enabled to endure
die greatest adversi^ with undaunted courage. This amiablq
princess was ex^cbed with many trials very soon after heir
arrival. For, presently after she was crowned Queen of
Boheniia, she was forced to flee from the country and to
live an e^e all the rest of her days. She bore these tribu-
lations with christian magnanimity. This is represented as
the eflect of the doctor's excellent instructions, who taught
her, '* That Divine providence ordereth all die estates and
conditions of all men, according to his own good pleasure,
and for the eternal advantage of his people:" as, Rom'^
yiii. 28. ''We know that all things work together for good,
to them that love God, to them who are the caU^ according
to his purpose."* He did not, however, continue veiy long at
the court of the Palatine, but was called bac|c to JSngUod.
His return was the occayion of deep r^ret both to the
prince and princess, which was particularly expressed at die
« Park's LWei, last vol. part i. f». 1% U.
TWKSE. .. 18
limft of his deptrtufe. Upbn hb lanival in his native coontryv
lie took his final leave <^ the qoyiti and devoted himself to
thoise profound studies by iivhich he published to the woiU
thoie learned works which \vill'b^ the'aditiiradon of learned
and (NOUS men to the latest posterity.
Dn Twis$e^ about the same time^ became curate of
Newbtury^ near the plaice of his birth^ where, by his ex*
emptary life and useful preaching, he gained a most die*
tinguished reputation. In this retured situation, which was
exactly suited to his wishes, he lived in great p«ice and
comfort ; and being secluded from the world, his time waa
wholly devoted to his studies and the spiritual advantage of
his flockv He never sought after worldly riches, or aspired
after ecclesiastical preferment, but modestly refused them
when they were offered. He, indeed, often congratulated him-
self that he was in so low a condition, and so little exposed to
the alluring temptations. He often professed how greatly he
Twas iudeb^d to divine goodness, for having placed him id
j so mean and obscure a place, where he was pVeserved frooi
V. aspiring after worldly preferment. No man ever sought
more industriously to obtain ecclesiastical promotion than
he sought to avoid it. Hence, when he was offered the
provostship of Winchester college, and warmly entreated to
accept it, he as warmly contended against it, though it waa
a post of considerable pecuniary interest. He preferred hit
studies, and the ministry of the word, to any idle or honour-
able post ; and worldly interest had but little influence on
his mind. Also, when the Bishop of Winchester laid a
prebend at his feet, he politely thanked his lordship, but
modestly declined accepting it. The Ejurl of Warwick
promised to confer upon him a more valuable living than
that of Newbury, which at first he agreed to accept, pro-
vided the people of his charge could be furnished with a
suitable pastor. He accordingly >\'aited upon the Arch-
bishop Of Canterbury, requesting his favourable approbation,
and was kindly received. His lordship granted all that he
requested, uid observed, that he would make mention of
hii|i to the king as a pious and learned divine, and no puritan.
Dr. Twisse was, however, sagacious enough to , see the
snares that were laid for him ; and therefore, without making
any-furdlier application, he returned to Newbury, resolvii^
not to exchanse his curacy for any other situation. Also the
states of Fiieuand invited him to the professor's chair in the
university of Franeker ; and he was pressed, to accept a pro-
fessor's place at Oxford; but he refused them both. He
14 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
was ttMe conceraefd for his beloved studies, and minis^
lerial usefidnessy dian for all the splendour and emolument
of a university.
Upon the publication of the Book of Spoits, our learned
divine refused to read it, and ventured to declare his opinioil
decidedly against it: he, nevertheless, escaped better than
many of his brethren, who, for so doing, were suspended
from their ministry, driven out of the kingdom, or cast into
prison. He viraS a persion of great moderation, yet as
decidedly against the use of the superstitious ceremonies as
the entouragement of profane sports.* His refusal to read
die book did not pass unnoticed at coivt; but when King
James heard of it, he commanded the bishops not to molest
him. His majesty, indeed, very well knew, that, though
Dr. Twisse lived m low circumstances, and in an obscure
situation, his fame was so great in all the reformed churches,
diat their lordships coula do nothing against him which
would not be a public reproach to themselves. It was, after
all, no small llisparagement to them, and to the church to
which they belonged, that so eminently pious and learned a
divine should live vnthout preferment. The celebrated
Dr. Prideaux said, ** The bishops do very little consult their
own credit, in not preferring Dr. Twisse, though against his
wishes, to some splendid ecclesiastical dimity; by which,
though they despair of drawing him to meir party, they
might take off, or mollify, the popular envy, and not hear
themselves exposed to scorn by the curate of Newbury."
During the civil wars. Prince Rupert, coming to Newbury,
entertained our divine very courteously, and made him many
honourable promises, if he would turn against the parlia-
ment, write in defence of the royal cause, and live among the
king's party : but Dr. Twisse very wisely and politely de-
clined me royal invitation.f
He obtained uncommon celebrity firom the books which
he published, especially upon points of controversy. Here
hb talents and erudition were employed upon his favourite
subjects without restraint, and vnth extraordinaiy success.
^ Among his antagonists were Dr. Thomas Jackson, Mr. Henry
Mason, and Dr. Thomas Godwin, who was a person of
great learning, especially in antiquities; but is said to have
been more fit to mstruct grammarians than to contend with
a logician like Dr. Twisse. He next encountered Mr. John
Goodwin, the celebrated advocate for Arminianism, whom
» Mede*8 Works, p. 845, 846.
f* Clark*! LiTes, last toI. part i. p. 14—17,
TWISSSE. |5
he is said to have refuted with great leanung add ju^^ent^
Hb next contest was with Mr. John Cotton, a divme vdiom
he highly esteemed, and whom he treated with great gen^
tieness. He learnedly refuted Dr. Potter's ^ Survey of die
New Platform of Predestination.''* He treated Dr. Heylin
according to his deserts, in defence of the morality of the
sabbath. He also successfully contended with tfie famous
Arminius and others, in defence of tfie doctrines of graced
His answers to Dr. Jackson and Arminius, uid his " rachet
of God's Love," when first published, were aD suppressed
by the arbitrary appointment of Bishop Laud.f
In the year 1640, Dr. Twisse was chosen one of the
sub-committee, to assist the committee of accommochtioil
appointed by the house of lords to consider the innovations
introduced into the church, and to promote a more pure re-
formation 4 In the year 1643, he was nominated, by an
order of the parliament, prolocutor to the assembly of
divines. On account of his great modesty, he repeatedly
declined the appointment, but was at lei^th prevailed upon
to accept the ofHce. The learned assembly was opened
July 1, 1643, when Dr. Twisse preached to botfi houses of
parliament, in Henry the seventh's chapel. ** In his sermon,'*
Says Fuller, '^ he exhorted his learned auditory to a fiuthftil
discharge of their dut}% and to promote the glory of God
and the honour of his church ; but he was sorry that ihef
wanted the royal assent. He hoped, however, that in due
time it might be obtained, and that a happy union would b^
procured between the king anci parliament.'*^
Dr. Twisse, on account of his age and manifold in-
firmities, was. not able to attend upon the concerns of the
assembly ; but, in a few months, was taken ill, fidling down
in the pulpit to rise no more. He had been long grieved
to behold the disagreement between the king and the par-
liament, which, he said, would prove fatal to both; and
he often wished that the fire of contention might be
• Toplady's Historic Proof, to], i. p. 68.
f About the lame time. Dr. George Down ham, bishop of Derry fa
Ireland, pnblished a book against the Arminiaosi upon which, Bisliop
Laud procured the suppression of all the copies sent to England ; and, not
satisfieid with this, he caused a letter to be sent to Archbishop Usher, coai*
manding the same proceeding against the book in Ireland. The pious and
learned primate tamely yielded to the superior power of this arbitrafy
prdate i issued his warrant for the seisurei of all the remaining copies oif
Downham's work ; and signiied that he should '* take order that aothlBf
should be hereafter published contrary to his migesty*s sacred diractloa,**— »
i»f:i|wie*«CmiM)«0fiie,p. 171, 179.
i Kingdom's MS. Collec. p. 900.
S Fnller's Church Hist. b. zi. p. 199.
16 LITBS OF THE PURITANS.
extidgui^hedy though it were at the price of his own blood.*.
When he fell down in tfie pulpit^ he was carried to his
lodgings and laid upon his bed^ where he languished about
a twelvemonth. During hb long illness, multitudes of jpersoos
resorted to him, who witnessed his exemplaiy futh and
patience. In the civil wars, he had been driven from his
curacy and the people of his charge, at Newbury, and
deprived of all his property by the royd forces; so mat, in
the time of his sickness, when certain persons were deputed
from the assembly to visit him, they reported, ** ibat he was
veiy sick, and in great straits.*'. The parliament, having
taken his case into consideration, passed ah order, Decem-
ber 4, 1645, for one hundred pounds to be given him out
of the public treasmy.f Nearly the last words that Dr.Twisse
uttered, were, ^' I shall at length have leisure enough to
follow my studies to all eternity ;" and died July 20, 1646,
aged seventv-one years. The whole house of commons, and
the assembly of divines, paid their last respects to his me«
mory by following, in one sorrowful procession, his mortal
remains to the grave ; when Dr. Robert Harrb preached
his funeral sermon from Joshua, i. 2., Moses my servant is
dead. He was buried in Westminster abbey, where his
body quietly rested till the restoration, when the humane,
the Uberaly and the enlightened Charles ordered his bones
to be dug up, together with the bodies of many other
persons, eminent in church and state; and thrown into apit
digged on purpose in St. Margaret's chufch-yard.t Tne
» ciark*8 Liyest p. 17. f W^bitlocke's Mem. p. 189.
X One of those illustrioits penotis, whose body siiffeTed this shamefol
indifnity^ was the valiant Admlirai Blake, trbose name was a terror to the
tneniies of Britain ; who raised tbf naval reputation of his country to a
higher pitch than any of his predecessors, and whose services to the English
nation will be a monament if his renown as durable as time. The following
H a list of some of the persons to whose bodies this malevolence was offieretdl^
«n the 18th and Hth of September, 1661. Others woold probably have
ihared the same fate ; but the thing was so indecent, and drew so genentl
an odium on the governnient, that a stop was put to any farther pro-
ceedings :
l^izabeth Cromwell, mother of William Stroud, esq. M. P.
Oliver, lord protector, Humphrey Mackworth, colonel,
Elizabeth Clay pole, her daughter, Dennis Bond, esq.
Robert Blake, admiral, Thomas May, esq. the historian,
John Pym, esq. M« P* John Mildrum, colonel.
Dr. Isaac Dorislaus, Colonel Boscaweo,
Sir William Constable, colonel, Doctor William Twisse, prolocutor,
Edward Pophara, admiral, Stephen Marshall, presby. divine,
Richard Dean, admiral, William Strong, indepea. divine.
Grimg€T'9 Biog, Hiit. vol, iii. p, 8O.-*Fro0d*« Aihtnm 0x9n. vol, i»
p. 886,
TWISSE, 17
refined barbarity and contemptible meanness of these pro-
ceedii^Sy might have been expected amongst untutored
jNivagedy rather than from a monarch bred up in all the
refinements of the English court.
Though Dr. IVisse died in necessitous circumstances, the
parliament, after his death, voted a thousand pounds to be
given . to his children, out of the public treasury ;• but, on
account of the national confusions, it is doubtful whether
it was ever paid. Mr. Clark says, ^* he was much admired
for his great learning, subtle wit, exact judgment, great
mtegrity, pleasing behaviour, and his exemplary modesty',
piety, h^mility and self-denial.^f Fuller denommates him,
*^ a chvine of great abilities, learning, piety, and moderation.i
Wood says, *' his plain preaching was esteemed good ; his
solid disputations were accounted better ; but his pious life
was reckoned best of all." The most learned of his adver-
saries confessed that there was nothing extant more accurate
and fiill upon the Arminian controversy, than what is con-
tained in his works. All writers against Arminianism have
made honourable mention of his works, and have acknow-
ledged him to have been the mightiest man in those contro-
versies that the age produced.^ He was succeeded at New-
bury by Mr. Benjamin Woodbridge, who was afterwards
ejected in l662.||
His Works. — 1. A Discovery of Dr. Jackson's Vanities, 1631. —
2. Yindiciae Gratiae, Potestatis et Providcntiae Dei, 1632. — 3. Dis-
sertatio Scientia Medii tribus libris absoluta, 1639. — 4. Dissertiones,
1639.— 5. Of the Morality of the Fourth Commandment, 1641.—
6. A Treatise of Reprobation, in Answer to Mr. John Cotton, 1646. —
7. Aniinadvertiones ad Jacobi Arminii Collat cum Frank. Junio et
Joh. Arnold Corvin, 1649. — 8. De Predestinatione et Gratia, 1649. —
9. The Doabting Conscience Resolved, 1652. — 10. The Riches of
€k>d's Love onto the Vessels of Mercy, consistent with his absolate
hatred or reprobation of tiie Vessels of Wrath, 1653. — 11. Two
Tracts in Answer to Dr. li. (Hammond) 1653.— 12. The Synod of
Ddrt and Ares reduced to Practice, with an Answer. — 13. The
Scriptures Sufficiency to determine all matters of Faith. — 14. The
Christian Sabbath defended against the cr>'ing Evil of these 1 imes
of the Antisabbatarians of our Age. — 15. Fifteen Letters, published
in Mede's W orks. — ^He also left numerous manuscripts behind him.
^ Whitlocke*s Mem. p. S91. f Clark's Lives, p. IS, 14, 18.
1 Fu11er*8 Worthies, part i. p. 96.
% Wood's Athente Oxod. vol. ii. p. 40, 41.
I FUmer*8 Noncon. Mem. vol. i. p. 290.
VOL. HI C
0
ih LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Jeremiah BuRRotGHs, A.M. — This very amiable
divine was born in the year 1599> and educated at Cambridge^
but was obliged to quit the university, and afterwards die
kingdom, on account of nonconformity. After he liad
finished his studies at the university, he entered upon the
ministerial work, and was chosen colleague to Mr. Edmund
Calamy at Bury ^t. Edmunds.* In the year 1631, he
became rector of Titshall, in the county of Norfolk;
but . upon the publication of Bishop Wren's articles and
injunctions, in 1636, he was suspended and deprived of his
living.f He sheltered himself for some time under the
hospitable roof of the Earl of Warwick ;t but^ on account
of the intolerant and oppressive proceedings of die ecclesias-
tical ,julers, the noble earl at length found it was impossible
to protect him any longer ; and shortly after, to escape the
fire of persecution, he fled to Holland, and settled at
Rotterdam, where he was chosen teacher to the congrega-
tional church, of which Mr. William Bridge was pastor.j^
After his suspension, he is charged with attempting to bribe
the bishop's chancellor, by an offer of forty pounds; and
going beyond seas, aiid returning disguised in a soldier's habit,
with many libellous pamphlets, when, it is said, the sentence
of deprivation was pronounced against him for noitresidence.|
Of this circumstance, however, Mr. Edwards gives a very
different account. He says, " that Mr Burroughs, for some
speeches spoken agakist the Scotch war, in company not to be
trusted, for fear fled in all haste to Rotterdam ;" at which he
very much stumbled.^ Mr. Burroughs, in his animadversibii
upon this misrepresentation, observes as follows : ** Had
Mr. Edwards been willing to have conferred with me about
this, as I desired, before he printed, I should have so ftdly
satisfied him about my going out of the kingdom, that he could
never have stumbled, nor have caused others to stumble.
How does he know there were speeches delivered, for fea» of
which I fled ? It may be there was only an accu3ation. In
his bold assertion there is held forth to the world, at leas^
some indiscretion in me, that I should speak words of a hi^h
* Calamy's Account, vol. ii. p. 5.
-t- Blomefield's Hist, of Norfolk, vol. i. p. 138.
t This noble person was a great friend and patron of the perseciited
guritaus, and one of their constant hearers. He was not content with only
earinfr long sermons in the congregation, but would have them repeated ia
his own house.— Grander'* Biog, HUt, vol. ii. p. 116.
^ Edwards^s Antapologia, p. 18, 19.
II Wren's Parental ia, p. 96.
1 Edwards's Antapologia, p. 16.
BURROUGHS. 19
nature^ in company not to be trusted. I am so fully clear in
that business, that I wiped off before my lord of Warwick
v^hatsoever might have seemed indiscretion, not by mine own
assertion only, but by the testimony of two gentlemen, being
fdl t)ie company, besides the accuser, who were present whil^
we discours^ed of that matter. The truth is, there were no
such speeches ; there was only some accusation of speeches.
What man can free himself from accusation? This
ung^ierous accuser afterwards recanted, and expressed his
great s9n;ow for having aspersed the character of our pious
and worthy divine.*
Mr. Burroughs replies to the charge that he fled in all
haste to Rotterdam, by saying, ^^ It was four or five months
after this accusation before i went to Rotterdam. Had not
the prelatical faction been incensed against me, for standing
out against their superstitions, I should have ventured to have
stood to . what I had spoken,, for all I said Mas by way of
auery, affirming nothing. I knew how dangerous the times
^en were. I knew what the power of the prelatical party
at that time Mras, who were extremely incensed against me.
A man's innocency, then, could not be his safety. A mere
accusation was enough then, to cause me to provide for my
security. I was, by Bishop Wren, deprived of my living in
Norfolk, in which, I believe, I endured as great a br^mt as
almost any of those who stayed in England; though Mr.
Edwards is pleased to say, we fled that we might be safe
upon the shore, while our brethren were at sea in the storm.
I believe neither he, nor scarcely any of our presbyterian ^
brethren, endured a harder storm at sea, than I did before I
went out of England. Yet, I bless God, he stirred up noble
friends to countenance and encourage me in my sufferings ;
for which I will not cease to pray that the blessing of God
may be upon them and their families. For some months I
lived with my lord of Warwick, with whom I found much
undeserved love and respect, and was in the midst of as great
encouragements to stay in England, as a man deprived, and
under the bishop's rage, could expect ; when I set myself in
as a serious a manner as ever I did in my life, to examine my
heart about my staying in England ; whether some carnal
respects, that countenance I had from divers noble friends,
ffae offers of livings, did not begin to prevail too far with me.
My spirit was much troubled with these thoughts. Why do I
sjp[ bnger in England, where I cannot with peace enjoy
• Barrouj^Ks's VindicatioD, p. 18, 21 . Edit. 1646.
90 LIVES OF THE PUEITANS.
- • .
^NrliAt my soul longs after f Did I not formerly think, diat If
evei- God took foe clearly from my people, 1 would halt^n
to be where I might be fr'ee from such mixtures in Ood'n
worship, without wringing my conscience any more I Why
do I, therefore, now stay ? Am I not under temptation P God
knows these were the sad and serious workings of my spirit;
«nd these workings were as strong as ever I felt diem in
my life.
'^ While I was thus musing," says Mr. Burroughs, ** thus
troubled in my spirit, and lifting up my heart to God to
help me, and set me at liberty, leaning upon my chamber
window, I spied a man, in a citizen's habit, comii^ in the
court-yard towards my chamber; and upon his coming near^
I knew him to be formerly a citizen of Norwich, but, at that
time^ one of the church at Rotterdam. When this man
came near to me, he told me that he came lately from
Rotterdaln ; and that he was sent there by the church to give
me a call to join with Mr. Bridge in the work of the Lor^ in
that church. When I heard him say this, I stood awhile
amazed at the providence of God; mat, at such a time, a
messenger should be sent to me upon such an errand. JVfy
heart, God knows, exceedingly rejoiced in this call. I
presently told the man I saw God much in it, and dared not
m the least to gainsay it. My heart did much close with itj
yet I desired to see the hand of God a little further. I
required him to return my answer to the church, with a
desire, that, as most of them knew me, they should give me
their call under their own hands; Uien there would be
nothing wanting, but I should be theirs; and thus we
parted."*
Mr. Burroughs, having vindicated his own character against
the aspersions of his adversaries, fiirther observes, that,
** after this I hoped all would blow over^ when my lord of
Warwick, falling sick in London, sent for me, and I came
up to him and continued with him about three weeks, going
finely up and down the city. My lord knew all the busi-
ness, and made no question but all was over. Being now^
as I hoped, set fr.ee from my accuser, the messenger from
Rotterdam ctane to me again, with an answer to what I had
desired, shewing me how the church there had assemblec^
and had sent a call to me in writing, under the hands of the
elders, with many other hands, in the name of the church ;
on which we agreed upon the day when, and the place
« Borroughs'fi Viodicatioo, p, 18^21.
BURROUGHS. 21
where, we should meet in Norfolk, to make a full condu-
sioQ and prepare for our voyage/'*
Our divine has thus favoured us with a circumstantial
account of his invitation to Rotterdam. Upon his arrival,
he was cordially received by the church; and he continued
^ zealous and faidifiil labourer several years, gaining a very
bigh reputation among the people. After the commence-
ment of the civil, war, wbep the power of the bishops was
set aside, he retufued to Eq^land, says Ghraqger, '^ not to
preach sedition, but peace; for which he earnestly prayed
and Iaboured."t
Mr. Burroughs was a person highly honoured and es-
teemed, aqd he soon became a most popular and admired
preacher. After his return, his popular taleuts and great
worth presently excited public attenton, and he was chosen
preacher to the congregations of Stepney and Cripplegate,
Xiondon, then accounted two of the largest congregations in
£iu;land. Mr. Burroughs preached at Stepney at seven
o'clock in the morning, and Mr. William Oreenhill at three
in the afternoon. These two persons, stigmatized by Wood as
notorious schismatics and independents, were called in Step-
ney pulpit, by Mr. Hugh Peters, one the morning star, the
other th^ evenifig star of Stepney. t Mr. Burroughs was chosen
9ne of the assembly of divines, and was one of the dissenting
brethren, but a divme of great wisdom and moderation. He
united with his brethren, Messrs. Thomas Goodwin, Philip
Nye, William Bridge, and Sydrach Sympspn, in publidiing
their '^ Apologetics! Narration," in defence of their own dis-
tinguishing sentiments. The authors of this work, who had
been exiles for religion, tq speak in th^ own language^
^ consulted die scriptures without any prejudice. They con-
** sidered tiie word of God as impartially as men of flesh and
** blood are likely to dp, in any juncture of time ; the place
'' they went to, the condition they were in, and the company
'' they were with, affording no temptation to any bias.''
They assert, that every church or congregation has su£Bcient
power within itself for the regulation of religious govern-
ment, and is subject to no external authority whatever. The
principles upon which they founded their church govern-
ment, were, to confine themselves in every thing to what
flie scriptures prescribed, without paying any regard to the
opinions or practice of men ; nor to tie themselves down so
• BniToiighs's Yindication, p. 88.
-f GraoKer^s Biog. Hist. vol. U. p. 193, 194.
t Wood*! AthcDiB, fol. ii. p. 113,
28 LIVES OP THE PURITANS.
strictly to their present resolutions^ as to leave no room for
alterations upon a further acquaintance with divine trudi.
They steered a middle course between Presbyterianism and
Brownism: the former they accounted too arbitrary, the
latter too rigid ; deviating from the spirit and simplicity of
the gospel.* These are the general principles of the inde^
pendents of the present day.
^ Mr. Burrong^s, in conformity with the above principles,
united with his brethren in writing and publishing their
^ Reasons against certain Propositions concerning Presby*
terial Government."f In the year 1645, he was chosen one
of the committee of accommodation, and was of' great
service in all their important deliberations.^ He was a
divine of great piety, candour, and moderation ; and during
their debates, he generously declared, in the name of the
independents, ** That if their congregations might not be
exempted from the coercive power of the classis; and if
they might not have liberty to govern themselves in their
own way, so long as they behaved themselves peaceably
towards the civil magistrate, they were resolved to suffer, or
Si to some other part of the world, where they might enjoy
eir liberty. But," said he, " while men think there is nd
way of peace but by forcing all to be of the same mind^
while they think the civil sword is an ordinance of Ood td
determhie all controversies in divinity; and that it must
needs be attended with fines and imprisonment to the dis-
obedient; while they apprehend there is no medium between
a strict uniformity and a general confusion of all things :
while these sentiments prevail, there" must be ^ base sub-
jection of men's consciences to slavery, a suppression of
much truth, and great disturbances in the christian world.''§ [
After his return from exile, he never gathered a separate
congregation, nor accepted of any parochial betiefice, but
continued to exhaust his strength by constant preaching^
and other important services, for the advantage of the church
of God. He was a divine of a most amiable and peaceable
spirit ; yet he had some bitter enemies, who, to their owi^
disgrace, poured upon him their slander and falsehood*
Mr. Edwards, whose pen was mostly dipped in gall, pours
upon him many reproachful and unfounded reflections. He
charges Mr. Burroughs, and some others, with having held a
♦ Biog. Britan. vol. il. p. 620.
+ Reasons of Dissenting Brethren, p. 40, 133, 192.
{ Papers of A.ccoin. p. 13.
^ Bnrroughs's Vindicatioo, p. SO.^Neal*s Paritans, toI. iu. p. 286.
BUBBOUGHS. jSS
meetmg with one Nichols, a man of vile and daj^erous
sentiments : whereas Mr. Burroughs thus declared, '' i know
no such man as this Nichols. I never heard there was such
a man in the world, till I read it in Mr. Edwards's book. I,
to this day, know of no meeting about him, or any of his
opinions, either intended, desired, or resolved upon; much
less that there was any such meeting."* What he thus
declared under his own hand, he afterwards proved from the
most correct and substantial evidence, casting all the re-
proach upon the false statement of his bitter adversary .t
This peevish and bigotted writer, indeed, warmly censures
Mr. Burroughs for endeavouring to propagate his own senti-
ments upon church discipline; and even for pleading the
cause of a general toleration. But our pious divine, 'with
his usual christian meekness, repelled the foolish chai^ges,
proved his own innocence, and exposed the rancour of his
enemy .( Being charged with conformity in the time of the
bishops, he says, ** Though I did conform to some of the old
ceremonies, in which I acknowledge my sin ; I do not cast
those things off as inconvenient or discountenanced by the
state only, but as sinful against Christ ; yet I think there can
]iardly be found a man in that diocese where I was, that was
so eyed, who conformed less than I did, if he conformed at
^1. As for the new conformity, God kept me from it; and
my sin in the old makes me be of a more forbearing spirit
towards those who. now differ from me. I see now what I
did not ; and I bless God I saw it before the times changed :
and others, even some who scorn at new light, must acknow-
ledge they see now what a while since they saw not. Why
then should they or I fly upon our brethren, because they see
not what we think we see? O, how unbecoming is it for
such who conformed to old and new ceremonies, now to be
harsh and bitter in the least degree against their brethren,
who differ from them, when they differ so much from what
they were not long since themselves ! Some of them know
I loved them as brethren, when they conformed to what I
could not, but was suspended for refusing it. Let me have
the same love from them as brethren, though I cannot now
conform to all they now do."§
Mr. Edwards and old Mr. John Vicars were his most
bitter and fririous enemies. The latter he addressed in the
* Edwards's Gangrasna, part i. p. 25. Third £dU.~-part ii. p. 71 .
+' Borroughs*s YiDdicatioo,p. 5—8.
X Edwards^s Antapologia, p. S16. — Gangraena, part i. p. 78. ii. 80.—
BorroQghs's Vindicatioo, p. 5—12. S It>i^- P« 17, 18.
M LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
language of meekness bnd conciliation, as follows : ** I
reverence^ and teach others to reverence old age ; but/' says
he, '' it must know there are many infirmilies attending it ;
and is fitter for devotion, than for matters of contention. If
Mr. Vicars had told me some experience of the work of
God upon his soul, or of the good providence of God
towards his people and himself, I should have diligently
observed it, and, 1 hope, I might have got good by it. But^
oh, how unbecoming old age is that spirit of contention which
appears in his books ! If he think those places he has cited
will serve his turn, surely his skill in presbytery is not great.
My pen was running into a hard expression, but I will not
provoke tlie old man : vet I must be plain with hina. How
uncomely is it for an old professor of piety and religion, to
be found jeering and scorning at piety and religion P Who
would have thought that ever Mr. Vicars should have lived
to that day f llie chief scope of his bopk is to cast dirt upon
the apologists. Certainly the spirit of the man is much
altered from what he once seemed to be. Is it becoming
the ffravity and wisdom of old a^e to charge his brethren
publiciy, of unworthy double dealmg, and of unfaithfulness i
The Lord, I hope, will cause Mr. Vicars to see. cause to be
humbled for this/**
When Mr. Burroughs and his brethren were stigmatized as
schismatics, he discovered his great mildness and forbearance.
** I profess, as in the presence of God," says he, '^ thirt upon
die most serious examination of my heart, I find in it, diat
were my judgment presbyterial, yet I should preach and
{dead as much for the forbearance of brethren differing firom
me, not only in their judgment, biit in their practice, as I
have ever done. Therefore, if I should turn presbyterian, I
frar I should trouble Mr. Ed^vards and some others mcxe
than I do now: perhaps my preaching and pleading for
forbearance of dissenting brethren would be of more force
dian it is now A
Dr. Grey, who has called our divine ^ an ignorant, factious,
and schismaticml minister,** has certainly imitated too modi,
hi rancour and misivpreseiitatioD, die examjde of his pie-
decessors^ Mr. Baxter, who knew his great worth, aaid|,
^^ if aD die episcopahaiis had been like Archbishop Usher;
all dK Presbyterians like Mr. Stiraheii MaishaU; and aD the
sadepesdeats like Mr. Jeraaiah Barroughs, die breaches of
the church wo«ld soob have heea healed.* The last solject
r.9i»ak ^mi.|^i4.
CORNWELL. IS
Mr. Burroughs preached upon^ which he also piliblishedy was
his '^ Irenicum/' or an attempt to heal the divisions among
'christians. His incesssuit labours, and his grief for the
distractions of the times, are said to have hastened his end.
He died of a consumption, November 14, 1646, in the fortjf-
seventh year of his age. Granger says, '^ he was a man of
learning, candour, and modesty, and of an exemplary and
irreproachable life."* Fuller has classed him among the
learned writers ' of Emanuel college, Cambridge.t Dr.
Williams says, that his " Exposition of Hosea" is a pleasing
specimen, to shew how the popular preachers of his time
applied the scriptures, in their expository discourses, to the
various cases of their hearers. t He published several of his
writings while he lived, and his fhends sent forth many
others after his death, most of which were highly esteemed
by all pious christians.
His Works. — 1. Moses's Choice, 1641. — 2. Sion's Joy, a Sermoa
§ reached to the Honofirable House of Commons, at their public
'hanksgiving, Sept. 7, 1641—1641.-3. An Exposition of the
Prophesy of Hosea, 1648. — 4. The Lord's Heart opened, 1643. —
6. A Vindication of Mr. Burroughs, against Mr. Edwards his fool
aspersions, in his spreading Gangraena, and his angry Antapologia:
concluding with a brief Declaration what the Independents would
have, 1646.—^. Irenicum, to the Lovers of Truth and Peace, 1646. —
7. Two Treatises: The first, of Earthly mindedness; the second, of
Conyersing in Heaven and Walking with God, 1640^ — 6. An Exposi-
tion upon 4y 5, 6, and 7th Chapters of Hosea, 1650. — 9. An Exposi*
tion upon 8 and 9th Chapters of Hosea, 1650. — 10. The rare Jewel
of Christian Contentment, 1650. — 11. Gospel Worship, 1650. —
1% Gospel Conversation, 1650.— 13. The Evil of Evils: or, the.
exceeding Sinfulness of Sin, 1654.— 14. The Saints Treasury, 1654.-—
15. Three Treatises, of Hope, of Faith, and of the Saints Walk by
Fakh, 1655. — 16. Reconciliation, or Christ's Trumpet of Peace, 165..
17. The Saints Happiness, 1660.— 18. A Treatise of Holy Courage
in Evil limes, 1661.^-19. True Blessedness consists in Pardon of
{Sin, 1668.— 20. Four useful Discourses, 1675,
Francis CoRNWELLy A. M. — ^This person was educated
at Emanuel college, Cambric^e, and afterwards beneficed
at Orpington in Kent. During the intolerance of Archbishop
Ijaudy having refused to wear the surplice, to kneel at th^
sacrament, and use the sign of the cross in baptism, he was
cast into prison. His companion in Maidstone gaol was
Mr. Wilson of Otham, near that place, About this time^ he
• Granger's Biog. Hist. vol. ii. p. 193.
^ Jailer's Hist, of Camb. p. 147*
% ^iUiasM'i CliristUn Preacher, fi. 499.
96 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
espoused the sentiments of the baptists, and became a
zealous advocate in the cause. In 1643^ he publicly avowed
Ills principles, and wrote in defence of tliem. In 1644, in
a visitation sermon preached at Cranbrook in Kent, from
Mark vii. 7> before the ministers of those parts, he took the
liberty of freely and fully declaring his sentiments upon the
subject of baptism, lliis very much startled some of the
clergy present, and offended others. The matter was, there-
fore, debated among them, and the arguments in favour of
antipaedobaptism were strongly urged by Mr. William
Jeffery of Seven-oaks, who had baptized Mr. Comwell, and
to whom he referred them. The debate was carried on till
Mr. Christopher Blackwood, one of the ministers, desired
them to desist at that time ; for he had taken dowii the
sermon in short-hand, and would return an answer in prints
which he hoped would be to the satisfaction of them all.
His advice being adopted, it was agreed to postpone, for
the present, the discussion of the question, to re-examine the
point in dispute, and to bring their collections together at
the next meeting, which was to be within a fortnight. In
the mean time, Mr. Blackwood, as our author obser\'es,
studied the question with great diligence and close attention.
The impression made on his mind was very different from
what was expected. As he studied the subject, he began to
suspect his own opinions ; presently changed his sentiments ;
and, when they met, he produced his arguments against
infant baptism. His papers being left with the ministers for
their examination, and waiting some time, and receiving no
answer to his arguments, he published them vnth corrections
and enlargements .•
Mr. Cornwell, soon after this, withdrew from the estab-
lished church. He disapproved of national and parochial
churches ; and taught, that a church ought to consist <^
such only as professed repentance from dead works, and
fi^ith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and were baptized by immer-
sion, and upon their believing, which he thought was the
pattern of the first churches in Judea. He soon gathered n
church in Kent, which was formed upon this plan, and to
which he was pastor to the day of his death. He was sucr
ceeded in the same place and office by his son. It reflects
great honour on Mr. Cornwell's memory, that he was a
zealous opposer of persecution and an imposed uniformity.
He wrote against the ordinance of parliament that was made
♦ Crosby's Baptists, ▼ol. i. p. 344— 84T.— Ncal*» Puritans, vol. it.
p. 632'-634.
COLLIER. SJr
to silence aU preachers who had not received episcopal or
jMresbyterian ordination, or who should preach any thing
contrary to the articles of faith, and the directory of public
worship, set forth by the assembly. He maintained, that
all who profaibitefd any minbter from preaching the gospd
Ifreely, acted like the Jews of old, who cast the blind man
out of the temple, for confessing that Jesus was the
Christ.*
; His Works. — 1* A Vindication of the Royal Commuunon of Kii _
Jesus, 1643. — 2. A Description of the Spiritual Temple; or, iho
Difference between the Christian and Antichristian Church, 1646.-^
8. A Conference between Mr. John Cotton and the Elders of New
England, 1646. — 4. Two Queries worthy of Consideration,
' Thomas Collier was a minister of the baptist persua-
ision, a person of great cfiligence, moderation and usefulness,
and a sufferer in the evil times m which he lived. Edwards
denominates him a great sectary, and a man of great power
among them ; who had emissaries under him, whom he sent
abroad into various parts of the country. He preached
some time in the island of Guernsey, where he had many
converts ; but his cruel persecutors would not allow him to
enjoy peace. They banished him and many of his followers
from die place, and cast them into prison at Portsmouth ;
'but how long diey remained under confinement, we are not
infontied.-f- On account of his incessant labours and exten-
sive usefulness, he is represented by his adversaries as havii^
done much hurt at Lymington, Hampton, Waltham, and dl
along the west country. " This Collier," says my author,
^* is a great sectary in the west of England, a mechanical
fellow, and a great emissary, a dipper, who goes about
Surrey, .Hampshire, and those counties, preaching and
dipping. About a fortnight ago, on the Lord's day, he
preached at Guildford in the meeting-place, and to the
company of one old Mr. Close, an independent minister,
who hath set up at Guildford, and done a great deal of
mischief, having drawn away many of the well-meaning
people from the ministry of other godly ministers. There
tiiis Cdllier exercised ; and it was given out in the coimtry,
that he was a rare man; and the people came firom the
towns about to hear him. This fellow, m his circuit, at an
texercise where he was preaching to many women for rebap-
« Crosby's Baptists, vol. i. p. 348, S49.
f Edwards's Gangrsna, part iiu p. 41.
S8 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
dzation and dippiug, made use of that scripture to that
purpose : And in that day seven women shaU take hold of
4me manj* isuc.*
In the year 1645, Mr. Collier came forwards in viniUca*
tion of his sentiments^ and published a work, entitled^
*' Certain Queries, or Points now in Controversy, Examined ;*^
in which, after vindicating his own views of christian bap-
tism, he maintains, that magistrates have no power whatever
to establish church government, or to compel any j^rsons
bjr any human power, to observe the government of Christ. ^ In
discussing the power of the civil magistrate in ecclesiastical
matters, he gives his advice to the parliament to use tlieir
utmost endeavours to promote a further reformation of th«
church ; for the attainment of which, he recommends them
** to dismiss that assembly of learned men, who are now
called together to consult about matters of religion ; because
he cannot conclude that God hath any thing for them to da^
and he knows no rule in the hook of God for such sm
assembly. ' He also recommends them to go forwards io
subduing their auti^hristian enemies^, so far as by civil law th^j
had power. He then concludes by recommending the parr
liament to give the kingdom to the saints; by which ia
meant,'' says h^, '^ not only an external kingdom, but the
spiritual kingdom and goverpment of the church of Christ.^f
The year following, two of Mr. Collier's letters, addressed-
to his religious friends, were intercepted, and published te
the world. As they discover his piety and usefrilness, and
contain a sufficient answer to all the impious clamour of
Mr, Edwards's scurrilous pen, it will be proper to insert
them. The first, dated from Guildford, April 20, 1646, is
addressed ^^ To the Saiuts ip th^ o^der and fellowship of
the gospel at Taunton ;" the preamble to which is, " Your
dear brother, Thomas Collier, desireth the increase of grace;
and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesue
Christ ;" and is as follows :t
*' Dear brethren and sisters,
" I have not had an opportunity of writing unto
you until now, although my spirit hath been up to the Lord
for you continually, llie Lord hath manifested his presence
with me exceedingly in my journey. I desire the Lord to.
raise up your hearts in mankfulness. He hath gathered
saints in Pool by me. Fourteen took up the ordinance at
once; there is like to be a great work; and I confinaeq
♦ Edwards's Gangraena, part ii. p. 122.
f Ibid, part iii. p. 27—29. % I^>d* P* ^1*
COLLIER.
the ehurdies in other fdaces. I am not yet got to far m
London ; but I shall, t expect, to-monrow. Dearly beloved,
my desire and prayer to our Fadier, on your behalf, is, that
Jrour souls may be satisfied widi his fulness, that you may
ive above, and then you shall not vi^ant comfort. My ex*
hortation to you is, to wait upon the Lord, in his own way,
and not to look forth into the world. There is bread enough
in your Father's house, where be hath promised his presence.
Though you seem to want gifts, yet you shall not want the
wesence of your Father, your Jesus, if you wait upon him.
jlliere ate two brethren I suppose will visit you frovi
Hampton; brother Sims and brother Row, whom I desire
you to receive as from the Lord. The unlimited power of
the presbyterians is denied them, of li^hich you shall hear
more shortly. I desire to be remembered to all my kind
fHends with you, and at present rest
'^ Your dear brother in the &ith and fellowship of the gospel,
** Thomas Collieb.''
In a note to the above letter, Mr. Collier says, '^ I shall
see you as speedily as possible." His second letter breadies
the same pious feelings, and is also addressed '' To th«
Saints in the order and fellowship of the gospel." It if
dated from London, May 2, 1646, and is as follows :*
^ My dear ones in the Lord Jesus,
** I sahite yon, desiring Him who is our head
and husband, our life and liberty, our all and in all, to
gather up our souls more abundantly into the glorious
unity and fellowship of the Son of God; that you may.
not live upon these lower things, which are but instru-
ments to convey light and love unto us : I mean, even ordi-
nances, or the like ; which indeed are but as a shell without
the kernel, further than we enjoy Christ in diem. My dear
ones, you are in my heart continually, and my desire is to
be with you as sooti as possibly I can, to impart some
Spiritual gifts unto you, and to enjoy fellowship in Jesus
Christ vndi you. But what is this? you are upon the heart
of Christ; nay, engraven upon his hand, and shall be had
in everlasting remembrance before him. I am much in
hasie at present, the post coming forth of tovm, only I hav^
sent you diese few Imes, and two books here enclosed, as a
remembrance of my love. I desire to be remembered to all
my dear fiieittls widi you, and at present rest and remain
'* Your dear brother in the faith and fellowship of the gospel^
" Thomas Collier.
• Edwardf^f Gaagraas, part Hi, p. 6S.
» LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Mr^ Collier was author of sevenJ other pieces, ia addition
to the one we have mentioiied, whiqh were probably 4)n the
cpntroversies ,of the day. But at what place or places he
ftli^wards preached, or when he died, we are not inprmed. .
Philip Tandy was a nunister in Ae establish^ church^
but afterwards joined the brethren of the ^teparation, and
^espoused the sentiments of the bs^ptists, observioff the seventh
day a3 the christian s^ibbath. He was remarl^Iy zealous to
promote hi^ own views of divine prutk, and appears to ha¥e
been a. person of great abilities and piety. Edwards deno-
minates him ^' a great sectary," who had been at York smd in
the northern parts, propagfiting his sentiments. While he
was in the north, he held a disputatioi) concerning bis
opinions, with a pious and learned minister of York. The
debate was carried on by letters, in one of which Mr. Tandy
remarks as follows: " Let us lay aside tradition, custom,
the reputation of learning, and all selfish respects ; and let us
speak and write so as knowing that we must shortly give an
account to Jesus Christ foi: all that we build, whether it be
hay or stubble, gold or wood. For my part, I am confident,
that, within a few years, I shall see him whom my soul loveth,
and much will it go to my heart, if I either oppose a truth,
or maintain an error. Sir, let us look about us : the vail is
not. yet taken off. In something most good men have been
blinded. It may be in this for one. It is good to be tenderly
jealous. Pardon me, that I thus exhort you. I see so many
temptations that sti'ongly invite even godly men to contend
for paedobaptism, and so far do I see, also, into the mystery
of antichrist's sitting in the temple of God as God, thfit {
cannot but give a caution to the godliest man upon earth,
who undertakes the defence of this practice." Mr. Tandy
undertook, in his next letter, to vindicate his own views ojf
baptism and the fourth commandment concerning the sabbath;
to vi4iich the minister mentioned above wrote a large and fiiU
reply, . in which;^ it is said, he confuted him in all the
particulars contained in his letter.* It doQS not appear Bit
what place Mr. Tandy preached, or when he died, but he
was living in the year 1646.
. * Edwards's Gangrasoa, part iii. p. 64—59..
TANDt—T. MOORE^DURANCE. Sl
THOMtAs Moore was a zealous and active preacher
athotig the separatists during the civil wars. Edwsurds calk
him " a great sectary and manifestarian/* who, in his opinion,
did much hurt in Lincolnshire^ in some parts of Norfolk and
C!ambri(]^eshire. He obtained great fame at Boston, Ljnne
and Hollandji at which places he had many followers, who
accompanied him fix>m place to place, attending upon his
niinistiy. He did not confine his labours to buildings that
were consecrated; but, without distinction of places, he
preached in houses, and in all places wherever the people
were disposed to assemble. It is observed, that he sund his
followers refused to keep days of public festing and dianks-
giving, in the .time of civil wars ; " because,'' says my audior,
** diey will not give thanks to God for one man killing
aiK)ther.'' On account of his opinions and practice, he was
shamefully persecuted by the presbyterian mimsters and odiers
of a bigotted, party spirit. At Boston he was questioned by
Colonel King, governor of the tovm, when he was cast into
prison for keeping a conventicle in the night season. It doc»
not, however, appear how long he remained under the malice
and power of his persecutors, nor what afterwards became of
faim^ only he was living in the year 1646.*
John Durance was a zealous and popular preacher of the
independent denomination. Edwards says, ** he was formerly
an apprentice to a washball-maker in Lombard-street, London,
and afterwards became a preacher without being ordained ;
yea, after preaching some years, he presumed, without ordina-
tion, to baptize and administer the Lord's supper." This
was certainly a dreadful crime in the opinion of this bigotted
writer. He often preached at Sandwich in Kent, but lived at
Canterbury, where he gathered a separate church, and dis-
pensed the word and ordinances of the gospel. The author
mentioned above, with a view to reproach his memory, gives
the following curious account of him : " There is one
"Master Durance, a preacher at Sandwich in Kent, a bold con-
ceited man, and an independent, who, since the beginning of
ifais parliament, was ^a washing-ball maker, or seller of wash-
ing-balls, here in I^ndon, but now turned preacher ; and
being' never ordained minister, hath consecrated himself to be
one of the priests of the high places. Among many high
affected strains of new light, and strange expressions, which
* Edwardi's Gangrsoa, part ii. p. 86. Hi. 90.
92 . LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
the man uses in his sermons and prayers^ to get himself the
name of such a rare man, these are some : he prayed to tb«
Trinity to take care of these three kingdoms; God the
Pather to take care of one, God the Son of the second, and
God the Holy Ghost of the third kingdom." This author
charges Mr. Durance with having prayed publicly in th«
church at Sandwich, *^ that the king might be brought up in
chains to the parliament" He also observes, that, after his
preaching at Canterbury, he hath the use of a great room near
the cathedral, where many resort to him, and *^ he takes
occasion to build them up in independency." Although he
preached regularly every week at Canterbury and Sandwich,
he would have done the same also at Dover; but he was
opposed by the godlj/ ministers of the town, who wrote up to
London against him, and, by this means, prevented him from
going thither. This shews his great zeal and diligence, and
their extreme bigotry and intolerance. Mr. Edwards, one of
the most bitter enemies to toleration, further chai*ges him with
saying, after the surrender of Oxford to the parliament,
*^ diat, notwithstanding this, there would be no peace till
there was a general liberty of conscience in England." A
dreadful crime was this in the eyes of this bigotted writer!
Mr. Durance lived in one of the prebendaries houses in
Canterbury ; and, after preaching on the Lord's day in one of
ibe churches, he preached and administered the ordinancet
of the gospel to his own church, in his own house, in the
evening. How long he continued in this situation, or when
he died, we are not able to learn ; but he was living in the
year 1646.* v
John Batchelor was a divine of the independent deno-
mination, who lived some time at Rotterdam in Holland,
where he was probably driven by the Laudian persecution^
Several of his letters, dated from this place in September^
1S41, expressive of the liberal sentiments of the independents^
wer^ afterwards printed.t He soon after r^eturned to hid
native country, and became a chaplain in the army; on which
account, and on account of his views of church govemmeu^
Edwards has classed him among *^ the notorious sectariesp
and tliose who smell of the army."^ He was an avowed
advocate for liberty of conscience, and a universal toleration,
for which he has incurred the hot displeasure and indignatioB.
* Edward8*8 Ganj^raena, partii. p. 124, 144. iii.96,97.
f £dwards*» Antapologia, p. 39. t GaognBoa, part iii. p. 266.
BATCHEI^OR. ! 3B
^ thU censorious writer. About the year 1643, he was
appomted, with several other learned divines, one of tfat
licensers of the press, for books in divinity. In this office he
discovered his generous sentiments, by giving his public sane*
tion to all publications which were founded on the broad and
liberal principles of christian freedom and a toleration of all
Srties. This was sure to incur the indignant censure of
r. Edwards, who gives the following amusing account of
him:
** Master Batchelor," says he, " is the licenser-general of
books, not only of independent doctrines, but of books for a
toleration of all sects, and against paedobaptism."* What a
shocking crime was this in the opinion of this bigotted and
intolerant writer ! In another place he says, ** There is one
Master John Batchelor, licenser-general of the sectaries'
books, and of all sorts of wicked opinions, who hath been a
man-midwife to bring forth more monsters begotten by die
de^, and bom of the sectaries, wiihin tliis three last years,
than ever were brought into the light in England by all the
former licensers, the bishops and their chaplains, for fourscore
years. He hath licensed books pleading for ail sorts of
sectaries: as, seekers, antinomians, anabaptists, antiscrip-f'
turists, arians, antitrinitarians, questionists, and all bias-'
phemers. This is apparent by his licensing that late i^icked
pamphlet, called, ^ Some modest and humble Queries con*
ceming a printed Paper, entitled, ' An Ordinance presented to
die Honourable House of Commons.'
*^ This Master Batchelor hath licensed several pamphlets
for a toleration; yea, not only for a limited toleration of some
sects and opinions, as anabaptists and independents ; but for
a universal toleration of all consciences and opinions, as maj
be seen in Walwin's book licensed by him: yea, he hath
licensed unlicensed books printed before he was bom, as a
pam{Alet, entitled, ' Religious Peace,' made by one Leonard
Busher, and printed in 16 14; wherein there is a pleading
for a toleration of papists, jews, and all persons differing in
religion ; and that it may be lawful for them to write, dispute,
confer> print and publish, any matter touching religion, lliat
the wickedness of Master Batchelor may the more appear, I
desire the reader to observe these following particulars : — He
gives not a bare imprimatur to this book of Busher's, but
gives his imprimatur with a special recommendation in these
words : * This useful treatise, entitled. Religious Peace, long
* GaDfTOim, part i. p. 88.
YOL. HI. P
\
M LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
lince presented by a citizen of London to King Jame» and
the kigh court of parliament then sitting, I allow to be
reprinted; and so to some of Saltmarsh's books, Smoak in
the Temple; Groans for Liberty; Reasons for Unity; Love
-and Peace. In the reprinting Busker's book for general
toleration, he made some material alterations, and wrote in
the margins of such places in the book where some special
passages were for toleration, that they should be printed in
a larger letter, no doubt that the reader might better obsenre
them."
This intolerant author also adds : ** John Batcfaelor treads
in the steps of some licensers who went before him. The
man hath justified and acouitted the former licensers,
Dr. Baker, Dr. Bray, Dr. Hayward, Ur. Weeks,' and the
rest of that race, who, in the point of licensing, were saints
to him. He hath licensed such books and things, that I
am confident none of them durst have done, for fear the
people would have risen up and torn them in pieces ; and
certainly the people would never have borne with such
books in the bishops' days. If any man, before the sittiiq^
of this parliament, had written or licensed such books, he
would without doubt have been questioned and proceeded
against by this parliament. This Batchelor is such a des-
perate licenser, that nothing now in that kind can stick widi
him, having swallowed down those wicked ^ Queries' upon
the ordinance against heresies and blasphemies; and," says
my author, ^^ I am afraid that if the devil himself should
make a book, and give it the' title, * A Plea for Liberty of
Conscience, with certain Reasons against Persecution ior
Religion,' and bring it to Mr. Batchelor, he would license
it, not only with a bare imprimatury but set before it the
commendations of a useful treatise, a sweet and excellent
booky making for love and peace among brethren.*'*
Such are the reproaches cast upon our divine, who wae
greatly celebrated for christian moderation, liberty of con-
science, and free inquiry. He was living in 1646; but
where he preached, or when he died, we have not been able
to ascertain.
John Greene had a principal hand in raising a baptist-,
congregation in Crutched-friars, London, in the year 1639,
and was chosen to the office of minister.f He was by trade
• £dward8*8 Gangraena, part iii. p. 102— 105*
f Crosb>'i Baptists, toU iiK p. 86, 48.
GREENE. S5
^ felt-maker of hat-maker, but he became a zealous and
popular preacher. In the year 1641, there was published
It quarto pamphlet, entitled, " The Brownists' Synagogue ;
br, a late Discovery of their Conventicles, Assemblies, and
S' laces of meeting ; where they preach, and the manner of
leir praying and preaching; with a relation of the names,
^aces, and doctrines of those which do commonly preach.
The chief of which are these: Greene, the felt-maker;
Marler, the button-maker ; Spencer, the coachman ; Rogers,
the glover : which sect is much increased of late within this
city. A kingdom divided cannot stand." In this work,
Greene and Spencer are called the two arch-separatists^
sind are said to be /^accounted as demi-gods, who were here
and every where." It shews the manner of their worship,
which we extract, because it gives some idea of the spirit of
the times, and proves that the voice of slander could not
attribute any improper conduct to them in their public
assemblies. " In the house w'here they meet," it is said,
" there is one appointed to keep the door, for the intent to
sive notice, if there should be any insurrection, warning may
be given them. They do not flock together, but come two
or diree in a company ; and all being gathered together, die
mail appointed to teach stands in the midst of the room, and
His audience gather about him. The man prayeth about the
space of half an hour; and part of his prayer is, that those
i/^hich conie thither to scoff and laugh, God would be
pleased to turn their hearts ; by which means tliey think to
escape undiscovered: His sermon is about the space of an
hour, and then doth another stand up, to make the text more ,
plain ; and at the latter end he entreats them all to go home
severally, lest the next meeting they should be interrupted
by those which are of the opinion of the wicked. They
seem very steadfast in their opinions, and say, rather jthan
turn, they will bum."*
During the above year came forth another pamphlet,
entitled, " New Preachers, New ;" in the epbtle to which,
the writer, addressing Mr. Greene, says, " Do not these
things come firom proud spirits, that he, (Mr. Spencer,) a
horse-keeper, and you, a hat-maker, will take upon you to
be ambassadors of God, to teach your teachers, and take
upon yoii to be ministers of the gospel in these days of
light. Consider, 1 pray you, that our JLord would not have
had the ass,' (Matt. xxi. 3,) if he had not stood in need of
36 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
him. Now the truth is, the church hath no need of such ai
TOU; an unlearned^ self-conceited hat-maker. It is true, that,
in the beginning of Queen Elizabeth's reign, the popish
priests and friars being dismissed, there wa» a scarcity for
the present of learned men; and so some tradesmen were
permitted to leave their trades, and betake themselves to the
ministry ; but it was necessity that did then constrain them
80 to do. But thanks be to God, we have now no such
necessity; and therefore this practice of you and your
comrades casts an ill aspersion upon our good God, that
doth furnish our church plentifully with learned men ; and
it doth also scandalize our church, as if we stood in need of'
such as you to preach the gospel. This you call preaching,
or prophesying ; and thus, as one of them told the lords of
the parliament, that they were all preachers; for so they
•practise and exercise themselves as young players do in
private, till they be by their brethren judged fit for the
pulpit, and then up they go, and, like mountebanks, play
their part. — Mr. Greene, Mr. Greene, leave off these ways :
bring home such as you have caused to stray. It is such as
jou that vent their venom against our godly preachers, and
the divine forms of prayers; yea, against all set forms of
prayers : all is from antichrist ; but that which you preach is
most divine ; that comes fresh from the Spirit : the other is
an old dead sacrifice, composed (I should have said killed)
so long ago, that now it stinks. It is so old, that m the
year 1549 it was compiled by Doctor Cranmer, Doctor,
Goodricke, Doctor Scip, Doctor Thirlby, Doctor Day,
Doctor Holbecke, Doctor Ridley,^ Doctor Cox, Doctor
Tailor, Doctor Haines, Doctor Redman, and Mr. Robinson,
archdeacon of Leicester ; but what are all these ? They are
not to be compared to John Greene, a hat-maker ; for he
thinketh what he blustereth forth upon the sudden, is far
better than that which these did maturely and deliberately
compose." It is not at all wonderful, that, when the church
had lost its power to persecute nonconformists, those who
still retained the spirit of persecution should indulge in this .
kind of defamation and ridicule.
However, during this year, Mr. Greene, together with
several of his brethren, was complained of to die house of
commons, for lay-preaching. He was convened before the
house, when he was reprimanded, threatened to be severely
punished, if he did not renounce the practice, and then
dismissed ;* but whether he obeyed their orders, or still
• Jialion*! CoUeciioiiSy vol. ii« p. W^, 270*
PRICE. 9T
continued to exercise his talents in preachings we are not
able to learn.
Mr. Edwards, in reproaching all who dissented from hi^
presbyterian bigotry, observes of Mr. Greene, that he was
ione of the first mechanics, who, presently after the meet-
ing of the long parliament, preached publicly in the
churches in London; and that afterwards, m the year 1644,
he accompanied Colonel Hemstead to Trinidad. After his
return, he statedly preached in ColemaurStreet, once on the
Lord's day, and once on a week day; where, in the year
1646, to use the words of our author, " there is so* great a
resort and flocking to him, that yards, rooms, and house are
all so full, that he causes his neighbours' conventicles, and
bthers, to be oftentimes very thin, and independents to
preach to bare walls and empty seats, in comparison of this
great rabbi."* Crosby mentions one Mr. John Green, wh<|.
inirvived the restoration, and who endured cruel persecution
^th the rest of his brethren ; but it does not appear whether
this was the same person.t
John Price was a zealous preacher among the inde*
pendents, during the civil wars. Edwards styles him ^' an
exchange-man, a beloved disciple of Mr. John Goodwin, and
one of his prophets ; who used to preach for him when he
had any book to answer, or some libertine tractate to set forth."
He then gives the following account of him : " This
Master Price contents not himself to preach only in London,
but I hear that he was lately at Bury St. Edmunds ; that he
there preached in a house, and maintained certain dangerous
and heretical opinions ; as, that men might be saved who
were not elected, and that if men improve nature well, God
will surely give them grace. So that it seems this exchange-
man sells other wares besides ijadependency and separation,
and does with feigned words make merchandize of men's
souls." This scurrilous writer adds : ** Master Price was
also at a meeting here in London, where some of several
sects, seekers, antinomians, anabaptists, brownists, inde-
pendents, met with some presbyterians, to consider how all
these might live together, notwithstanding their several
€|^iaiis ; and he was, as all the sectaries were, for a general
titration; and they agreed together like buckle and thong,
•nly tbe presbyterians were not satisfied."
^- Biwardi't GRngneoa, part iii. p. S48, 249.
f Cnikgr> B^^lsb, vol. iii. p. 8S.
V .'A
' ->
38 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
In the year 1646^ Mr. Price published several pamphlets
on the controversies of the day. One was written in defence
of independency ; two others were replies, one to the City
tlemonstrance, the other to a Vindication of the Remon-
strance. In politics he seem^ to have been of republican
principles, ascribing the supreme power of the kingdom to the
house of commons ; and this is all that, we know of him.*
Mr. Symonds was beneficed at Sandwich in Kent, during
the civil wars ; styled by Edwards, " a great independent^
and a great sectary," If we aire to give credit to this writer,
be was of a liigh and- imperious spirit, and, in his views of
church discipline, remarkably rigid and severe. + He relates
of him what he calls " a merry story," which is as follows:
While he was at Sandwich, a person came to him to be
catechized; but, instead of performing the duty of his
office, he sent him to a mechanic of the town to do it for
him; and when he was expostulated with, and asked why
he had done so, he replied, " that one goose might best
teach another to eat." The author applies and improves
this story by adding, '^ so merry are our most demure inde-
pendehts."t
The following account of Mr. Symonds we give in the
words of this writer. " There is one Mr. Symonds, a great
sectary," says he, " who came to London since the war$^
and preached at little Alhallows, Thames-street, and at the
Tower, where I have been informed, that he hath preached
several strange things : as,^ for toleration^ and liberty for all
men to worship God according to their canscienceSy and is
favour oi antip&dobaptism. Also preaching once at Andrew's,
Undershaft, for Mr. Goodwin, he preached high strains oi
antinomianism : as, that Christ was a legal preacher^ and
lived in a dark time, and so preached the law, but afterwards
the gospel came to be preached. Afterwards, preaching at
Lawrence Poultney, on the day of thanksgivmg for taking
Sherborn castle, he spake of the great victories the saints,
meaning the independents, had obtained ; and yet the parlia-
ment was now making lews against these . saints. As at
London he hath preached thus; so since he left London, this
last summer, he preached at Bath before the General strange
stuff, viz. against presbytery, saying it was a limb of anti-
christ, pleading for liberty of conscience, and for those who
• Edwards's Gan^rseaa, part iii. p. 160, 161.
+ Ibid. p. 108, 109. X Ibid. p. 76.
SYMQNDS. 91
Would not have their children baptized till they came to yean
of understanding, and for weavers and ignorant mechanict
preaching; when he spake of these men's gifts, and theijr
having the Spirit, before learned men and men bred at univer-
aities, with a n-eat deal of this stuff. It is a sad thing, that
Sir Thomas l*air&x, that valiant and well-affected gentleman,
should have such land of chaplains and preachers upon all
occasions to preach before him. I have spoken the more oC
this Mr. Symonds, because I hear he is nominated one of
the itinerary preachers of Wales ; that so the country and
ministers may be aware of him; and that the assembly,
yirhen he comes to be approved of, mav do their duties, aiul
not let him pass so easily as they did Mr. Cradock."*
From this curious narrative it appears that Mr. Symonda
was of the baptist persuasion ; and it is further observed, that
he was approved and appointed by the house of commons
to preach in Wales.- He was living in the year 1646; but
was a different person from Mr. Joseph Symonds, pastor of
Ihe church at Rotterdam in Holland, a brief memoir of
whom is given in the next article.f
Joseph Symonds was some time the worthy assistant of
Mr. Thomas Gataker, at Rotherhithe, near London; but
afterwards he became rector of St. Martin's, Ironmongers -
lane, in the city. Having espoused the sentiments of the
independents, he forsook the church of England, left his
benefice, and went to Holland. After his departure. Arch-
bishop Laud, in the year l639y pronounced against him the
sentence of deprivation, by which the good man lost his
liviuj^, after he had given it up.t Mr. Symonds having
sacrmced his benefice, to escape die storm of persecution,
setded at Rotterdam, where he was chosen pastor to the
English church, in the place of Mr. Sydrach Sympson. In
this situation, his deportment and his doctrine were par«
ticularly conciliatory, and his labours eminentiy useftd.^ Mr.
Edwards, to reproach his sentiments and to cloud his memory,
says, '^ that his independent church at Rotterdam was over-
growi^with anabaptism ; and that he wrote to his friends in
England, saying, he was so pestered with anabaptists, that he
knew not what to do."! Mr. Robert Park, afterwards one of
• Edwards's GangniDa, part ill. p. 841, SiS. f ttid. p. 131, 84S.
1 V^arton's Troables of Land, vol. i. p. S60«
$ Bailie's Dissuasive, p. 84, 176.
I £dwsrds*8 GaDfrviia, part ii. p% 16.
40 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
the ejected nonconformists, was his assistant in the pastoral
office.* It appears that he was living in the year 1646, and
still pastor of the church at Rotterdam. Though he was an
independent, Edwards styles him " one of the most moderate
and modest of that way."t Several pieces, written by a
person, of the same name, occur in the Sion and Bodleian
catalogues.} Though pastor of a church in a foreign land,
he was sometimes called to preach before the parliament, as
appears from one of his sermons afterwards published widi
this title, " A Sermon lately preached at Westminster, before
sundry of the Honourable House of Commons, 1641 : Bj
Joseph Symonds, late minister in Ironmongers'-lane, LondoDi^
now pastor of the Church at Rotterdam."
Henry Burton, B. D. — This painful sufferer for non-
conformity was bom at Birdsall in Yorkshire, in the year
1579> and educated in St. John's college, Cambridge, where
he took his degrees, and was afterwards incorporated at
Oxford. His first public employment was that of a tutor to
the sons of Lord Carey at Leppington, who, in 1625, was
created Earl of Monmouth, and whose lady was governess
to Pruice Charles in his infancy. It was probably owing to
the interest of this honourable person, that he was made
clerk of the closet to Prince Henry, and, after his death, to
Prince Charles. In the year 1623, he was appointed to
attend the young prince to Spain ; but, for reasons unknown,
he was set aside, even after part of his goods were shipped.^
On that prince's accession to the crown, he expected no less
than to be continued in the clerk's ofEce ; but his majesty
giving that place to Neile, Bishop of Durham, Mr. Burton
is said to have been so highly disgusted, that he warmly
expressed his resentment on all occasions, particularly by
railing against the bishops. " The vapours of ambition fuming
in his head," says Clarendon, " he would not think of less
than still being clerk of the closet. Being thus disappointed,
and, as he called it, despoiled of his right, he would not in
the greatness of his heart, sit down with the afiront, but com^
mitted two or three such weak and saucy indiscretioiis, as
caused an inhibition to be sent him, that he should not
presume to come any more to court." The principle of
• Palmer's Noncoa. Mem. vol. »i. p. S55.
i Ivdwards'g Gangraena, part iii. p. 94S.
J Granger's Biog. Hist. vol. iii. p 5.
^ Fuller'! Charcb Hist. b. xi. p. 152.
H. BURTON. 41
diese weak and saucy indiscretions^ as they are called, was,
that in April, 1623, he presented a letter to King Charles,
remonstrating against Dr. Neile and Dr. Laud, his majesty's
constant attendants, as being much inclined to popery;
which was certainly too true. " From that time/' adds
the noble historian, ** he resolved to revenge himself
upon the whole order of bishops; and so turned lecturer,
and preached against them, being endowed with malice and
boldness, instead of learning and any tolerable parts."*
The above slanderous accusation is founded in ignorance,
or prejudice, or both, as will appear to all who will only read
his works with impartiality. Indeed, Mr. Burton afterwards
affirmed his right to the above office, and that Bishop Neile
cast him out through envy ; and added : '' but this was
ordered by the special providence of my God, who would
not suffer me to rise high at court, lest I jshould have been
corrupted with its preferments ."+ From what he has published
to the world, he appears to have been furnished with con-
siderable parts, and to have been no mean scholar. He was
courageous in the cause of truth, and a man of a warm spirit ;
which led him, on certain occasions, to discover some degree
of heat and indiscretion. The oppressions and cruelties of
the prelates were sufficient to make a wise man mad. But
that he resolved to revenge himself upon them, and tiumed
lecturer for that purpose, is easily asserted, but not easily
proved. Indeed, the charge of his turning lecturer at all, is
certainly incorrect ; for in 9ie above year he was presented to
the rectory of St. Matthew's, Friday-street, London.
Mr. Burton was a person of a most heroical spirit, and
never feared the appearance of an enemy, as appears from
the account he gave of himself. Speaking of his various
citations before Laud, his courage was such, that he says,
'' I was not at any time before hun, but methought I stood
over him, as a schoolmaster over his scholars : so great was
the goodness of God towards me. Being convened before
the high commission for my book, entitled, ' Babel no Bethel,'
Harsnet Archbishop of York, having run himself out of
breath vnth railing against me and my book; and saying,
that I had dedicated my book to the parliament, to incense
them against the higher powers, (meaning the king,) 1
answered, ' No, my lord, I am none of those^ who divide
the king and parliament, but I pray God unite them
together ! '"
« Clarendon's Hist. vol. i. p. 158.-— Wood's Athens Ozon. toI. i. p. 814.
^ BanoD*f Namtloa of kit Life, p. % Edit. 1649.
is LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
He afterwards describes the prelatical innovationfl and
usurpations, and how he set himself to oppose them, sayings
** I more and more disliked the prelates' usurpations, and
tyrannical government, with their attempts to set up popery*
Therefore I purposely preached upon the second chapter to
the Colossians, crying down all will-worship and human
inventions in God's service. I began in my practice, as in
my judgment, to fall off from the ceremonies.' Only I
watched for an occasion to try it out with them, either bj
dint of arguments, or force of law, or by the king and his
council, resolving either to foil my adversaries, though I had
no great hope of success ; or, at least discover the mystery
of iniquity and hypocrisy, which, like a white vail, they had
cast over all their foul practices. This discovery I took to be
of no small importance. I saw how every day they got
ground in the hearts of the simple and credulous, as if all
diey did was to maintain the protestant religion ; when
under that specious colour, the withered whore of Babylon
came in naked at the first, till at length she began to s^ew
her painted face in her superstitions, altar-service, and other
garbs. And as they laboured to undermine and overthrow
die true protestant religion, and set up popery ; so they did
not seek less to overthrow the civil state, with its good laws^
and just liberties of the subject, and to introduce arbitrary
and tyrannical government."* What degree of truth is con-
t^ned in these strictures on the character and proceedings of
the ruling prelates, thosd who are conversant with the history
of the times will easily determine; and this will in part
appear in the course of the present narrative.
. Mr. Burton was a great sufferer in the cause of noncon-
formity. He felt the shocking intolerance and cruelties of
the ruling prelates, especially those of Bishop Laud. lu the
year 1626, he was convened before tlie high commission,
when he would have received the censure of the ruling
ecclesiastics, had not the judges interposed and granted a
prohibition, which they might, do according to law, by which
he was at that time rescued from his cruel oppressor .t Mr.
Burton having published a book entitled, " The Baiting of
the Pope's Bull; or, an Unmasking of the Mystery of
Iniquity, folded up in a most pernicious Breave or Bull, sent
from the Pope lately into England, to cause a Rent therein,
for his Re-entery," 1627 ; though the book was wholly against
the pope and his dangerous bull, and was licenced by
« Barton's NarratUn, p. 8, 9, t Heyliii*i Life of Land, p. Ifil.
H. BURTON. t$
f
Pr. Goad^ be was caUed before the council by the instiga*
t^oQ of Laud, who spoke vehemently against the book^
calling it a libel. Aftenvards, he published another work
agsdnst popery, entitled, " The Pouring out of the Seven
Vials/' 1628; for which he was prosecuted in the high
commission by this prelate, and the book suppressed. And
when he published his book, entitled, ^' Babel no Bethely**
wholly against the church of Rome, this prelate employed
his pursuivant to apprehend him ; committed him to the
fleet, refusing bail when offered, contrary to the petition
of right ; suspended him from his benefice-; and suppressed
the book.* About the same time, his " Trial of Private
Devotions/' 1628^ against Dr. Cosins; and his " Plea to
an AppeaJ, in refutation of divers Arminian and Popish
Errors broached by Mountague in his Appello Casarem^^
were both called in and suppressed, by the severity of this
intolerant ecclesiastict
How long Mr. Burton remained under the above sus-
pension, and a prisoner in the Fleet, we have not been able
to learn. He was afterwards released. This, however, was
to him only the beginning of sorrows. November 5, 1636^
he preached two sermons at his own church in Friday-stree^
from Prov. xxiv. 21, 22, My son^fear thou the Lord 4md th€
king^ and meddle not mth tnem that are given to change, &c«
in which he laid open the late innovations in doctrine,
worship, and ceremonies, and warned his hearers against
them. Dr. Laud, now archbishop of Canterbury, hearing
of this, caused articles to be exhibited against him in the
high commission, and sunmioned him to answer them, out
of term, before Dr. Duck. . On his appearance, he was
cliarged with having ^' spoken against turning communion
tables into altars, against bowing to them, against setting up
crucifixes, against saying the second service at the altar, and
against putting down afternoon sermons on the Lord's day."
Enormous crimes, indeed, were these ! He was, moreover,
charged with having said, *\ that ministers might not safely
preach upon the doctrines of grace without being troubled
for it ; and that the ministers in Norfolk and Suffolk were
suspended for nonconformity to the rites and ceremonies,
imposed upon them contrary to the laws of the land."
* It 18 cnrions to observe, that while Mr. Barton was treated thus fdr
W.ritiBg against popery, one Chowney, a fierce papist, pablished a book in
defence of popery, for which he was neither punished nor even qncslioned ;
but was permitted to dedicate his work to Land, who fovoured it with hit
loyal and episcopal patronage 1 l—fVMthckt'B MtmorUUi, p. 81.
f Pryine'i Cast. Doome, p. 186.
44 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
. These charges amountmg, it is said^ to sedition, he wm
required to answer upon his oath^ and so to become his own
accuser : but he refused the oath ; and, instead of answering,
appealed to the king. Notwithstanding his appeal, within
fifteen days he was summoned, by the direction of the
archbishop, to appear before a special high commission at
Doctors' Commons; when, in his absence, he was sus-
pended from his office and benefice, and attachments were
given out to apprehend him.*
Under these oppressive proceedings, Mr. Burton kept
himself close shut up in his own house ; and, to give an
impartial public a fair opportunity of deciding upon his
case, he published his sermons, entitled, " For God and the
King ; the Sumipe of two Sermons preached on the fifth of
November last, in St. Matthewes, Friday-street, 1636;" with
** An Apologie for an Appeale," addressed to the king, the
lords of the council, and the learned judges. + The pursui-
vants of the high commission not daring to break open
Mr. Burton's doors, the archbishop and the bishop of
London, with several others, drew up a warrant to one
Dendy, a sergeant at arms, to apprehend him.^ By virtue
of this warrant, Dendy, accompanied by the sheriff of
London, and various other armed officers, went the same
evening to Mr. Burton's house in Friday-street, and between
ten and eleven o'clock at i^ight, violently broke open his
doors, took him into custody, and seized his books and
papers, as many as they pleased. The next day, instead of
being brought before the lords, as the warrant ex{Nressed,
« Burton's Apologie for an Appeale, p. 4, 15.— Prynne's DiscoTery of
tbe Prelates' Tyranny, p. 14. Edit. 1641.
+ Mrs. Burton liis wife, venturing to present copies of these sermons to
several of the lords in parliament, was committed to prison for her pains.—
i The following is a copy of the warrant ; — ** To Edward Dendy^
*' esquire, one of his m^esty's sergeants at arms. These shall be to will
** and- require you to make your immediate repair to any place where yoa
** shall understand of the present being of Henry Burton, clerk, and
** having found him, to take him into your custody, and to bring him forth*
** with and in your company (all delays and excuses set apdrt) before «s»
** to answer to such matters as shall be objected against him. And you are
** further, by virtue hereof,^ tq require and charge all mayors, sheriffs,
'* justices, baililTs, constables, headboroughs, and all others^ his mi^Mty'i
** officers and loving subjects, to be aiding and assisting unio yon In the
*' full and due execution of this service, whereof nerther they nor yoa
** may fstW at your perils. And this shall be unto you and them %.
** sufficient warrant. Dated at the star-chamber, the first of Feb. 16S7.
•♦ W. Cant. Henrv Vaine, Arundall and Surry,
** Gail. LondoD. Tho. Coventry, J.Coke."
Ibid, p. 14, li»
&. BURTON. 45
lie was, by another warranty and \iithout any cause assigned^
committed close prisoner to the Fleet.*
Dming Mr. Burton's close confinement, two anonymous
publications came forth, the one entitled, '^ A Divine Tni-
gedj, containing a Catalogue of God's late Judgments upon
Sabbath-breakers;" the other, " News from Ipswich,"discover-
in^ the innovations and severities of the prelates, especially
Bishop Wren of Norwich. Iliese were supposed to liave
been written by Mr. William Prynne, the lawyer. Dr. John
Bastwick, a physician, havings published a book, entitled,
Apologeticus ad prasules AnglicanoSy and a panipldet, called,
** The New Litany ;"t these three, Mr. Burton, Mr. Pryime,
and Dr. Bastwick, now confined in prison, were prosecuted
in the star-chamber, for '^ writing and publishing seditious,
schismatical, and libellous books against the hierarchy, and
to the scandal of the government." Tliis was the substance
of the indictment. They had warmly reflected upon the
bishops, taxed them with inclinations to popery, and ex-
claimed against the severity and injustice of the proceedings
of the h^h commission. The persons then in power were
of too impatient and revengeful a temper to let such reflec*
tions and invectives go unpunished.^
When the three defendants had prepared their answers to
the indictment, they could not obtam counsel to sign diem,
through fear of the prelates; upon which they petitioned
the court to receive them ffom diemselvcs, which was
rejected. However, Mr. Prjnne and Dr. Bastwick, having"*
no other remedy, left their answers at the ofiice, signed
by their own hands, but were, nevertheless, proceeded
against pro confesso. Mr. Burton prevailed upon Mr. Holt,
* The foUowing is a copy of this second warrant : — *' To the wardea
** of the Fleet or his deputy. These are to will and require yoo to receire
^' into yoor custody, the person of Henry Burton, cleric, tent herewith
** onto yon, and to keep him a close prisoner in the Meet, not sofierinf
** any one lo speak: with him until further order^ whereof you may not fail
'* at your perils, and this shall be your warrant. Dated from Whitehall,
'« the second of Feb. 1637.
** W. Cant. Arnndall and Surry, T. Jermyn and Jo. Coke,
" GaU. London, Pembroke and Moontf^omery, Fra. Windebanke."
Prynne t Discovery of ike Prelates* Tyranny y p. 16. Edit. 1641*
i In the indictment against the three prisoners, it is said, that Or*
Bastwick bad signified in his <* Litany,'* in the name of his wife, who was
great with child, that he was desirous of father William's holiness (meanior
Laud) and William London, the principal governor of the treasury, beisr
godfathers to his child, not doubUng that he should procure the whore or
Babylon, with whom they had so long committed fomicatioB^ to be cod*
■iother.--Baiir«r*« MS. CoOec, vol. ixxiil. p. 289, WO. •
t Biog. Britaa. vol. i. p. 680. £dit. 1778.
te LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
a learned and an aged, bencher of Gray's-inn^ to sign his
answer ; but the court, instead of receiving it, even when
signed, ordered the two chief justices to expunge what they
deemed unfit to be brought into the court. Accordingly,
they struck out the whole answer, consisting of forty sheets
of paper, except a few lines at the beginning, and a few
more at the end: and because Mr. Burton would not
acknowledge it thus purged, he was, in like manner, pro-
ceeded against pro confe^so.*
The three pnsoners were brought to the bar June 14, 1637,
when they offered to defend their several answers at the
peril of their lives ; but the court, finding them not filed on
record, would not receive them. The prisoners at the bar
cried aloud for justice, and that their answers might be
read ; but, however reasonable their request, it was peremp-
torily denied. During the trial, Prynne and Bastwick having
been examined, the learned judges came next to the case of
Mr. Burton, which was as follows :
Lord Keeper. Mr. Burton, what say you ?
Burton. My good lords, your hofiours, it should seem,* do
determine to censure us, and take our cause pro corifesso,
although we have laboured to give your honours satisfaction
in all things. My lords, what have you to say against my
book ? I confess, I did write it ; yet did I not say any
thing out of intent of commotion or sedition. I delivered
nothing but what my text led me to, being chosen to suit
with thp day, namely, the fifth of November.
L. Keeper. Mr. Burton, I pi-ay stand not naming texts of
scripture now : we do not send for you to preach, but to
answer to those things which are objected against you.
Burton. My lord, I have drawn up my answer, to my
great pains and charges ; which answer was signed with my
counsel's hand, and received into the court according to the
rule and order thereof. And I did not think to have been
called this day to a censure, but to have had a legal proceed*
ing by way of bill and answer.
L. Keeper. Your answer was impertinent.
Burton. My answer, after it was entered in the court,
was referred to the judges, but by what means I do not
know ; and what cause your lordships had to cast it out, I
know not. But after it was approved of and received, it
was cast out as an impertinent answer.
Lord Finch. The judges did you a good turn^ to mfdce it
« Pryint'i PreUtci' Tyranny, p. 14^18, 40—43.
H. BURTON. 4T
impertiiient; for it was as libellous as your book: so that
jour answer deserved a censure alone.
L. Keeper. What say you^ Mr. Burton^ are you guilty
or not ?
Burton. My lord, I desire you to peruse my book^ not
only here and diere^ but every passage of it.
L. Keeper. Mr. Burton^ time is short. Are you guilty,
or not guilty i What say you to that which was read ? Dodi
it become a minister to deliver himself in such a railing and
scandalous way i
Burton. In my judgment, and as I can' prove it, it was
neither railing nor scandalous. I conceive, that a minister
hath a larger liberty than always to go in a mild strain. I
being a pastor of my people, whom I had in charge, and
was to instruct, I supposed it was my duty to inform thent
of those innovations that are crept into the church, as like-
wise of the dai^er and ill consequences of them. As ^or
my answer, ye blotted out what ye would, and then the rest,
which made best- for your own ends, you would have to
stand ; and now for me to tender oiJy what will serve for
your own turns, and renounce the rest, were to desert my
cause ; which, before I will do, or desert my conscience, I
will rather desert my body, and deliver it up to your lord-
ships to do with it what you will.
L. Keeper. ' This is a place where you should crave
mercy and favour, Mr. Burton, and not stand on such terms
as you do.
Burton. Wherein I have offended through human frailty,
I crave pardon of God and man. And I pray God, that, in
your sentence, you may so censure us that you may not sin
against die Lord.*
Thus, while Mr. Burton and his fellow-prisoners desired
to say more for themselves, they were interrupted, and com-
manded silence ; when the following dreadful sentence was
passed upon them : " That Burton shall be deprived of his
ecclesiastical benefice, degraded from his ministerial func-
tion and degrees in the university, as Prjnne and Bast wick
have been from their professions of law and physic ;t tliey
• Harleiao Miscellany, yo\, if, p. 17. Edit« 1745.
t Mr. Prymie liaviDg published bis ** Histrio-Mastix," a book against
playt, masqnerades, Ac, itgafe great offence to Archbishop Laud, who, in
the year 18S3, procured a sentence against bim in the star-chamber, '* That
hit ilKHild be disabled from the practice of the law, be degraded from his
degree in the unifersity, be set in the pillory, have boUi his ears cot off.
Ml b»ok bvrat by the common hangman, to pay a fine of Jh» thoui*nd
foiBdi, and to be impriioBed daring life;*' which sentence was rigorously
48 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
shall be fined each^ve thousand pounds ; they shall stand in
the pillory at Westminster, and have their ears cut oflF; an<J
because Prynne hath already lost his ears, 'by sentence of
the court in 1633, the remainder of the stumps shall be cut
off, and he shall be stigmatized on both his cheeks with the
letters S. L. for a seditious libeller; and they shall suffer
perpetual imprisonment, in three of the remotest prisons of
the kingdom, namely, in Carnarvon, Cornwall, and Lancaster
castles." Previous to the execution of this terrible sentence^
Mr. Burton's parishioners sent a petition to the king, signed
by a great number of hands, humbly entreating his pardon
and liberty. It was presented by two of them, who were
immediately committed to prison for their pains.* And,
June 30th, the sentence was executed upon the three pri-
soners, the hangman sawing off the remainder of Prynne's
ears, rather than cutting them.t
These three men were of the three most credible pro-
fessions, and not of the meanest character in their several
faculties. Nevertheless, they are called by many bigotted
historians, these fellows, iiiese pilloty-men, diese stigmatized*
scoundrels: when, in fact^ the truly stigmatized, as our
author observes, were their persecutors, who really deserved
the punishment which these injured gentlemen suffered;
Their crime, if any they were guilty of, was not against any
law of the land, but the tyrannical oppressions of the
prelates.^
On passing the above sentence, Archbishop Laud made a
long and laboured speech, to clear himself from the charge
of innovationsy with which he was branded by the puritans.
Though Laud was the chief prosecutor of these unfortunate
sufferers, and his hand was first put to their numerous
warrants, he made, in this speech, the following declarations :
" I can say it clearly and truly, as in the presence of God,
" I have done nothing, as a prelate, to the uttermost of what
^^ I am conscious, but with a single heart, and with a sincere
" intention for the good government and honour of the
executed. At the same time, Dr. Bastwick having pabtished his EUnckuM
Papismi et FlageUum Epiicoporum Latialiumf against the papists,
declaring he intended nothing against our bishops, but only those of Rome,
he was, nevertheless, sentencedJn the high commission, *' to fine a tkoutamd
pounds, to be excommunicated, debarred the practice of physic, his book to
be burnt, and to be imprisoned till he made his recantation," — Whithcke'9
MtmoriaU, p. 18, 21.
* Strafforde*s Letten, vol. ii. p. ST. Edit. 17S9.
fiRushworth'sCoIlec. vol. it. p. 882.— Prynne's Prelates* Tyranny, p«4ll«
( Clarendon and Whitlocke Compared, p. $3.
H«.BURTO!r.
^ cfaordi,* and dM iniJatfUMMi of dM orihodwi
^ leUnon of Clinit» ivofessed, estdhhaked.
in &a church of Engbnd." Was ihe
this reverend prelate become so caUoas, that, bj
acts of cruelty and oppression, he had lost aU feeling far
feUow-cieatures? In the condosion of the above
still addressing the lords who consdlnted the coart, he
adds : — ** I humbly give you all iettrty ikaMk$ for jomtjmti
^ and AoiioMrgAfeccitmfe upon these men, and your anawtawj
*' disUke of .theml'^f No one will for a moment diinnn
thw unanimous dislike of them ; but whether this, as wdl as
ihejutt and hommrabU censure put upon them, was dcseiiing
the hearty thanks of a learned and pious archbishop, wiU
certainly be questioned. An impartial writer very justly
observes, diat as the punishment of these men was ez«
orbitant, and disproportionate to the offence, it was then,
and hath been ever smce, looked upon bv all merciful and
unprejudiced persons with horror and detestation.;
The morning when the prisoners were to sufier their
heavy septence, Air. Burton being brought to the Palace-
yard, Westminster, and beholding the piUory, he said,
^ Never was my wedding-day so welcome and joyful to me
as this day is ; and so much the more, seeing I have so noble
a captain, who hath gone before me with so undaunted a
spirit, that he saith of himself, ^ I gave my back to the
smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair.'
The Lord God will help me; therefore, I shall not be
confounded. Shall I be ashamed of a pillory for Christ,
who was not ashamed of a cross for me ?" Then being put
in the pillory, he addressed the immense crowd of spectators,
siayipg, ^^ Good people, I am brought4uther to be a spectacle
to the world, to angels, and to men. And though I stand
here to undergo the punishment of a rogue ; yet, unless it be
the property of a rogue to-be a faithfid servant of Christ,
and a loyal subject to the king, I am clear from any such
charge. But if to be Christ's fidthful servant, and the king's
loyal subject, deserve such kind of punishment as thb, I
glory in it, and bless God my conscience is clear. I bless
God, who .hath accounted me worthy of these sufferings.
.* The character given of his grace by Lord Clarendon, very much
acconU with the good opinion he had of himself. *' No man," observes '\
tiie noble historian, ** was ever more plentifally replenished with a good ^
cooscijeoce, and most sincere and worthy intentions, and a man of iauneoie J
▼irtae."— CtoreRi/on*« HM. vol. i. p. 61. — '
f Laod's Speech annexed to Troubles, vol. ii. p. 67—84.
:|: Biog. Britan. vol. i. p. 682.
VOL. III. E
50 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
I bless Gody I am fiill of comfort/' With a ^ve and
cheerful countenance he added : ^' I was never m such a
pulpit before. Little do you know what fruit God is able
to produce from this dry tree. Through these holes (meaning
the pillory) God can bring light to his church. My con-
science, in the discharge of my ministerial duty, in admonish-
ing m]r people to beware of the creeping in ofpoptryy and in
ei^orting them unto a dutifrd obedience to God and die
king, was that which first occasioned my sufferings. The
trudi which I have preached, I am ready to seal with my
own blood, and this is my crown both here and hereafter.
When he was delivered out of the pillory, and again brought
upon the scaffold, the executioner cut off his ears in a most
barbarous manner ;* during which, and while the blood wa9
streaming in every direction, he manifested the greatest
constancy and composure of mind, saying, ** Be content ;
blessed be God, it is well;" and much more to the same
purpose.f Mr. Prynne and Dr. Bastwick had this part (rf
their sentence executed at the same time and place.
The day preceding the execution of the above sentence, it
was decreed in the star-chamber, '^ That Henry Burton shatt
be sent to Lancaster castle, William Prynne to Carnarvon
castle, and John Bastwick to Launceston castle, and there
suffer perpetual imprisonment, and not be allowed any use
of pen, ink, or paper, or any other book than the Bible, the
Book of Common Prayer, and certain books of devotion ;
and no person to have access to them.'^ Accordingly, July
£6th, Dr. Bastwick was taken from the Gatehouse ; the day
following, Mr. Prynne was taken from the Tower ; and, July
28th, Mr. Burton was taken from the Fleet ; and, their sores
not being cured, were conveyed to their respective places of
confinement. As they passed out of the city, vast multitudes
of people came forth to witness their departure, taking their
final and sorrowfril farewell. As Mr. Burton passed from
Smithfield to Brown's-well, a little beyond Highgate, it is
said that no less than one hundred thousand persons were
collected to witness hb departure, and that his vnfe, going
along in a coach, had great sums of money thrown to her as
she passed along.t But the liberty given to Mr. Burtoq and
his fellow-sufferers to speak in the pillory ; and the affection
* His ears were pared so close, that the temporal artery being cut, the*
blond gushed oat in torrents apon tBe scaffold. The sight of this awakened
the compassion and cries of an immense concourse of people*-— Al^ef'a
Church HUt, b. xi. p. \55.—Strafforde'i Letttrtp Tol. ii. p. 85.
+ Prynne's Prelates* Tyranny, p. 46 — 60.
t StnUforde's Letters, vol. ii. p. 114.
H. BURTON- 61
and compassion of die populace, were highly offensive to
Laud's proud spirit ; as appears from hia letter to Wentwordi,
dated August 28, 1637 :• " What say you to it," observes
the intolerant prelate, ^ that Pmuie and his fellows should be
'' suffered to talk what they pleased while they stood in die
^* pilloiy, and win acclamations from the people, and have
^' notes taken of what they spake, and those spread in written
** copies about the city ; and that when they went out of
*' town to dieir several imprisonments, there were thousands
^' suffered to be upon the way to take their leave, and God
•* knows what else ? — And I hear Prynne was very much
'' welcomed, both in Coventry and West-Chester, as he
^' passed towards Camarvon."f A writer of some eminence
observes, diat nature seemed to have designed Laud for die
office of an inquLntor. He was fierce and unrelenting in his
« atrafbrde'f Letters, toI. ii. p. 99.
f Mr. Prjnoe, on bit way from London to Canarvon, spent tba Lord*!
day at Cofentry ; where he twice attended divine service at church, and
•ereral persons, his friends, visited him at the inn, his condoctors haTinf
received no orders to the contrary. Archbishop Land hearing of this,
immediately sent a messenger to Coventry, to bring the mayor and six
others np to London, and convened them before the conncil-table. TliOBgh
■mst of them never spoke to Mr. Prynne, they were obliged to a continued
attendance for some time, and pnt to two or three hundred ponnds
expense, wlien they were reprimanded and dismissed. On Mr. Prynne*t
arrival at Chester, Mr. Calvin Brewen and some others visited him at ihm
inn, assisted him in the purchase of some necessary fhmiture for his
chamber at Carnarvon, and manifested certain other acts of kiodnest
towards him. But by the direction of Laad, pursuivants were sent with
warrants to apprehend them, and bring them before the high commission at
York I when some were fined three, and some five hundred pounds, and
iwrced to enter into bonds of three hundred pounds each, not only to abide
by the further appointment of that court, but to make rack pablie
acknowledgment in the cathedral of Chester, and before the mayor,
aldermen, and citizens, in the town-hall, as the commissioners should
Srescrlbe* Also, these pious high commissioners hearing that there were
ve paintings of Mr. Prynne, In the possession of his friends In Clicster,
they not only prosecuted the poor painter, but sent forth two warrants,
first fo defece the paintings, then to born them. Accordingly, the Inoftn-
■ive paintings were apprehended and defaced, and then publicly burnt at
the high-cross in Chnter, in the presence of the mayor, aldermen, and
citizens. It is cud^as further to observe, that the Bishop of Chester, who
took an active part in these barbarous proceedings, out of enmity to Mr.
Prynne, called his crop-eared horse by the name of Prynne. Thus
the angry and reve^ful prelates, not glutted by the severe sentence
obtainnl against Mr. Prynne, pursued and grievously oppremed those who,
as he was conveyed, to prison, shewed him any acts of civility, Mr*
Ihrynne's servant was also severely proseented In the high commission,
and sent from prison to prison, only for refusing to accuse his master.
The archbishop, who was leader in all these barbarous proceedings, and
whom Granger considers eminent for sincere and ardent piety, seemed
(datitttte of the feelings of humanity. — PrynfWs Prelatei' Tyranny^
f. 99—106.— i^cars Purittmty vol. iL p. 280,^Qr§nffer'» Biog. HUt.
VOL iL jf. 159.
M LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
ing they might be to the spirit of Archbishop Laud, will
rouse the pity and indignatioa of every generous and pious
mind. The learned Mosheim^ in aUusion to these shocking
severities, observes, ^' That a violent spirit of animosity and
persecution discovered itself through the whole of Laud's
ecclesiastical administration. This haughty prelate executed
the plans of his royal master> and fulfilled the views of his
own ambition, without using those mila and moderate
methods, that prudence employs to make unpopular schemes
go down. He carried things with a high hand. When he
found the laws opposing his views, he treated them with con-
tempt, and violated them without hesitation. He loaded the
Suntans with injuries and vexations, and aimed at nothing less
lan llieir total extinction."*
; The three prisoners remained in the above remote islands^
undef Biost severe usage, till the year 1640. During this
period, Mrs. Burton and Mrs. Bastwick, as widows forcibly
divorced firom their husbands, often petitioned his majes^j^
and the lords of the council, for liberty to visit them, or that
they might reside on those islands where they were imprisoned^
cor that they might be shut up in close prison with them.
But, by the sovereign power and influence of Laud, their
p^hions were all rejected. Though the archbishop could
neveg be prevailed on to forgive the three sufferers, he said,
'' ll^ humbly beseeched God to forgive them.'^ One of the
prisjii^rs, however, obtained some mitigation of his afflic*
tionis. For, upon the petition of Sir Thomas Jermin,
governor of Jersey, being presented to the king, in behalf of
Mr. Prynne, he was allowed to attend divine service, and
receive the sacrament in the castle, and to walk vrith his
keeper in the gardens. But as soon as the unmerciful arch-
bishop heard of the royal indulgence, he fell into a violent
rage, and sent a messenger for one Mr. Hungerford, who had
been employed in procuring it, and convened him before the
council.f
In the above year, the prboners were called home by
order of the parliament. For, November 7th, Mrs. Burton
and Mrs. Bastwick having presented petitions to th^. house
of conmions, in behalf of their husbands, complaining of
their heavy sentence in the star-chamber, the house im-
mediately ordered, '^ That their said husbands shall be forth-
with sent for, in safe custody, by a warrant of the house,
directed to the governors of the islands where they are pri-
• Mosheim's Eccl.Hist. toI.t. p. S9S.
f Frynne'i PrekUn' Tyranny, p. no.
H. BURTON. U
mHnen, ^Uid to die captuns of the castles there ; that &e cause
of their being detained may be here certified/'* This warrant
lit dated November ?» 1640. A petition was also presented
in behalf of Mr. Prynne, when the house gave a similar order
for his return.
Mr. Burton and Mr. Prynne coming in the same vessel^
arrived at Dartmouth on the 22iid of November, where
they were received and entertained widi extraordiiiury de-
monstrations of affection and, joy. In die wh<de of their
^'oumey to the metropolis, they were attended widi a marvel-
ous conflux of people, and not only their charges borne with
great magnificence, but liberal presents given them. This
kind of treatment they met virith all the way, great numbers of
people meeting them at their entrance into all the towns
through which diey passed, and waiting upon them some
distance out, with wonderfid acclamations of joy. As diey
approached the metropolis, the road betwixt Brentford and
llondon was so fiill of coaches, horsemen, and persons on
tootf come to meet them, and congratulate them on their safe
arrival, that it viras viidi difficulty they could ride one mile an
hour. As diey entered London, there was so immense a con-
course of people, diat they were nearly three hours in passing
from Charing-cross to dieir lodgings in the city. The
numerous crowds who escorted them into the city, in token
of their great joy, carried lighted torches before thein,.strewed
die road with herbs and flowers, put rosemary and bays in
dieir hats, and, as they went along, with loud acclamations
/or their deliverance, shouted. Welcome homey welcome home i
God bless you, God bless you : God be thanked for your
retum,f
On November 30th, being two 4ays after his arrival in
Ix)ndon, Mr. Burton appeared before the house of com-
mons, and, December 5di, presented his petition to the house,
entided, ^' The humble Petition of Henry Burton, late Exile,
and close Prisoner in Casde-comet, in the Isle of Guernsey .''
In this petition he gives a sketch of his numerous and painful
sufferings, and concludes by recommending his case to their
impartial {consideration ; but the whole is too long for our
insertion.^ On the presentation of the petition, with many
others of a similar kind, the house appointed a committee for
&eir examination; and on the 12th of March following,
• Prynae'i Prelates' Tyranny, p. 1 12.— Rashworlh's CoUec. vol. ▼. p. 20.
— Nalson's Collec. vol. i. p. 499.
•I- Prynne's Prelates* Tyranny, p. US, 114.
« t Ibid. p. 127— 130.— Rnshwortli'i CoUec. vol. v. p. 78, 70.
66 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Mr. Rigby' delivered tbeir' report' to the house, when ike
house passed the following resolutions :
1 . " That the four commissioners. Dr. Duck, Dr. Worral,
Dr. Sams, and Dr. Wood, proceeded unjustly and illegall/in
suspending Mr. Burton from his office and benefice, for niot
appearing upon the summons of the first process.
2. '^ That the breaking up Mr. Burton's house, and arrest-
ing his person without any cause shewed, and before any suit
depended against him in the star-chamber, and his close im-
prisonment thereupon, are agaitist the law and the liberty of
the subject.
3. ** That John Wragg hath offended in searching and
seizing the books and papers of Mr. Burton, by colour of
a general warrant dormant from the high commissioners ; and
tfiat th^ said warrant is against law and the liberty of the
subject ; and that sergeant Den<}y and alderman Abel haVe
offended in breaking open the house of Mr. Burton, and ought
respectively to make him reparation for the same.
4. " That Mr. Burton ought to have reparation and
recompence for the dams^ges sustained by the aforesaid pro-
ceedings of Dr. Duck and others, who suspended him frohi
his office and benefice.
5. '^ That the warrant from the council-board, dated
at Whitehall, February £, l6d7> for committing Mr. Burton
close prisoner, and the comibitment thereupon, is illegal, and
contrary to the liberty of the subject.
6. " That the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of
London, the Earl of Arundal and Surrey, the Earl of Fem-
broke and Montgomery, Sir H. Vane, Sir J. Coke, aijd Sir
Francis Windebank, do make reparations to Mr. Burton fofr
his damages sustained by this imprisonment."
The 24th of the same month, Mr. Burton's case being
again brought before the house, it was further resolved :
1. " That the sentence in the star-chamber against Mr.
Burton is illegal, and without any just ground, and ought to
be reversed, and he ought to be freed from the fine o(j€5000,
sttid the imprisonment imposed upon him by the said sentence,
and to be restored to his degrees in the university, orders in
the ministry, and to his ecclesiastical benefice in Friday-street,
London.
2. " That the order of the council-board for transferring^
Mr. Burton from* the castle of Lancaster to the isle of
Guernsey, and his imprisonment there, are against Is^w and
the liberty of the subject.
3. ** Tliat the said Mr. Burton ought to have reparation
H. BURTON. 57
and recompence for the damages sustained by die said
imprisonment, loss of his ears, and other evils* sustained by
the said unjust and illegal proceedings/'*
On die 20th of April, die house of commons voted
Mr. Burton to receive six thousand pounds for his damages
sustained, but the confusions of die times prevented the
payment of the money. And by an order of the house,
dated June 8, 1641, he was restored to his former ministry
and benefice in Friday-street.t Mr. Prynne and Dr. Bastwick
also presented their petitions to the house, when their cases
were taken into consideration, and the house passed similar
resolutions in their favour.*
On Mr. Burton's restoration, he formed a church after the
model of the independents ; and he appears to have gready
prospered in his public ministry. Wood represents him as
severe in the exercise of church discipline ; that he would
admit none to the Lord's supper besides members of his own
church, or any to baptism besides the children of such ; that
he challenged a power of examination into the lives and
conversation of members, casting out whom he pleased, and
not admitting them till they gave satisfaction to the church ;
and that he would not administer the Lord's supper at Easter 4
But this author further observes, that towards the close of
fais life, he became more moderate ; and he lived tiU after the
beheading of his old master. King Charle*s I. Herein,
■ • Prynne's Prelates* Tyrrfnny, p. 139—141 .— Rnsbworth'i Collect. ? oI.t.
p. 207, 213.— Nal8on*8 Collec. vol. i. p. 787, 794.
+ Prynne's Prelates' Tyranny, p. 146.
:|: Mr. Prynne was afterwards chosen member of the long parliament.
He was a man of a courageoas spirit, and boldly stepped forwards to
correct every enormity in church and state. He was, perhaps, one of the
hardest students that ever existed. He was called one of the greatest
paper*worms that ever crept into a library. Wood supposes that he wrote
a sheet for every day of his life, computing from the time of bis arrival to
man's estate to the day of his death. He says, " his custom was, when
'* he studied, to put on a long quilted cap, which came an inch over his
** eyes, serving 9» an umbrella to defend them from too much light { and
*' seldom eating a dinner, would every three hours, or more, be mounching
**" a roll of bread, and now and then refresh his exhausted spirits with ale."
This voluminous writer was author of about t$Do hundred books, which he
gave, in forty volumes folio and quarto, to the public library of Lincoln's-
inn. On the restoration of Charles II., some one asked the king what
must be done with Prynne, to make him quiet. " Why,'| said his
m^esty, " let him amuse himself with writing against the catholics, and in
f ^ poring over the records of the Tower." To enable him to do the
latter, Charles made him keeper of the records of the Tower, with a salary
^ ,<|lye hundred pounds a year. He died October 24, 1669.— FTood'i
MhefUB Oxom. vo), ii, p. 31 l^Sf^.
h Ibid. p. 460.
58 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
however/ he is mistaken ; for Mr. Burton was buried January
Ty 1647> aged sixty-eight years.*
The memory of this zealous and faithful servant of Chrial
has suffered the reproach and contempt of most of our
bigotted historians; but, from' the foregoing narrative, his
manifold and painful sufferings stand as a monument of
disgrace to the government under which he lived, and
especially as a lastii^ reproach to Archbishop Laud.t Some,
indeed, have not been ashamed to assert, that his heavy
sentence, with that of his fellow-sufferers, was jiLst and
necessary *t But, says Granger, '^ The punishment of these
men, who were of the three great professions, was ignomimou$
and severe. The indignity and severity of their punishment
gave general offence ; and they were no longer regarded as
criminals, but confessors."}
His Works, in addition to those already mentioned. — 1. A
Censure of Simony, 1624. — 2. Israel's Fast, or Meditations on the
seventh Chap, of Joshua, 1628. — 3. Truth's Triumph over Trent, or
the great Gulph between Sion and Ba))yIon ; that is, th^ irreconcile-
able Opposition between the Apostolic Church of Christ and the
Apostate Synagogue of Antichrist, in the main and fundamental
Doctrine of Justification, 1629. — 4. The Law and the Gospel recon-
ciled against the Antinomians, 1631. — 51 The Christian's Bulwark, or
the Doctrine of Justification, 1632. — 6. Exceptions against Dr.
Jackson's Treatise of the Divine Essence and Attributes, 163.. —
7. Jesu Worship Confuted: or, certain Arguments against Bowing
at the Name of Jesus, proving it to be Idolatrous and Superstitious,
and so utterly unlawAil: With Objections to the contrary fully
Answered, i641. — 8. The Sounding of the two last Trumpets :
or. Meditations on the^ ninth, tenth, and eleventh Chapters of
Revelation, 1641. — 9. The Protestation Protested; or, a short
Jlemonstrance shewing what is piincipally required of all those who
take the last Parliamentary Protestation, 1641. — 10. England's
Bondage and Hopes of Deliverance, a Sermon preached before the
Parliament, 1641. — 11. A Narration of his own Life, 1643. — 12. A
Vindication of Independent Churches, in Answer to Mr. Prynne,
1644. — 13. Parliament's Power for Laws in Religion, 1646. — 14. Tmth
Vindicated against Calumny, in a brief Answer to Dr. Bastwick's two
books, entitled, * Independency not God's Ordinance,' 1645. —
15. Truth shut out of Doors; or, a brief Narrative of the Occasioa
and Manner of Proceeding of Aldermanbury parish in shutting their
Church-door against him, 1645. — 16. Tinith still Truth, though shut
out of Doors, 1646. — 17. Conformity's Deformity, in a Dialogue
between Conformity and Conscience, 1646. — 18. Relation of Mr.
Chillingworth.
♦ Peck's Desiderata Ciiriosa,' Vol. ii. b. xiv. p. 22*
f The portraits of Archbishop Land and Mr. Burton, botik whole
lengths, were published in one print. The prelate -lA-represented as vomit*
ing up his own works, and Mr. Burton holding his head. The jk'iat Sf
extremely scarce and curious. — Granger's Blog. HUi* vol* ii. p« I5S.
+ Vernon's Life of Heylin, p.91. Edit. 1682,
S Granger's Biog. Hist. vol. ii. p. 192, 193.
H. WILKINSON. 60
Henry Wilkinson, B.D.-— Tlis worthy divine was
born in the vicarage of Halifax, Yorkshire, October Q, 1666,
and educated in Merton college, Oxford. He was a near
relation to Sir Henry Savile, by whose favour he was elected
probationer fellow of the collie; and in the year. 1601, he
became pastor of Waddesdon in Buckinghamshire, where
he continued in the laborious and &ithful exercise of his
ministry fbrty-«ix years. He married the only daij^hter of
Mr. Arthur Wake, another zealous puritan divine, by whom
he had six sons and ^bree daughters. She was a person
of most amiable character, and they lived together in
mutual a£Eection upwards of fifty years. He was a man of
considerable leamii^ and piety, and being an old puritan, says
Wood.* was elected one of the assembly of divines. But it
i. saidthat he spent most of his time am'ong his pamhioners
by whom he was exceedingly beloved and revered.
Mr. Wilkinson was author of ** A Catechisme for the use
of the Congregation of Waddesdon,'' oftentimes printed.
Also ^ The Debt4)ook ; or, a Treatise upon Rom. xiii. 8.
wherein is handled the civil debt of money or goods," 16^ ;
and several other articles. The celebrated Dr. Henry
Wilkinson, Margaret professor at Oxford, and ejected at die
restoration, was his son.t Mr. Neal very much confounds
die one widi the other.t Mr. Wilkinson <&ed at Waddesdon,
March 19, 1647^ aged ekhty-one years. His mortal remains
were laid in the (Cancel of his own church, where, against
the south vrall, wais a monumental inscription erected, of
which the follovdng is a translation .-$
Henry Wilkinson,
forty-Bix years the fsithful pastor of this drnrch,
was born the nintii day of Octobar, 1506,
and died the nineteenth day of March, 1647.
He married Sarah
the only daughter of Arthur Wake
of Sawey For$8t in the county of Norikmi^^ion,
with whom he lived in holy concord fifty-three yean,
and by whom he had nine children,
six sons and three daughters.
The remains of the aforesaid Sarah Wilkinson,
who lived to the age of seventy years,
were laid by the side of her husband,
leaving us an example
of a most upright and holy life,
f Wood*8 Athene Ozod. vol. ii« p. ^.
f 'Pialmer's NoncoD. Mem. vol. I. p. 841.
t Neal*i Paritans, vol. iH. p« M.
S Waid*s Greshaia Profeston, p. 813» 814.
60 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
M)d a reputation scarcely to be exceeded.
John Wilkinson, son of the aboye,
who died December 18, 1664,
aged sixty-one years,
was also inteired
^ear them.
Thomas Coleman^ A. M.-— This learned and pious
divine was bom in the city of Oxford, in the year 1598, and
educated in Magdalen college, in that university. Havii^
-entered upon the ministerial work, he became vicar of Blitofn
in Lincolnshire; but he was persecuted, and afterwards
driven from the place for nonconformity. On the com-
mencement of the civil wars, he fled for refuge to London,
was made rector of St. Peter's, Comhill, and chosen one of
the assembly of divines. He frequently preached before
the parhament; andy October 15, 1643, when both houses
took the covenant, he preached before the lords, giving some
explanation of it. He observed on this occasion, " that by
prelacy, as used in the covenant, was not meant all episco--
pacy, but only the fonn therein described.'** In 1^44, he
was appointed one of the committee of examination and
approbation of public preachers. The year following, in
the grand debate of the assembly, concerning the divine right
of the presbyterian mode of church government, he gave his
opinion against it ; and openly declared, both in the assembly
and from the pulpit, that if the divine right of presbyterianism
should ever be established by public authority, he was ap*
prehensive it would prove equally arbitrary and tyrannical as
the prelacy had been. He therefore proposed that, under
present circumstances, the civil magistrate should have the
power of the keys till the nation should be brought into a
more settled state.t
Mr. Coleman was of erastian principles respecting church
govemment ; but he fell sick during the above debate ; and
some of the members waiting upon bim, h^ desired they
would not come to any conclusion till they had heard what
he had further to offer upon the question. But his complaint
increasing, he died in a few days, and the whole assembly
paid the last tribute pf respect to his memory by attending
his funeral solemnities, March 30, 1647- Wood says, ^^ he
was so acconmlished an Hebrean, that he was conunonlj
denominated Kabbi Coleman ^^^ and adds, '* that he behaved
♦ SyWester*8 Life of Baxter, part i. p. 49. *
t Neal's Poritaoff, vol. lii. p. S61.
T* COLEMAN. 61
bolii modesdy and learnedly in the assembly.''* Fuller styles
lim" a modest and learned divine, equally averse to presby-
tiay and prelacy /'t
Piom the eminent talents, learning, and moderation of this
CKcdknt divine, we might suppose that even bigotry itself
would lie dormant ; but this unhappy temper, ever influenced
Iqrpaity principles, and to promote a party interest, will.break
ftrowh idl difficulties, to blacken the memory of real worth.
Mr. Coleman, in common with many of his brethren, is the
Mbject of public calunmy. The zealous historian^ speak-
ing of those divines who preached before the parliament, says,
'^ Another of these brawlers, who seldom thought of a
Uiop, or .the king's party, but with indignation, was Mr.
Thomatj Cdanao.; In one of his sermons, he thus rants
sginst die church of Ei^land, and violently persuades the
jwriianieal to execute severe justice upon her children. * Our
cidiedrals in a great part are of late become the nests of idle
dnnes, and die roosting places of superstitious formalists.
Oip formalists. and government, in the whole hierarchy, are
become a fretting gangrene, a spreading leprosy, an insup-
poitaUe tynrnny. Up with it, up with it to the bottom, root
sad blanch, hip and ddgh : destroy these Amalekites, and let
d^ir place be no more found. Throw away the rubs ; out
ividi ifie Lord's enemies, and the land's. Vex the Midianites ;
^boMk the Amalekites, or else they will vex you with their
^inles, as they have done heretofore. Let popery find no
favour, because it is treasonable ; prelacy as fittle, because it
13 tyrannical.'
" Hiis," our author adds, ^' was rare stuff for the blades at
Westminster, and pleased them admirably well. Therefore
tbey straitly order Sir Edward Aiscough and Sir John Wray,
to give the zealot hearty thanks for his good directions, and to
<le8ire him by all means to print it ; which accordingly he did,
and, in requital of thanks, dedicates his fury to their worships ;
^re he falls to his old trade again, very prettily by his art of
ifaetorick, calling the king's army partakers with atheists,
ii^dels, and papists ; saying, * it hath popish masses, super-
stitious worships, cold forms in the service of God: it is
stored with popish priests : it persecutes God's ministers,
painful preachers : it doth harbour all drunken, debauched
deigy, or idle, non-preaching, dumb ministry, our ambitious
tyrannical prelacy, and the sink and dregs of the times ; the .
r^ptacle of the filth of the present and former ages, our
* Aibeae Oxod. vol. ii. p. 53.
f FaUer's Chorch Hist. b. zi. p. 313.
/
I
62 LIVES OF THE PUHITANS.
flpiritoal coartfs-meii/ This man's ndling/' he adds, '^ pleased
^e ca^anom so well, that they cpuU think of no man fitto'
to prate when their wicked league and covenant was taken
than he; which accordingly he did to the purpose^ ticldii^
thdr filthy ears with the same strains of malice ; impudently
affirming! ^ That none but an atheist, papist, oppressor,
rebel, or the guilty, desperate cavalimtt, and light and empty
men, can refuse the covenant :' and so concludes with reflec-
tion upon the king's party, as idolaters. And for diis stuff,
Oolond Long must be ordered to give him thanks from the
house/'*
' Admitting the correctness of our author's extracts, there
was certainly too much trudi in many of Mr. Coleman's
remarks, though some of them peihiq[>s require a degree of
limitation. It is, however, a certain feet, which many of out
zealous historians seem willing to forget, diat '' their worships,
the blades at Westminster," whose ** filthy ears were tickled
with the preacher's strains of malice," and who thanked him
for his sermons, desiring him to print them, even the commons
in parliament, as well as the lords, were, according to
Clarendon, all members of the established church.t Yet^
such is the foul language of the above bigotted and peevish
writer, that his prejudices and party feelings appear without
restraint, while he pours forth his abundant slander and con-
tempt upon men of the worthiest character.
His Works. — l.The Christian's Course and Complaint, both in ths
pursuit of Happiness desired, and for Advantages slipped in that
pursuit ; a Sermon preached to the Honourable House of Commons
on the monthly Fast, Aug. 30, 1643 ; at St. Mai^arefs Westminster,
1643. — 2» The Heart's Engagement, a Sermon preached at St. Mar«
garet's Westminster, at the public entering into the Covenant, 1643.—-
3. God's unusual Answer to a Solemn Fast, a Sermon preached to
both Houses of Parliament, at their public Fast, Sep. 12, 1644 —
1644.— -4. A Brotherly Examination Examined: or, a clear Justifica-
tion of those Passages in a Sermon; against which Mr. Gillespie did
preach and write, 1646. — 5. A short Discovery of some Tenets
which intrench upon the Honour and Power of Parliaments. — 6. A
Modell, &c.
Eprraim Paget iiras bom in Northamptonshire^ in die
year 1575, and educated in Christ's college, Oxford. He
was die son of Mr. Eusebius Paget, a celebrated puritan
divine, and a ^reat sufierer for nonconformihr* He wbls so
great a proficient in the knowledge of the languages, that
• FoQlis's Hht. of Plots, p. 1S3, 184.
f ClarciidoB*t Hist. vol. i. p. W.
E. PAGET. eS
upon Yob admittance into the oniversity, die Greek ptofeasor
sought his acquaintance, and derived much assistance from
Urn. At die age of twenty-six years, he understood and
WToteJ^hGt or sixteen languages.* Having completed his
studies at the university, he became minister at St. Edmund's
church, Lombard-street, London, where he continued many
years. While in thb situation, he entered into the coniugal
state, and iparried Lady Bord, widow of Sir Stephen Dori,
of a worthy family in Sussex. Upon the commencement of
the civil wars, he was a great sufierer; and he was so mudi
troubled and molested, says Wood, that, merely for the sake
of quietness, he left his benefice in his old age, being then
commonly called old father Ephraim. He retired to
Deptford in Kent, where he spent the remainder of his days
in retirement and devotion. He entered upon the joy of Ins
Lord in the month of April, 1647^ a^ed seventyrtwo years.
His remains, according to his last wm and testament, were
laid in Deptford church-yard.f
Though his name is enrolled among die sufferers in the
royal cause, he is with justice classed among the puritans.
Many excellent divines, who were dissatiraed widi the
ecclesiastical discipline and ceremonies, and even with
epbcopacy itself, were nevertheless, during the national
confusions, great sufferers on account of their loyal attach-
ment to his majesty and the civil constitution. Their zeal for.
the king and his cause exposed them to the severity of the
opposite party. This appears to have been the case with
Bir. Paget. He was decided in his attachment to his
majesty's interest and the civil constitution, for which he was a
sufferer in those evil times; yet he was opposed to the
ecclesiastical establishment, as well as the cruel oppressions
of the prelates. Therefore, in the year 1645, being only two
years before hb death, he united with his brethren, the
London nunisters, in presenting a petition to the lords and
commons in Parliament, for the establishment of the presby-
terian discipune.t He wrote with great bitterness against
the independents, baptists, and other sectaries, by which he
exposed himself to the resentment of his enemies. ^ Error
and heresy," it is said, *^ began to take deep root, and to
spread far and wide over the face of the earth ; he, therefore,
set himself to discover them, and root them up, when he
published his * Heresiography.' Hence sprung his trouble;''
• Paget*8 Hereiiograpby, Pref. Edit. 1662.
f Wood's Athene Ozoo. vol. ii. p. 6S.
I Grey^ Ezaminatioii, vol. il. Appen. p. 87— -Sa.
64 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. '
and it b added, ^' the enemies o^ goodness making that the
ground of their malice, which he wrote to undeceive and
bring them into the way of truth. Upon thb he was
persecuted, reviled, slandered, and, through false suggestions,-
suffered even imprisonment itself. He bore up manfully, and
suffered patiently whatever their malice could inflict, tUl at
last the Lord in mercy put an end to his misery, and received
him to himself.^'* He was an excellent preacher, and his
sermons were* as pleasant as they were profitable, drawing
the hearts of his auditors, as by a bait of pleasure, to that
which is good.f
His Works.— 1. Christiftnographie : or, a Description of the
multitudes and sundry sorts of Christians in the worid not subject to
the Pope,. 1636. — 2, A Treatise of the Ancient Christians in Britany,
1640.--3. Heresiographie : or, a Description of the Heresies of later
Times, 1646.— 4. The Mystical Wolf, a Sermon on Matt. vii. 16.,
1646.
Thomas HobKER.— This excellent divine was bom at
Mkrfield in Leicestershire, in the year 1586, and educated
in Emanuel college, Cambridge, of which he became fellow.
He acquitted himself in this office with such ability and
fisdthfiilness as commanded universal admiration and applause.
During his abode at Cambridge, he was brought under such
deep convictions of sin, that his mind was overwhelmed with
extreme horror. The anguish of his soul, under a sense of
his sin and desert, was inconceivable. He was ready to
exclaim, " While I suffer thy terrors, O Lord, I am dis-
tracted." Afterwards, speaking of these mental exercises, he
said, ** In the time of my distress, I could reason to the rule
of duty, and see there was no other way of relief but by
submission to God, and by lying at the feet of Jesus Christy
humbly waiting for his favour ; but when I applied the rule
to myself, and endeavoured to put it in practice, my reason-
ing failed me, and I was able to do nothing." Having
laboured under the spirit of bondage for a considerable time^
he received light and comfort, and his mind became power-
fully and pleasantly attached to holy and heavenly contempla-
tions. It now became a custom with him, when redring to
rest at night, to select some particular promise of scripture,
upon which he meditated during his wakeful hours. Ld this
he found so much improvement and comfort, that he recom-
mended others to adopt the same practice.
• P^t*t Heresiog. Pref. f tloyd'a Meinoires, p. 510.
HOOKER. 65
. Mr. Hooker hariog tasted that the Lord was gnciousy
resolved to employ hi& time and his talems- in the work of the
ministry^ when he commenced preaching in London and its
vicinity. He soon became celebrated for his ministerial
endowments, particularly in comforting* persons under
spiritual distress. In the year 1 626, having been disappointed
of a desired settlement at Colchester^ he was chosen iectiver
at Chelmsfordy one Mr. Mitchel being the incumbent. His
lectures were soon numerously attended, and a remarkable
unction and blessing attended his preaching. A pleasing'
reformation also followed, not only in the town, but likewise
in the adjacent country. By a multitude of public houses in
die town, and by keeping the shops open on the Lord's day^
the people of Chelmsford had become notorious for intenw
perance and the profanation of the sabbath. But by the
blessing of God, so pientifully poured out upon Mr. Hooker's
nodnistry, these vices were banished from, the place, and the
sabbath was visibly sanctified to the Lord. His zealous and
useAil labours, however, were not continued very long. For
in about four years his difficulties were so great, on account
of his nonconformity, that he gave up his pulpit and com-
menced teaching school. . He could not defile his conscience
by the observance of the superstitious ceremfonies: he had
rather give up his pulpit and his public ministry, which
he dearly loved, than sacrifice the ^' testimony of a good
conscience."
Though the best and most delightful empIo}inent of this
worthy servant of Christ was gone, his influence was not
lost. This was wholly employed to promote the Redeemer'<s
cause. He. engaiged the various ministers in the vicinity of
Chelmsford, to establish . a monthly meeting for fasting,
prayer, and rdiciQus conference. By his influence, several
pious young mmUters were settied iu the neighbourhood, and
others became more establbhed in the fundamental doctrines
of the gospel. Indeed, so great was his popularity, and so
high his reputation, *when silenced, that no less than forty*
seven conformist ministers of liis acquaintance, presented a
petition to the Bishop of London ; in which they testified,
^ That they knew and esteemed Mr. Hooker to be orthodox
in his doctrine, honest in hb life, and conversation, peaceable
in his disposition, and in no wise tmbulent or factious."
But these powerifiil mediators could not prevail. Mr.
Hodcer being stigmatized as a puritan, must be buried in
nlence. He was bound, about the year 1630, in a bond of
fifty pounds, to appear before the h^b commission ; but this
VOL. III. F
LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
iMHidy'by tbe advice of his friends, he ferfeitedy preferring
It M a lesser evil to pay so great a smn, than fiedi into
die hands of the nilii^^ prdates, whose tender mercy vaa
cniehy.t
Mr. Hooker, to avoid the storm of persocuJion, fled to
Holland. He had no sooner taken shipping, and the vessel*
got under sail, than the enraged pursuivants arrived on the
wore, but happily too late to oeach him* Duripg the nassage,
the ship was in the i^toiost danger of being lost ; but tJus hoty
^[lan, u\ this perilous situation, exercised a» unshaken
confidence in God, who sent a remarkable delivesaace. I«
Holland, he preached about two years at Delfi^ as assistanl
to Mr. Forbes, an s^e4 an4 excelie9t ^otch minasln^ I^
was next called to Kottenfaun, where be. was employed for>
some time as colleague to the celebrated Dr. Wiwam- Ames.
The gieatest friendship and affection subsisted betwixt these
two learned divines. The latter declared, that, notwjthstam^
ing his acquaintance with many scholars of d^Serent natioBS,
he had never met vrith a man equal to Mr. Hooker, either a»
a preacher or a kamed disputant. He assisted Dn Amo»
in composing hi/s celebrated work, entiitled, ** A Fresh Suit
against Human Ceremonies in God^a Wovd^p.*^ But Mr.
Hooker not finding Holland agreeable to his virishes, and *
number pf his firiends ii^ England i»vitii|g him^ at diia time to
accompany them to America, he returned to his native
country to prepare for the voyage. He was no sooner oome^
to Enghnd, than the bishop'a pursuivants were again
employed to apprehend hup. At one time they were i^ton
the very point of taking him, a^d even knocked at the door
of the chamber ia which he and Mr. Sawiel Stone were
employed in friendly conversation. Mv. Stone went to the
door ; when the officers demanded whether Mr. Hooker was.
there. *< What Ho<Aer?" replied Mr. Stoiie. *< Do you
mean Hooker who once lived at Chdmsford?'' The offioeps
answered, ^< Yes, that is he.'- ^^ If it be he who^ you look-
for,'' observed Mr. Stone, *^ i saw him about an hour ago.a^
such a house in the town : you had best hasten there after
him.'' The officers taking this eva^ion^ for a sutteienli
account, went their way, while Mr, Hoc^er ooooealed'
himself more securely, till he went on board in dto> Downstv
He sailed for New England in the year l€3d> when Mfi
Stone and Mr. Cotton, both celebrated puritans, acc<mipanied
him in the same ship. Mit* Hooker arriving sit Newlowa^'
»
« Mather's Hist, of New Eog. b. m. p. ft8--Sl .
HOOKER. Vt
afterwwdi called Cambridge ; and being moftt aiFectioAtttel;f
leceived hj \m old friends, who had gone over the preceding
jpear, he aaid, ^* Now i Hve, if ye staml ftist in die Lord."
Great aumbers soon after following these adventurers from
England, Newtown became too narrow for them : accord-
'^^J9 in 1636> Mr. Hooker, with many 'of his friends,
ramoved to a fertile spot on the delightful banks of the river
Cottiecticiit, which they called Hartford. There he lived all
%m rest of his days, and was deservedly esteemed '^ as die
fadwrf tbe pillar, and the oracle of the new colony." As a
yreacher, ne was remarkably animated and impressive ; not
only Ua voice, bat every feature in his countenance, spoke
the flrdonr of hia soul. All was life and reality in his
descriptiona. Hia preaching was not that theatrical ailecta*
lion wnkh ia exhibited by men who paint for admiration, but
that and ^sUch is kindled by a coal from God's altar. His
Btoviag addfesaes flowed from his own exquisite relish of
ftrine Anigs, and an impassioned desire of promoting diem
ift the hearta of others. His success, like his services, was
vary eoiinest A profrine man, for the purpose of diversion,
nea add to kia companions, '' Come, let us go and hear what
ba^riiag Hooker wilt sav to us." For the sake of sport, diey
aU mat to Chelmsford lecture. Conviction presendy seised
the mind of this person. The word of God became quick
ttid powerfld, and he retired with an awakened conscience.
Also, by tbe subsequent instructions of Mr. Hooker, he
became an humble follower df Christ; and afterwards
followed diia worthy minister to New England, that he might
wjov the benefit of his preaching as long as he lived. At
iBodber time, one of his enemies hired a fiddler to play in the
choreb-wd and the church-porch, with a view to disturb
him in bis sermon ; but the design had not the least efiect
apon Mr^ Hooker's mind : he went on with his sermon in his
unabated zeal and vivacity. When the man went to die
door to hear what he said, his attention was instantly caught;
ooflfMtioD immediately seized his conscience; and at the
conehiaioA of the service, he made his humble confession to
Ur. Hooker, and ever after lived a religious life. By the
i^plkcatioli of his doctrine, he had a surprising tailent for
laadlkig uid awakening the consciences of his hearer^.
TUs lesmed divine was remarkable for humility and a
My dispeiidenGe upon God. lliis will appear from the
twmfam cir^umatance. Some time after his settlement at
Hirtford, having to preach among liis old friends at Newtovm.
on a Lord's <by in the afternoon, his great fame had coUe9t^4
6» LIVES or THE PURITANS.
together a vast concourse of pebple. When he 'came to
preachy he found hhnself so entirety at a loss what to say^
thaty after a few shattered attempts to proceed, he was obl^ed
to stop, and say, that what he had prepared was altogeuer
taken from him. He therefore requested the congregation to
sing a psalm while he retired. Upon his rettun, as our
aumor observes, he preached a most admirable sermon,
holding the people two hours, in a most extraordinary strain
both for pertinence and vivacity. After the public service .wa4
closed, some of his friends speaking to him of the Lord's
withholding his assbtance, he meekly replied, ** We daily
confess that we have nothings and can do nothing, without
Christ; and what if Christ wul make this manifest before our
congregations ? Must we not be humbly contented ?''*
Mr. Hooker wished to be abased, and the Lord alone to
be exalted. He dreaded outward ease and prosperity^ ma
that which was most likely to bring the Lord's people into
spiritual adversity. When at the land's end, taking his final
leave of England, he said, '^ Farewell, England ; I expect now
no more to see that religious zeal, and power of godliness^
which I have seeii among professors in that land. Adversity
has slain its thousands, but prosperit;y its ten thousands. 1
fear that those who have been zesuous christians in the fire of
persecution, will become cold in the lap of peace.''
He was highly celebrated as a man of prayer. He
used to say, ^* Prayer is the principal work of a minister ;
and it b by this he must carry on the rest." Accordingly,
he devoted one day in every month to private prayer and
fasdng, besides the observance of matry such days fnibticly
with his people. It was his settled opimon, that if professors
neglect diese duties,* ** iniquity will abound, and the love of
many wax cold." His prayers in public were ferven^ but
^ot IpAg, and singularly adapted to the occasion^ Als he
proceeded his ardour usually increased ; and, as the last
9tep in Jacob's ladder was nearest heaven, the close of hi»
pi^yer lyas mostly a rapture of devotion ; and '' his people,"
It is said, " were often surprised with the remarkable answers
to his prayers."
Though Mr. Hooker's natural disposition was irascibl<^
he acquired a wonderful command of his temper. He.vraf
J always ready to sacrifice his own apprehensions to the letter
..reasons of others. T^e meanest of his brethren, and evei^
.^children, were treated by him with endearing cOndescwsioa*
• MaUicr't Hift. of Ncvr Eng. b. iji. p« », 88. .
HOOKEIL 09
One instance it may not be improper to meii6oii. A
ne^bour of his having sustained some damage; when
Mr. Hooker meeting a boy notorious for such mischief^
warmly accused and censured him. The boy denied Ae
charge^ but he continued his angry lecture. ** Sir/' said the
boy, ** I see you are in a passion ; 111 say no more to you ;**
and then ran off. Mr. Hooker finding, upon inquiry, that the
boy could not be proved guilty, sent for him, and humbly
confessed his fault, which, with the good council he gave him,
made a deep and lasting impression on the mind of the boy.
Notwithstanding Mr. Hooker's great condescension, he
did qot in the least degrade or depreciate his holy function.
When he mounted the pulpit, he appeared with so much
majesty and independence, that it was pleasantly said of him^
He wmild put a king in his pocket. Judges, princes, and
peasants equally shared in his pointed reproofs and solemn
admonitions. He possessed an excellent talent for solving
eases of conscience, and set apart one day in the week for
any of his people to come to hmi and propose their scruples
and difficulties. Though his own preaching was generally
very practical and experimental, he reconunended young
ministers, when first settled, as well for their own benefit as
that of their people, to preach the whole system of divine
truA. He had a happy method in the government of the
church. He would propound nothing to the church assembly
till it had been previously considered by several of die prin-
cipal brethren; and if at any time he saw an altercation
be^iiing to rise in the church, he would put off the vote till
another opportunity ; previous to which, he would visit, and
generally gain over, those who objected to what appeared
me most proper to be adopted. He used to say, ** The eldera
must have a church within a church, if they would preserve
the peace of the church."
1 his holy and heavenly divine desired not to outlive his
work. His last sickness was short, and he said little. When
his opinion was asked concerning certain iipportant points,
he replied, *^ I have not that work now to perform, f have
declared the council of God.'' One of his brethren obsery-
ing to him, that he was going to receive his reward,
** Brotfier," said he, '^ I am going to receive mercy'* After-
wards, he closed his eyes with his own hands, and, with a
smile on his countenance, he expired, July 7» 16479 ^^
sixty-one years.* He was justly styled " the grave, the godly,
« Mone aid Pftrish*! Hkt. of New Elf. p. 76—78.
10 LIVES 0F THE FURITAN8.
tbe jufticioiMy the fnkh&ly and tbe hborioiis Hooker.** Tbtt
pe»ce which b^ enjoyed in his own mind, through belitYiBg
in Christ, for the space of thirly years, continu^ firm and
HUf hf^Len to the la^.* Mr. Henry Whitfield gives th^ foUaw-
ing testimony of his worth: '^ I did not think/' says he,
" there had been such ^ man on the earth, in whom th^rt
fhone so many incomparable excellencies; and in whom
learning gnd wi9dooi were so admirably tempered with zeal,
holiness, find watchfulness/' And for his great abilities and
glorious services in both Englands, says Mr. Ashe, he
deserves a place in the first rank of those worthies whose
lives are preserved.! Fuller has honoured him with a placis
among the learned writers and fellows of Emanudl college,
Cambridge.^
Hb Works.— 1. The SouFs Implantation into Christ, 1037.—
3.The Uobetiever'8 Preparing for Christ, 1638.— 3. The Soars effectnal
^9nmg to Christ, 1638.--i. The Soul's Humiliation, 1640.^-^ A
Sarvey of the Summe of Church-Discipline, 1648. — 6. The Doubluii^
Christian drawn to Christ^ 1652. — ^7. The Application of HtsdemptiQii
by the Word, 1666.— 8. The Sjpiritual Rule of the Lord's Kingdom.—:,
9, Farewell Sermon on Jer. xiv. 9. publi9hed in Air. Fenner's Works."
-r-And probably some others.
John SAiiTMABSH, A. M.^— This person was desceiid#f|
from a respectable and ancient family of the same qam^ a^
Saltmarsh in Yoi:)L8hirey and educfited in Magdalen college^
CamWidge, where he enjoyed the patropage and support of
Sir John Metham, his kinsman. He was a person of a fiiie^
active fancjy no contemptible poet, and a good preacher ; bi||
no friend to bishops and ceremonies.^ AlM>ut thfi year 1641^
be became minister at Northatupton, afterwards at Brai3te4
in Kent, and, at length, was chosen to the office of chaf^aiQ
in Sir Thomas Fairfex's army ; where, to hiis great honour, b^
i9 said to have always preached up peace and unity. He
meddled not with matters of discipline, but wholly laboured
to draw souls from sin to Christ.! He afterwards opj^oly
declared his sentiments concerning die war, saying, '' Th$t
all means should be used to keep the l^ng and people from %
sudden union ; that die war being against popery, should bei
cherished, as the surest means tQ engage the |>eQi4e; and
that if the kii^^ would not, iu tbe eud, granit their deaaauuid%
• Iforton'i Memorial, p. 1«5.
t lfatber*8 Hist, of New. Eag. b. iU. p. ii-*^.
1 FnUer*! Hist, of C^b. p. 147.
S Faller*8 Worthies, part iii. p. 212.
I Wood's Athtaw Oxm« toI. ti. p. m
SALTMARSH. 71
ihn te rdot hiita out, togedier with the mpi Kne, and ap|k>int
te crown to some oAet penon/' These sentunents were
hid brfore the houae of commons, and they underwent a
pvieukur examination ; but it does not appear whether he
was sentenced to recrive any kind of puniniment. During
dui examination, howerer, one of the members said, ** He
mm no reason to condeAin Mfc*. Saltmarsh ; tot it was better
that one family should be destroyed than ihany."<*
Mr. Saltmarsh employed his pen id controrersy with
mwnl learned divines^ among whonii was Dr. lliomas
Fuller, the historian. This person havine preached a iermon
OB ** reformation/' which he afterwaras published, Mr.
Saltmarsh published his animadversions upon it, in which he
chaiged faim widi several points of popery. Fuller, however,
defended his former arguments, in a piece under the titk of
" Trmh Mttitained,'' m which he challenged Saltmarrfi to
lefilv; hat he declined the contest, givii^ diis reason for
it, mat he would not shoot his arrows agamst a dead ttiark^
bong iafermed diat Fuller ^as dead. He also engaged m
GMrovMy uMi the celebrated Mr. Thomas Oataker) Mr.
Jolm lAfyf Dr. John BAiftwick, Mr. Thomas Edwards, and
odMrt. It is uM that the very titles of some of hit pieces
sBened to hirve some tincture of enthusiasm, if not of mmf
m thttttwf
Mr. Edwards, who employs his presbyterien bigotry in re-
proachini^ hn memory, cives the following account of him :--
'^ There is one Mr. Saltmarsh, a man who hath of late writ
iftsny traAy pamphlets, fully stuffed with all kinds of errors,
ipstmnce, am impudence, and hath been well answefed and
bifHed by three learned divines. I am still in .his debt for
SMie pasiiages in his ** Groans for Liberty," and ** Reasons
brUmty, Love and Peace," against m^ first and second part
of ** Gangnena," and shsll say in this diird, I purpose to
iBokott With him once for all, in another tractate, lliis
Ihiter Saltmarsh, the last half year, hath much followed the
smy : a fh plaee for him. When Oxford was taken, he was
oae of those famous preachers who preached at St. Mary]s ;
ssit • man to eredit the parliament and the reformation with
tbe university, as his brodier Peters. Master Saltmarsh being
to preach iti the army on a fast-day this summer, made a
Cihte by way of apology, that he preached not for the fast:
would not be understood as preaching upon that occasion,
or that hk seMien wns a fast sermon."
• Wliltlocke*t Memorial, p. 68.
i Biof . BritM. Vol. Hi. f . fiOSS, S054. Edit. 1 747.
78 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
r
This writer also adds : ^^ He hath been at Bdth this year^
and there, in one of the lesser churches, preached, that, as
John Baptist ^dre a leathern girdle, so his doctrine was
leathern doctrine. He would have preached at the great
c.hurch, but the minister would not give way ; whereupon he
came to the minister's house, to contest with him about
denying him his pulpit ; to whom the minister replied, that
he had heard of him by Mr. John Ley and Mr. Thomas
£dwards, and was fully satisfied concerning him. Besides,
he said * I have heard of oqe M^ter Saitmarsh, who, in the
time of the former differences between the king and the
Scots,. viz. before this parliament, made verses to incense- the
king to war against the Scots, when he went into the north ;
and that when the late oath, made by the bishops, came forth^
went many miles to an archbishop to take that oath upon his
knees:' to which Master Saltmarsh replied, he was then in*
his. darkness; and the minister of Bath rejoined, he thought
I^im to be still in the smoak."*
We make no comment upon the above account, but .allow
Mr. Saltmarsh to speak for himself. In answer to Mc«*
£dwards, he says, ** When I called to you the other day in,
the street, and challenged you for your unanswerable crime*
against me in the third pait of the last '^ Gangraena,'' in setting
my name against all the heresies you reckon, which your owa.
soul and the world can witness to be none of mine, and your
own confession tome when I challenged you — how were you
tarqubled in spirit and language? Your sin was, as I thought,
upon you, scourging you, checking you as I spc^. 1 told
you at parting, 1 hoped we should overcome you by prayer*
I. believe we shall pray you either into repentance, or.shain9,-
or judgment, ere we have done with you ; but, oh! might it*
be Jrepentance rather! till Master Edwards smite upon.hiai
thigh, and say. What have I done? >
^* For your anagram upon my name, you ,do but fulfil, the
prophecy, They shall cast out your names as evil, for the Son
' of man's sake. Aildvyoiur book of jeers and stories of your,
brethren;, poor mahi it will not long. be music in youreara>.
at this rate of sinning. For the nameless authoc and his ;
after-reckoning, let all such men be doing; let them rail^
revile, blaspheme, call heretics. It b enough to me, that*
they write such vanity as they dare not own. And now let
me tell you bothy and ail such pensioners to the great accuser,
of the brethren ; fill up the measure of your iniqui^^ if you.*
m Edwards's Gangraeoa, part iii. p. WZ^ 114.
SALTMARSH. 73
triO needs perish ^rhether we will or no. I hope I rest in
Ae bosom of Christ, with others of my brethren: rail,
persecute, do your worst ; I challenge all the powers of hell
that set yott on work, while Christ is made unto me wisdom,
iwhteonsness, sanctification, and redemption. And I must
m you further, that since any of the light and glory of
CSiiist dswned upon me ; since first I saw th^ morning star
of righteousness, any of the brightness of the glory in my
heart, that heart of mine which once lived in the coasts <^
Zebalnn and Napthali, in the region and shadow of death, I
can freely challenge you, and thousands more such as you, to
aay, write, do, work, print, or any thin^ ; and I hope I shall
in die strength of Christ, in whom f am able to do' all
things, give you blessings for cursing, and prayers for persecu-
Uons.''* ^
Mr. Edwards, in answer to this, observes, " That Mr.
Gataker had proved his opponent to be a . shadow without
sobstance; had taken off the shadows he had cast on
onny truths of the gospel ; had shewed this new light,
with his dawmngs cf light, to be only a shadow of cmrk-
ness and death; and had caused this great light to go out in
a smoke and snuff.'' He proceeds in his usual style of
mUleiy^ concluding diat the former accusations were still
aDaiiswered.t
The death of Mr. Saltmarsh was very extraordinary, and
is thus related. December 4, 16479 he was at his own house
at Ilford in Essex, when he told his wife that he had received
9 special message from God, which he must deliver to the
army. He went to London the same evening, and early on
Mmiday morning, December 6th, to Windsor. When he
came to the council of officers, he addressed them as follows:
'^ I am come hither to reveal to you," said he, ** what I have
received from God. Though the Lord hath done much for
you, and by you, yet he hath of late left you, and is not in your
counsels; because you have forsaken him. God will not
prosper your consultations, but destroy you by divisions
among yourselves. I have formerly come to you like a lamb,
but God hath now raised in me the spirit of a lion; because
you have sought to destroy the people of God, who have
always stood by you in the greatest difficulties. I advise
all the faithful to depart from you, lest they be destroyed with
Jim" He then went to Sir ^fhomas Fairfax, the general ;
and, without moving his hat, said, ^^ I have received a com-
• Sftlfmarsh's Answer to Edwards, p. 9—1 !• Edit. 1812.
f Edwards'i Gaograeoa, part iii. p. 293.
74. LIVES OF THE PUBITANS.
Qiftiid fimn God not to honoiur you at all. I have hommredl
you 80 mucb^ that I have offended God ; who hadi revealed
' unto me that be is b^hly dbpleased widi your committingr
his saints to prison; and that be will not prosper you, nor
can I bono«ur you/' He next went to Cromwdl, to whom
be delivered the sam^ message^ declaring that the Lwd waa
angry with bimi for cauaing diose persons to be impiisoned
whom be knew to be faithful in the cause of God* A^ after,
recommending him to take some effectual measures for their,
eidaigementy be took his leave of them all, saying, ** I have
done my errand, and must leave you, never to see the army
any more." He went the same night to Londoni and next
day took his leave of his friends in the city, saying, his work
was done, and his message delivered, and desir»l them la
take care of his wife* lliur8day>. December Qth, he left
Ixmdon well and cheerful ; and die same evening arrived at
Ilford. The day following, he told his wife that he had now;
finished his work, and must go to bis Father. In the aftemoo%
be complained of the head*acbe, desiring to lie down upon hhr
bed, when he rested well through ike night. Saturdivft
momiiq;, December 11th, he was taken speechless, and died
about four' o'clock in the afternoon.* It appears (nHm:
Mr. Saltmarsh's writings, that he was strongly ti^ed with tbe
piincijAes of lantinomianism.
His Works.— 1. Practice of Policy in a Christian Lilb, 1039.-—'
% Holy DiseoTeries and Flames, 1640.-^. Free Grace; or, tbe^
Flowings of Ckrisf s Blood freely to Sinners, ISib."-^^ New Qnerie,.
I645W--6. Shadows flyins^ away, 1646.— 6. Dawnings of L^rht, WM^
— 7. Maxims of Reformation, 1646. — 8. Reasons for Unity. Peaea
and Love, 1646.— 0. Groans for Liberty, 1646.— 10. Beams of LigBt,
discovering the Way of Peace, 1640. — 11. Some Queries fbr
Hie better anderstanding of Mr. Edwards's last book, called
Gtmyrmnm, 1646.*-^ 13. Parallel between Prelacy apd Presbytery^
1646. — 13. The Divine Right of Presbytery asserted by the present
Assembly, and petitioned for accordingly to the H. of Gom. iii
Pariiament, with Reasons discussing this pretended Dirine Right,
1946. — 14. Sparkles of Glonr; or. Some Beams of the Moniinft
Star, 1647.— U^ Wonderfol Predictions^ 1648.— 16» The Assembly's
Petition against his Exception. — 17. The Openiag of Mr. Pr^nne'ia
Vindication. -^ 18. Flagellnm Flagelli, against Dr. Bastwiek. —
19. Animadversions on Mr. T. ruller^s Sermon. — 20. Several'
Sermons*
• Wood's AthensB Oxoo. tol. ii. p. 199, 10^.
PALMEIL n
Hbrbkbt Pai-mbb, B. Dw^-TUs nott picas Amut
ibe SOB of Sir Tbomas Pslmer, bora at Wingham mv
jCanterbiiryy in the year ISQI, and edntatfJ m St John's
college, Gunbiidge ; bat was afterwards chosen fellow of
Qiieeu's college^ in the same university. He was a outt
celebrated for genuine piety , and thought to have beea
sanctified from the womb. In the year lG96» be entered
upon his first ministeriai exerdses in the city of Canterbury,
having previooAly obtained a license from Archbishop Abbot,^
authorizing him to deliver a lecture at St. Alphage church,
every Lord's day afternoon. In diis situation, by his sound
doctrine and unblemished deportment, his great usefulness
was presently manifest to all. By his aealous and jmbcioaa
efforts, the corruptions so prevalent among the ecclfriaiitics
of the cathedral, who preferred pompous ceremonies above
the power of godliness, were greaUy interrupted. Thi%
indeed, soon roused the malice and enmity of the bigotted
ecclesiastics. They could not endure the soundness of his
doctrine and the hcJiness of his life, so much opposed to
their dead fonnality, and thw unri^teous doings. Though
bis high birth and numerous friends screened him for a time^
articl^ were at length exhibited against him ; but his replies
to those articles, it is said, were such, that he was honourably
acquitted.^
In the year 16£9^ upon the comfdaint of the dean and arch*
deacon, Mr. Palmer was silenced and his lecture put dowl^
to the great grief of his numerous audience. The chatgea
brought against him were, — ** That he read prayers umI
catechised against the minister's will, and not according to
the ecclesiastical canons :-*tliat in the catechizing, he took
upon him to declare the king's mind in his instructions >-»
^t he preached a factious sermon in the cathedral, and
detracted from its divine service : — and that fectioos persons
• When Arclibisbop AbkoCn BMtWr was prepuuM of fciai, the h mM tm
htiwt bad a dream, wbwli prawei at oaer as aawa aatf as fanianiai Af Ms
fmmn pronotioo. She fancied fbe was loM ia bcr ilm, ilmif^b^ f^MM
eatajack, or pike, tbe rbUd ibe weal wiib woaM pro? # a «i^ aN4 riar m
l^reat preferaieot, Vot Utmg mfler tM^ lu laklaf a pail •/ mm^r mm Af rM
rtf«r Wey, wbicb raa by tbeir boatr, tbe aeeWrarty eaaclM a pM't. **f
bad (basaa odd opportaaitj of faUUIb^ htr dfvaai. TM« m^f #wfM#
nocb cooverwtioa, aad CMoian; lo ibe fcaowMfe iT <>^rfa«i p^^mm oT
dittiBctioo, tbey offered lo bccooM jpoainri f# rfc<$ fMU$, w)tk^k wm
kindly accepted, aad bad Ibe fatdafi lo aibwl mmt miiinal-n^ 4/ %iir
affection to tbeir pdmm mMt m icboof, m4 ikin^ M mtm '<» w
BBi versify. Sacb were tbc pmA t§mM of li« imfh0f$ ikmrn- Jfa^
MvUtm. vol. L p. S. -»— ^ ^-p^
f Cterfc't Lhroi aaaesed lo MaHjiaMpiiy p.
I
76 LIVES OP THB PURITANS.
from dl the parishes in the city, were his auditors/'* H#w-
ever^ by the petition of many of the citizens and gentry^ and
the honotoifole testimony of several ministers, concerning
his orthodox doctrine and unblemished character, together
with the testimony of ten knights and others, presented to
the archbishop, he was asain restored, and the archdeacon
inhibited from his jurisdiction.-f It is likewise observed, that
all who took an active part in thb afiair, exposed themselves
to the scorn and contempt of the people.^
Mr. Palmer afterwards removed to the vicarage of Ashwel!
in Hertfordshire, to which, on account of liis amiable cha^
racter, though a puritan, he was presented by Bishop Laud,
receiving his institution February 7, 1632. Laud mentioned
this 'circumstance as an instance of his impartiality, in his
own defence, at his trial.^ There Mr. Palmer, as in hia
former situation, discovered his zealous care and unwearied
diligence, in promoting the welfare of his flock. Though he
was a man of great learning, he never wished to make it
appear. He sought not the applause of men, or any worldly
emolument, but the approbation of God, the testimony of a
good conscience, and the salvation of souls.
During the above year, he was chosen one of the preachert
I to the university of Cambridge, and afterwards one of the
clerks in convocation. In 1643, he was appointed one of
the assembly of divines, and afterwards one of the assessors;
During the assembly, he was highly distinguished by his ex-
cellent talents, his unwearied industry, his great useftdaess,
and was seldom absent. Upon his removal from Ashwdl,
he Was succeeded by Mr. Crow, afterwards silenced in l66d,|t
and he accepted an invitation to Duke's-place, London. .
But afterwards, having received a pressing invitation, be
became pastor at New Church, Westminster, being succeeded
at Duke's-place by Mr. (afterwards Dr.) Thomas Young,
another worthy puritan. In each of these situations he was
highly admired, and his preaching, expounding, catechizing,
and other ministerial labours, were abundant. He was alwaya
abounding in the work of the Lord. In 1644, he was con-
stituted maister of Queen's college, Cambiidge, by the,Ear) of
Manchester. He succeeded Dr. Martin, one of Laiid'a ^sh|ip*
buns, and a man of high principles. Under the peculiar care
. • Pry mie*i Cant. Doome, p. S79, ST3.— Riish worth*i Colle^ vol^ ii* P^ 34^
. + CInrW's Live«, p. 187.-— Pr>UDe'8 Cant. Doome, p. 373.
1 Heylin's Life of Land, p. 201.
4 Clark's l^ives, p. 187. ,
I Fklncr't NoBcoB. Bicm. toI. ii,,p. 309.
PALMER. n
and e&coQhigeineDt of the new mastery the college flonriilied^
fSfen to thegreat adnuntion of all.* In 1645^ he was appointed^
by order of parliament^ one of the committee of accon-
inodation*f
Mr^ Palmer was always firm to his principles. Though he
would deny himself when only his own interest was concerned,
he was constantly zealous and unmoved in whatever con-
cerned the honour of God and the glory of his kingdom.
Therefore^ when he was called to preach at. the Buhop of
Lincoln's visitation, he spoke with great freedom asainst the
existing corruptions of the church, not fearing the conse*
quencesy though sensible of his great danger. When the
Book of Sports, bowing to the altar, reading part of the
service in tli^ chtacel, and other innovations, were enjoined,
he resolved to lose all, rather than offend God by the en-
couragement of superstition and profoneness. He con-
stantly and vigorously opposed the superstitious and unrigh-
teous oath of canonical obedience.^ He was always a most
consistent and conscientious nonconformist.
. This worthy divine, bebg highly reputed for learning and
piety, was often called to preach before the parliament, for
which he has incurred the severe displeasure of certaiq
historians. One of these bitter writers, with an evident
design to reproach his memory, has transcribed the following -
passage from one of Mr. Palmer's dedications addressed to
the Earl of Essex, then general to. the parliament's army :
*^ God hath put you in his own place : God hath graced
you \rith his own name, Lord of Hosts, general of armies.
. God hath committed to your care what is most precious io
himself, precious gospel, precious ordinances, a precious
parliament, a precious people. God hath called forth your
excell^ior as a choice worthy to be a general, and the €ham«
pion of jfesus Christ, to fight the great and last battle with
' antichrist in this your native kingdom."^ Another of these
writers observes, that, June 28, 1643, ** Mr. Palmer made
a long-winded tittle-tattle, stuft with rebellion and sedition,
before the house of commons {• at the end of which he foimd
out a pretty device, to have all the cavaliers' throats cut ;
and all this to be justified by inspiration of Almighty God.
f I kumbh entreat you,* said he, ^ to ask GoJCs amhenifinif
whether Me tmll spare such or such, or pardon them ; and if
he Will not, you must not* Probably this politiciao," adds
• Clark*8 LWet, p. 167—197.
f Piipen of Accdamodatioo, p. 18. t Clavk't th0l^ ^ Nt
S L'Btcnoso't DisieBten* layiop, part ii. f. i#.
80 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
oo'hartnJ'^ * When he desired them to come formrds, they
urged him to make hi^ escape^ kindly ofFering him all the
assistance in their power; but this he refused^ suspecting
they might have some ill design upon him. Though they
assured him of their ^ood intentions^ and gave him the most
evident proofs of it^ he still refused to accept their offers,
saying, ^* I will rather endure the utmost that God will suffer
them to inflict upon me, than risk the lives of those who
have shewed themselves friendly." As an evident token of
dieir esteem, they brought him out to the fresh air, cleaned
his room, and so left him.
The next morning a council was called, particular^ with a
view to determine what should be done with Mr. Balsom ;.
and as they were debating about putting him to death, a
captain, being one of the council, stood up, and said, ^^ I
will have no hand in the blood of this man ;" and went out oC
the room, and so nothing was done. The prisoner was then
carried to Salisbury ; and on the very night of his arrival,,
another council was called, and picked for the purpose^
by which he was condemned to be hanged. Having,
received the sentence of death, the high sheriff waited upcui
him in prison ; who, after much ill language, told him that he.
must prepare to suffer at six o'clock next moiiiing ; assuring:
him, at tne same time, that if he would ask the king pardon,
and serve his majesty in future, his life would be spared,
and he might have almost any preferment he pleased. . Mr.-
Balsom, being remarkably courageous, and not in the least
afraid of death, boldly replied, ^' To ask pardon when I son-
not conscious of any offence, were but the part of ^fool;
and to betray my conscience in hope of preferment, were but
the part of a knave : and if I had neither, hope of heaven,-
nor fear of hell, I M'ould rather die an honest man, thicp live a^
fool or a knave.'' He accordingly rose next monung in full
expectation of his doom ; and about six o'clock^ th^ officers,
came to the prison with a view to carry him forth to execution.
As he was preparii^ to go, he heard a post ride in, immedi-
ately asking. Is the prisoner yet alive ? He brought a reprieve:
from Sir Ralph Hopton, when, instead of death, Mr. Balsoin,
was immediately carried to him at Winchester. As hcv
entered the city, Sir William Ogle, governor of the plac^,
said, " I will feed you with bread and water two or three,
days, and then hang yQu." He fell, however, into better
hands. For upon his appearance before Sir Ralph Ho{>to|^...
ajfter ^ome familiar conversation relative to his espousing the
BALSOM. 81
pftriiament** cause, and the principles on which he acted, he
was committed with this charge, '^ Keep this man safe, but
use him well/'
Mr. Balsom, after remaining in a state of confinement for
some time, was at length, by an express order, next carried to
Oxford, and committed prisoner to the castle. Here he set
ap a public lecture, preached twice every day, and was nu-
meitniBly atfended, not only by the prisoners and soldiers, but
hy courtiers and townsmen. After having been once or twice
prohibited, he said, '* If you be weary of me, I do not wish
to trouble you any longer ; you may turn me out of doors
when you please. But while I have a tongue to speak, and
people to hear, I will not hold my peace." At length, by
an exchange of prisoners, he was released. And having
oblaihedluB liberty, he was sent for by the Earl of Essex;
when he became chaplain in his army, and continued with
Um dujrinff his command.
Iff, Biusom afterwards settled at Berwick, where he was
ifMedly employed in his beloved work of preaching. In
dus situation he had the strong affections of the people, the
miles of God upon his labours, and the satisfaction of
seeing the work of the Lord prosper in his hands. His
labours were made extensively useful ; but having occasion,
afiter some time, to visit his own neighbourhood, he never
rettimed. For, to the great anguish of his affectionate
people, he was taken ill and died, in the year 1647**
This zealous and faithful servant of God, a short time
before his death, wrote a letter to a friend in London, giving
him some account of the transactions in the north ; and
because the sight of it will be gratifying to every inquisitive
retder, it will be proper to be inserted. It is dated May 21,
1646, and is as follows :t
^ My dear friend,
** Yours was not a little welcome to me, nor am I put
to it to send you a requital. The news here is so good, that
I can hardly hold my pen for joy. The king's coming to
the Scotch army in all probability will prove one of our
Etest mercies since the wars began. And never did I
' of any christians carrying themselves so boldly and
fintfaiiilly in reproving their prince, so humbly before their
•God, -so innocently towards their brethren, so desirously of
a settled and well-grounded peace, as the Scots now do«
Hiey labour with much earnestness for the king's conversion ;
• Clark*8 LUn annexed to his Martyrologie, p. 179—1^2.
f Edwards's G&ngrcna, part iii. p. 7S, 74.
VOL. III. O
«e LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
UH him plainly of his blood-guiltiness ; have sent for out of
Scotland the able9t ministers to coaveise widi him ; have
banished all malignants six miles from his person by proch^
matJon ; refused to entertain him with any token of joy ; and
told him he was a great sinner before God, and that he must
give satisfaction to bodi kingdoms. The malignants droop,
who were gathering towards him out of bodi kingdoms. T%e
Frendi agent, who was active in making a breach, is much
discountenanced. The nobles and ministers profess dieir
earnest longing after a happy union, the settling the govern^
ment of Christ in his church ; which beii^ done, they will
presently return to peace. The independents themselves
•tand amazed at their wisdom, resolution, and fidelity: ze^
with humility, doth accompany all their actions. The
malignant party, which was much feared, is borne down;
The mouths that were so wide, both of independents and
malignants, are sewn up : they have not a word to say. And
see how the Lord blesses them. All their enemies in
Scotland are routed and brought to nothing. The Idng
refuses to proclaim Montrose and his adh^ents rebels ; but
the King of kings hath taken the quanel into his own hand;
and utterly dispersed them. I have not time to write the
particulars, only to let you know I am
Your assured friend,
R. Balsom.''
Thomas Edwards, A. M. — This very singular person
was bom in the year 1 599> and edacated in Trinity college,
Cambridge, where he took his degrees in arts, and was
incorporated at Oxford. Oiie of his name, and apparently
the same person, is said to have been of Queen's college^
Cambridge, and one of the preachers to the university. For
a sermon which he delivered in St. Andrew's church, he was
committed to prison, February 11, 1627; where he remained
till he entered into bonds for his appearance before \ii
ecclesiastical jucfges. Upon his appearance at the time atfd
place appointed, he was charged with having uttered in hi|(
sermon the following words : — ^* W hen, there arise any double
about the way, that thou knowest not well which way to tlik«^^
if thou art a sei vant, thou must not go to thy carnal mastery
to enquire of him : il ihou art a ^wife, thou must not go t0*^
tny carnal husband, to ask him : if thou art a son, thou tfua^
not go to thy carnal father : if thou art a pupil, thou mu3t'iiot
go to thy carnal tutor to ask him ; but thou must find out a
EDWARDS. 83
man in whom the Spirit of God dwelleth : one ^o b
renerced by grace^ and he shall direct thee.** A little after,
he said, ^'^If all this he not true, then this book, clapping hb
hand upon the Bible, is full of falsehoods, and God himself
is a liar, and Christ himself a deceiver." He also added, '' If
the. day of judgment were now at hand ; if the seals were
opened; if the tire were now about my ears, ^hich should
bum those diat follow not this doctrine, I would testify and
teach this, and no other doctrine.*'
Mr. Edwards, for delivering these sentiments, ^as
repeatedly convened before his superiors; and, March 31,
1628, he was required to make a public revocation of hb
opinions in St. Andrew's church, where he had delivered hb
sermon ; and the following instrument was aftenvards drawn
up, testifying his compliance : — ^* These are to certiA*, that
whereas Mr. Edwards, A. M. late of Queen's college in
Cambridge, was required to explain himself, concerning
words spoken by him in a sermon preached in tlie parish of
St. Andrew's in Cambridge, as if he had deliorted from
consulting carnal tutors, husbands and masters. To tlib
purpose he did explain himself, in tlie said church of St.
Andrew's, April 6, l62d, being the day appointed, to mic,
* He desired not to be mistaken, as if he had preached against
obedience to superiors, or hearkening to dieir advice and
counsel, though carnal and wicked ; for such might advise
well : as the pharisees sitting in Moses's chair, were to be
obeyed in their sayings; and tliat they oucht rather to be
dutiful to such than others, that they may wm them and stop
their mouths, 1 Peter, iii. I. Only if tliey advise any thing
contrary to die word, as to lie, swear, &c. to remember the
speech of the apostle, ' It is better to obey God, rather than
ihen.' In witness whereof, I, Ihomas Goodwin, then curate
of the said church, being present, have subscribed mv name
as also we whose names are undent ritten, being also there
present Thomas Goodwin, Tho. Ball, Th. Marshall."*
Though Mr. Edwards b said to have • been alwavs a
piuritan in his heart, he received orders according to the form *
of the established church ; and, on his leading the universitv
he was hcensed, in the year 1629, to preach at St. Rotolph's
church, Aldgate, London-+ About die same time, he was
brought mto trouble for nonconformity, and questioued or
suspended by Bbhtp Laud, for refusing to observe hi.
superstitious mjunctions.| In the year 1 640, having deliverrd
• Baker'i MS. Collrc. toI. ▼!. p. 192. xti. 898.
+ lirwcoart*t Reprrt. Reel. fol. i. p. 9|6.
t Prjime's Cant. Dooae, p. «78.
M LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
a sermon in Mercer's chapel, which gave great offence to the
ruling prelates, letters missive were issued against him, and
he was apprehended by the bbhop's pursuivants, and pro-
secuted m the high conmiission. It will be proper to give
an account of his puritanistu and persecution m his own
words : — " I never had a canonical coat," says he, " never
" gave a penny to the building of Paul's, took not the
** canonicid oath, declined subscription for many years before
*'*die parliament, (though I practised the old conformity,)
'^ would not give ne obolum quideni to the contributions
" a^nst the Scots, but dissuaded other ministers ; much less
** did I yield to bow to the altar, and at the name of Jesus,
^' or administer the Lord's supper at a table turned altarwise,
" or bring the people up to rails, or read the Book of Sports,
*^ or« highly flatter the archbishop in an epistle dedicator]^ to
** him, or put articles into the high commission court i^ainst
** any, but was myself put into the high commission cpurt^
'' and pursuivants, with letters missive and an attachment^
*^ sent out to apprehend me for preaching a sermon at
Mercer's chapel^ on a fast-day, in July, 1640, against the
bishops and their faction ; such a free sermon as, I believe,
^' never a sectary in Eugland durst have preached in such a
** place, and at such a time."* This Mr. Edwards has to
say of himself; though it is generally supposed that he
never had any stated charge, but officiated as lecturer at
various places, particularly at Hertford, and at Christ's-church,
London, one of his name in 1643, but whether the same
person we cannot ascertain, was vicar of Heinton in Hert-
fordshire.t
When the parliament declared against King Charles I., he
became a zealous advocate for the changes in the civil and
ecclesiastical constitution, and supported vnth all his influence
the ruling party. He was a most rigid presbyterian, and, n^itb
uncommon zeal, defended and supported that dbcipline and
government. This he declares in the dedication of one of
his books, to the lords and commons assembled in parliament,
as follows : ^' ^1 my actions," says he, ** from die beginning
** of your sitting, my sermons, prayers, praises, discourses,
'^ actings for you, speak this. I am one who out of choice
''and judgment have eii[ibarked mvself, with wife, children^
'' estate, and all that's near to me, m the same ship with yoUk
'' to sink and perish, or to come safe to land with you, ana
'' that in the most doubtful and difficult times, not only early
'' in the first beginning of the war and troubles, in a mafig;«
« £dwards*8 Gangraena, part i. p. 75, 76. Second £dit.
t Vfood'i Athenie Oxod. yoI. ii. p. 728.
EDWARDS. 85
U
u
u
i<
a
it
u
it
U
€t
nant place among courtiers and those who were servants
and had relations to the king, queen, and their children,
pleading your cause, justifying, satisfying many dut
scrupled ; but when your affairs were at the lowest, and the
chance of war against you, and some of the grandees and
favourites of these times were packine up and ready to be
gone, I was then highest and most zealous for you, preach-
ing, praying, stimng up the people to stand for you, by
going out in person, lending of money, in the latter going
** before them by example ; and as I have been your honour's
** most devoted servant, so I am still yours, and you cannot
'* easily lose me."*
When the independents began to gain some ascendency,
Mr. Edwards became equally furious against them as he had
been against the prelacy. He wrote and preached against
them with great severity, and opposed the sectaries with great
virulence. This appears from several of his publications ;
but we shall give the account in his own words :—«-'' Many
" years ago," says he, " when I was persecuted by some
prelates and their creatures, in no possibility nor capacity by
my principles and practices of preferment, I preached
against, and upon all occasions declared myself against, the
'' Brownists, separatists, antiqomians, and sdl errors in that
'' way, as well as against popish innovations and Arminian
** tenets. I have preached at London and at Hertford against
^ those errors. About ten years ago, when independency
^* and the chuich way be^an to be fallen to by men of some
** note, and some people took after it, I preached against it
** early, apd by all ways laboured to preserve the people."
He adds, ^* I never yet sought an^ great things for myself,
** great livings, or coming into public places of honour and
** respect^ to be of the assembly, or to preach in any public
'' places before the magistrates, either at Westminster or
** JUondon, but hav^ contented myself with small means, and
** to preach in private places in comparison, having refused
<' many great livings and places, preaching here in London for
** a little^ and that but badly paid, (as many well know,) mind*
** ing the work and service, litde die maintenance.'*!
Most of Mr. Edwards's productions are controversial ; th^
language and sentiments of which are bitter and. violent ii^
the highest degree. He distinguished himself by alt the zeal
and bigotry of a fiery zealot. His bitterness and enmity
* GaDfrsena, part }..p. 8. f Ibid, part Hi. p. 14,15.
86 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
against toleration- rose almost to madness ; and had he beeji
possessed of power^ he would undoubtedly have proved a^
furious a persecutor of all nonconformists to presbyterianism,
a^ the prelates had been of those who ventured to dissent
hojn the established episcopal church. Many of his severe
and unworthy reflections upon some of the most worthy
persons, as collected from his " Gangrajna" and " Antapo-
logia/' are noticed in the various parts of this work. The
pacific Mr. Jeremiah Burroughs says, *' I doubt whether
there ever was a man, who was looked upon as a man pro-
fessing godliness, that ever manifested so much boldness and
malice against others, whom he acknowledged to be reli-
gious persons. That fieiy rage, that implacable, irrational
violence of his, against godly persons, makes me stand and
wonder."*
His indignant temper and language against toleration is
without a parallel. It will be proper to give a specimen in
his own words, for the gratification of the inquisitive reader.
^' If ministers,'* says he, " will witness for truth, and against
errors, they must set themselves against toleration, as die
principal inlet to all error and heresy; for if toleration foe
i[ranted, all preaching will not keep them out. If a toleration
be granted, the devil will be too hard for us, though we preach
^ver so much against them. A toleration will undo all. 1%
will bring in scepticism in doctrine, and looseness of life^
and afterwards all atheism. O ! let ministers, therefore^
oppose toleration, as that by which the devil would at once
lay a foundation for his kingdom to all generations ; witness
tgainst it in all places ; possess the magistrate with the evil of
it ; yea, and the people too, shewing them how, if a toleration
yjvere granted, they would never have peace any more in dieir
families, or ever have any command of wives, children,
servants ; but they and their posterity are likely to live in. dis-
conftent and unquietness of mind all their days. Toleration
is destructive to the glory of God and the salvation of souls;
therefore, whoever should be for a toleration, ministers ought
to be against it. If the parliament city, yea, and all the
people, were for a toleration of aU sects, as anabaptists,
antinomians, seekers, Brownists, and independents ; yet
ministers ought to present their reasons against it, preach a^
cry out of me evil of it, never consent to it ; but protest,
against it^ and withstand it by all lawfi^ ways and meana
« BarroQgbs's Yindicatioo, p. 2. £dit. 1646.
EDWARDS. 87
within their power, yentttring the Iom of liberties, ettitm,
lives, and all in that cause, and inflame us with zeal against
a toleration, die great Diana of the sectaries.*
** A toleration," adds this bigotted and furious zealot, ^ is
the grand design of the devil; his master-piece and chief
engine he works by to uphold his tottering kingdom* It is
^e most compendious, ready, and sure way to destroy all
religion, lay all waste, and bring in all evil. It is a most
transcendent, catholic, and fundamental evil, of any that can
be imi^ined. As original sin is the fundamental sin, having
in it the seed and spawn of all sin : so a toleration hath in it
all errors and all evils. It is against the whole stream and
current of scripture both in the Old and New Testament,
both in matters of faith and manners, both general and par-
ticular commands. It overthrows all relations, political,
ecclesiastical, and economical. Other evils, whether errors
of Judgment or practice, are only against some few places of
scnpture or relation; but this is against all. This is the
j^baddon, ApoUion, the destroyer of all religion, the abomina-
tion of desolation and astonishment, the liberty of perdition ;
therefore the devil follows it night and day, and all the devils
in hell, and their instruments, are at work to promote a
tolewtion/'t .
These extracts, expressed in the author's own language, are
^*ustly descriptive of his arbitrary and outrageous temper.
3ut the presbyterian interest beginning soon after to decfine,
and Oliver Cromwell having overturned the power of the pai^
liament, Mr. Edwards, to escape the expected resentment of
the independents, fled to Holland, where he died of a auartan
ague, in l647y aged forty-eight years. By his wife, who was
heiress of a considerable fortune, he left one daughter and
four sons, the second of whom was Dr. John Edvirards,
author of Veritas Redux, and many other learned works
upon theological subjects.}
His Works. — 1. Reasons against the Independent Government of
particalar Congregations, 1641.-2. A Treatise of the Civil Power of
jSoclesiasticals, and of Suspension from the Lord^i Supper, 1642. —
9; Antapologia; or, afUil Answer to tlie * Apoiog^tical Narration* ot
Mr. gliomas) Goodwin, Mr. Nye, Mr. Sympson, Mr. Burroug^hs, and
Mr. Bridge, Members of the Assembly of Divines, 1644. — I. Gan-
g|^na; or, a Catalogue and DiscoTcr}' of man v of the Errors, Here-
sills, Blfu^bemies, and pemicions Practices of the Sectaries of this
s
• Edwards's Gaofratoa, part i. p. 85, 86. Third edit.
"f ibid. p. 58, 69.
} Bios. BriUn. loh y. p. 543. Edit. IT78.
.88 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
I
Time, vented and acted in England in these four last years, iii Parb,
1646.— 6. The particular Visibility of the Church, 1647.— 6. TK«
Casting down of the last and strongest Hold of Satan ; or, a Treatise
against Toleration, Part first, 1647.
John White, A. M. — ^This excellent divine was bom tt
Stanton St. John in Oxfordshire, in the year 1576, and
educated first at Winchester, then in N ew College, Oxford,
where he was chosen fellow. In the year 1606, he left Ae
university, and became rector of Trinity church, Dorchester,
where he • continued, with little interruption, above forty
years. He was a Judicious expositor of scripture; and,
during his public ministry at Dorchester, he expounded tfie
whole Bible, and went through one half a second time.*
About the year 1624, Mr. White, with some of his friends,
projected the new colony of Massachusetts in New England,
as an asylum for the persecuted nonconformists; but, for
several years, the object met with numerous discouragements.
Indeed, the difficulties became so foimidable, that the under*
taking was about to be relinquished, and those who had
settled in the new plantation were on the point of returning
home. At this juncture the worthy settlers, who had already
outbraved many a storm, and surmounted the greatest diffi*-
culties, received letters from Mr. White, assuring them, that
if they could endure their painful conflict a little longer, he
would procure for them a patent, and all the necessaiy
supplies for the new settlement. They concluded to wait
the event ; and in all these particulars he made his promise
good. Thus, by the blessing of God upon his active and
vigorous endeavours, the colonists were enabled to maintain .
their ground ; and they afterwards greatly prospered.^ * Thb
was the first peopling of Massachusett's Bay in New
England.
About the year 1630, Mr. White was brought into trouble'
by Bishop Laud, and prosecuted in the high commission
court, for preaching against Arminianism aiid the popish cere-
monies.it Wood is therefore mistaken when he says '' that
he conformed as w^ll after as before the advancement of
Laud.'' Though it does not appear how long his trouUes
continued, or what sentence was inflicted upon him ; yet '
these proceedings against a divine of such distinguished^
♦ Wood's Athena; Oxod, toI. ii. p. 60.
+ Mather'sNew Eng. b. i.p. 19.->Priiice*iCbilfD. Hist. vol. i.p.|44-*149.
{ Prynne'9 Caot. Doome, p. S62.
WHITE. 89
-fexcdlence^ and one so universally beloved, were sure to
Vring the greatest odium upon his persecutors. Mr. White
was afterwards a great sufferer from the public confusions of
the nation. His excellencies could not screen him from the
destructive ravages of the civil wars. Prince Rupert and his
forces b^ng in those parts, a party of horse was sent into the
town, when the soldiers plundered his house, and earned
away his library. But, upon the approach of these calami-
ties, the good man fled from the storm; and, retiring to
LoodoQ, was made minister of the Savoy.*
In the year 1640, Mr. White was appointed one of the
learned divines to assist the committee of religion, consisting
of ten €iii8, ten bishops, and ten barons.t In 1643, he was
chosen one of the assembly of divines, and cons^ntly
attended. He was deservedly admired on account of his
great zeal, activity, learning, moderation, and usefulness,
daring the uriiole session. Upon the meeting of both houses
of parliament, the assembly of divines, and the Scots com-
noners, in Margaret's church, Westminster, to take the cove-
tent, he engaged in the public prayer ; and, to prepare their
minds for so sacred an engagement, as our author observes, he
prayed a yii// hour.t In 1645, upon the revival of the com-
mittee of accommodation, he was chosen one of its members.^
And about the same time he was appointed to succeed Dr.
Featley in the sequestered rectory of Lambeth ; and, accord-
ing to our historian, he was appointed to have the care and
use of die doctor's library, until the doctor should be able to
procure his, which had been carried away by Prince Rupert's
soldiers.! In 1647^ Mr. W^hite was offered the wardenship
of New College, Oxford, but refused the ofKce.
When the public broils of the nation were concluded, he
returned to his flock and his ministry at Dorchester ; where
he continued in peace the remainder of his days. He died
suddenly, July 21, 1648, aged seventy-two years. His
remains were interred in the porch of St. Peter's churchy
Dorchester, but without any monumental inscription.! He
was a most faithful pastor; and a divine of sound doctrine^
«
* Wood*s Atheoae Oxon. vol. ii. p. 61.
i This coramiUee was appointed by the bouse of lords, and desig^ned to
•lamine all innoTatinns, as weU in doctrine as discipline, illegally intro-
4«ced into the church since the reformation. It was extremely ofS^nsife
to the intolerant spirit of Archbishop Laud. — Wharton*t ^oubUa of
Lni^ Tol. i. p. 174, 175.
1 Whitlocke'8 Mem. p. 70.
S Papers of Accommodatioo, p. IS.
I Wood's Athene Oxon. vol. ii. p. 01>
I Wood's Hilt. & Antiq. 1. ii. p. 149.
9» LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
90 admirable judgment, and a most powerful genius, being
na less eminent for piety, £aith, and diligence. Also, ha was
a .person of unconunon gravity, and so universally beloved
and respected, that he was usually called the patriarch of
Dorchester, The puritans at a distance, as well as those
about him, according to Wood, '* had more respect for him
tban even for their diocesan; yet he was a most moderate
piuitan.'^* ** He was a constant preacher," says Fuller,
*t and, by his vidsdom and . ministerial labours, Dorchester
was much enriched with knowledge, piety, and industry ."t
Mr. John White, the ejected nonconformist, was his son.t
His Works.— 1. The Way to the Tree of Life, 1647.— 2. A Coi»-
mentary upon the Three first Chapters of Genesis, 1656. — 3. Direc-
tions for Reading the Scriptures. — i. Of the Sabbath.' — 5. Seyeral
Sermons. — ^Most probably he vas author of some other articles.
Peteb Smart, A. M . — This great sufferer in the cause
Df nonconformity was bom in Warwickshire, in the year
1569; dnd educated first at Westminister school, then at
Broadgate's-hall, Oxford, and afterwards elected student of
Christ's Church, in the same university. After taidne his
degrees he entered into the ministry, when Dr. Wuliam
James, dean, and afterwards bishop, of Durham, presented
him first to the grammar-school at Durham, then made him
one of his chaplains ; and, in 1609^ presented him to the sixth
prebend in the cathedral of Durham, and the rectory of
Boldovers.$ In the* year 1614 he vi^as removed from the
sixth to the fourth prebend ; but his patron, the bishop, dying
in ^bout three years, he received no further advancement.
The first business of a public nature in which Mr, Smart
appears to have been engaged, was his appointment to the
high Commission for the province of York. He was nomi-
nated one of the commissioners in the year 1625; and though
at their second assembly he qualified according to law, he
seldom honoured the court witli his attendance, and sub->
scribed only to one sentence. Upon the renewal of the
commission in 1627> he again qualified, but seldom attended.}
. * Wood's Athene Oxon. toI. M. p- 60, 61.
• f Faller'8 Wortbies, fiart ii. p. 340.
^ Palmer's Noncon. Mem. vol. ii p. 145.
^ GraDger says be was minister at Bowden, by which is pnMUy
intended the same place. — Biog. Hist,- vol. ii. p. 160.
y Wood's Athene Oxon. vol. 114 p, 11.— Ulustiatioa of 29cal itf tlM
article of Peter Smart, p. 8, 3.
SMART. 91
This vftis about tea months previous to the commcncancfit
of his troubles, occasioned by a sermon which he preached
in the cathedral at Durham. In this sermon, delivered July
9,7, 1628, he spoke widi considerable freedom against the
superstitions and popish innovations, which Dr. Cpsins and
others had introduced into that church.* His text was, /
hate all those that love superstitious vanities^ but thy law do
I love. For the satisfaction of the reader, we shall insert
some of the most exceptionable and offensive parts of this
sermon. He said, ^ The whore of Babylon's bastardly brood,
doating upoti their mother's beauty, that painted harlot, the
church of Kome, has laboured to restore her all her robes
and jewels again, especially her looking-glass, the mass, in
which she may behold all her bravery. For they, despising
all the plain simplicity of that srave matron, Christ s holj
spouse, have turned her offices an out of doors, with all her
bousehold-stuii^ her tables, her books, her cups, her com-
munions, the very names of her ministers : instead whereof,
the words priest and altar are taken up by them; because
without a priest no sacrifice can be offered ; without priest
afid sacrifice there is no use of an altar ; and without all these
there can be no mass. But the ntass coming in, brings in
with it an inundation of ceremonies, crosses, crucifixes^
chalices, images, copes, candlesticks, tapers, basons, and a
thousand sucn trinkets which attend upon the mass.
'^ Before we had ministers, as the scripture calls them, we
had communion tables, we had sacraments; but now we have
priests, we have sacrifices and altars, with much altar-furni-
ture, and many massing implements. Nay, what want we ?
Have we not all religion agam i For if religion consists in
altar-ducking, cope-wearmg, organ-playing, piping, and sing-
ing, crossing of cushions, kissing of clouts, oft starting up
* AoaccoantortbcseioDOfatioot it still oo record. Dr. Cosin rcMovtd
the commonioo table in the church of Darbam, aod erected it aliar-«k#
expend iDf two kuudred pooods in beaatifviog it.— He ifed there to officiate*
turning bis back to the people.~He used extraordinary boaiaa to it -lu
compelled oUien to do Uie same, oiinf ?iolence on Ummc who refii«i>d ..if!
abolished Uie singing of Psalms in tl£ chufck.~-nr!M^ n^uT^X^
wax candks to be set up and lighted in the church, on CandlemLSl!^
nigbt, in honour of our Lady.-He caused diven inLm, most iloSi.h!
painted, to be erected in Uie church.-He used Iki^rmpi^kill!^^
all good order and, intend of a relbnaation, made it aTSmSl!^^
He caused two thouiand pounds to be exaendMl in t^tilm^irr^^* —
other supentitloos inno^tlons. He ^SS^i^ ^72^121^2?
saeruneotal bread to beconwcnOed, kS^e^Jt « a!nlll2^^ **•
«»r ?f^^". with a golde. beard, U?a W J^ ci' 1 'i'JIf ^'^T •^
-oriVs CsOec. toI. .. p. W^l0.^iami»!!iZ 7^^ ST^*^
92 LIVES OP THE PURITANS.
and squatting down, nodding of heads, and whirling about till
their noses stand eastward ; in candlesticks, crucifixes, burn-
ing of wax-candles, and (what is worst of all) gilding of
angels, garnishing of images, and setting them up: if, I say,
religion consists m these, and such like superstitious vanities,
cerenionial fooleries, apish toys, and popish trinkets, v^e had
never more religion than now. They are whores and whore-
mongers, they commit spiritual fornication, who bow their
bodies before the idol."* These were the most exceptionable
passages in Mr. Smart^s. sermon, even his enemies being
judges.
. The very day on which he preached this invective and
seditious sermon, as it is called, against tlie decent and allowed
ceremonies of the church of England, a letter missive was
issued to apprehend him, and bring him before the dean and
other commissioners. Upon his appearance he delivered up
his sermon to be copied, declaring that he would justify every
particular therein contained. After he had entered into a
bond of one hundred pounds for his future appearance he was
dismissed. From the time of his first appearance to January
$9th following, he appeared no less than eight different times
before his ecclesiastical judges. In the mean time, articles
were exhU)ited against him, to which he gave hid writteii
answers. At length, however, he was sent to the high com-
mission at Lambeth. Fuller says, that for preaching the
above sermon, '^ Mr. Smart was kept a prisoner four months,
by the high commision of York, before any articles were
exhibited<against him, and five months before any proctor wasr
allowed him. * From the high commission of York he was
carried to* the high commission at Lambeth, and, after long
trouble, jemanded back to York, fined Jive hundred pounds,
ordered to recant, and, fOr neglecting which, he was fined a
second time, excommunicated, degraded, deprived, and com-
mitted to prison, his damage amounting to many thousand
pounds."t It is inquired by what Ij^w Mr. Smart was treated
thus, for preaching against setting up images, altars,- placing
them at the east end of the church, and bowing to diem,
directly contraiy to the Bpok of Coiniuon Prayer, and the
homily against idolatry, confirmed by act of parlia^ient?^ He
' remained in prison eleven or twelve years, till he was released,
by the long parliament. The puritans had so much esteem *
« Grey's Ezamlnatioii of Neal, ▼ol. i. p. 118, 1 19.— lllojitration vf Net!,,
p. 181.
t vFoUer's Church Hi#t« b. zi. p. 178.^IUustnitioD of Neal, p. 5, 72«
;( HuiiUey'i Prelates* UsarpatioDs, p. 160.
SMART. SS
•ndcQiiipMskHi for him, diat durii^ his imprisonmenty thej
nkei him j£4O0 a year.* Bishop Laud, it should be observed^
in§ the leading person in all the cruelties inflicted upon
lir.Soiart.f
November 12, 1640, the humble petiuon of Mr. Peter
Smart, prisoner in the KingVbench, complaining of the hard
mge he had met with, was read in the house of commonsi,
irim it was referred to the c6mmittee appointed to consider
Ae petition of Dr. Leighton and others. The house further
onjoedy ^ That Mr. Smart, in all his particulars, shall have
Ae same liberty as that granted to Dr. Leighton, and shall
have copies of the records in the king's-bench and the high
commiswon gratis.'^
Ou Jmimiy 12th following, an order passed the house,
''ThatDr.Easdale, Roger Blanchard, and Phineas Hodson,
D. D«. shall shew cause to this house why they do not pay the
monies «dj|iM]ged to be paid to Mr. Peter Smart, upon a
jnd^^nient m the king's-bench, against the said Easdale,
• GtWDger's Biog. Hiif. ▼ol. ii. p. 170. ^.
f Pryftoe*! Cut. Doome, p. 78, 93; 498. — Doring Mr. Soiart's confine*
MH 11 prisoDy he receWed a letter from Mrs. Smart, dated Witten«<3illMurC,
April C, 1632.:'Tliis letter, ^rhich is said to be *' larded with cant, and to be
• fpediaen of female casuistical puritanism," was as follows: —
" Most loving and dearly beloved bnsbaod,
** The grace and blessing of God be with yon, eren as nnto mine
** owne sonle and body, so do I dayly in my harty prayer wish unto yon
'*aad my children; for I doe dayly twise, at the least, in this sort
" rcaember yon. And I do not doable, deere husband, but that both yon
** and 1, as we be written in the booke of life, so we shall together enjoy
" the aime CTerlastingly, f hrought the saveing grace and mercy of God,
** Mr deare Father, in his Soonne oor Christ : and for this present life, let
**« wholly appointe ourselves to the will of our God, to glorifie him,
** whether by life or by death; and even that mercifull Lord make at
** worthy to honor him either way, as pleaseth him. Amen. Ye what great
" fiase of r^oysing have we in our most gratious God, we can not bnc
** briit fonrth into the prasiog of such a bountiful! God, which niaide .yon
** worthy to salTcr for bis name and worde saike : for it is given to yon of
** God, not only that ye should believe in him ; but also, that ye shonid
" saler for his saik, 1 Peter, 4, 5. Yf ye suffer rebuke in the name of
** Christ, that Is, in Christ's canse, for bis truths sake, then ar ye happy
** and hlesied ; for the glory of the spirit of God resteth upon von> and
•** therefore rejoice in the Lord, and againe I say rejoice; for the distressed
'^chnrch doth yet suffer dayly thinges for her mortification, and for thin
** ennse, ii contemned and despised. But alas! if thy servant David, if
" Ihiae oaely Soonne our Saviour Christ livede in shame and contempt, and
**weere a noklng stocke for the people; wbie should not we then
** patiently snff'er all things, that we might enter into glory, through many
** Ironblet, Tezationi, shame, and ignominy, &c. — Tfa&.J[ile8sinf of God be
*' with aU, Amen, pray, pray. — ^Your loving and faithfnll wife until!
" death,
^' SvsAsnrA Skast.'
JlnKrvfiMi 0flf$al, f, 61^70.
*•
fl4 LIVES OF THE PURITANS-
Blanchardy and Hodson, at the suit of the said Peter Smait
about ten years since."
On January 22ndy Mr. Rouse presented the report of the
conunittee concerning Mr. Snvurt to the house of commonf ,
upon which the house resolved :
1. ** That the several proceedings of the high commission
court of York and Canterbury, against Mr. Smart, and thfe
several fines by them imposed upon him, are illegal and
unjust, and ousht not to bind.
2. ** That the degradation of Mr. Smart, and his depriva-
tion from his prebend, and other ecclesiastical livings, are
unjust and illegal ; and that he ought to be restored to all of
them,, together with the mean profits.
3. ** ITiat Dr. Cosins and others, the prosecutors of Mr.
Smart, ought to make him satisfaction for his damages
sustained.
4. ** That Dr. Cosins (a chief actor in Mr. Smut's prose-
cution) is guilty of bringing superstitious innovations into the
church, tending to idolatry ; and of speaking scandalous and
malicious words against his majesty's supremacy and the
religion established.
5. *' That Dr. Cosins is, in the opinion of this house, unfit
and unworthy to be a governor in either of the universities, of
to continue any longer head or governor of any college, or'to
bold and enjoy any ecclesiastical promotions."*
The house then referred it to the committee, to prepare
snch things as might be thought fit to be transmitted to the
house of lords concerning Dr. Cosins ; and also to consider
of the most proper way of making Mr. Smart reparations for
the damages he had sustained. When Mr. Rouse delivered
the charge against Dr. Cosins, at the bar of the house of lords^
be said, among other things, '^ That by the arms of the priests
Mr. Smart had been oppressed and ruined. He fell tipo^
their superstitions and innovations, and they fell upon him
with their arms ; they beat him down ; yea, they pulled him
up by the roots, taking away all the means of his support ;
jet leaving him life to feel his miseries. There is no cruelty
uke priestly cruelty; and this cruelty cast him into lon^
continued misery, whence he could obtain no release by tag
priestly mercy. And now it is prayed, that as these aeUn"
quents, by ' their cruel oppressions of Mr. Smarts have
ifdvanced the cause of popery, so they may in a suitably
degree be punished; that in tiieni priestly cruelty, and (chs
«
• Rasliwortb'i Collec. vol. v. p. 41, 136> 168.— NoIwd'i CoUec veL 1.
M3S,7S4, f . ^ f .
8SIART. ^5
voy cause of popeiy^ may appear to be punished and sup-
pimed; and Mr. Smart, suffering for the cause of protestancy,
may be so repaired, that in him pious constancy, and the
ouise of protestancy, may appear to be righted and repaired."*
Mr. Rouse, in a speech before the house of commons,
March 16, 1640, denominated Mr. Smart ^ the proto-
auulyr;'' and he was usually called, ^ the protonuutyr in
diese latter days of persecution."t
Mr« Smart,, therefore, received some reparations for
damages, but whether adequate to his losses and sufferings,
IB extremely doubtfid. His case was several times before
the lorda, who passed various orders in favour of his repa-
ratioiBs.^ By an order which they passed in 1642, he waft
rettorad to his prebend in Durhaili, and presented to the
vicarage of Acliff in that county .$ In 1644 he was witness
agtfost Archbishop Laud at his trial, and was living October
31, 1648, beii^ then seventy-nine years of a^*|| Mr. Smart
vas a tolerable poet, a pious and judicious mmister, a reverend
and grave divine, and a zealous enemy to superstition ;f but
Us enemies say, that he was of a most forward, fierce, and
ungovernable spirit; and that he was justly imprisoned and
doly rewarded for his excessive obstinacy .*• This, however,
11 the first time we have heard that excessive obstinacy was
iMbf rewarded thus. It is said, '^ he had not preached m the
cathedral church at Durham, though a prebendary of it, for
•even years, till he preached that seditious sermon for which
he was questioned. And while he held and enjoyed his pre-
ferment, and his health too, he seldom preached more than
ooce or twice a year.'^ Tltis account comes from one of his
prosecutors, being his bitter enemy; and appears extremely
tuajMciou!). For if Mr. Smart had been so indolent and
Qattentive to his ministerial function as here represented, how
vai it that he gained so high a reputation among his brethren f
The puritans, it is well known, invariably abhorred the con-
iud of idle, worldly shepherds, over the flock of Christ.f f
IGs Works. — 1. The Vanity and Downfal of Superstition and
I^>pith Ceremonies, in two sermons, in the cathedral church of
Imiam, preached in July 1628, printed 1628.— 2. A brief but true
* Rashwortb's CoIIec. yoI. v. p. 211.
* f Greer's Ezamioattoo, toI. \, p. 1 19.— Wood*8 Atbenas Ozon. yoI. Ii.p. 18«
1 niastratioD of Neal, p. 137—142.
S Nal8on*9 CoUec. toI. it. p. 406.— Neal's Puritani, vol. ii. p. 909«
I lUostratioD of Neal, p. 161.
f Prynne's Cant^ Doome, p. 93. — Wood's Athena Ozoa. fol. ii. p. If.
** IHnitration of Neal, p. 5, 162.
^f Bio^raphia Britaa. ^ol. Iv. p. 283. Edit. 1778. ^
96 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
historical Narrative of some notorious Acts and Speeches of Mr.
John Cozens, and some other of his Companions, contracted into
Articles. — 3. Various Poems in Latin and Eoglish.— 4. Yarioua
Letters.
RiCHABD Blackerby. — This eminently holy and learned
divine was bom at Worlington in Suffolk, in the year 1574^
and educated in Trinity college, Cambridge, vfhere be coni'
tinned nine Tears, and made amazing attauiments in useful
literatnre. Here he sat under the ministry of the famous
Mr. Perkins, by means of whose preaching he was effectually
converted to God. For several years he laboured under the
most painful awakenings of conscience, approaching almost
to melancholy. While he was groaning under these cdnvic^
tions, his father, who was unconscious of the cause of his
dejection, called him home, hoping that a change of air
might remove his complaint ; but his father was not afware of
.his disease, and the remedy proved ineffectual. AfterwiiffdSi
he found peace with God, and enjoyed comfort in his lywii
JM>ui, through faith in Jesus Christ, which he never lost to his
dying day. Upon his leaving the university, he became
domestic chaplain first to Sir Thomas Jermin of Kushbrobk
in Suffolk, then to Sir Edward Lukenor* of Denhaih in the
same county. Here he continued till he married the daughter
of Mr. Timothy Oldman, minister of Denham, whose father
was greatly persecuted, and at length forced to abscond, in
the days of Queen Mary. Mr. Blackerby, after remairiiAg
two years with bis father-in-law, was called to preadi at
Felt well in Norfolk. In this situation he continued some
time, but, on account of his nonconformity, was at last obliged'
to remove to Ashdon in Essex, where he 'abode twenty-dl^ee
years, and was employed in the education of youth. Sorihe
of his scholars became men of considerable eminence. Dr.'
Bernard, whom he recommended to Archbishop Usher, an4
who afterwards became that learned prelate's chaplain and
wrote his life, was one of them. Although Mr. Kackerby,
on account of his nonconformity, could not, with a good
conscience, accept of any ecclesiastical preferment, or under^
take any pastoral charge, within the pale of the^natipnal
church,/ y^t he constancy preached at one place or anotii^,
as he found opportunity. During the last ten years of. the
* Sir Edward was member in seyeral parliaments, and a person of 'coa-
fiderable eminence. He was a gentleman of great piety, an able patriei^«
a zealons promoter of a further reformation, and a great friend to the
fersecoted ooncoafolrmiats.^ilf^. Chronology, tel, ii« p. 593. (S.)
•hOfe l^mod, be preached regularly at Hennio^m in
Eifi^ iir StoJ^f, or jH^ikw ip Suffbk^^
Mr. Blackerby was a nian of a most holy and f^zempkuf
dmnctpr, as wiU ai>pear from tbe account siven of Uin by
Mr, Q9fk. f* During his loug life/' says this audior, ^* bt
fteyer AO^nned to lose one moment of time in idleness. As a *
WfB mmo^ he speut «U his leisure hours in providing fiv
iniB|oit9lity- He ix>se early, bodi winter and summer, and
fffi9t tbe whole d9y in reading, meditation, prayer, and the
MitnictiQD .of others. He was remari^aUy punctual and coo-
f^tSB^QW HI Ihe observance of family religion. He instructed
^ pMllilf /daily in true christian piety and useful learning,
tad ^ICsltod b^ore Ihem continually in vnsdom, love, ami
tf^ tftftfas* Young students, upon their leaving the
JmfttSfkfp put themselves under his tuition, to be further pre-
pmifyr ttie pidbiic ministry ; to whom he taught Hebrew,
Pfm^ tfl$ .Sdiptures, read divini^, and gave excellent in*
Mncligw .rdatisise to learning, doctrine, and future life.^
In )ua Auhlic ministry, when he was suspended in out
^^ lie m(A to another. By this means, thou^ he lived ip
^PH^f Jhe was seldom kept silent for any considerable
||QMd* His method in preaching consisted chiefly in ope&-
fng ii^ meaniiig of scripture, and in making appropriate
I^MflrvaliQQs, fol£>wed widi a close application. He studied
^i^d to understand the scriptures, had great skiU in die
4Mi|^nfdy and lived much in holy converse vrith God. Hit
{wenching was accompanied with so abundant an out-pour-
ttg i>f .the Spirit, that he had reason to believe God made him
die spiritual Seither of above two thousand persons. Indeed,
tlie word of God fiEdling from his lips, soon became tha
savoyir of life unto life to those who heard it, or they became
emaged against it. And though persons of sesired con-
IQQiices sometimes became violendy outrageous against his
freadling, the signal judgments of God commonly found
duffi out. At Hundon he met with considerable oppoaitioB
ftmn many of the principal persons in the place, who united
tiigf^her and procured his suspension, but who were afiter*-
ivanii .blasted in dieir estates, some brought to beggary, and
all, excepting one, died miserable deaths. The sabbath
filter hit spspension, one of them boasting in the church-
jvdy that now they bad got Blackerby out of the pulpit ; a
.WMWrn atai^iw by, and hearing him, replied, '' Blackerl^
%ill pceach in Hundon pulpit, when you are crying m helL '
• Clark*! Livat, taut to), part i. p. 67, M.
▼OL. III. M,
W LIVES or THE P0RITANS.
And tlie wj sabbadi after this man was^lmriedi itr.
Bicckarby obtained bis liberty, and preached on that dqr m
Hvndon pulpit.
Mr. Blackerby was eminently distinguished ibr personal
feli^n and triie holiness. To promote this, vras indeed Us
chief business. Though he was not without his infirmities;
yety to all impartial judses, he was free from the allowance of
any iniquity. His whole deportment was as if God, his holy
law, and the day of judgment, were constantly before hu
eyes. He was always deeply impressed with the majesty and
holiness of God, and maintained a constant watchfulness
over his heart and life. He practised mortification and sdtf-
denial, and was justly reputed ** one of the holiest men livina.''
.Nevertheless, he was deeply humbled under a sense of nis
-manifold infirmities^ and imperfections. This he often di^
covered to a grand-child of his, whom he used to address ai
follows : ^' Oh, thou little thinkest what a vile heart I hate^
and how I am pli^ed with proud thoughts. Child, if dioH
hast any acquaintance with God, pray for me, that God woaU
purify this blthy heart. Oh ! if God did not enable me, iA
some measure, to keep a watch over it, I should act to the
shame of my fece." While he brought these bitter accusal ^
tions against himself, he exercised the greatest candow
towards oAers, even diose who difiered from him in matlerii
of subscription and church discipline. He used to obserft^
with the nunous Mr. Perkins, '^ That when a man^ia ooee
acquainted with his own heart, he will be apt to think eveiy
one better than himself: and an appearance of the love c^
God in any, will make him put the best construction on aD
Aeir words and actions.'' Yet no hope of preferment, nor
any painful suffering, would prevail upon him to act contrary
Id die convictions of his own mind. Though he could not^
with a safe conscience, conform to the church of England,
with the view of obtaining a living, or to secure himself Atttn
the iron hand of persecution ; yet, in those things wherein it
appeared to be his duty to conform, no man was more exact
than hamself • Like many other nonconformists, he had no)
ofa}ection to die use of some parts of the Book of Commonj
Prayer. • . -^
He was a wise, afiectionate, and faithful friend, and never
aufieied sin to pass unreproved. In the discharge of 'this
most difficult duty, he majiifested sO much love, serioutaesir,
and sweetness of spirit, that while he touched the consd^aoei
of those whom he reproved, they still loved him. ^* His
reproofs," as one observes, '< were dipt in oil; driven into the
BLACKERBY. 99
iMtrl^ and received with alt acceptation, because of the over*
pmuagldoidness with which they were attended." When he
ma. in comfumy with persons of wealUi, and heard them
iWMTy or use profiEuie language^ he would withdraw from
dw comi^uiy with a sad countenance; and would address
diem in private, with so much affection and seriousness, that
tfa^ wdud frequendy thank him. On one of these occa-
iooBp a gentleman said to him, i* Had you reproved me at
tahk I would have stabbed you, but now I thank you."
^ He was a strict and zealous observer of the sabbath. As
iwqparatoiy to the holy observance of this day, he constantly
pffeadied m his own house on the Saturday afternoon. He
rose earlier on the sabbath than on other days ; and prayed
six tiioei with his family every sabbath, besides expounding
the acriptima. He was particularly zealous in recommending
to othttn dlie holy observance of this day. Being once
iBvited to preach at Linton in Cambridgesliire, where a foir
was annually-kept on the Lord's day, he so convinced the
idhabitants of the sinfulness of the practice, that, it is said^
diey would hold the fair no more on that day. He was of a
aaoit tender and contrite spirit; and enjoyed so much the
pretence and blessing of God in holy duties, that he often
said at die conclusion, he would not for many worlds have
misted the opportunity. This holy man was crucified to the
world, and the world was crucified to him. He lived above
die world, having his affections set on better things. His
passionate fondness for the things of this world was so fieir
subdued, that, though he had a most tender affection for his
relations and friends, the loss of them did not discompose his
mind, nor interrupt his conununion with God. When his
ddett daughter, whom he dearly loved, was taken away by
death, he preached her funeral sermon with the utmost com-
posure, and said, he believed she feared God from three
years pld. He preached as a man who had not lost his God,
though he had lost his dearest child. The love of the
creature could never draw his heart from the Creator. He
enjoyed the abundant manifestations of God's love. His
holy and heavenly dcportmept was accompanied with a
settted peace of conscience, and a full assurance of eternal
1^. lie often declared before his death, that for more than
tartv years he never had a single doubt of his sdvation.
When the persecuting prelates were laid aside, and Mr.
iNackerby could take the pastoral charge without subscrip-
tion and observing the ceremonies, he was chosen pastor of
Great Thuijfow in Suffolk, wh^re he continued the rest of bis
i0D LIVES OP THE PORITAN&
6aj9. ,Widi gmit zeil md ftidifiiliiefft, he hfcamrf to M«^
mote die glory of God and the good of souk to the «e|y m/L
He wa^ taken Ul m the pulpit, was carried hoBie> and oMk
tinaed in a weak state about sis weeks, but kfept his bed ttif
two days. He died in die year 1648, seed seytntj-fcuT
jears. Mr. Blackerby was ^ an eiedlent ung^dit, ilkd ae^
counted the best Hebiean in Cambridce.'^ Uriagei' atf^
^ he was perfecdy skflled in the learned languages.'^ At hik
death, he expressed his strong hopes, dial in the day of jtM%-
ment tfa«e would be many hundreds of his posteii^ siGmfaig
at die right hand of Christ. And it is said, that dMite %ho
knew ius children believed they were all heirs of isfeiMl fift :
diere were fiiv^urable hopes of all his' gimiidcliilA[en, inany
of whom were eminent persons; and inany off Inm K'^ea'^
grandchildren were truly pious christians.^ The ckeakil
Mr. Samuel Faircioug^, who was ejected' in IdGSy MMM
one of his daughters.) It is said, that on nzetvitk tf ikii
heavenly maiesty and holiness ^hidl always attended Ifav
Blackerby, me excellent Mr. Daniel Rogers of WedtetaMd
ttsed to say, he coidd never come into Ms presentee witfiWil
trembfii^.|
Thomas Temple, D. D.— This karmid dhtM ^M*
brother to Sir John Temple, ma^er of die rolls, and one kS.
his majesty's privy councfl in Ircliand. He was feHo^ %f
Trimty coflege, Dublin, and afterwards resided for sonlie ^§Hm
in Lincoln coAege, Oxford. He was beneficed first at ^%p*'
wick in Nordiamptonshire, then at Battersea tn Sm^. 4te
diis last place he "was labouring in the year 16S9, havii^ HEfK
Samuel W^s for Ins assistomt.! Upon die comrnenccBKJBt
of die civil war, he espoused the cause of die pariianHM;
and, in 1643, was appointed one <^ the licensers of ifaa
press, and nominated one of die assembly of divines, and ha
coostandy attended durii^ the session. He was one of Ae
committee for the examination and oit&nation oi raif^tera.^
In 1645, lie was chosen one of the committee of accomnao*
d^don.tt In each of these public offices he discovered gifSal
leaiinug and moderation. In the year 1648, he united wMi
• Clark's Lifet, p. 58— 6S.
4 Granger's Biog. Hist. vol. ii. p. I9S. 'J CUrk*s Lifftf p»#4»
JPHlmerls Noncon. Mem. iol. iii. p. 2T9.
Clark^s LWes, p. 65.
f dOaay^s Accoont, vol. it p. 407, 540.
• • Neat's Paritaas, vol. iii. p. 46, 5S, 89.
f f ftpen of AccomnodaUoD, p. 1$, • . _
TE1IPLE--J. WILKINSON. 10|
^ rati of ^ London mhuBtera in tfieir protestation ftgainft
liw king's deaths* Wood denominates him '' a forward
fnkdberJ'i He frequently preached before the pariiament,
lid several of his sermons were afterwards published^ Ofie of
tttdi 19 entitled^ ** Chrisf s Government in and over his
9taple, delivered before the honourable House of Commons
al dieir Fast, October 26, 1642, on Psalm ii. 6./' 164S. But
Hrheo he died we have Hot been able to learn.
#o«if Wilkinson, D.D. — ^This venerable divine was
tern m dw parish of Halifax in Yorkshire, and educated in
die uidveiiity of Oxford, where he was hi^y celebrated for
leamiiy^ He became fellow of Magdalen collie, was
fitfor to Prince Henry, and afterwards made principal of
lfq;0sdeiih&all, in the same university. By his recommenda-
tilN^ 4m weU-biown Mr. Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbuiy,
^m taken into die family of Lord Hardwicke, soon after
CMted Eari of Devonshire, in the quality of tutor to his
iea WSliam Lord Qivendish.$ Upon die commencement of
die civil wars, he espoused the cause of the parliament; and
Oxford being garrisoned by the royal forces, he fled to the
parlifunent's quarters, when he was succeeded in the above
o<Bce by Dr. Thomas Read. But m the year 1646, Dr.
Wilkinson was restored ; and by an ordinance of partiamen^
dated May 1, 1647, he was appointed one of the visitors of
die university of Oxford. In May, 1648, he was made
Eetideut of Magdalen college, in the place of Dr. 01iver.|
•e did not, however, live long to occupy diis public office ;
far lie died January 2, 1649, and his remains were interred
in the church of Great Milton in Oxfordshire. Though h^
WIS a man of great learning and piety,i Dr. Walker is pleased
to say, upon the slender authority of a scurrilous and abusive
btter written against the puritans, ^' That he was known not
to have preadied above once in forty years ; that he had out>
lived die little learning he once possessed ; and was become
Ae very sport of boys."** How far this account, from so
base an authority, and evidently designed to reproacli hit
Bemory, is worthy of credit, we will not attempt to determine;
.• Gdamy't.CttDtin. ¥•!. ii. p. 74S.
<^ Wood's Athene Ozon. toI. i. p. 895.
i VTatson*! Hiit. of Halifax, p. 626.
( Biog. Britan. vol. iv. p. 2599. Edit. 1747.
I VTalker's Attempt, part i. p. 120, 1S4.
1 Neal's Puritana, ▼ol. iii. p. 4S1.
•• Walker*! Attempt, part i. |U 127.
lot LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
bat certain it is, that the parliament, to -whom he -was wdt
known, and by whom he was so highly esteemed, formed m
very diiSerent opinion of him.
Fuller observes, " that Dr. Lawrence Hmnphrey, die
famous old puritan, having bequeathed to Magdalen collq^
a considerable sum qf gold left in a chest, and not to be
opened except in some case of great emergency ; Dr. Wil«
kinson, while he was president, took this gold, and shared it
betwixt himself and the fellows of the college. Though one
must charitably believe,'' he adds, " that the matter was not
so bad as is reported, yet the most favourable account gave a
general distaste.'** Dr. Heylin says, " the sum. amounted toi
upwards of twelve hundred double pistoles, value sixteen
shillings and six-pence each ; and that die old doctor had one
hundred for his share of the spoil, and the fellows thirty each.*
But he observes, that, according to tcadition, the money waa
left by the founder of the college, and not by Dr. HumphrqU
Wood says, '^ the sum ai^ounted to no less than fourUm
hundred pounds ; and Dr. Henry Wilkinson, the vice-preii*
dent of the college, not John Wilkinson, was the chief
divider of the spoil.^
John Geree, A. M.-.-He was bom m Yorkshire, in die
year 1600, and educated in Magdalen college, Oxford. Hk
first ministerial labours were at Tewkesbury in Gloucesterahine*
But, says Wood, he was schismatically inclined, and e
nonconformist to certain ceremonies of the church of
JEngland, for which he was silenced by Bishop Goodnm ;
yet he was so universally beloved, that, after he had re-
ceived his lordship's censure, he was supported by hie
brethren. Under this censure he remained a considerable
time; but in the year 1641, he was restored to his cure by
the conmiitte^ of religion. In 1645, he became miniatar ot
St. Alban^s in Hertfordshire ; and, having laboured fliero
about four years, was made preacher at St. Faith's undo* St*
Paul's, London. He was a diorough puritan, and at all thfee
places waa much followed by those of his own persuaaiott^
He wrote with considerable abili^ against the baptisti, wae
op|>osed to the war betwixt the king and parliameiity and
against taking away the life of the king. He died ill the
month of February, 1649> ag^ fprty-nipe yeaips, Hia deaths
• FoUer'f Cborcb Hist. b. Ix. p. 284,
-f HeyUn's Ezamen. Histor. p. 268.
t Wood*! AtheacB Ozon. toI. u. p. 749* \ Ibid* p. ei..
J. 6EREE-SHEPARD. Ua
it is said, was occasioned by his eitremie frief for Oi^ fi^sust v^
King Charles.* Mr. Baiter deiyjOAOik^t tjc * aa •iiianr
nonconfomust divinc."t He cmsc yjrx . >ir » •.« »'. •^••j^^^
ingly beloved by his people. tLn: ib^- w^iic: ::.:- j# mfu «
year upon his widow fur lift:, feui >*d;&'-':: •-r- uj^^a-i^ «.
his children.l Mr. S'jepiieL Oi-tr*?* stu »lurr iMjrz.^ -^■.•m^
-was his elder brother, il: _--.-liiir .•ii-*j»jl .*#► ; *^ -♦r.-r-
nonconformisu ic ::V:*i^ xts um *w.jramf..
or, a Viad:ixj:ii ••' iir tv ymtw *jif -.a^^'^i* '-a^f •
Answer u ii»* ?^it'rss^c Hr —«**■. -^^ — i«w^ .^^
■lav vhbr^r: ImirsiraARa i jm i.. 'Mr^uur ^ '-^ . «
6. VuiCj'.-ae- r-cru— I ►«."*.. "sn r :■ jr .^ms .^m'.^m
IMS. — ^T C'lairtf rr k mi " „rr«« -r-.^ '•^w.«n.«^ti« M^
' n l*a»^ 1— .-•.■i^. ... : 8-' - — — *» --► -
12. Tut iif R- ir- • i '••»-- **• ■ — . .— •- .^ «•.».-
r ■
E'
1-^ ■
b:ci
2:
^H& *
STl*'
.—•""
• -T-i^-
^-^
Tr-
vtrrr
c^r-T .-
ran
aur
hks-
1J3:
i*»»^.rr
»-«
• «
- V«
lot LIV«S OP Tfi« l^illTANS.
6ontnry to his conscteiice.* He next removed to Hedddil ui
Nortkumberl'andy wheie> as in other places^ his labour* "Wt^re
made a l>lessii^ to many souls. But even in this remo^
Comelr of the land, die eye of Laud was upon him, and
this tyrannical prelate would not suffer him to preach without
a perfect conformity to the ecclesiastical injunctions and the
nev^ ceremonies. ^JThus, being shut out from all prospect
of future usefulness, he resolved to withdraw from the stormy
and retire to New England. Previous to his departure, he
t«ry narrowly escaped being t^en by the bishop's officers.
And, towards tli^e close of the year 1634, having tsdcen
shipping at Harwich, the ship had not been many hours at
set before a moUt tremendous storm arose, in which they wer«
in tiie utmost danger of being lost. An eminent, but profEine
^cer on the shore, observing their distress, was heard to say,
^ As for that poor collier, I pity hiipi much : but as for ibia
puritans in the other vessel, bound for New England, I am
not Concerned; for their faith will save them." The ship at latf
returned safe into the harbour. The next day Mr. Shepfattf
went ashore to bury his first-bom son ; but, on account of ^e
watchful pursuivants, who were still anxious to take hinci, h%
dare not be present at the funeral, f
In the month of July, 1635, Mr. Shepard, after havmg
wun narrowly Escaped falling into the hands of the bishop's
6mceri$l sailed froin Gravesend in company with Mr. Wilson^
Mr. Jones, and others, and arrived at Boston in New En^*
I^d, in the beginning of October following. Previous to hu
Arrival, Mr, Hooker and his conffregation having removed froin
Cambridge to the banks of the nver Connecticut, Mr. Shepard
was chosen pastor of the church at Cambric^e, and mere
continued to the (lay of his death. When the antinomiah and
familistic errors broke out in the new, colony, this worthy
divine, by his endeavours and influence, was the happy means
of stopping the progress of the i^ectious malady. He was
in excellent preacher, and took great pains in his preparations
for the pulpit. He used to say, '^ GoA will curse that man's
• II is obsenred of Dr. NeUe, that, wlben he was Bisbop of Lincoln, aM
"when ainr man preached before King Jamet tk&X had renown of pietT,
h^, UBwillmg the king shonld hear him, would in the sermdn-tilne entertiMit
the king whb a merry tale, after which be wonld laugh, aM tell thuse sear
him, he could not hear the preacher for the old bishop.'* It is added s
** When he was Archbishop of Yorl£, his head was so filled with Arminiaa
impiety, that in the next Icing's reign be Was loolced updn by ^e puiiUaaSeat
to be one of the great grievance of fbe kiDgdora."~l,« N«hU iditei^
Yol. i. part ii. p. 146, 147.
f Mather's Hist, of New Eoglafld, b, iH, p. 84^87.
SHEPARD. 105
latk>tfrt vfho goes idly up Bsd down all the week, tnd diea
goes into Ins study on a Saturday afternoon. God knows
mat we have not too much time to praj in, and weep m,
md get our hearts into a fit firame for the duties or dw
sabbath/'
Mr. Shepard's mat care and attention to die duties of die
pastoral office wiU appear fipom the following extracts col-
lected from his diary :— ^ August 15, 1641, 1 saw four evils,^
says he> '' attending my ministry. — 1. llie devil treads me
down by riiame^ discouragement, and an apprehension of the
unsavoury spirits of the people. — 0. I am become too care*
Ifess^ because I have done wc»l, and have been enlaiged and
respected.^-^. Weakness and infirmities: as the want of
light, life^ and spirit/— 4. The want of success.— I saw these
tbings> and hate cause to be humbled for them. I have this
day found my heart heavy, depressed, and untoward, faf
musibg upon die many evils to come. But I was comforted
by reieoUeetk^, that diough in myself I am a dyii^, condemned
sinner, I am alive and reconciled by Christ; that I am
mmUe to do any Aing of myself, yet by Christ I can do all
things \ and that though I enjoy all these only in part in this
World, I shaU shordy have them in perfection in heaven.
'^ March 19, 1642 ; I said, as pnde was my sin, so shame
would be Iny punishment. I had manv fears of £li*s punish-
ment, for not sharply r^Nroving sin. Here I considered thai
the Lord may make one good man a terror, and a dreadAil
example, that all the godly may fear, and not slight his com-
mands as Eli iiid.
^' October 10th. When I saw gifts and honours conferred
upon others, I began to affect their excellencies. The Lord
therefore humbM me, by letting me see, that all this was
diabolical pride. And he made me thankful for seeing i^
puttii^ me in mind to watch against it in future."
His very humble and contrite spirit will appear from the
following extracts, written on days of specuu fasting and
{Hrayer : — ** November 3rd. I saw sin to be my greatest
evil ; and diat I am vile ; but Grod is good, against whom I
have sinned. I saw what cause I had to loame myself. It
v?ai8 a good day to me. I went to God, and trusted in hinu
I considered whedier all tfie country did not fare the worse
for my sins. I saw it did, and was dee|dy humbled.
'^ Aprfl 4th. May not I be the cause of the church's nre^
sent sorrows f My heart hath been lonn et a distance nom
the Lord. The Lord first sent a terrible storm at sea;, and
my deliverance, in being snatched from j^parent death.
lOe LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
86 sweet, that I hoped my future life would be whoHy'
devoted to trod. I then set my fece towards New England,
where I resolved to be the Lord's in all manner of holiness.
Afterguards the Lord took my dear wife from me. Thif
made me resolve to delight no more in creatures, but in the-
Lord alone. When God threatened my child with blindnets,
his affliction was sweet to me, but much more his commandf
and promises. Then I could do his will and leave all thingi
to him. But how is my gold become dim ! I have no cause
to blame the Lord who has persuaded me; but the Lord
pardon my sin. To serve Satan without promise, and
forsake the Lord against his promise, is grievous indeed!
With respect to my people, I have not pitied them, nor
prayed for them, nor visited them, nor loved them, so much
as i ought to have done. The gospel which I have preached
has not been seen in its glory, nor been believed, nor proved
effectual. Becau9e I have greatly neglected to seek to Christ
for supplies, all hath been dead work; and the fruit of pride*
I have now had a long sickness, as if the Lord would use ne
no more. Oh ! my God, who is like unto thee, pardoninf
juid subduing mine iniquities!"* These are some of the
severe censures which this eminently holy man pronounced
against himself.
Mr. Shepard, when on his death-bed, was visited by nuuiy
of his friends and brethren in the ministry. Several youog'
ministers having called to see him, he addressed them as
follows: "Your work," said he, "is great, and reqoiret
" great seriousness. For my own part, 1 never jMreacned a
^ sermon which, in the composing, did not cost me prajfers,
^' with strons cries and tears. I never preached a sermon'
** from which I had not firsLgot some good to my own soul.
" i never went up into the pulpit but as if I were going to
'* give an account of myself to God."t Before his ^pwrUm,
addressinshis friends, he said, " Oh ! love the Lord Jesus very
dearly. That little part which I have in him is no smmU
comfort to me now.' He died of a quinsey, August 25,
l649y aged forty-three years. He was a person of great
learning, a hard student^ an admirable preacher, and an
excellent writer. His work on the " Parable of the Tea
Virgins," observes Dr. Williams, is a rich frmd of experi-
mental and practical divinity: the dress is plain, but tke
strain of thought is extremely animated and ^searching4
Fuller has honoured him v^th a place among the learned
• Mather*8 Hist, b^ iii. p. 91—93. f Ibid. p. 238.
1^ Cbristian Preacher, p. 485.
CROOK. 107
uriio were fdlows of Emanuel college, Cambridge.*
The- two Mr. ThomaB Shepards^ successively pastors of the
dioick at Chariestown in New England, were his son and
gnuid8oii.f
His WoEKS.— 1. The Doctrine of the Sabbath, 1649.— 2. Certain
Select Cases Resolved^ 1660.-3. Subjection to Christ in ail hit
OrtJuawef and Awpointnients, the best means to preserve onr
Ubertv, 186(L-*4. The Sincere Convert, 1052.-5. A Treatise of
liAuries, I663.r-U The Parable of the Ten Yir^s, 1000.-7. The
SwnwBdiever, 1071. — S. The Chorchmenibersbip of Children, and
their sialit to Baptism.-^. New England's Lamentations for Old
EaghiiA Bnms.— 10. A Treatise of Hearing the Word.— 11. Wina
§om Oaspcl Wantoas; or. Cautions against Spiritual Drunkenness.
Samubl CnooKy B. D. — ^This excellent divine was bom
at Great Wakfingfield in Essex, January 17, 1574; educated
in Peaibroke-hally Cambridge ; and afterwards chosen fellow
of Fiiminnel college. His father was the learned and labori-
ooi Dr. Crooky preacher to the honourable society of Gray's*
inm, and descended from an ancient family. He was highly
, esteemed in the university, for his pregnant parts, great
induatfy, and answerable proficiency in all the branches of
usefid and polite literature. He was chosen reader of rhe-
toric and philosophy in the public schools, which offices he
filled widi great applause. While at Cambridge he was a
constant hearer and a great admirer of the excellent Mr.
Perkins. He preached first for a short time at Caxton, near
Cambridge; then, in the year 1602, accepted an invitation to
die pastoral charge at Wrington in Somersetshire, receiving
his presentation to the living from Sir Arthur Capel. In
gratitude for the advantages which he had enjoyed at the
miveraity, he gave to the library of Pembroke-hall, Basil's
WoriLS, Greek and Latin; to Emanuel college, all theCouncils,
Greek and Latin ; and to the university library, the Works of
Gregory Nazianzens and Gregory Nissens.
Mr. Crook, upon his settlement at Wrington, took inde-
fat^able pains in his ministry, and his usefulness surpassed
all expectation. He constaiMy preached three times a week,
and sometimes oftener, to the end of his days. As he
pieadied so he lived. His life was one continued comment
ap<m his doctrine. He was much admired and esteemed bj
hm peofJe, and their affectionate attachment continued to
incicaae to die last. As, during his preparations for the
• HIit. 9t Guibriagc, p. 147. f Mather's Hist. b. iii. p. 8t.
KIS lAYIS OP THB PURITANS.
mnuBtry^ he had hid in riMyj to mm he leid otft HbenAjv
Hb termoaf were grave, jiuneioitiy end «ppropriate ; aad hie
apfdicatioiif, by a sweet eloquence, ferrent zeal, and h>Te Up
souls, were addressed to me hearts of his hearelw. H#
did not serve God with that which cost him nothing, \^t
laboured much in his preparations for the pulpit. His CQik>
4tant motto was, '^ I am willing to spend and he spenf In
time of sickness, the . {Aysician observing that he migkt ImM
longer if he woaU preach less, be said^ ^* Alas ! if I may not
labour I cannot five. What [^d wiu life do me, if I b^
hindered from the end of livinc P* When labouriog vaidet
the infirraides of old age, he woiud not desist from bis belor ad
work, but often preached when with the utmost difficulty
he could scarcely walk to the house of God; and even th^
his sermons were delivered with his usual vivacity i* He fed
his flock, not wilh akry notions and vain sjpecoIatioQs, but
with Ihe substantial provision of the gpspeC He prondod
milk for babes, and stroi^ meat for men. Kotwilhstmdiilg
his excellent endowments, and die high adniratiou in whadb
be was held by sJl who knew him, he was not lifted up wMi
prid^ but walked in all humility before God and jnen. He
is said to have been the first who brought extemporary
Csyer into use in that part of the country, in which exercisu
soreatly eacelled.
fie laboured in the mimstry, widi very little iuterruptia^
above forty-seven years. During this period he was ik0
means of tu-inging many wandering sinners to Christ. Once^
indeed^ die bishop put a stop to his. Tuesday lecture ; luiC jt.ii
said, '^ God was pleased so to order .it, that the lecture w<ai
soon revived, and, die Inshop who interrupted it was cast oM
ef his office.''-!- During a ufeof nearly seventy-five yeani> be
witnessed many changes in the church of Christ Nor waa
he without his sufferings in the civil wars. Rude sohbeii
tgrjraniuz€«d over him in bis own house, not permitting him la
be quiet in his study. There they followed him vridi dravMil
swords, vowing his instant death, for not joining them in ttieir
bloody cause. The Lord, however, was plei»ed to delivuT
hsm from the.r^pe of his enemies.
Mr. Crook, during his last sickness, often protested that
fhd dotttriue he .had taught was' the truth of God, as ha
should answer at the tribunal of Christ, to which he ima
kosOsuing. He received the sentence of his approaching
death with cbeerftOness ; and seeing he had no proqpool uf
• Clark's Lives aonexed to his Msrtyrolttfie, p. 202r-20e»
♦ IbM. p. 20<MW8. -^ -^ *: ' ^
bridges
poutd ■■■Her h^
10, 16«64 He tow. tut n
oiBllifUiy ■■ "va
S He
iiML
nu •
?
• CUrfc** Uv<n
f Hiit. af CaMknCfc p 14T
WMilackr't ll«v. p. flft
il«h fMlM, ML W. y . ft.
tW ■■^.VflSuQ^. ^
.—11
110 LIVES OK THE PURITANS.
Sars^ and his remains were interred in St CMave's diureh.*
e was esteemed.a.good scholar and an excellent preadMr*
His Works. — 1. The Two Witnesses, in seyeral Lector^ at St
Lawrence Jewry, on Rev. xi., with the great Question dufiwmedf
Whether the two Witnesses were slain or do ? 1643. — ^This work wm
made public by an order firom the committee of the house of eon**
inons,|dated April 27, 1643. — 2. Chiiisf s Waming-pieoe, giving Notics
to eyery oue to watch and keep their Garments, delivered in a SsfiMin
at Margaret's, Westminster, before the House of Commons, at their
solemn Fast, October 30, 1644— 1644.--3. Lex Talionis; or, God
paying every Man in his own Coin, a Fast Sermon before the Hoose of
Commons, July 30, 1645, on 1 Sam. ii. 30., 1646.— 4. Joseph Pandlelcd
by the present Parliament, in his Sufferings and Adininoement, a
Sermon preached before the House of Commoi|s on their solemn Day
of Thanksgiving, Feb. 19, 1645, on Gen. xlix. 23, 24., 1646.
Edward Symmonds, A.M. — This pious man was bom
at Cottered in Hertfordshire, and educated at Peter-nousei
Cambridge. Upon his leaving the university, he entered into
the ministerial oflSce, and appears to have preaqhed at Fowey
in Cornwall. In the year 1630 he became rector of L^tde
Kayncin Essex, where he continued till the commencenmit
of the civil wars. He omitted the use of the cross in baptism
and wearing the surplice, for which he was brought before a
justice of peace ; but whether the prosecution was dropped,
or he was punished for this two-fold marvellous crime, we are
not able to learn. ^^ His omission of the cross and surplic^
and his friendship with Stephen Marshall, plainly intinuiie^'*
says Dr. Walker, ** that he was something mcliimbla to the
puritans ;"f and we venture to add, that the former alone
sufficiently proves that he was a puritan and a nonconformist.
He was nevertheless brought into many troubles durii^ die
ciyil wars, by the committee of scandalous ministers. Ai^
pearing before the conunittee, he was sequestered for preecft-
jpg and publishing, ** That the king, beii^ the aupeanie
magistrate, hath immediate dependence upon God, to whom
only he is accountable— that the title of the Lord's anointed is
proper and peculiar to the king : that rojral birth is equimdeat
to royal unction : that authority is a sacred thing, and essentiel
to the king^s person : that resistance is against the way of
God, destructive to the whole law of God, inconsistent widi
the spirit of the gospel, the perpetual practice of. chiistiiuutyy
the calling of ministers, common prudence, the rule of
• Wood's Athens Ozoii. vol. ii. p. 82, 88.— ^afkei^ Attempt^ part iL
p.6» ^ Walker's Atteoipt, part ii. p. 9aU . .
snai06Q& ui
bmiMiHiiyi
even die kte
monds ackmwib^B"^
WBB fardwr
aflbnung, '''
compl J with
king; and dnt ikcj aie noc K> be
mand ■mwifiiii^ to die vdi 4C God, x x
the coBBind of the
.believe vhaisocvcr if
ieemttm a dicime mrntoKt w a
Baa: aid that if David's
Saul's gan
£rom his castiei^
die loids and
<mler, dated March S, I<&42.
aequestered into the haadb of Mr. Pi jwr
ivas appointed to preach
order.*
Mr. STmflKMi
other hanbhipa.
.Dr. Walker, were peraons at
fiunilj eaperience
to lee tor aifetv
fcflgdi into Frace. The ^^
incorrect in asaeiliiia, '^ that Mr.
miseries upon Ums^ bt<jiw he Kr.tut mjl p
wridi them in rehdiion."
meddled not with state
yn the peaceable powfira of »ar j?nap. H
?9ur 1649, siM^ bis rcmainft w«Pt ansr^ic n ^- ?^t^ vuv -^.
aulVwIuuf, \^mikm *^ He v» & i^trwa ir xn»si ^^^--v
courage, wisdom, and karanngi u. ^ut»If!aE aoft i imnusMs
preacher;''t andAoogh he irfi i r mua nirs^ ttgt rnsc
through his zeal for the ro^al caaa^ i^ via m strrr n um
life, and so pbun, psi' 1 1 kf. woe yrjiaoi^ n vnttrua^ ---^
be was looked upon at a pamn^ He iwmimery * i • «f
Sobject's Belief," l(^: ana "^ J& VoidflamuL vr i-
Chalks."
■ »
IM UVES or THE PURITANS.
An Bssw Wyke waft a zealoHS nimst^ of die baptbit
penoMOBy and apprehended in the county pf Suffolk, for
preaching and dippmg. When lie was brougM^ before the
ooounittee of the county, to be examined about his authority
to preach and the doctrines he delivered, he refused to give
my account of either. He alleged, that a freeman of England
was not bound to answer any such interrogatories, either to
accuse himself or others ; but he signified, that if Ihey had
any thing against him, diey ought to bring forward thek
diarge, and produce their evidence. This was, indeed, con-
■idered as great obstinacy, and as hirh contempt of tbenr
fmtkoiity; tiberefore he was immediately sent to ji^.*
It does not. appear how long he remamed in prison ; but
-Airing his confinement a pam^let was published either ^
Umsdf or some of his (hends, entitled, ** The Innocent in
'Prisop Complaiiui^ ; or, a true Relation of the Proceedmgs
of the Committee of Ipswich and ihe Committee of Biuv
fit. Edmunds in the county of Suffolk, against Andrew Wyke,
a witness of Jesu^ in the same county, who was cpimp^itefl
to prison, June 5, l€46."f This work ^ves a circum^iaiitial
«^COunt of bis adversaries' proceedings against l^i^, t^
^clsiims bitt^riy against the comnnttee for its persec^vtuw
jmndples iind iHegm conduct. Widiholding from.o4ier9 the
viessihg of christian liberty, came with an ill ^race fio^n ^pap
persons, wbo, only a few years before, ¥4iiie they grouefl
'Under the irom rod of the tyrannical pontes, bad eame^jr
«^eadedfor the same ble$sing.
March 16, 1630, Mr. Wyke, together with several p^htan^
-Was conunitted to prison at Coventry, to be tried for lop
i^imes. He is represented as having kissed a soldier tiiree^
^times, and said, '^ I breathe the Spirit of -God into tbee/*
During hia confinement^ he preached every Lord's day at vm
«gate of the prison, when multitudes of people stood jn lii#
irtreet to hear him. But how lone his tribulations coottouei^
-or when lie (fied, we are not able Ieam.t
Henut Tozeb, B. D — ^TTus learned person w^ bomj(l
North-Tawton in Devonshire, in the year l602, and educated
in Exeter college, Oxford, where he took his desr^o^ «nd
was afterwards chpsep SMWectpr and fellow of me bpuse.
Having entered into die ministesial offi^^y it isaaid, that;lva
• Bdwardf's GangrsBDA, partiii. p. ISO, 170.
+ Crosby's Baptists, vol. K p. 835.
t Wkittocke*! Mem. p. 4S0,4«e.
■ TOZER. IIS
Was useful in moderating, reading to novices, and lectnriog in
die chapel. He was an able and a laborious preacher, had
much of the primitive religion in his sermons, and scfemed to
be a most precise puritan in his lotjks and life, on which
account his sermons and expositions in the church«r« of St.
Giles and St. Martin in Oxford, were much frequented by
the puritanical party. In the year 1643, he fias
one of the assembly of divines, but declined his
*' choosing," says Wootl, " to remain a! ()\i'jrL ^lA
before the king or parliament, rather than \rtAar^ tmm^.-d
among rigid Calvinisbf." He wu a n^itad «t^.^/fc'.»r>M^ aui
having preached at Christ's Church beic#r»: Lit mi^^^. v iC
St. Mary's before the parliament, hi^ «a» a$#yrjdMbt« i^ vie
chancellor of the university, in Up^'j. to Ui^t uc O'.^ciuri
'degree ; but this in like mMismtr he ref u»ea.*
Mr. Tozer was a divine of purttaL pruinpj»« : y^.. un
account of his unsliaken lovaiti ajud ti*^ uw uf £ii» OttmBiia
Prayer, after it hvs set asidt', he eiperKAr. vz m#ui» ir uuui* tixm
the opposite party, of which the f<>>ii'/wiur u'-'-juir ic i:iv^
by the pen of Dr. Walker: — ^ Lh. Hat*-**:*, iia^n^ -"nr":!
from the college, the ^o^vnajj^fUL' nv^f ta^ * \r '.uirw
devolved upon Sir. I'ozer at MAWt^rvx : irr ciii ii» uevm* \«r
disgrace his post, but shewed lumwi'f a A-.Hr ruunitiiuft it^mv^
the illeeal visitation, IfMly aus revj»iu>.:M '.■;^)r*i't< <*•>
tained m the highest degr*^ tite noffui* .« Qj*' •.^ysgi*
made a noble stand in defeitot ^ lu» w x ''»^swjtL tmc lur
of the other fellow «, wberi tbaC aiiir^.^^ u^ixtsTtu* »» i^ ut
foot, after the surrender of tint rw^^t^^A v^ '->«* y«rMM^sif : '
March 21, UiKf I find him u^a k <:£«vja. i^*r» n« ^mu^m
at Merton college, haiiug bM ml/^umic v. ^ijtu • r * ^^^ jiium^
ing the Conunon Praver in tlK •jjuki^, li'^r *b» \r.tiiiHUi>
for the direct/jr}' came jjii fgrot : .'.jv. •> up nq: i^ni )\r tfur
admonished one of tli^ bMiw;. 5-^ r*^u«ar v, aft^^M W
chapel-prayers on th^ aoc^puuL' li^ ukC m«v^. •.uM»t»f(««
shewed '^ tlie utmost ditUkit K* tb'jM; 'X a«» ^aruaa^at lafrir^
and always cotmteuaiH.^:^ acid paU'^uaKJt li«» /<*-«u««ir ^ ...
college. Although the vi«afjr%idi( a^jifsu ir ». mi ^4 1
term ;^ yet, as Dr. Fdl, titt: ty»<aan«'>»dj.r umc in^^*^.-*^.'
open it at the osaal timt ia ti^ aivi^roiv vitirju <i • .••.««
to that order, so did Mr. 7 oks aMv a iu> v'*-^-' ' '-^u-
'' These iafanuatioBfe,*' «a»ft uw aulMr. « u^^ •Mt»#i' u.^
▼OL. IJI.
1
f
M LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
gotten Irom ^ spies and setters ,of the house ; for wUeh
diey were afterwards rewarded widi the fidlowships of those
who by that means were ejected. A most exceUent ^ncou^ .
mgemeiit to informers! And let me add/' says he, ^ ihat k
dinect contradiction to the very letter of the^tntutes, tiMj
ondered one of them to receive the rents of the cbliege, and
soon after made him sub-rector/ thou^ he was at dnt
lime, or only a few months before, no more dian batehebMr
of arts.**
To the above criminations Mr. Tozer desired timie to piak
m his answer, which was granted him. When he returned
his answer, he disowned their authority, saying^' ^' That the
things about which he was auestioned, concerned the disc^
fjiUne oi die college; and that he had soitie tiane befai«
answered in the nsime of the whole college, that they eoidd
not, without peijury, submit to any other visitors than fXnose
to whom their statutes directed diem." This mswer b^HC
unsatisfactory to the visitors, they ordered him to be ejecte{
and committed the execution of the sentence to the loldiors
of the garrison. However, Mr. Tozer still kept possesiiioi
of hb college for some time ; and, June S9, 164», the visitors
sent for him again, and in direct oppo^tion to the staCuttea
of the hoiwe, peremptoiily foibade him to proceed to ik
election the day following ; and to' effectually prevent hitk,
Ibey expelled lum -boA from the coHege and the univeriii^.
He refosed after all to ddiver up the keys of the college' mtA
to be perjured, when they proceeded to apfyrehend wlti
hnprison him. There is one circumstance more concemu^
\^ ^vSmngA which, says our authoif, must not be omitl^
ifki. ^* That the second of the satiie months hie was draped
out of St Martinis church by the soldiers, and forbiddeq' to
officiate diere any more; because, forsooth! he preached
pestilential doctrme.'' The visitors, however, afterwards
moderated dieir sentence; allowed him the use. of. His
phamber in the college ; and appointed him the profits of a
travelling fellowship, to be allowed him for three years:
^' but^" our author adds, *^ Vi^hether it was ever paid h^'OT'
not^ I cannot say."* Upon the appointment of thfis aUoWSMM,
be went to Holland; and becatne minie^r to ikt l&ti^Mk
merdiants at Rotterdam, where be died ^ptember 1 1; mM,
aged forty-reight years, and his remains were hitevi^ Itt4u4
English church at that place. Dr. Thomas Marshall, who
• Walker's Attempt, part il. p. 1 15.
LOVlB. , 115
meeeeded him in die preacher's office, says, <' he was always
liken ibr an honest and a conscientious puritan/'*
WoBKs.r-'l* Directions for a (xodly Life, especially for com*
vmieating at the Loiti's Table, ie28.r— 2. A ChriMtiaa AmendmeBt,
sSennon on New-years-day at St Mary's Ch. in Ox. on 2 Cor. v. 17.,
U8S^— 8. Dicta et facta Christi ex quatoar EvaDgelistis collecta, st
la ordine disposita, 1634. — i. Christian Wisdom, or the Excellency,
fce. of true Wisdom, a Sermon on 1 Kings x. 24., 1639.---5. A Sermon
'iBJohn'Xviii.3.,1640.
Chmbtovher Love, A. M . — ^This person was the son
of Mr.iCbristopher Love, bom at Cardiff in Glamoiganshire,
jn tiie.jwr 1618, and educated at New-inn-hall, Oxford.' He
^was the youngest child of his parents, and the son of dieir
<id age ; his mother, who was of a respectable family, was
ifiRy years old when he was bom. Though they never in-
'teadeid him for the ministry, they gave him a good education,
from a child he was remarkably fond of books ; and though
Us parents were too indulgent to him, allowing him too great
liberty for play and sinful recreations, he never neglect^ his
learning. He felt greatly concerned for his own improvement ;
-dierefore he devoted much of his time, both night and day,
to his beloved studies.
He was fifteen years of age before ever he heard a sermon.
At diis period, Mr. Erbery going to the town, he was induced
through curiosity to hear him; and he, with some others, was
greatly entertained with the novelty of it. Although he went,
•8 he used afterwards to observe, only to see a man in a
inlpit ; yet, there God was pleased to meet with him, and|
ij that sermon, gave him such a sight of his sins and his
ndone condition, that he confessed he returned home, as be
expressed it, ^^ with a hell in his conscience." When he
came to his father's house, being dead to all his former carnal
pleasures and sinful pastimes, his father greatly wondered at
the sudden change ; and, concluding him to be seized with
some strange fit of melancholy, recommended him to asso-
ciate fmd play with his old companions, but he refused* He
could now take no pleasure in their company. His father
WHDitimes advised him to go to gentlemen's houses,. and
•ttend his usual games ; but the very thoughts of them, were as
dacgers in his heart ; therefore, he begged to be excused.^
Mr. Love having fiilly relinquished the card-table, deured
• Wood'b Atbenae Oxon. vol. i. p. 72,— Bioj. BriUn. vol. ▼!. p. 4076.
116 LIVES OF T»B PURITANS".
leave of bis father^ upon die next lecture day, to go to chorck;
but this he absolutely refused, conceiving it to have been the
occasion of his present sadness. Also, to prevent his attend*
ance at churchy his father locked him up in a high chamber
of the house^ thinking by diis means to confine him there t31
the service was over. Such, however, was his courage, and
his de^re to hear the word, that he made his escape by tying
a cord to the window, and sliding by it down the side of tl^e
house; and so went to the church, where the Lord was
pleased so to deepen his convictions, that it ended in a soiind
conversion of his soul to God. Upon his return home, he
found his father greatly exasperated. His situation was now
deplorable. While his earthly parent was exceedingly dis-
pleased, the thoughts of an almighty and offended God weie
almost; insupportable. It was no small aggravation of bn>
distress, that for some time he had not a friend on earth to
whom he could unbosom his complaint. Afterwards he
made known the anguish of his mind to Mr. Erbery, who was
instrumental in further promoting his edification and benefit :
neveitheless the Sovereign Disposer of all events was pleased
to suspend the manifestations of his love, and keep4iim under
a doiul for many years.*
About the same time some others, who had been his cornh
panions in vice, were brought to an acquaintance with God.
They who had been ^iihiliar associates in games and sinful
pleasures, now often assembled together for . the purpose of
feating and prayer. That they might not neglect their schooU
hours, nor displease their parents, they met together in die
n^t season, when their parents thought they were in bed.
For mJEiiiy months they held these nocturnal assemblies,
sdttteg ^art two nights in thb week for these devotional exer-
cises. Mr. Love's father seeing him continue in this course,
appeared to draw his affection from him, and looked upon hira
as a hopeless youth. He who had been called a youi^
gamester y was now stigmatized a young puritan* Mr. Erb^rj
perceiving his distressed situation, waited upon his fatiier, aiid
requested him to allow his son to come to his house, and he
would promote his improvement in learning, and take |>roper
care of him, to which his father gave his consent. : i • . - ^
In diis new situation he continued for some time, lQ>his
^reat advantage and comfort, of which he retmned a livdjr
sense to the day of his death. His father going to iMxAot^
procured a. place^for him as an apprentice, entered into an
• Sloane's MSS. Ko« S946. ■'
LOVE. 117
agreement with the master, and even paid the stipulated
pmnium : but youns Love was exceedingly averse to the
ntaation^ and eamesjUy entreated his father to send him to
Oiford. Though his father consented to his wishes, he did
it in displeasure, withholding his pecuniary aid; and, during
kb abode at the university, he was supported partly by his
^ modier, and partly by Mr. Erbery. He who was appointed
to endure inany troubles, began thus to bear the yoke in his
^th. Upon his arrival at Oxford, not knowing any person
m the place, nor whom to choose for his tutor, as he sat by
the fire at the inn, there came several young scholars, whose
disconrse was wholly against the puritans, railing against
them, and cursing tliem, especially one Mr. Kogers, whom
diey stq^atized an arch-pinitariy aiid declared there was none
other besides him who was head of any house in Oxford.
Having heard what they had to say, he resolved to make
«ome further inquiries concerning this Mr. Rogers, hoping
that he was just such a tutor as he wanted; and after
guning satttfactory information, he intrusted himself to his
cue and tuition.
While at the university, Mr. Love had but little to subsist
Qpon ; but he was careful of what he received, and extremely
provident of his time, making suitable improvement in his
studies. He sought the acquaintance of religious persons,
who, in those times of danger, were particularly cautious
whom they admitted into their society. He enjoyed, how-
ci^er, little or no comfort for several years. God seemed to
keep at a distance from him, which, caused him to sigh and
mourn. The remembrance of his foimer misspent life was to
htm a source of constant and bitter lamentation. In the
midst of these painful conflicts, he walked as in the valley of
the shadow of death. ^Fhe terrors of death and hell com*
^ssed him about, and the thoughts of God made him afraid.
The apprehensions of death were an astonishment to him.
Under wese afBictive terrors and convictions, he desired to
five, as he used to say, ^^ that he might have a little longer
Kspite out of hell." Having little or no hope of escaping
hiture misery, he feared that every step he took would launch
him into endless torment. The waves and billows passed over
hit soul, and had he not been supported by the grace of Christ,
he would have been overwhelmed in the mighty storm. Amidst
all these painful conflicts, he lifted up his heart to God in
devout prayer and supplication, ami was at length enabled by
faith to look witliin the vail, and obtain a glimpse of God, as
a father and a friend, through Jesus Christ. He chose rather
in LIYES^ OF THE PURITANS.
to sufler affliction with the people of God, than to liv« in die :
pleasures of sin. He was enabled to come unto the Lord,
and to cast anchor on die promise of his word ; and thea he
enjoyed comfort.
He knew that grace was absolutely necessary to make a
sood christian; so learning, in his opinion, was of great
importance to make an able minister of die gospel. He was,
dierefore, constandy assiduous to enjoy both. He was a
good proficient in the school of Christ, as well as in the
school of the prophets. The Lord greatly blessed his close
application to his studies; and, to qualify him for making
known the glorious gospel of the blessed God, he filled -
his earthen vessel with die treasures of wisdom and know>.
ledge.
JJuiing the above painful conflict, he was generally looked:
upon as melancholy. As he had but few friends to whom he?
could unbosom his complaint, most persons were totally
unacquainted with the cause of his dejection. At the usndlj
time of attending his meals, as I have heard him say, (the
writer of his life observes,) he used to come to his meal^
¥^en he would scarcely take any nodce of those who sat
with him at table, but wondered that they could eat and drinki
with such merry hearts. While at the table, he thought tlier
moments long till he again retired to his study, where he
spent nearly all his dme, devoting certain hours every day.^tio^
his academical pursuits, and the rest to the study of the holy/
scriptures. He allowed himself very litde sleep, and litde iX'
no dme for recreation. He was steady in his attachment to
the house and ordinances of God, and conscientiously, exact.
in all the dudes of private devotion. For his zeal in dfte^
cause of God, he was often prosecuted in the bishops' cotirtft;
but none of diese diings moved him, or damped his reli|^onS)
ardour.*
Mr. Love having entered the ministerial function, became a
very popular and useful preacher, but was persecuted for
nonconformity. Even during his abode at Oxford^ for
nefosing in convocation to subscribe Laud's superstitknttf
canons, he was expelled from the house, never to sit thei«:
any more. Upon leaving the university, he went tx> London^
where he was invited by the sheriff, who was a person' of
eminent piety, to become his domestic chaplttn. In tfaist
KtUation he was exceedingly beloved, and made i&stmmeDtai
in the conversicm of several in the ^mily« He receiitod
•"Sloaoe'tfMSS. Ko.SMftv .
LOVE. Ili
ia?itation to become lecturer at St. Aiiii% Aldersgate; bat
the Bishop of London opposed his settlement, and for diree
jears refused his allowance. Mr. Love's popularity exasp^
rated the minds of his enemies^ and he no sooner entered
upon his public ministry, dian he was silenced from
preaching.
He had, indeed, certain conscientious scruples against die
ordination of the church of England, and, therefore, went
into Scotland, with a view to have obtained presbyterian onfi-
aation; but diere he met ^ith a disappointment. That
church had decreed to ordain none besides diose who should
settle among them ; nevertheless, large offers were made to
him, in addition to ordination, if he would have continued in
the north. On his return fit)m Scotland, he was invited by
Ae aldermen and other worthy persons of Newcastle, to
preach for diem on a Lord's <lay; and, in his sermon in die
afternoon, he openly expressed his sentiments against the
errors in the Book of Common Prayer, and the superstitious
ceremonies in die national church. For diis, he was imm»>
diately committed to the common gaol, a most filthy place,
among thieves and murderers, having nothing but straw to lie
upon; During his confinement, die people flocked to the
prison ; and not being admitted to his company, he preached
to diem through the grates of the prison. Afterwards, his
friends being allowed to go into the prison, they cleaned it
far his comfor^ and there he preached to all who came, and
was made remarkably useful. Having suffered confinement
for some time, he was removed to London, and tried in the
court of king's-bench, and acquitted. About the com-
mencement of the national troubles, for maintaining in his
sermon the lawfiilness of defensive war, in certain cases,
agaimit the civil magistrate, he was accused of treason and
rebellion, but was publicly acquitted, with the recovery of
damages.*
During the wars, Mr. Love was chosen to be preacher to
die garrison of Windsor, then under the command of Colonel
John Venn ; on which account the royalists nick-named him
** Venn's principal fireman at Windsor." Notwithstanding
diis foul caiunmy,hi8 ministerial labours were gready esteenied,
even by those who differed from him in matters of ceremony ;
and, our author adds, " I am bold to say, that no man was
more generally beloved than he was, and, I believe, as great a
seal was set unto his ministry as God doth usually set to the
• Sloase'i MSS. No. d945.*-Mr. Uve't Trial, p. 6S. Edit. Ittl.
IjJO LIVES OF THE PUtllTANS.
m^istry of any of his servants." When God visited the town
and castle with the 'plague, and maey were cii^ off, he still
pontinu^ed in the place; and, not afraid of the ravages of
death, he visited the abodes of the aiBicted and dying where^
ever he heard of them. To promote their comfort and sal-
vation, he exposed himself to infectioa and death ; and
through this period of extreme danger the Lord protected
him ftom bom. Though many fell on the right hand and
on the left, his life was precious in the sight of the Lord.
Having made the '^Lord his refuge, and the Most High his
habitation/! he was not ** afraid of the pestilence that
walked in* darkhess, nor of the destruction that wasted at
noon-day." • ,
Upon the establishment of the presbyterian government,
he was ordained according to their method, in Aldermanbury
church, January 23, 1644, by Mr. Horton> Mr. Bellers, and
Mr. Roberts; which was done by fasting and prayer, and
laying on of hands. In his examination, being asked whether
he thought he could suffer for those truths of Christ, of
which he had then made a profession, if he should be called
$o to do, he thus answered :-t-'^ I tremble to think what I
should do in such a case, especially when. I consider. how
many have boasted what they could suffer for Christ ; and yet
when they have come to it, they have denied Christ and his
truths, rather than suffered for them. Therefore, I dare not
boast what I shall do ; but if this power, be given m*^ of God,
then I shall not only be \^illing to be bound, but to die for the
sake of the Lord Jesus." On this occasion, he received
.excellent conunendations of his gifts and graces, particularly
from Mr. Ley, by whom he was examined.*
In the year 1645, Mr. Love being called to preach before the
commissioners at the treaty of Uxbridge, he addressed his an*
die^ce, saying, *' That they were not to expect any good from
ihe treaty ; for they (meaning the king's commissioners) came
from Oxford with hearts full of blood, and there was as grc^at
- a distance between the treaty and peace, as between heaven
and hell. He inveighed," says the noble historian, ^^ so sedi<
tiously against all who followed the king, and against the
persons of the commissioners, that he could be understood to
intend nothing else but to stir up the people to mutiny ; and
therein to do some act of violence to the commissioners."t
Another writer says, ^^ That instead of friendship, he vomited
Qut nothing but threatening and vilifying contradictions to die
• Sloane^s MSS. No. S946.
f Clarciidoii^ l^iM. Tol. ii. p. 445, 44i.
. LOVE. 121
Mica-iiiakers, altogether unbecoming one of his faction.''
ThiB scurrilous author further adds, *^ I shall conclude with our
supposed martyr, by asserting, that he who had the ignorance,
Umd zeal, and impudence, to term episcopacy and the Com-
moB Prayer Book, the tXDo plasue-soreSy several times in one
pitachment, had need have set forms of sermons enjoined him,
as well na prayers"*
Hie king's commissioners, indeed, complained of the
lemioa to the commissioners of the opposite party, who laid
the case before the parliament ; upon which Mr. Love was
sent for to London, and he underwent an examination ; the
result of which was, that the congregation at Uxlnridge were
disappdiated of a preacher, and even after the psalm was
song, be was unexpectedly invited to supply the place, when
be deliverod the same sermon which he had preached the day
before at Windsor. He was, therefore, acquitted by order of
the houfe of conunons ;f yet Neal says, he was confined to
Us own house during the treaty, and then discharged.^ ** The
Presbyterian house of commons," it is said, '^ who cles^-ed Mn
Love from any slander, for prattling such stuff, did plainly
demonstrate what little desire they had for peace, and tiiereby
intimated their abominable hypocrisy to the whole world."}
This affords die reader a specimen of the ignorance, the
bigotry, and the bad spirit of this party historian.
Mr. Love, indeed, allowed that he cautioned the people
ai^mist placine too much confidence in the treaty ; ^' because,"
lud he, '^ while our enemies go on in their wicked practices,
and we keep to our principles, we may as soon make fire and
water to agree ; and, I had almost said, reconcile heaven and
hell, as their spirits and ours. They must grow better, or we
must grow worse, before it is possible for us to agree. "|| He
ako said, ** men who lay under the guilt of much innocent
blood, are not meet persons to be at peace with, till all the
gailt of the blood be expiated aild avenged, either by the
iword of the law, or the law of the sword : else a peace can
sever be safe nor just."i[ He further added, ^' that there was a
graeration of men who carried blood and revenge in their
aearts against the well-affected in the nation, who hated not
odv their bodies, but their souls, and would drink a health to
dwnr damnation." Though there might be too much truth in
these expressions, they were certainly very unseasonable and
• Foalit'i Hist, of i>lots, p. 108, 155.
f Lome's Trial, p. 68.— Whitlocke*s Mem. p. 123.
1 NeaVi Poritaof, vol. iii. p. 233.
S Foolis*! Hift. of Plots, p. 155. g Ibid. p. 154^
I I/Estraoge's Dissenters* Sayings, part ii. p. 62*
lae LIVES OF XBE PURITANS.
Uttbecoming in this critical jnncture. ^^ Many/' My» Fuller,
** condemned his want of charityi but more his want of
discretion."*
Mt« Love .was appointed one .of the assembly of diviaea;
when he became minister of St. Lawrence Jewry, London;
Md.is said to have been chosen to the pastoral office at St.
Ann's, Aldersgate-streety where he had before been: chosen
Ieotur^r.+ Hfi united with the London ministers in^declaiii^
ilgainst die king's death.t He was afterwards engaged in a
fonspiracy .which cost him his life ; and as he was a principal
sufferer on account of this plot, it was called Love's, plot. It
was formed l^ a number of gentlemen and ministers,. and
designed to raise money by private contribution, to rforwavd
liwB expedition of Charies II. into England ; but die vigihmce
of the commonwealdi discovered and defeated the object.
I^e principid persons concerned in this affiur, were «onie
disbanded officers who' had served the parliament; in the wafs:
as. Majors Adams, Alford, and Huntingdon; Colonels
Vaugban, Sowton, Titus, Jackson, Bains, rad Barton; and
Captains Adams, Potter, Far, Mauwey, and Starkly and Mr;
Oibbons. The ministers were Dr. Drake, and Messrs. Case,
Watson, Heyrick, Jenkin, Jackson, Jacquel, Robinson^
Cawton, Nalson, Haviland, Blackmore, and Love. These'had
their private assemblies at the houses of Major Adams,
Colonel Barton, and Mr. Love ; and held a correspondence
with the king, who desired them to send codumissioners to'
Breda to further his designs, and he would sufficiently rewacd
them when God should restore him to his kingdoms.
But so large a confederacy, could not easily be concealed:
from the watchful eyes of the new government, which had ittf
spies in all places. Major Adams being apprehended km
suspicion, was the first who discovered the conspiracy to the
council of state. Upon his information, warrants wece issuedf
fer apprehending most of the above persons; but sevenk
absconded and withdrew from the storm. The ministers vriia
were apprehended, were Dr. Drake, and Messrs. Jenkiny
Jaiikson, Robinson, Watson, Blackmore, . Haviland, . and
Love; but seven of them, petitioning for mercy, and^ pro^
mising submission to the government in future, vvere ideasfMk
But Mr. Love and Mr. Gibbons were made publiaexamplea^
as a terror to others. .
Mr. Love was brought before a new high < court
• Poller's Church Hist b. xl. p. 214.
-^ Sloane's MSS. No. 3945.
% Calamy*j Contia. toL iUp. 744.
L07E. isr
oBotod ibrllie purpose, as was the cnstam in those tunes for
Hds ctiminab, when Mr. Attorney-general Prideux, June
90, \65ly read the fiJlowiii^ indictment against him for high
tRSion : '* That he, the said Christopher Lore^ as a trutor
''sid'an enemj of this commonwealdi and free state of Eng-
^ kad, and out of a traitorous and wicked design to stir up
''aaew and bloody war, and to raise insurrections, seditions^
'^ aad rebellions within this nation, hath, at several times in
''file yean 1648, 1649» 1650, and 1651, m London, and at
" sdier idaees within the commonwealth of England, together
'''widi ttie persons mentioned above, traitorously and malici-
" oasly combined, confederated, complotted, contrive<l, and
to stir and raise up forces against the jniesent
of this nation, since the same hath been settled
'^ in a CdHinioiiwealth and free state, and for the subversioii
"and ahenidui of the same : that he hath traitorously and
"naliGioaal^ declared and published Qiarles Stuart, eldest
" SOB of die bte king, to be king of England, without con-
'^ sent of pnriiament : that he hath traitorously and mahciously
" kvited and assisted the Scots to invade this commonwealth
** of Bngland : that the said Christopher Love, at divers times
''between Mtfch 29> 1650, and June 1, 1651, in London
" and otber places, hath traitorously and maliciously main-
" tuned correspondence and intelligence by letters and
" liessa^^es with die said Charles Stuart, and widi the queen
" Us mother, and with sundry of his council : and that he
" hadi likewise holden correspondence with divers persons of
"the Scots* nation, and hath assisted them with money,
" anns, and other supplies, in the present war against the
" parliament, to the hazard of the public peace, and in breach
" of die laws of die land."*
To diis charge Mr. Love, after demurrii^ !iP^^ ^^ jwis-
ittion of the court, pleaded not guiUjf. The vntnesses
hoi^t against him were eight of his confederates, above
laeatioDed. Mr. Jackson, afterwards an ejected noncon-
famist,t was summoned, but he refused to be sworn, or to
tibe evidence, because he believed Mr. Love to be a good
lasL He said, ^' I fear I should have a hell in my conscience
tsiny dying day, if I should speak any thing circumstantiaily
(iqiidiGial to his life." The court reminded him of his
mjptioB to die public, and that the very existence and
'•UtrtTrlal, p. 1,2.
i Rb loi tlMB eight of the ministen coneemed in thk plot wcfli ijected
£St LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
safety 6£ alt" government depended upoto what they requii
After all Mr. Jackson refused to be sworn ; for which he was
immediately committed to the Fleet, and fined five hundred
pounds.*
During the trial, which lasted six days, the court concluded
that Mr. Lo^ had carried on a criminal correspondence with
both the king and the Scots. Kespecting the king, it was
sworn, that about a month after his late majesty's death,
several of diem had assembled in Dowgate and other places,
to cpncert measures to forward the king's agreement with .die
Scots; for which purpose diey applied by letters to the
queen, and sent over Colonel Titus, who had one hundred
pounds to defray his expenses. The colonel, having de* .
]iver<id his message, sent back letters by Colonel Alford,
which were read in Mr. Love's house ; with die copy of a
letter firom the king himself, when Mr. Love was present.
Therefore, upon these and similar facts, the counsel for the
commonwealth insisted, that here was criminal correspond-
ence to restore the king, contrary to the ordinance of
January SO, 1648, which declares, '^ That whosoever shalt
proclaim, declare, publish, or any ways promote Charles
Stuart, or any other person, to be king of England, without
consent of parliament, shall be adjudged a traitor^ and suffer
the^ains of death as a traitor."
THie other branch of the charge was Mr. Love's corre-
spondence with the Scots, and assisting them in the war against
the parliament. To support this article. Captains Potter
and Adams, and Mr. Jacquel, swore that letters came from
Scodand to Colonel Bamtield, with the letter- L upon them,
giving an account of the battle at Dunbar, and of the affairs
of the Scots for three months after Christmas. There came
letters also from the Earls of Argyle, Lothian, and Loudon,
who proposed raisii^ ten thousand pounds to buy arms, and
to hire shipping, with a view of landing five thousand men in
England. The letters were read in Mr. Love's house ; b.ut
the proposals were disliked, and only forty pounds were
raised to defiay the expenses of the messenger. At another-
tune a letter was read from General Massey, in which r he '
desired them to provide anus, and specified his own necesei*
tied, and those of Colonel Titus; upon which it was agreed
to raise two or three hundred poun4s by contribution, wA
every one present wrote down what he would lend ; among .
« Love'83'rM]ip.M,58.
LOVE. las
yAkm was Mr. Liove, who not only contributed himself, but
coried about a paper to encourage others. This was con-
fldered by the counsel of the cou'^inonwealth as sufficient to
bring Mr. Love within tlie ordinance of July 1, 1649, which
decfiuesy ^ That if any persons shall procure, invite, aid, or
wist any foreigners or strangers to invade England or Ire-
land; or shall adhere to any forces raised by the enemies of
Ae jmiliament or commonwealth, or keepers of die liberties
of Kngland; all such persons shall be deemed and adjudged
gnfllyirfliig^ treasoit."*
In his defence, Mr. Love behaved \nth too much freedom
and boldness^ and set too high a value upon his ministerial
Attmctar, which the court was inclined to treat with neglect.
He objected to the witnesses, who were forced into the
service to save their own lives; and observed, that as to
aeveni of die fects attempted to be proved against him, there
was only one witness; and that some of them had sworn
Uadj, or at least their memories had failed them in some
things, iriiich was no wonder after so long a time. He called
for no witness to disprove the evidence ; but in his defence
nid, '^ None of the witnesses 4wear that I ever desired, per-
maifed, or directed any person to write any letter, to any
pemms whose names are mentioned in the chaises, or to any
penon in or of the Scots* nation : or that ever any letter was
written in my house ; but only that letters supposed to be
come firom, or sent to Scotland, were read there, which I do
not deny : or that I ever did so much as read a letter in my
haose, or elsewhere, that was supposed to come from tiie
Soots, or pretended to be sent into Scotland : or, that I ever
gave my particular consent to sending any letter : or, that I
ever collected one penny of money for the king, or for the
Scots, or for any person in Scodand : or, that 1 ever invited
aoy person, or foreign force, to invade either England or
raand, as I am expressly cliargcd : or, finally, that I ever
ptolftBd, contrived, or endeavoured to raise forces, tumults, or
Qsurrections widiin this nation, . and against the present
SMnunent«"t
Towaids the close of his defence, he confessed that there
Ittl lieea several meetings at his house ; and that a com-
■Mon bad been read there ; but that he utterly dissented
fc^Vi It. ■ He.. acknowledged further, that he was present at
As.f^dM of.letteis, or of some parts of them: f^ But,"
^htf'^XiWtMiigmnant^f the danger that I now see I am
a» LIVES OF THE 1PURITANS.
in* The tct of Augosi^, 1660, makes it treason to boM
any correspondeDce with Scolbuidy or to send letters tfaidier
iCMily in a way of commence, the two nations being at. war.
Here my counsel acquaints me with my danger, because,
being present when letters were read at my house, I am guilty
of concealment ; and, therefore, I lay myself at your feet fw
ttiercy.
^^ I hare been called a mal^nant and apostate ; but^God
is my witness, I never carried on a malignant inteiest: I shall
retain my covenanting principles ; from which, by the grace
of God, I will never depart. Neither am I an incemfiaiy
between die two nations of England and Scotland : but I am
grieved for their divisions ; and if I had as much blood in mj
veins as there is water in the sea, I would count it virell spent
to quench the fire that our sins have kindled between diem.
I have all along ei^ged my life and estate in the parliament^
quarrel, against the forces mised against die late king ; jMTt
from a prospect of advantage, but from conscience and dmjr:
and I am so far from repentii^, that, were it to do again npdfi
tlie same unquestionable authority, and for the same dedarsS
ends, I should as readily engage in it as ever, diough I swish
from my soul, dia^ the ends of that just war had been h^Om
accomplished. But as to treason, I do not know msf act^
mine proved against me, that brings me under anyone 80t4iiMr
inexistence. I never wrote any letter nor sent any lotterto uy
of die Scots' nation; yet I confess dieir proceedings widiidle
king are agreeable to my Judgment. And diough I disomtUidie
fiommtsfiion, and instructions mentioned in the indictmeait, (
have desired an agreement between theking and die. Scots,
agreeably to die covenant; and they having declwred4iim-to
be their kii^yl have, as a private man, dewed and pragfed
diat they might accomplish their ends, upon siuth tefvia'aa
are cansstent widi die safety of refigion and the terms itf "die
covenant. For I thought that if the king and Scbts beeune
nhited, itjweuld advance the cause of God, die jnteieils ctf
true religbn, and the good of die tiadon.
'^ Therefore, I humbly beseech your lordship anddM COlhrl^
to nat a frur and candid construction upon all diat I hwedone,
ead that thingsemay : not be taken in the ^orst sense. 1 4iCMii
your lordship say at Guildhall, that ke is noi gyHt^ mkim
mindisn^t fpriUy. The Loid kno^wi, diatiift>die upr^bliMli
of my heart, I have done vrhat I have deiie ; md i atodtt
amaked when I heard m^j^f rtharged ^wMi iti^aaott. 3Wi|gk
I acknowledge, that for not revealing, as mine accusers have
done, Iiaai,%iyour acts, guilty of iccnoadMent^'a^ I
%tmild J beg flie mefcy ol the eourty praim
Gody to live a quiet and peaceable life, in in codbnetB and
honesty. And duu I ccmmiit nqrself and my aU to God and
TOUT itt<%nientf, in die words of Jeremiah to the rulers <tf
Israel : As for me, behold lam in your hmtdSf to do with me
as seemethgood and meettoyou; bSk know ye/or certain, thai
if ye put mte to death,ye shall surely bring itinocent blood upon
yourselves* But I hope better things of you, though I thus
speak.''*
The court allowed Mr. Lore die benefit ot counsel learned
in the law, to argue the exceptions against die indictment;
but afber all diat Mr. Hale, afterwards the famous Judge
Hale, could say in bdialf of the prisoner, the court pronounced
sentence of deadi upon him as si traitor. Hie senloioe
being' pronounced, Mr. Love said, ** My lord, I have received
sentence of death in myself, that I should not trust in myself,
but in God, which raiseth the dead. And, my lord, though
jou have condemned me, neither God, nor my own con-
science, doth condemn me." He was then carried to the
Towcr.t
. Great intercessions were made to the parliament for die
preservation of his life. His wife presented one petition, or
probably more, in die most movii^ language ; and he pr&-
•mited no less than four himself. Several parishes in London
presented their petitions to die house of commons, as did
iqpwards of fifty ministers; but all that could be obtained
was the respite of his execution for a month.t The last of
his petitions, read in the house August 14tli and l6th, was
die foUowii^ :$
*^ To the supreme authority, the parliament of the com-
^ monwealth of England. — ^The humble petition of Chris-
^' topher Love, a condemned prisoner in the Tower of
^ London ; sheweth, that your petitioner doth humbly adore
the wonderful goodness of God, and most thankfully
acknowledge the great mercy of the parliament, for so
** seasonaMe and acceptable an act of grace, to such an
^ offending suppliant, that when there was but one step
*^ between him and death, the number of his days being
^ accomplished, and he almost cut off from the land of the
^ living, then you mercifiiUy interposed, and gave him his
^ life for a mondi longer, ^ch was to him as a resurrection
• l0we*t Trial, p. 0S~7l. f Ibid. p. 181-
' t Granger's Biog. Hht. vol. iii. p. 4S.
S L<nre*i Case, p. 4, 5. £dit. 16&l.--LoTe'8 Viodication of hit PrUiciplet,
p. 5— 14. fidlUISil.
ISB • LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
*' from the dead : The consideration whereof melteth th^
'^ heart of your petitioner, and makes him, after a more
*^ narrow search into bis heart and way s, more deeply, sensible
'' than ever of his sin agaihst God, and more sorrowful for
*^ his high crimes and offences ^against the parliament, in
'' his late and great miscarriages. '^ ,
^' He humbly acknowledgeth he hath so highly Yiolated
'^ the laws of the commonvyrealth, as that thereby he hath
*' rendered himself guilty of the sentence of death justly
^^ passed upon him by the high court of justice. He doth
** also herewith humbly offer to your honours a free and
'^ full narrative, under his hand, of the whole design, to the
^ best of his remembrance, which he leaveth to your grave
'^ wisdoms' favourable interpretation, fully resolving that he
*^ will neither plot, contrive, nor design any thing ''prejur
^' dicial to the present government ; but will, in l^s place
*' and, calling, oppose any designs whatsoever that may tend
^' t6 the ruin of the commonwealth.
/^ Your dying petitioner, with all humble importunity,
** prostrates himself at your feet, and puts his mouth in tl^
^' du^t; and oh ! that there may be hope ! craving your tender
'^ mercy, begging his life at your hands ; promising nevier
** to employ that life- against you, which he shall receive
^* from you ; but doth hold it his djuty, in his place and
^^ calling, to lay out himself for the glory of God, the. good
*^ of his people, and the peace and safety of this conunon-
** wealth. And your petitioner shall ever pray, &c-'
" Chkistopher l^OVE."
In the nan^ative accompanying this petition, Mr. Love
admits, many of the things objected against him at his t^rial. It
is dated from the Tower, July 22, 1651, but much too long
for our insertion.* But, as Mr. Neal justly observes, the
affairs of the commonwealth being now at a crisis, and
King Charles II. having entered England at the head pf
sixteen. thousand Scots, it was thought necessary to strike
the presbyterian party with some degree of terror, by making
an example of one of their favourite ministers. We are
informed, that, at this juncture. Colonel Fortescue was sent
to General Cromwell, then in the north, with a petitioQ. in
behalf of Mr. Love; but that both (he general and the rest
of the officers declined meddling in the affair.i - Ot&er his^
torians, however, affirm, that Cromwell actually sent a letter
of reprieve and pardon for Mr. Love; but that the postboy
• L6V9*8 CaM, p. 5—14. f Wbmocke'i Mem. p. 474. . . (
LOVE. U9
was stopped on the road by several persons belon^uDig to th«
late king's aiinyy who opened the Scotch mail, and findinc
this letter of reprieve for Mr. Love, they took it, and wiS
indignation tore it in^ pieces; declaring, that he who had
been so great a firebrand at Uxbridge, was not fit to live.*
If this story be true, our divine fell a sacrifice to the ungo*
vemable rage of the royalists.
Upon the arrival of the mail from Scotland, and there
being no letter from Cromwell in behalf of Mr. Love, it
was concluded that his silence was an absolute denial.
Mr. Love was therefore ordered to be executed on Tower-
hill. During lus confinement, after his trial, he received
many encouraging and affectionate letters from his numerous
friends, particularly from Dr. Drake, Mr. Robinson, Mr.
Jenkin, wad Mrs. Love, which are now before me. The last
t^at he received from Mrs. Love, written the day before his
execution, and well worthy of the pious reader's penisal|
was the following:
'* Mj heavenly dear,
" I call thee so, because God hath put heaven into
thee before he hath taken thee to heaven. Tliou now bo
boldest God, Christ, and glory, as in a glass ; but to-morrow
heaven's gates will be opened, and thou shalt be in the full
enjoyment of all those glories which eye hath not seen, nor
ear heard, neither can the heart of man understand. God
hath now swallowed up thy heart in the thoughts of heaven ;
but ere long thou shalt be swallowed up in the enjoyment of
heaven ! And no marvel there should be such quietness and
calmness in thy spirit, whilst thou art sailing in this tern-
Eestuous sea, because thou perceivest, bv the eye of faith, a
aven of rest, where diou wait be richly laden with all the'
glories of heaven ! O, lift up thy heart with joy, when thou
layest thy dear head on the block, in the thoughts of this,
that thou art laying thy head to rest in thy Father's bosom ;
which, when thou dost awake, shall be crowned, not with an
earthly, fading crown, but with an heavenly, eternal crown of
glory! Be not troubled when thou shalt see a guard of sol-
diers triumphing with their trumpets about thee ; but lift up
thy head, and ^ou shalt behold God with a guard of holy
angels triumphing to receive thee to glory! Be not dis-
mayed at the scoffs and ffeproaches thou mayest meet with
in thy short way to heaven ; for, be assured, God will not
• Kennel's Hist, of Bag. vol. iii. p. ld&— £chard*8 Hilt, of Eof . tol. U.
p. 706.
VOL. III. ' K
130 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
only glorify thy body and soul in heayen, but ho will also
. jjAftke the memory of thee to be glorious on earth-!
'^ Ov let iiot one troubled^hought for thy. wife and- babe^.
rise within tihee ! thy God will be our God and our portkm.
Ho will' be a husband , to thy widow, and a &tbeF to tliy
children : the grace of thy God> wiU be sufficient for m»
'^ Now, my ^r, I desire willingly lundcheerf^y to r€siM
my rigli^ in thee to thy Father and^ my Fathar, who halb we
^reateftt' int^est m ihee : and confident I> am, thoughjBm
Baye separated us for a time, yet God will ere long ming-ai
together again, where we sliaU eternally enjoy one-anMneri^
nem to part more ! '
^^ Oy let me hear how God bean up. thy heart, an^^kt
me taiSbe of those comforts which^ support tbee^ ijist^ibey
.may be as pillare^ of marble to beai; up my sinking jmrit I
loan itrriie no more. Fa^well, forewell) iny d^u-, tub^vip
i^ieet where we shall neyer bid farewell more^; tilbiwinA
time I leaye thee in the bosom of a loying, tendcfrheaited
Father; and so I rest,
<f Till I sifaall f(Hr.eyer rest in heaven,
*^Mary LoyE."
This, ezcdlentc letter discoyers^ tbei^ipe tnumphCby^eiLtbft
world 'in Mrs. Loyje, which, her. husbandi so bappily'eab^
perienced. She. wajs,, not only surrounded by. tbeic> tl^pce
children, but. with child of .a fourth ; y^t.sbe paissedt.oiffit
this circumstance in silence;, and thQughifQrmfirly.w«alL'ia
gmce, yet she now enjoy^: strong, confidence and>gittit
<iamfort, and[ animated her husbabd. by the mostencoiiiM^
ing coosldeiations. Thus, <f by faith, out: of weakneBB^sM
was made strong." The . iiext> .morning^ being the day. iii|
whidi. he sufSordd, Mr* Loye returned, her titefotlQwiiif
fare.WelLepistl€(;
MMy mcfst gracious beloyed,
'^^lanl now going from a prispa to a. palace*, i
iiaye finished; ray work:; I amnow. to.receiyie rajr, wQgfliN
I am going to heayen, where there are two of n^. chUdlfii.;
and leayingtheeon earth, wbett^therearethrefiot'tQ^ oa||miK
those two aboye need joot atjy care ; hut the thiree bdfow QWl
thine. It* con^ifcirts me to tMnk: two of nxy. chilai€;^»A<^ill
the bosom^f Abrah[^m, and: tbr^ of the|qii w|n bift iH; u|m
arms aud care of so tender, and gpodlji acinoth^ i . I ki^giW:
thou art a woipan of a.sorrow^i8plrit,.y6t;bejQ8i)^i^^
Though i\\y sorrows b^ gr^t forthj hi^b.and's going out
of the world, yet thy paiiis shall be the less in brir ^" "
LOVE. ISl
f fay child into the xfoAA : thou shalt be a jojffot molhcr,
though thou art a sad widow ! God bath many nMfdea;
in Ktoreforthee : the prayen of a dying husband will not be'
lost. To my sha^e I speak it, I never prayed so much for.
thee at Itberty; as I have done ih priscm. I cannot write'
moi^ ; but I Mire a ftWpt^actical cdUHseb to Iteve with t^
viz.
<' 1* Keepiulde^ li' sound, otthodb^c, tad soul-settching
iliin&Cry. 0& tdei^ ai^ many dfitdv^it gbhe out iiitothe
WY>rti ; buV Chtist^s sh^epf ktaOMr hi^ vOlce, and a sUAnge^
Will th^y tiot folfow. Att^d bh thht ministry which teai&i
the way of God in tilith, and fallow Soldnlon^s ddvice :
Cease to hear the imiruciian that causdh to err from the tDOj/
fff kfiowiedge.
^< 2. Brink up thy children in the kiiowledge and ad-
mbiiitidh of uieLottf. Tte motheir oudit to be the teacher
in the iathdPs absenoe. 'I%e nioi/Vb z^hSch hts mother taughi
hbn. Tunothy was instructed by his gnlndmottier Lois, and
his mother Eanic^:
^^ 3. Pray in thy iiiihily daily, that thy dwelling may be
in the number of the faihilles that do call upon God.
'^ 4. Lad[)otir for' a medk and quiet spirit, which is in the
sight of God of gte^t price.
^ 5. Pore hot on the comforts thou wantest; but on the
mercies thou hast.
<< 6. Look rather to God^s end in afBicting, than at the
measure and d^ree of thy afflictions.
^' 7. Laboar to clear up thy evidences for heaven, when
God takes fromi thee the comforts of earth, that, as thy
sufferings do abound, so thy consolations in Christ may
much more abound.
^^ 8. Though it is good to maintain a holy jealousy of the
deceitfulness of thy heart, yet it is evil for thee to cherish
fears and doubts about the truth of thy graces. If ever I
had confidence touching the graces of another, I have con*
fiqonce of grace in thee. I can say of thee, as Peter did
of Sylvaniis, / am persuaded that this is the grace of God
wherein^ thou standest. Oh, my dear soul, wherefore dost
thou doubt, whose heart hath been upright, whose walkings
have been holy ! I could venture my soul in thy sours
stead. Such confidence have I in thee !
<< 9. When thou findest thy heart secure, presumptuous
and proud, then pore upon corruption more than upon
grace: but when thou nndest thy heart doubting and
unbelieving, then look on thy graces, not on thy infijraiities.
132 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
" 10.^ Study the covenant of grace and merits of Christy
Und then be troubled if thou canst. Thou art interested in.
such a covenant th^t accepts purposes for performances,
desires for d^s, sincerity tor perfection,- the righteousness
of another, viz. that of Jesus Christ, as if it were our.
own. Oh, my love, rest, rest then in the love of God, in.
the bosom of Christ !
"11, Swallow up thy will in the wiU of God. It id a
bitter cup we are to drink, but it is the cup our Father hath.
Sut into our hands. When- Paul was to go to suffer at.
erusalem, the christians could say. The mill ofthe Ijord.
be done. O say thou, when I go to Tower-hill, The wiU.oJ.
the Lord he done.
'^ 12. llejoice in my joy. To mourn for me inordinately,,
argues that either thou enviest or suspectest my happiness.
^^joy^ of the Lord is my strength. O, let it be thine also I .
Dear wife, farewell! I wUl calfthee wife no more : I shall
see thy mce no more ; yet I am not much troubled ; for
now I am going to meet the bridegroom, the Lord Jesus
Christ, to whom I shall be eternally married !
" Thy dying,
<^ Yet most affectionate mend till death,
^^ Christopher Lovb."
From the Tower of London,
August 22, 1651,
The day of my glorification.*
On this fatal day, at two o'clock in the afiemooil, Sfr.
Love mounted the scaffold with great intrepidity and reso*
lutioii. - The ministers who accompanied him were Mr.
Simeon Ashe, Mr. Edmund Calamy, and Dr. Thomas
Manton. Upon the scaffold, Mr. Love^ taking off his hat
twice before the people, made a long speech to theni],
addtiBssing them as follows :
<^ Beloved christians, I am this day made a spectacle
unto God, to angels, and to men. I am made a grief to the
godly, a laughing-stock to the wicked, and a gazing-^slodc
to all ; yet, blessed be Grod, I am not a terror to mysdf :
though there is but a little between me and death, th^re it
but a little between me and heaven. There are only two
steps between me and glory : my head must lie down upon
the block, and I shall ascend the throne. I am exchanging
a pulpit for a scaffold, and a scaffold for a throne. I fun
• Xove's SennoDs on Grace, Appfo. p.. !2U— 8U. £4it. 1810.
LOVE. I3S
exchanging a pnard of soldiers for a goard of angeb^ to
cany roe into Abraham's bosom.
<< I speak the truth, and lie not I do not bring a
reyengetul heart upon this scaffold. Before I came to this
place, and upon my bended knees, I begged mercy for
them who denied mercy to me ; and I have prayed God to
forgive them who would not forgive me ; and I have from
my h)eart forgiven the worst enemy I have in the world.
Now, in the presence -of God, I tell you, that as I would
in my trial confess nothing that was criminal, so I denied
nothing that was true, that I may seal it with my blood.
What 1 then denied and protested before the high court of
justice, I now deny and protest before you.
<^ I am for a regulated mixed monarchy, which I judge
ta be one of the b^ governments in the world. I oppose d,
in my place, the forces of the late king ; because I am against
screwing up monarchy into tyranny, as much as against
those who would pull it down to anarchy. I was afwayi
my judgment against the engagement : I pray
God to forgive them who impose, and them who take it^
and preserve them who refuse it. Neither would I be
looked upon as owning the present government : I die with
my judgment against it. And I die cleaving to all those
oaths, vows, covenants, and protestations, which were im-
posed by the two houses of parliament. I have abundant
peace in my own mind, that I have set myself a^inst the
sins and apostacies of the time. Although my faithfulness
hath procured me the ill-will of men, it hath secured me
peace with God : I have lived in peace, and I shall die in
peace.
" But, before I draw my last breath, I desire to justify God
and condemn myself. Though I come to a shamefid and
untimely death, God is righteous. And though he cut me
off in the midst of my days, and in the midst of my
ministry, because I have sinned, he is righteous, blessed be
his name. My blood shall not be spilt for nought. I may
do more goodf, and. bring more glory to God, by dying
upon a scaffold, than if I had died upon my bed. I bless
God, I have not the least trouble on my spirit ; but 1 die
with as much quietness of mind as if I were going to lie
down upon my bed to rest. I see men thirst after my
blood, which will only hasten my happiness and their
liH LIVES OF THE IHJRITANS.
k
iruin. For ^hougli I am pf a me^ parenta^, my Uood im
the blood of a christian, of a minister, of an innocent mw^
9md .of a martyr ; and ibis I speak yithout vanity. Had I
renounced ipj oqwexk^nt, defaimchod jmy conscience, ,wd
endangered my soul, t pjglijt have escaped this pl^ace ; Ipjdj
|>lessea be God, I b^ve ;piade the best choice : I have
^:Ji9sen a^ictjion rather th^ sin. And, therefore, welcome
scaffold, yfelcojp^^ a^e, welcome block, welcome death,
welcome .all, becsM^ jtbey will send me to my Fathc^^s
bouse.
^,' I bless God, a^ without y^ity it is spoken, that I
h^ye formerly h%d ipMce iTear in the drawing of a tooth tJbap
I haye now in the cutting off my head. Thus I CQm^t
mysejif to God, and to jreceive tl^e fatal blow. I am pom-
tbfrted in this, jthat t^i^n qien Jdjl me, they cannot d^fqii
ipoje: and .t^Wgh it^ey tbfw^t me iput of the wprld, thejr
ipannot tjbrij^ me 014 9^ ^i^ye^i* I am going Uf i&
{leavehly Jerusale;!^, jto thp imimmerable company ^ wgels|
to Je^ Qhrist, the fj^iatc^r of the new povenan^ to ibfi
spirits o|^ j\j^ 9ien mad^ perfect, and to God the jud^ of
fU ; in whose presence there is fulness of joy, and ^i i^lu^f^e
light hand there are ple9sures for eyermore. I conclude in
tte words of the apostle, ^ I am now ready to be offered up,
and the time of my departure is at hand ; I haye fii^isjl^
my course; I haye kept the faith: henceforth there is laid
up for me the crown of righteousness ; and iiot for me onlj^
but for all them who loye the appearance of our Lor4
^esus Christ:' through whose blood I expect salyatictt
and the remission of sins. And so the liord bless joq
Haying finished bis speech, ^e turned to Tichbu|m tht
sheriff, and said, <« IVjay | pray?" " Yes," said th«
sheriff; <^ but consider the time." Then, turning to th^
people, he said? '^ Beloyed, I will pi^Iy pray a little ^rlule
, trith you, to commend ipy soul \o God, and I hay^ ^oiie."
He then prayed with a loud ypic^, saying :
<^ Most glorious and eternal majesty, thpu art r^hteopv
and holy in all thou doest to the spns of men. Thoi^h thou
bast suffered nien to cond^om thy seryant, thy servant will
not condenm thee. He justifies ^heet, though thou ^i^tcsft
him off in the midst of his days, and in t^e midst oi his
ministry ; blessing thy ^lori^\is na,Ene, th^ tho^iunh hft bt
takQ^ away from the lanp oi'ibe Uvilng, be i^ i|Qt l^^t^ QVJ^
• Love's Trial, p. m~-l98.-r-toY«*i Case, p. lir«.
LOTE.
of the book of life. Father, my hour fs come. Thy poor
GKflture can say, without vanity and falsehood, he hath
desiied to fflorUy thee on earth ; glorify thoa him now in
heay^n. He hath desired to bring the souls of other men
to heayen ; let now his soul be brought to heaven. O tJion
hlflwd Godi whom thy creature hath served, who hath
made thee his hope and his confidence from his youth ;
fbnake him hot now in his drawing nigh to thee. Now
that be is in the valley of the shacfow of death, Lord, be
thou life unto him. Smile thou upon him, while men
frown upon him. Lord, thou hast settled the persuasion in
his teart, that, as soon as the blow is given to divide his'
head from bis body, he shall be united to his Head in
beavea. Blessed be God, that thy servant dies in these
iiopes. Blessed be God, th^ thou hast filled thb soul of
fli^ tervant with joy and peace in believing. O Lord,
fht«k upon that poor brother of mine, who is a companioit
iridi me in tribnhtion ; and who is this day to lose his life
as. wtll as myself.* O fill him full of the joys of the H^ly
Ghoat, when he is to give up the ghost Lord, strengthen
omr ballrts, that we may give up the ghost with joy and noit
with grief. We entreat thee, O Lord, think upon thy poor
dttircbes. O that England may live in thy sight ! O that
London may be to thee a faithful city ! and tliat rigliteous-
Hen nkay be among the pc(^le ;, that so peace and plenty
nay be Within their walls, and prosperity within their
habitations. Lord, heal the breaches of these nations.
Miike Eiigland and Scotland as one stafi* in tlie Liofrd'a
hand; that £phi^iih may not envy JudaK, nor Judah vex
Eirihiaim ; but that both may fly upon the shoulders of the
Phiiistines. O that men of the protcstant rcHgioti, engaged
ia the s^tne cause and covenant^ may not delight to spill
eath other's blood, but engage against the conunbii adver*
aaiy of religion and liberty ! G^ shew mercy to all who
fear huti. Lord, think upon our covenant-kee^Mng brethren
of the kingdom of Scotland. Keep them faithful U} ibee;
and let not those who have invaded them overmead their
had. Prevent the shedding of more christian blood, if it
•eeta good in thine eyte. God, shew mercy to thy poor
serylint, i#ho is now giving up the ghost. O blessed Jesa%
atoply thy blood, not only for my justification unto^ life, bdt
aitto for riiy comfort, for the quieting of my soul, that so I
may be in the joys of heaven before I come to the possisi^
^ His feUo'w-so^erer, who was beheaded (he fame day, for befog con*
' Hi the Mun^ ploC, was Mr. Gllbbonf.
136 LIVES OF THE PURlTANSj
sion of heaven. Hear the prayers of all thy people that
. have been offered up for thy servant. And though thoii
hast denied prayer concerning my life, let the fruit of
prayer be seen, by bearing up my heart against the fear of
death. O God, shew mercy to all tliat.fear thee, and to all
who have engaged for the life of thy servant: Let them
have mercy in the day of their appearing before Jesus
Christ. Preserve thou a godly ministry in this nation, and
restore a godly magistracy, and cause good days to be the
heritage of thy people, for the Lord's sake. Now, Lord,
into thy hands I commit my spirit. And though thy servant
may not, with Stephen, see the heavens open ; yet, let him
have the heavens open : and though he may not see upon
a s'baffold the Son of God standing on the right hand of
God ; yet, let him come to the glorious presence of Je$U8
Christ, and this hour have an intellectual sight of the
glorious body of his Saviour. Lord Jesus, receive my
spirit. And, Lord Jesus, stand by thy dying servant, who
in his life hath endeavoured to stand by thee. Lord, hear
and pardon all his infirmities ; wash away his iniquity by
the blood of Christ ; wipe off reproaches ; wipe off guilt
from his person ; and receive him pure, and spotless, and
blameless before thee in love. And all this we beg for the*
sake of Jesus Christ. Amen and amen.''
Mr. Love having ended his prayer, turned to the sherii^^
and said, ^^ I thank you, sir, for your kindness : You have
expressed a great deal of kindness to me." He then asked-
for the executioner, who coming forwards, he said, ^^ Ait
thou the officer ?" and being answered in the affirmative, lie
said, with his eyes lifted up to heaven, ^^ O blessed Jesus i
who hast kept me from the hurt of death, and from the fear
of death: O blessed be God! blessed be God!" Then,
taking his leave of the ministers and his other friends, he
said, " the Lord be with you all." He then kneeled down
and made a short prayer ; and, rising up, he said, <^ Blessed
be God, I am full of joy and peace in believing. I lie
down with a world of comfort, as if I were to lie dowa ia
iny bed. I shall rest in Abraham's bosom, and in the
embraces of the Lord Jesus." As he was preparing to lay^
his head on the block, Mr. Ashe said, '' Dear brother, how*
dost thou find thy heart ?" Mr. Love replied, " / Mess Gody
w, J am as full of joy and comfort as ever my heart can'
hold. Blessed be God for Jesus Christ.^* He then laid
himself down upon the scaffold, with his head over the
block j and, stretching forth his bands, the executicioer.
LOVE. 137
severed his head from his body at one blow.* His mortal
raBuns were afterwards interred, with great lamentation,
in the chancel of the cburch of St. Lawrence- J ewiy.
Mr* Love was a zealous presbyterian, a most popular
pteacber, and highly beloved among his brethren. But his
memory has greatly suffered by tlie reproaches of high-
choich historians, and by none more than Clarendon, who
oyS) '<He was guilty of as much treason as the pulpit
ooidd contain. And, therefore, when he appeared upon the
scaiRdd, he. seemed so much delighted with what he had
done, that he could not even then forbear speaking with
bUtemeti and animosHt/ against both the kins and the
hishopt. And in a raving fl^ he laid his heaa upon the
block, without so xspicYi as praying for the king, any further
than he propagated the covenant.^f
Thete are, indeed, most heavy charges. But if Mr. Love
was really guilty of so ' much treason,' it was in behalf of
ihekbigy and with a view to promote the royal cause ; there-
fiire, according to the noble historian's own principles, the
change is null and void. But if the historian refer to his
preaching at Uxbridge, or on any other occasion, the
chaige is asserted in like manner, without the smallest evi-
dence, and, from all that I have been able to collect, appears
equally groundless and contrary to truth. With respect to
Mr. liove^s < speaking with bitterness and animosity against
both the king and the bishops,' when he was on the scaffold,
the charge is altogether without foundation, and stands
diametrically opposed to matter of fact ; ^ appears from
Love's speech at length, now before mc.f And as to his
laying his head upon the block, < in a raving fit,' we are at
a loss to understand his lordship's meaning, unless he
undesignedly insinuates, that Mr. Love died in the enjoy-
moit of the most happy and exquisite religious feelings.
Dr. Calamy assures us, " That he died neither timorously
• Love's IVial, p. 128, 129.
f Clarendon's Hist. vol. iii. p. 338. — Dr. Grey informs ns, that be bad
net with the foHowing manuscript note, upon the margin of Nalson*»
IntrodnctioD, relative to Mr. Love's character and death : — *' It might be
** observed, (says the note,^ as a circumstance contributing to make his
** death appear the more judicial, that when Archbishop Laud was be*
** iMaded, this Mr. Love, in a most inhuman triumph, flourished his band-
^kerchief dipt io the blood of that great and venerable prelate; which/'
tke doctor immediately adds, '* will fully justify Lord Clarendon's cha-
•■cler of Mr. Love." Every reader, however, will easily perceive the
Ulacy of the doctor's argament. — Grey's Examination of NeMl, vol. iii.
p. 128. *
I hoife§ Trial, p. 121— 1!28,— Love's Case, p. 14—27.
198 LIVES OF TH6 PURITANS.
Mor proudly, but with great Alacrity and cbeerfhliiM, as if
he mid been goine to bed.''* Dr. Manton, who attended
Mr. Love upon me scaflbld^ who preached his funeral
sermon, and who knew him much better than the historiiuis
who have aqiersed his character, says. <^ He was a man
eminent in grace, of a singalar life ana conversation, and
a pattern of piety most worthy of imitation, "f * Airatbhr
wnter, who was intimately acquainted with him, gives an
exceilent account of his christiaki character and his riiinis*
terial qualifications and usieMness; and adds: — ^< In all
hiis relation^ as a minister, a christian^ a subject, a husband,
a friend, and a father, he served his g^ieration cm the eartii,
and made a swift progress in his way to heaven. He lived
too much in heaven to live long out of heaven ; imd sure
I am that he lived a life oi heaven upon earth; His
fellowship was with the Father and with bis Son dtim
€hrist"t
His WoRK8.~I. The Debauclied Cavalier, 1642.— 2. Eng^andll
Distemper, 1645. This is the Sermon preached at Uxbridge.— r
$. Short and plain AnimadvcrsioDs on some Passages in Mr. DelTI
l^rmon before the House of Commons, 1646.— 4. Answer to an
VkiUcensed Pamphlet, 1647.— 6. A Vindication of England's Dis-
temper, 1661.^6. Love's Case, 1651.— 7. Love's Trial, 1651.—
S. Love's Advocate, 1651. — 9. A Full Narration of the late Dan*
g^erous Desi^ against the State, 1651. — 10. His Speech and Prayer
upon the Scaffold on Tow^-hill, 1651.— 11. The Truth, and GHowthi
and different Degrees of Grace, 1652. — 12. A Sermon at the FunehJ
of Mrs. B., 1652. This was the last sermon he preached. — 13. Heaivcsn^i
Glory tteirs Terror, 1653. — 14. The Soul's Cordial, 166a— 15. A
Treatise of Election and Effectual Calling, 1653. — 16. Scripture^ules
to be observed in Buying and Selling, 1653.-17. The true Doctrine
of Mortification and Sincerity, in Oppoi^ition to Hj^pocrisy, 1654.—
18. Combat between the Flesh and Spirit, 1664.— 19. The Stolh oi*
Substance of Practical Divinity, 1654. — 20. The Christian's Direcfbry;
1654.-21. The Dejected Soul's Cure, 1657.— 22. The Ministry of
the Angels to the Heirs of Salvation, 1657. — ^23. The Omnipresenoe
of God, 1657.--24. The Sinner's Legacy to his Posterity, 1657.—
35. The Penitent Pardoned, 1657.— 26. A Discourse of Christ's
Ascension and Coming to Judgment, 1657. — 27. The natural Maails
Case stated, 1658. — Many of Uie above articles wet^ published after
the author's death; and some of them came forth with ike higlr
oommendations of his brethren^
* ClarendoB and Whitlockc Compared, p. SOS.
. + MantoB^s Funeral Sermon for Mr. Love. — Thii lentaoB h knH^M'^
** The Saint's Triumph over Death." The government, miderslainnii|p tlidfl^
Dr. Manton intended to preach Mr. Love's funeral sermoh, expreraed lomtf
displeasure, and the soldiers dlreatened to shoot h'lvtk. However,- he inm
liot to be terrified by sBch dani^ers, but preached it a^ Mr. Love's ditnrcii ia
Lawrence- Jevrry^ to a Dumerous congregation. — Palnurs Noncon, JUm*
vol. i. p. 427. j; SloaniB'# MfiS. Ne. 3M&
SAXTON. ISO
Saxto^, a. M. — This venerable divine was born
4t or Bear Bramley, in the parish of Leeds, in Yiorkshire,
aod educated in the university of Cambridge, where he
took his degrees in arts. He was admitted preacher, first
?Aitcihbisbop Hutton, then by Archbishop IVlatthews, bcrfk
tibe province of York. He obtained the king's presen-
iaJ&w as well as that of Sir Edward Stanhope, to the rectory
of Bdlington iu his native county, as appears from the
book of admissions in the register's office at York; where^
December 1, 1614, he made the usual subscription willingly
d ex mono* He afterwards saw cause to change his
Ojmiioii; wd he became so alienated from the disciplme
indceieqioAies of the church, that he is said to have called
the mnAice the whore^s smock.*
Him^g espoused the sentiments of the puritans, and not
heiw qsaaroed to avow his opinions, he could find no rest
ia hiB native country. The horrors of cruel persecutiaa
having overspread the nation, he retired from the storm, and
sought an asylum in New England, where, to his great
comfinrt, he arrived in the year 1640. There we find his*
name, as minister of Scituate, in the first classes of those
who enlightened the dark regions of America by their
ministry. f He continued some time in this situation; but
the unsettled condition of the colony, and some unhappy
contentions in the plantation where he lived, induced him
to remove first to Boston, then to England, in his advanced
years.^ On his return from New England, the ship was
overtaken in so violent a storm, that the mariners, who could
not be brought to pray before, came trembling to him like
dying men ; and they found him upon the deck exulting,
with nis arms stretched towards heaven, and crying, " O /
who is now for heaven? who is bound for heaven?'^
After Mr. Saxton's arrival in his native coimtry, he had
the offer of a considerable living in Kent, which he declined
to accept, preferring the vicarage of Leeds in his own
county, to which he was inducted in the month of April,
1646, and possessed till his death, which happened Octo-
ber 1, 1651, having survived his daughter Silence, the wife of
Captaui Samuel Pool, to whom she was married in New
England ; but she died at Leeds, as did also his widow the
Femruary following. He was a venerable, pious, and
burned divine ; but he used many plain expressions, which
ofien occasioned smiles, and once downright laughter in a
^ Thoresby's Yicaria Leodiensis, p. 86.
f Mather's Hiit. of New Bug. b. Hi. p. 3. t U>id« p. 314
140 LIVE? OF THE PURITANS.
country cburcli urberc he was preaching. His text wai
Job XI. IS. ^^ For vain man would be wi^e, though man
be born 11 ice a wild ami's colt.'' He, observing the irreve*
rence of the {leople, threatened to malie them crv before he
]iad done, and was as gocxl as Ifis word when he came to
the application. The a/^ed minister, for whom he then
tireaclied^tohl me, as our author adds, that he m.*ver sawthe
ike in that church before, almost the whole of (he congiie-
St ion being liathcd in tears ; and he further ohserves,^ that
r. Saxton was a very studious and learned man, and a
great Hebrean, and he constantly carried his Hebrew BiUe
with him into the pulpit.« There gocn under his name a
b^>ok, entitkxl <^ Christmas Cheere ; or, Profitable Notes of
Two Hermons preached (he S5fh of Deci'mber, being com-
monly (how riehtly let others judge) called Christmas day,
and n[K)n the* any followin/i;, commonly called 8t. 8tepben*is
day," 1606. Mr. Palmer has, by mistake, classed cor
venerable divine amon^ (he worthy ministers who weta
ejected after the restorution.t
(/EOROE Walkbh, B. f). — This learned divine was
Ixini at Hawkshead in J^ancashire, in tlie year 1381, and
iHlucatrd in St. John's college, Cambridge. Being favoured
with reliij^ious parents, he enjoyed the lx;neflt of their pious
inhtructioriH v^hen very young,t which ap|xrared of signal
advunt;ige io him in future life. Mavmg finished Jii»
stu(li(*H at the uiiiv<rKify, he went (o London ; and, in the
vear 1614, became rector of St. John the Kvangeli^t, in
Watling-street.S Here he continucfd a faithful andlaborioua
nn'nihter nearly forty years, refiihin/i^ all other preferments,
though fn^iiutritly offered him. He did not preach to obtain
' pretcnnmf, but to win souls to Christ. About the same
time he Ix^came chaplain to Dr. Felton, bishop of Kly, who
made choice of him the very morning of his consecration.
He was a bold opposer of popery, and he engaged several
times in public dis])utations against its errors and super*
• 7horc%hy\ Viraria l^o4\en%\%, p. 87,88.
+ Psimrr'i Noncoii. Mrm. vol, I. p. 377.
i The fonomiuj; coriou* anrcdute ii rrlalcd of him, whirk wr |;i«« willi-
eut comment: — ** Beinf vi»iir<l ubrn a child viiih ihc small-pox, nnJ tboM*
who «tooH eipfcting hit HiiiMilaiion, hr ktarlf>d up oii( of a tramr, nith fbU
rjaciilation, i.ord, take me not ateny till i have t/tewed forth thy prithea f
whirh, aflrr hib recovery, induced bit parents to devote bim to the oiinii-
Xty:''-FuUet*B IVorthirg, jmrt ii. p. llS.
S Nei»coort*« iCepcn. £ccl. vol. i. p. 375.
WALKER. 141
stitions. In the year 1623 he had a public dispute vith a
popish priest of the name of Smith, before a yery large
assembly ; and, by the consent of botli parties^tbe account of
it was aiterwards published. He had many encounters with
Fisher, the famous Jesuit, and many others, who were
deemed the most able disputants of the Romish persuasion.*
Mr. Walker was a divine of sterling piety and strict
Sabbatarian principles ; and he often ureed from the pulpit
the necessity of an exact observance of the Lord^s day. In
the year 1635, having openly avowed his sentiments in one
of his sermons, and recommended the holy observance of
the sabbath, as opposed to a book published l)y Bisliop
White of Ely, and set forth by public autliority, he wsis
convened before Archbishop Laud, wlien he received
canonical admonition.f In the year 1638 he was prosecuted
and severely censured in the star-chamber. Having
preached a sermon in his own church, to prove ^^ that it is
a sin to obey the greatest monarch on earth, in those things
which stand opp<^ed to the commands of God,*' he was
committed twelve weeks to the custody of a pursuivant, to
whom he paid fees to the amount of twenty pounds. I'pon
his prosecution, he was shut np ten weeks close prisoner in
the Gratehouse, and at last compelled to enter into a bond
of a thousand pounds, to confine himself pri^on^r in his
brother's house at Cheswick, when his living was seques-
tered. He continued a prisoner upwards of two years, but
was afterwards released by an order of parliament.
His case was laid before the house of commons in 1(>4I,
when it was resolved, ^^ That his commitment from the
councQ-table for preaching a sermon, October 14. ]6.'>i,
and his detainment twelve weeks for the same, is against
the law and the liberty of the subject.
<< That the prosecution of the said Walker in the rtar-
chamber, for preaching the said sermon, a.nd lifs clow
imprisonment thereupon for ten weeks in the Gat«;hoi]wr,
and the payment of twenty pounds fees, is a^inst Jiw and
the liberty of the subject
'* That the five passages marked in the sermoa, by Mr.
Attorney and Sir John Banks, contain no cr.me, r^cn dcMTv^
any censure, nor be any ponbhmmt for th^m.
^ That the enforcing the said Walker to e&i«y uOo tfce
bond of one thooBand poaiMb. ia asmbmumati i» kis
• Fyiner*iWonhici,pwtH.pulia.
'^ Wood's Atbcaa Oxoa. « li. i. p. Mft.
UB LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
brother's house at Cheswick, and his idiprisoiiineiit tbeir, jm
i^gaiiMst law.
<^ That the sequestration of the parsonage of the said
Walker, by Sir John Lamb, was- donne without any wana^
and against the law of the land.
^ Ttnit Walker ought to be restored to his parsonage,
and the whole profits thereof, from the time m the said
sequestration, and to hare* reparation fbr idl such damagei'
as he- hath sustained by these several imprisonment^ aitf
his casetraBsmitled to the lords."*
Mnbether Mr. Walker received any reparation for
damages we haye not been able to karn; but after his release'
from confinement, he returned to hisr benefice and ndnisterial
charge in Watiffig^street, wherehe continued the rest of ha
days- without further molestation. In the year 164S he vrar
choeen'one of the assembly of divines, whene, by his muni-
ficeat and generous behaviour, he gained a (Hstinetddiedi
reputation. The year following he was appointed' biie cff
the committee for the examination and ordinsition of public
preacheiB. The same year he was one of the witnessed
against ATcbbishop Laud at his trial, when he deposed tfaaf
the archbishop had endeavoured to introduce arminiaoism
and the popish superstitions into the church of England^f
Though Wood reproaches him with having preached^
against the kingt and his party, he united with ms breihreiiy
ine London ministers, in their protestaticm againiSt the kingV
death, declaring that his majesty ought to have htatt
rdea6ed«$ He was a member of the first provincial 'as-
sembly in London, and sometimes chosen moderator. Hf
died in the year 1651, aged seventy years, and his ren|Btiii'
were interred in his own church in Watlin^-street. FolUr*
says, '^ he was well skilled in the oriental languages, and*
an exceHent logician and divine. He was a man oi a^hdhr
life, an humble spirit, and a liberal hand, who deserved wdCl'
of 'Zion college library ; and who, by his example and per-
suasion, advanced a thousand pounds for the maintebaiace of
♦ NJrtsott's Collections, ▼ol. ii. p. 1^, 251.
f Prynna't'Caot. Doome, p. SSO^ SS2.
{ Dr. Grey charges him with the stune crime^ for the proof of wkicli>l«-
appeals to the following passage in one of bis sermons : ** After God liad
rrjeeted Saul for bis ditobedience from being king oyer Israel,*' says Mr.
Walker, ** and baddeclated bis parpteelo hntf<>y Samael, ao'evlf spirit tff
fnr^, jealousy, and tyranny, came upon him." The reader wiU jadge wlnit
degree of proof it affords.— Grey's Ejpmmin^ TOl.^i. p.aS9;
S GaJamy*s Contin. ¥ol. ii. p. 7iS*
VICARS. 143
meBfildne ministen in his natiye county/' Wood calls
um ^< a kamed man, but a serere puritan."*
ffis WoK|C8^ — 1. The Sum of a DispnlAUon between Mt. Walker^
Mor of 8t^ Jolm the Eviui., and a Popigh Priort, caUing himself Md
flnrnt^bpitMlcea Norns, 192^.-2. Fisher's FoUy Unfolded; ojT, the
Ti||ntbiftJ#siijgs Challenge Ajpsweredy.l^ai. — 3. Socinianism in the
FaMmsntal' Ppi^ of Justification Discovered and Confoted, 1641.
-^ The dochrine'of the Holy Weekly Sabbath, 1641.-~6. Qod made
^WHe ifr aU Us Woriu, 1641^--^. Sermons preached befeve tkm
IMittMiil^lM4»&c.
fpwi TfCAiis Ufas. borOf in the city of London, in tho
90ir. i^*f8^ d«8Qende4 A;9m the YicaiB in Curnberland, and
edli^MM wt^liO' ChrM-cIiurch hospil^ London^ then in
^toiyittCQii^ge^ 0:v^fQrd., Having, finished his aci^leBiical
sMMI9.be tebiiod to London, and hecame udier at Christ's*
lifivndl) .which he kept till: towards the close^of life. Wood
UriJs Jiinfcf^ H ppriUnical ppet, and a zealous brother in the
<MP9;*^'aQd aays,. that, '' upon the conunencement of the
inril W9iB> be diewed his great forwardness for presbjrte-;
nnisniy^hated.aU people that loved obedience, and affrighted
Wmy of: the weaker sort,, and others, from haying any
^poeement. with the king's party, by continually inculcating
tiBto.thdr heads strange stpries of God's wrath against the
ttWiUcnu, Afterwards, when the independents became
piedominant, he manifested great enmity against them,
especially after the king's death."f He is said to haye
^ hated all people who loved obedience, as the devil doth
ghfhr- water; and he could out-scold the boldest face in
BpUngsgate, especially if kings, bishops, or^ns, or may-
9B, .were to be the objects of their zealous indignation.''^
js warmly censured for calling the ceremonies of tlie
clmirishf < a stinking heap of atheistical and Roman rubbish ;"
9nd. for saying, ^' Throw away the rubbish with the Lord's
caMmies.. Vex the Midiauites, abolish the Amalekites: let
pcmety find no favour."^
Mr. Vicars was a most furious adversary to the indepen'*
dents. The title of one of his pieces written against tneni^
vtllafford a curious specimen of the length to which the
diffieient parties at that time carried their animosity. It is
« Faller's Worthies, part ii. p. 118.— Wood's Atheoe Ozoo. vol. i.
p. 840.
+ Wood's AtheDae, vol. ii. p. 86, 8S.
FoQlis^s Hist, of Plots, p. 179.
Walker's Attempt^ part i. p. 17, 18.
!
144 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
as follows ! ^< Coleman-street Conclave visited ; and tliat
gitiad Impostor, the Schismatics Cheater in Chief, (who hath
long sRly lurked therein,) truly and duly discovered ; con-
taining a mpst palpable and plain Display of Mr; John
Goodwin's self-conviction, (under his own hand writing,)
and of the notorious Heresies, Errors, Malice, Pride, and
Hypocrisy of this most hugeGaragantua in falsely pretended
Piety, to the lamentable misleamng of his too credulous
soul-murdered Proselytes of Coleman-street, and elsewhere:
Cpllected principally out of his own big-bra^gadochio
wave-like swelling and swaggering Writings, full fraught
with six-footed Terms, and Aeshlie rhetorical Phrases, &r
more than solid and sacred Truths, and may fitly serve, (if it
be the Lord's will,) like Belshazzar's Hand-writing on the
Wall of his Conscience, to strike Terror and Shame into bis
own Soul and shameless Face, and to imdeceive bis moflt
miserably cheated, and inchanted or bewitched FollowMS,"-
1648. Facing the title is John Gfoodwin's picture, witti a'
wind-mill oyer his head, and a weather-cock upon it: Uie
devil is represented blowing the sails ; and there are other
hierofflyphics or emblems about him, " designed,'* says*
Wood, " to shew'the instability of the man."* The mie
. Mr. Toplady, in the fervour of his zeal against arminianism,
seems highly delighted with what he calls ^^ this facetious*
title. "+ To us, however, it afibrds a lamentable proof of
the degradation to which even good men sometimes subject
themselves, when they siifier their passions to get the bdter
of their reason. Such language, in the present day, would
in justice be treated with silent contempt.
Though it does not appear at what place Mr. Yicatu
laboured ia the ministry, one of his name was beneficed at
Stamford in Lincolnshire, and prosecuted for nonconformity,:
He was apprehended by a pursuivant and cast into pris^Mi^
upon the bare accusation of a drunken, popish innkeeper^
where he continued many weeks before any articles were
exhibited against him. He was afterwards bailed, but
forced to enter into bonds not to so ten miles from London.
And when he was carried before his spiritual judges, he was
again cast into prison, sentenced to pay a great fine, and
deprived of his living, upon the most frivolous charges^
which were disprov^ by many respectable witnesses.^;
* Athens Oxon. vol. ii. p. 85.
f Toplady*8 Historic Proof^ vol. i. p. 41.
X Huntley's Frelates' Usurpations, p. 16^.
p. TOUNG. Mft
This, in all probability, was the sune pmon** Mr. TicMi
died Augnsit IS, 1652, aged aeYcnly-two ytaiM. Hia ie»
mains were intenred in the chorch of Christ-chnich htripil^
and over his grave was a la^ monomental inacripCies^
which, with the church, was dotioyed by the coollamtios
in 1666.
His W0BK8. — 1. A PhMpective Glan to look into Heaven ; or^
the Celestul Canaan Described, 1618.— 2. The Soule's Sacred Solilo-
qnie, 1618.-^ England's HalMi^ ; or. Great Britain's gratefta
Jletribation for God's gracious Benediction in oar many and laaMMs
DeliYerances, 1631.-^ Qointessence of Cruelty; or, the P^ftih
Powder-plot related, 16... — 6. England's ReaieaibriiDcer ; or. a
thankful Acknowledgement of Pariiamentarie Merries to the Fagliih
l^atTon, 1641.-6^ The Sinfulness and Unlawfuhiess of BMkiag the
Picture of Chrisfs Humanity, 1641.— 7. God in the Mount; or, JSng-
laod's Remembrancer, being a Panegerick*PfFamides erected to lie
Honour of England's God, 1642^—8. A Looking Ghus for Mattg-
nants ; or, God's Hand against God-haters, 1643.-1^. God in the
Mount; or England's Remembrancer, being the Pint and HttimJ
Part of a Parliamentary Chronicle, 1644. — 10. God's Arkeorertoppiiy
the World's Waves; or, a Third Part of ParlianeBtary Chromrie.
1646. — 11. The Burning-bush not consumed; or, the Foartfa aad
Last Part of a Parliamentary Chronicle, 1646.— The three last artMes
were collected and published together, entitled, ** MagnaUn Dtk
Angiicaua; or, England's Parliameutarv Chronicle, 1646. — 13. Cole*
man-street Conclave Visited, as noticed above, I64S.^>I3. Ilie Scbi»'
matTck Sifted, 16 . . .— 14L Soul-saving Knowledge, lu*., 16 . . .— lA. The
Picture of a Puritan, 16. . . — 16. Dagon DeuMlisfaed ; or, Twenty admir-
able Examples of God's severe Justice and Dispteasnrr against the
Subsi^ribers of the late En^psgement against the King and the whole
House of Peers, 166D.— He also published several Traaslatioos of
the Works of learned Men, among which was "Mischief's Mysterie;
or. Treason's Master-piece, the Powder-plot, invented by Hellish
Malice, prevented by Heavenly Means," 1617. This was ttceascd;
and a new edition aftenwards being wanted, he waited upon Dr.
Baker, chaplain to Archbishop Land, requesting to have the license
renewed, when the doctor refased, saving, " We are not so aagry
with the papists now as we were twenty }ears ago."!
Patrick Young, A. M.— This celebrated scholar was
born at Seaton in Scotland, August 29, 1584, and educated
in the university of St. Andrews, where he took his degrees
in arts, and was afterwards incorporated at Oxfortl. He
was the son of Sir Peter Young, joint tutor with Buchanan
lo Jaines I., and afterwards employed by the king in various
ncgociations, and rewarded with a pension. Upon tha
• Haatley^ Prriatei' Umrpatioa^ p. ISS. /
f Pryone^s Cast. Dooae, p. 1S4.
TOL. III. L
146 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Accession of James to the crown of England, bis father
accompanied him to this country, and placed Patrick in the
fymily of Dr. Lloyd, bishop of Chester, from whom he
derived great assistance in his literary pursuits. In the year
1605 he went to Oxford, entered into deacon's orders, aad
was elected chaplain of New College. He employed him-
self in this seat of the muses in the assiduous study of
ecclesiastical history and antiquities, and of the Greek
language, in which he acquired an extraordinary knowledge.
On his removal from the university he went to London,
with the intention of obtaining preferment at court, to which
be had easy access by means of his father. One of his
principal patrons was Dr. James Montague, bishop of Bath
and Wells, through whose interest he obtained a pension
from the kins of nfty pounds a year ; and as he was master
of an d^antXatin ^yle^ his pen was occasionally employed
by his majesty, and by some other persons in power, in
writing letters ; and he was also engaged in examining the
trchiv^ of the kingdom.*
It was one of the first objects of his ambition to obtain the
post of keeper of Prince Henry's library aiid museum, in
the palace of St. James's, which was his residence. In this
be fiuled; but he was afterwards, through the influence of
his patron. Bishop Montague, elected librarian to the king.
To the royal library Mr. Young was a most assiduous
visitor, spending the greatest part of his time in it, and, at
the king^s command, classing its contents in catalogues. Hn
had fir^uent literary conversations with his majesty, who
placed nim in this situation, for which he was so wcQ
qualified. By his persuasion, on the death of the very
learned Isaac Casaubon, in 1614, with whom he was
familiarly acquainted, the king purchased most of his books
and manuscripts for the library. Also, for the purpose of
augmenting tne stores committed to his care, he was venr
desirous of visiting the continent, but was unable to put his
c^ign in execution till 1617, when he went to Paris, t9king
with him recommendatory letters from the learned Caindefli
to some of his literary acquaintance in that metropolis. Bj
their means he was introduced to various other emineni
men, with whom, by the sweetness of his disposition, anjd
the candour and urbanity of his manners, he ingn^ti^^d
liimseli^ and also rendered himself peculiarly, dear to ^f^
with whom he was Connected. After his return, he assistea
• Bios. Britaa. vol. viii. p. 438a--Aikiii's Life of Seldeo asS UsKer.
p.ser. ^ . . .
R YOUNG. 147
Mr. Thomas Rhead in making a Latin Teman of tbe
works of King James, a task undoubtedly oonsideied at
highly important by the royal author. This translaliooi
^^ which/' says Dr. Smith, ^< will extend to all eiemiitf the
fame of this most learned king," appeared in 1619; and
Mr. Young was deputed to csary the present cc^y from his
majesty to the university of Cambridge, which was received
Yfith ail due respect in solemn convocation.
Mi. Young, in the year 16S0, entered into tlie married
atate ; and, about the same time, though oiil^ in deaooa*i
orders, was presented to the rectory of Havs m Middlesex,
and the rectory of Llanindimel in Denbighshire,* and was
aoon after collated to a prebend of St. Paul's, London, and
chosen to the oflSce of treasurer of that church* In 1684,
on the deatti of Mr. Khead, he was reconmiended by Bishop
Williams, then keeper of the great seal, to the Duke of
Buckingham, as the fittest person in the kingdom to succeed
him in the o&ce of Latin secretary. Although be had
hitherto published nothing in his own name, be appears
to have acquired a high character among tlie leamea, both
at home and abroad, many of the latter of whom corres-
ponded with him upon literary topics, and received from
faim many signal advantages. When the cckbrated John
Selden undertook to examine the Arundelian Marbles, he
chose Mr. Young for one of his companions; and he
derived so much assistance from him in drawing up the
account of these valuable remains tliat, rasing bv all
patrons of higher rank, he inscribed his '< Marmon Arun-
deleana" to Mr. Youog, in an afTectionate and gnlefal
dedication, which confers honour on both the frieo&f
The femous Alexandrian manuscript of the Old and
New Testament being added to the treasurrs of the royal
library, Mr. Young employed himself assiduously in ool-
lating it with other manuscripts and printed books, and
(x>nmiunicatcd many various readings to Grolin% Usher,
and other learned men. It was his intention to print the
whole in typ:^s similar to the letters of the original, and he
published a specimen of his design ; but some circiunstances
occurred to prevent it from being accomplished.) The cause
of its failure Bishop Kennet ascribes to the puritans; and
says, ^^ that religion and learning were so little countenanced
by the parliament and assembly of divines, that they nevtr
• Walkci*! Attemm, part il. p. SO.
•f- Aikio*t Lives of Seldea aod Uihcr, p. S6S— 971.
t Ibid. p. S7«.
14d LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
called for the work, and so it was left unfinished."* What
degree of credit is due fo this statement, every reader who
is at all conversant with the history of this period wiH
easily judge. Wood observes, " that the laborious task
was undertaken by the request of the assembly of divinci,*'
and, towards the close of the year 1645, an ordinance was
read for printing and publishing it. He had for his assistants
the learned Selden and Whitlocke ; but why it was never
C(»npleted he could never leam.f Another writer affirms,
that the premature death of Mr. Young prevented the
accmnplishment of the design ; after which it was takoi up
l)y Dr. Grabe.t
Mr. Young, however, in the year 1633, edited, frcmi the
same manuscript, the ^' Epistles of Clemens Romanus;"
and, in the year 1637, he published, with a Latin version,
<^ Catena Graecorum Patrum Jobum, coUectore Niceta
Heradeae Metropolita." In 1638, he published '^ £rpo8ito
in Canticum Canticorum Folioti Episcopi Londineniris, una
cum Alcuini in idem Canticum Compendio." This work
was written by Gilb. Foliot, bishop oi London, in the reign
of Henry II. He greatly contributed to the publication of
Walton's Polyglot Bible, particularly by his annotations in
vol. vi. of that learned producticm. He continued in the
office of librarian till the king's death ; and had mad^pre-
parations for editing various other manuscripts from the
royal library, besides those mentioned above, but the con-
fusions of the times prevented their publication. After his
death, most of his Greek and Latin manuscripts, collected
and written with his own hand, came to the possesion of
the celebrated Dr. John Owen.§
FrcMn the concurrent testimony of Anthony Wood and
Dr. Walker, it is certain that Mr. Young espoused the
sentiments and cause of the presbyterians, aiid we have no
evidence that he ever declined from them afterwanfs;
therefore, be is with justice classed among the puritan
• Keiiiiet*8 Hist, of Eog. vol. iii. p. 148.
f Wood's Albena Oxon. vol. i. p. 794.
% Aikin^ Lives of Selden and Usher, p. 145.— This fiunous maiHMcript
is now deposited in the British Museum $ but Dr. Grabe never accompilished
kis desifo. However, in the year 1786, Dr. Woide, by anezampled
laboar and care, published a most perfect fac-simile of the If em TVstoMsefff,
Eriated in types resemblinf the characters of IIm original. Tbe Rev. Mr.
^ber, one of the librarians of the British Museum, has lately published a
fac-simile of the Paahns, and has also this year, 1813, announced hii
intention of pnblisbiog the Ptntattuch in a flimilar ttjrle.
S Wood's AthensB, vol. i. p. 794.
D. R06BM. 149
wortUes.* UpoD his lemoval from tbe oSceof libmiaiiy
be retired to the liouae bf Us aon-in-law, at Bromfield' u
Essex, where he was taken off by an acute disease, Seplen-
ber 7, 1652, aged sixty-eiriit years. His corpse was iiitened
in the chancel of Braaifidd church, and over his grave was
laid a stone of black marble, with the following monumental
inscription :f
Here onder
lieth the body of Patrick Young, eiq.
Son of Sir Peter Young, knt
who left two daughters
N and coheh'estei.
Elizabeth married to John Attwood, eiq.
and Sarah married Sir Samuel Bose, knt
He died September 7, 1662.
Mr. Young was a penon most celebrated both for pietj
and erudition, and one of the most distinguished Grecians
of the age. Bishop Montague used to style him, ^< the
patriarch of the Greeks. "t Of his character, both as a
scholar and a man, abundant eulogies, from persons of
literary distinction, are annexed to Dr. Smithy's biographical
memoir of him. He was consulted by most of the great
ftcliola^ in Europe : as, Fronto-Ducaeus, Sirmondus, reta-
vius, Grotiiis, Yalesius, Salmasius, Vossius, Casaubon,
Usher, Selden, and many others.
Daniel Rogers, B. D. — This excellent divine was bom
in the year 1573, and educated in Christ's college, Cam-
bridge, where he was chosen fellow. He was son to Mr.
Richard Rogers, of Wethersfield in Essex, and brother to
Mr. Ezekiel Rogers, both eminent puritan divines. Upon
his removal from the university, he was some time mimster
at Haversham in Buckinghamshire; afterwards at Wetlien-
jGeld, the place of his birth, though not the immediate suc-
cessor of his fatlier. In the latter situation, however, he met
with some trouble under the persecution of Bishop Laud.
This unmerciful prelate was no sooner advanced to the see
of London, than he proceeded with the utmost severity,
against the nonconformists in his diocese ; and, in the year
1689, great numbers, for preaching against arminianism and
• Wood's Athene, vol. i. p. 7M.— Walker*! Attempt, part ii. p^ SO.
f Biog. BriiM. yol. vii. p. 4819. { Walker's Attempt, part il. p. M.
150 LIVES or THS PUIIITANS.
the popish ceranonies^ were suspended and brought into
other troubles. Amonff the numerous suflerers' from this
intolerant prelate was Mr. Rogers.* It does not appear
how long he ccmtinued under the ecclesiastical oppression^
or whether he ever obtained his lordship's favour. In the
J ear 1643, one of his name, a godly and orthodox divine,
ecame rector of Green's Norton in Northamptonshire, the
living b^ing sequestered from the Bishop of Oxford for his
malignancy against the parliament. This was most pro-
bably the same person, but he did not enjoy the benefice
any long time, resigning it into the hands of those from
whom he. received the presentation.+ But whether this was,
indeed, the same person, or another of his name, it is
certain Mr. Rogers spent his last years among his beloved
people at Wethersfield.
He was a man of great parts, great grace, and great
infirmities. He bad a natural temper so remarkablv i>ad,
tarnishing the lustre of his eminent graces, that the mmous
Mr. John Ward used to say, " My brotber Rogers bath
5 race enough for tzsH> men ; but not enough for himself.**
'hough he was a man of most distinguished talents, and
received the high applause of all who knew him, yet he
enjoyed so lar^e a portion of the grace of God, that he
was never lifted up in his own eyes, but always discovered
a very low opinion of himself. During the last year of his
life, says our author, he exclaimed, in ray presence, *' O
cousin ! I would exchange circumstances with the meanest
christian in Wethersfield, who bath only the soundness of
grace in him."j: Afterwards, he was seized with a quartan
ague, which greatly affected his head; and though he
recovered, he continued to be exercised with painful appre*
hensions about the safety of his own state. He often said,
" To die is work by itself." But as the hour of his dq)ar«
ture approached, the frame of his mind b^ame more serene
and happy ; and, upon a review of the work of Christ, be
oft^n exclaimed, " O glorious redemption." He died in
the month of September, 1652, about eighty years of afe.^
Crosby intimates that Mr. Rogers was inclined to the pecanar
sentunents of the baptists ; and that he candidly declared
that he was not convinced, by any part of scripture^ in
fiivbur of infant baptism.))
• Prynne*s Cant. Doom^, p. 373. f Keonet*! Chronicle, p. 809.
t Finnin*8 Real Christian, Pref.
S MS. Chronolo|ry, toI. ii. p. 485. (19 | 4.)
I Craibj't Hbf . of BapCiits, irol. I. p. 107.
COTTON., 151
Titis, howeyer, is a very paitial and inconect statanenty
IS will appear from Mr. Hogers's own words. Speaking of
tte improper use made of ms words by a Gertain writer, iA
ftfoor of the peculiar sentiments of the baptists, he says,
^If I were to answer that anabaptist, I should answer mm
i&Mcni el cantemptUj by silence and contempt. For why
ihoakl I not ? since in that very place of my ^' Sacraments,''
part L p. 78, 79, where I confute those schismatics, he
mtches my words trom their own defence. My words
aie, < I confess myself unconvinced by any demonstration of
fcriptare for psBdobaptism;' meaning by any posUrve text.
What is that to help him, except I thought diere were no
other arguments to evince it ? JVow, what I think of that
mj next words shew. I need not transcribe them. In a
word, this I say, though I know none, yet that is no argo*
ment fox the non-baptizing of infants; since so. many
scciptiires are sufficiently convinciog for it. Therefore, this
mnt €f ^positive text must no more exclude infants, than the
like reason should disannul the christian sabbath, or women
fipm partaking of the Lord's supper."* Mr. Rogers was a
divine of great fame and usefulness in his day. He is
dassed among the learned writers and fellows of Christ's
college, Cambridge, and styled a divine of vast parts.f
Works. — 1. David's Cost, wherein every one who is desirous
to serve God aright may see what it must Cost him, 1619. — % A
Practical Catechism, 1633. — 3. Naaman the Syrian, his Disease and
Care, 1642. — 4. Matrimonial Honour, 1642.-- 5. A Treatise on ths
Sacraments.
John Cotton, B. D. — This celebrated person was bom
«t Derby, December 4, 1585, and educated first in Trinitv,
then Emanuel college, Cambridge, in the latter of which be
was chosen fellow. He received some convictions of sia
under the awakening sermons of the famous Mr. Perkins ;
hat his prejudice and enmity against true holiness, and
against this holy man's preaching, were so great, that when
he heard the bell toll for Mr. Perkins's funeral, he greatly
igoiced that he was then delivered from his heart-searching
niinistry. The remembrance of this, when afterwards he
became acquainted with the gospel, almost broke his heart.
The ministry of the excellent Dr. Sibbs proved the meant
* Marshairs Defence of Infant Baptiim, p. ft, 6. Edit. 1646.
> FoUer'ft Hist, of Cam. p. 92.
I5t LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
of Us awakeniDg, and of leadiiiff him to the knowledge of
Jesus Christ ; yei he laboured tbiee years under the most
disoQusolate and painful apprehensions, before he expe*
rienced jey and peace in believing. After this im-
portant change, Mr. Cotton had to preach at St. Manr's
church, when the wits of the various colleges expected a
sermon flourishing with all the learning of the university: ;
but, to their great disappointment and mortification, he
preached a judicious and impressive discourse on repent-*
auce, shooting the arrows of conviction to their consciences.
And though most of the coU^iuns manift^sted their disap-
probation, this sermon was instruipental, under Grod, in the
conversion of the celebrated Dr. Preston, then fellow of
Queen's college. From this time, the greatest intimacy and
affection subsisted betwixt these two learned divines.
Mr. Cotton, upon his leaving the university, was chosen
minister of Boi^n in Lincolnshire; but Bishop Barlow,
suspecting him to be infected with puritanlsm, used Jus
utmost endeavours to prevent his settlement. The learned
prelate could openly object nothing, only " that Mr. Cotton
was young, and, on this account, not suitable to be fixed
among so numerous and factious a people." Indeed, Mr.
Cotton had so much modesty, and so low an opinion of
himself, that he at first agreed with his lordship, and
intended to have returned to Cambridge ; but his numerous
friends, anxious to have him settled among them, persuaded
t|ie bishop of his great learning and worth, who at length
granted his institution.*
Mr. Cotton met with a more favourable reception than
could have been expected. From the convictions and
distress under. which he laboured, ail the people clearly saw.
Chat, instead of serving any particular party, his great
Ccmcem for some time was about his own salvation. J^t,
afterwards, the troubles in the town, occasioned by « the
wrminian controversy, became so great, that he was obliged
to use his utmost endeavours to allay them. .And h^ is said
to have so defended the scripture doctrines of election, par*
ticulfir redemption, effectual calluig, and the final per^e-
Terance of the saints, that, by the blessing of Grod up<Hi
Us efforts, the foundations of arminianism were destroyed,
those disputes ceased, and the arminian tenets were heard of
no more.t
Mr.JCotton married Mrs. Elizabeth Horrocks, sister to
• Mather's Hist, of New Eugland, b. iii. p. 14—16.
f Ibid. p. 17. ^Clark's LiTes aoocKed to tis Marty rologio, p. 8|0k
COTTON; I5S
Mr. James Horrocks, an excdlent minister in LancasUie.
On the very day of his marriage, it is observed, he inl
obtained that assurance of his inlerrat in the favour of God,
"which he never lost to the day of his death. He therefbie
u^ed to say, ^< The Lord made that day a day of dombk
marriage."
This worthy servant of Christ having been about three
years at Boston, began to examine the corruptions in the
church, and to scruple conformity to its supenlitious cere*
monies. He did not keep his sentiments to himself. What*
ever appeared to him to be tnUh^ he freely and fully made
known to others. Such, indeed, was the influence of kit
opinions, that nearly all the inhabitants of tlie town, it k
said, espoused his sentiments, and became decided noncon*
formists. But complaints were presently brought a^inst
him to the bishop, and he was suspended from his ministry.
During his suniension, his liberty was attend to him, with
very great preferment, if he would have conformed to the
ecclesiastical ceremonies, though it were only in one act
JBut he refused to pollute his conscience by the observance
of such base, worldly allurements. He did not, however^
continue long under the ecclesiastical censure, but was sooa
restored to his beloved work of preaching.*
The storm haying blown over, he enjoyed rest for many
years ; and, during the calm, iVas always abounding in the
work of the Lord. In addition to his constant preachings
and visiting his people trom house to house, he took many
young men under his tuition, from Camtnridb^, Holkn^
and Germany. Dr. Preston usually recommenued his pupib
to finish their studies under Mr. Cotton. His indefatigable
labours, both as pastor and tutor, proved a blessing to
many. There was so pleasing a reformation among the
people of Boston, that superstition and profaneness weie
nearly extinguished, and practical religion abounded in
eyety corner of the town. The mayor and moat of the
magistrates were styled puritans, and the ungodly paitj
became insignificant.
Mr. Cotton, after a close and unbiassed examination of '
the controversy about ecclesiastical discipline, was de- -
cidedly of opinion, that it was unhiwful for any church to
enjoin rites and ceremonies not enjoined by Jesus Christ ^
or his apostles ; that a bishop, according to the New Terfa.
meat, was appomted to rule no larger a diocese than ooe
« Matktr't HiH. k Ui. p. IT.
154 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
congregation ; and that the kejrs of govemment were ^ivei
to every ccMigr^ational church. The public "worship of
Grod at Boston was, therefore, conducted without the fetter*
and formality of a liturgy, pr those vestments and cere**
monies which were imposed by the commandments oi men.
Many of his people united together as a christian church,
and enjoyed the fellowship of the gospel, upon congre-
gational principles, ^' entering into a covenant with God
and one another, to follow the Lord Jesus in all the purify
of gospel worship. "♦
Mr. Cotton was a celebrated divine, apd obtained a most
distinguished reputation. The best of men greatly heed
him, and the worst greatly feared him. For his gpreat
learning, piety, and usefulness, he was highly esteemed by
Bishop Williams, who, when he was keeper of the great
seal, recommended! him to the king, and his majesty allowed
him, notwithstanding his nonconformity, to continue in t&e
exercise* of his ministry. + The celebrated Archbishop
Usher had the highest opinion of him, and maintained a
friendly correspondence with him. One of his letters,
written by the learned prelate's request, dated May Slj
1636, is upon the subject of predestination.} He was also
freatiy admired and esteemed by the Earl of Dorset, who
indly promised him, that, if he should ever want a friend
at court, he would use all his interest in his favour.^ But,
in the midst of all this honour and applause, his meekqess
and humility remained untarnished.
Mr, -Cotton, having preached at Bost(Hi nearly iweAtj
years, found it impossible to continue any longer. Hfe
beheld the storm of persecntion Ikst approaching, and
wisely withdrew from it, A debauched fellow of Boston,
to be revenged upon the magistrates, for punishing him
according to bis deserts, brought complaints against them^
together with Mr. Cotton, in the high commission court ;
and sworcjll " That neither the minister nor tl^e magbtrntei
of the town kneeled at the sacrament, nor observed certain
• Mather's History, b. iii. p. 18.
+ FuHer's Church Hirtory, b. \x. p. 2«S.
i Parr's lilfe of Usher, p. 3S8. '
S Clark's Lives, p. 280, 22\. \
I When this vile infonner first appeared before the cpminitsioD, he eon-
plained only of the magistrates ; and when the spiritual rulers said hh
must include Mr. Cotton, he leplied, ^* Nay, the iniui«t«r;}4 an lioaest auw,
and never did me any \vrong." But when they signified that all his com-
plaints would be to no purpose, unless he included th« miniiteri he twort
•gainst them all.--4fa/Acr*« Hist. b. iii. p, 19.
COTTON. 155
9
(Bcdenastidal ceremonies." Bishop Land having got the
leuM of goyernment into his own hand, by his arbitrarj
influence, lett^^rs missive were sent down to apprehend
Ifr.CSoCton and bring him before the commission ; blithe
viwiy concealed himself. Great intercessions were made fiir
Itim by the £ari of Dorset and others, but all to no purposa
This worthy earl sent him word, '' That if he had been
^ goilty of drunkenness or uncleaoness, or any such lesser
^ crime, be could have obtained his pardon : but as he was
^'gailty of nonconformifv and purltanism, the crime was
^ Qnpairdonible. Therefore," said he, '^ vou must fly for
"your safi»ty."* So it was undoubtedly from painful
experioice, that Mr. Cotton afterwards made the following
complaint: ^^ The ecclesiastical courts," said he, ^' are lik^
tiie courts of the high-priests and pharisees, which Solomon,
by a spirit of prophesy, styleth, dens of lions^ and mountamt
of leopards. Those who have had to do with them have
Ifonod thcfm to be markets of the sins of the people, the
cages of uncleanness, the forgers of extortion, the taber-
nacles of bribery, and contrary to the end of civil govern-
ment; which is the punishment of evil-doers, and the
praise of them that do well."
Am this holy and excellent divine had no prospect of ever
enjoying his liberty in his native country, he resolved to
transpoit himself to New England. Upon his departure
from Boston, he wrote a very modest and pious letter to the
Bishop of Lincoln, dated May 7, 1633, signifying bis
resignation of the living.t Dr. Anthony Tuckney, after-
waras silenced in 1692,^ who had for some time been his
assistant, became his successor in the pastoral office. Mr.
Cotton's resolution to remove into a foreign land was not
hasty and without consideration : the undertaking was the
lesalt of mature examination, and founded upon most sub*
stantial reasons. He observed, that the door of public
Qsefulness was shut against him in his own country ; that
oar Lord commands his disciples, when they are persecuted
• Mather's Hist. b. iii. p. 19.— While this pious, learned and aseful
dWioe was treated with great severity, persons guilty of drunkenness
aad other fool crimes, very common among the clergy of those times, were
very seldom noticed. One instance, however, it may be proper here to
■MBtion* The mayor of Arundel, in the year 1634, imprisoned a clergy-
maa for notorious drunkenness and misbehaviour, though he continued oniyx
oae oiffat aoder confinement. But, surprising as it may appear, the
mayor, for this act of justice, was fined and censured by the hifh com«
Bisiion at Lambeth. — Huntley's Prelate*' Usurpations, p. 164*
f Massachasets' Papers, 249—251.
X Palmer*! Noaaon. Mem. vol. i. p. 264.
158 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
■ymxl ; «Iiir.b wa« donft arcoidinglr. Till this platfom
«M ndfiitttfl, tin: ch'irrhn f>t' N'ew Enfrlaivl made freqaent
mK of Mr. iUiWm\ l>ook, entitled, '^ Tfie Keys of the King-
t'b'tH rrhhn.tril dij'iae, ftfter his removal to New England,
hiiUl n frir^mlly <»fTopo.idettce willi muiy persons of dis-
lirif^ion in liiii iiatire coiihtr/, among whom was the Pio-
Irctin (iTfmtWKil, One of the prolrctor'n It-tters, written with
hin own liantt, dat^d fictober 2, 1653, is here insrrted
w^rlMUirn, for the iviti<ifaclinn nf every inquisitire reader.
TlifiaddremJii, « To my estcnned frit-nd, Mr. Cotton, pastor
Uf the f;hiirrh at Boston m New EnglaJid;" and the letter
ilnelCit 'U) follown:
" Worthy Nir, nml my christian friend,
** I rccrjml yours a few daycs since. It was welcome
*' to ine IfccaiiM; iii;r|iitl by you, whome I love and honour
•' in IIh! Iioni : liiit more to six some of the same groands of
" our ttrtiiifff'M iitirrin^<t in you, that Jiave in us to quiet ui
** to our workc, and iiiip]iort u.i therein, which hath had
" i!:miU:ht ililtinillye in our engagement in Scotland, by
« reiipion wfi; have hnd to ilo with some whoc were (1
" verily Ihinkc,) i^imII v ; l)ut, through weakncsse and the
*' Niilitillyi! of .Hutan, invo1v<xl in inlcTests ugainst the Lord
**Hmi liJN jicople. With what tciidernuhsc wee have pn>-
" cw-ilcd with Hiir-ii, mid that in synccritye, our papers
" (whirh I NiipjiONi- you hitve scMMi) will in part manifest,
" mill I fr'ivn yoM wmie comfortable uttsurnnce off. The
•' liord hiith marvel hniNly n|>]M:iintl even agaimt them ; and
" now iifTiiiiie, when all the power wns devolved into the
•' HcoltiNli kinge and ninlignant partye, they invadinge
*■ ('jiglaiitl, fh<^ Ijortl rnyiuHr upon Ihcm such snares aa the
" InrltMol will shew, imfy the narrative is short in this, that
" itl'tbi'tr whole nrmio, when the narrative was framed, not
*^ llvitui' their whuh) annieretiirnrtl. Surely, sir, the Lord
" la yrMtly to bit fi-nred ns to be pntiset]. Wee uL-ed yoor
" '-— '-J fhif ug, tniich ns ever; how shall we beliave
■ luoh niercycs'f Whiil is ihe Lord a
lesle* are now l'iilfillii»ge ? Who
I kuow his will, (o <io€: his will,
thus in a
Tfst of our
poocwe&ke
POTTON. IS
^' crealuTe, aad not worthye of the name of a wonne; yet
^^ accepted to serve the Lovd and his people. Indeed, aqr
^^ dear friend, between you and me, you knowe not mc; my
'< weaknesses, my inordinate panions, my unskilifullneme,
<^ and every way unfitnesse to my worke ; yctt the Loid,
^' who will have mercjre on wboroe he will, does as yim
^^ see. Pmj for me. Salute all christian friendes, though
^< unknown.
<^ I rest your aflSsctiooate friend to serve vou,
" O. Cromwell.*'*
Mr. Cotton was a divine indefatigably laborious all hi<i
days. He lived under a conviction of that sacred precept,
^^ Be not slothful in business, but fervent in spirit, servini;
the Lord." He rose eariy, and commonly studied twelve
hours a day, accounting that a schoiars dau. He was rr-
tcdved to wear out, rather than rust out. tte was a man of
ffreat literary acquirements, and so well acquainted with the
Hebrew, that he could convene in it with great ease. He
was a most celebrated preacher, delivering tlie great truths
of the gospel with so much gravity and judgment, that his
hearers were struck with admiration and revf*rence ; and
with so much plainness, that persons of the weakest capacity
might understand him. He was remarkable for practical
religion and christian benevolence, and his whole life was
filled with acts of piety and charity. He was a pt^rson of
great modesty, humility, and good-nature : and though hr
was often insulted by angry men, he never expressed the
least resentment. A conceited ignorant man once followed
him home ailcr sermon, and with frowns told him his
preaching was become dark or flat. To whom he meekly
replied, " Both, brother; it may be both : let me have your
prayers that it may be otherwise." At another time, Mr.
Cotton being kisulteil by an impudent fellow in the street,
who called him an old fool, replied, " I confess I am so.
The Lord make thee and me wiser than we are, even wise
imto salvation." We give one instance more. Mr. Cotton
having, by the desire of a friend, given his thoughts upon
the doctrine of reprobation, against the exceptions of the
anninians, the manuscript fell into the hands of the cele-
brated Dr. Twisse, who published a refutation of it ; upon
Vdlich Mr. Cotton thus modestly observed, " I hope God
will give me an opportunity to consider the doclor^s labour
aC Jov^ I bless the Lord, who has made uic willing to bt
*i 1188. No. 4i5S.
•156 JAVES OF THE PURITANS.
in one place to flee unto another; and that he wished to
enjoy all the ordinances of God in their scriptural
purity-* >
Taking leave of his numerous friends at Boston^ he
tmvelled to London in disguise. Upon his arrival in the
nietropolii^, several eminent ministers proposed to have a
conference, with a view to persuade him to conform, to
which he readily consented. At this conference, all their
arguments in favour of conformity were first produced ; aH
of which Mr. Cotton is said to have answered to their
satisfection. He then gave them his arguments for noncon-
formity, with his reasons for resolving to leave the country,
rather than conform to the ecclesiastical impositicms. Ir
the conclusion, instead of bringing Mr. Cotton to embrace
their sentiments and conform, they all espoused his opinions ;
and from that time Mr. (afterwards Dr.) Thomas Groodwin,
Mr. Philip Nye, Mr. John Davenport, Mr. Henry Whit-
field, and some others, became avowed nonconformists, for
which they were all afterwards driven 3nto a foreign land.t
Mr. Davenport, one of the opponents, giving his opinion of
this conference, thus observes: " Mr. Cotton," says he^
'' answered all our arguments with great evidence of scrip-
ture,' composedness of mind, mildness of spirit, constant
adherence to his principles ; keeping them unshaken, and
himsdf from varying from them, by any thing that was
spoken. The reason o£ our desiring to confer with him,
rather than any other, upon these weighty points, was, our
former knowledge of his approved godliness, excellent
learning, sound judgment, eminent gravity, and sweet
temper, whereby he could quietly bear with those who
differed from him."{
Mr. Cotton having fully resolved upon crossing the
Atlantic, John Winthrop, esq. governor of the hew planta-
tion, procured letters of recommendation from the churck
at Boston to their brethren in New England. He took
shipping 4;he beginning of July, 1633, and arrived at
Boston in New England the beginning of September fol-
lowing. He had for his companions in the voyage^ il^
e]|;celknt Mr. Hooker and Mr. Stone, both driven from their
native country by the intolerant proceedings of the bishopfii**
After being about a month at sea, Mrs. Cotton. wa9
•delivered of a son ; who, from th^ place of his birth, wail
* Massachasetf* Papers, p. 55— 6T.
t Mather*s Hist. b. iii. p. SO— 218.
t Norton*! Life of Mr. Cottoli, p. 32, 33. Bdit. 1618.
COTTON. 137
ealled Seaborn. Upon their arriyal at Boston, the town,
.which had been hitherto called Trimountain, on account
of its three hills, was, out of respect to Mr. Cotton, who
went from Boston in Lincolnshire, now called Boston.*
This learned divine, presently after his arrival, was chosen
colleague to Mr. John Wilson, in the church at Bostoo,
which soon proved an unspeakable blessing to the town. II
was in part owing to his wudom and influence, that in a few
years it became the cwital dfthe whole province. Pkevioua
to Mr. Cotton's arrival, the civil and ecclesiastical constitu-
tions were both in a veir shattered state ; but, by his vigoious
and judicious efforts, the utmost order and agreement weie
promoted; and, it is said, he was more useful than any
other person in the settlement of the civil as well as the
ecu^Iesiastical polity of New England. f About the year
1642, when the episcopal power began to decline in Bog*
land, several of the leading members in both houses of par*
liament wrote to him, warmly pressing him to return to his
native country; lyt he, enjoying the blessings of peace
and safety, was unwilling to venture out in the midst of the
•ftorm.t He therefore continued at Boston to the day of
his death.
About this time, numerous antinomian and fiimilistic
errors b^an to be propagated in various parts of New
England, particularly at Boston. This raised a dreadful
tempest among the people. Mrs. Hutchinson, and Mr.
Wheelwright, h&c brother, were at the head, and Mr. Cotton
was deeply involved in the unhappy affair. Indeed, some
of our historians do not hesitate to affirm, that he imbibed
s(Hne <^ their wild opinions ; but, upon farther examination)
he saw his error, and renounced them.$ Others deny the
whole charge, and endeavour to prove it altogether a slander
intended to injure his reputation.! All, however, agree,
that at the synod of Cambridge, in 1646, he openly
declared his utter dislike of all those opinions, as being
some of them heretical, some blasphemous, some erroneous,
and all incontrruous. At the above synod, Mr. Cotton,
Mr. Richard Mather, and Mr. Ralph Iwtridge, were each
appointed to draw up a platform of church government,
with a view to collect one out of them all at the next
« Morse and Parish's Hist, of Kew Emm. p. 40. t Ibid. p. 54.
t Mather*i Hisf . b. iii. 90-^StS.
^ Bailie*s Dissuaiiife, p, 57— 59.— Morse and P^bh*i Hist. p. 142.
I Matber^s Hist. b. iii. p. SI.— Mrce'i YiadkirtioD, part i. p. 907.
15S LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
•jnod ; vrhich was done accordingly. Till this platform
ivas adoutcd, tiie churches of New Lnfflaud made freqaeiit
use of Mr. Cotton's book, entitled, ^^ Tite Keys of the King-
dom oi Meaven."*
This celebrated dirine, after his removal to Now Ungland,
held a friendly r4)rreK|)0iidetice with many persons of dis-
tinction in liis native country, among whom was the Pro-
tector Cromwell. One* of the proti*ctor*h letters, written with
bis own hand, dated October Hj, 1659, is here inserted
verbatim, for the satisfaction of every inquisitive reader.
The address is, ^^ To my esteemed friend, Mr. Cotton, pastor
io the church at Boston in New England ;" and the letter
itself is m follows :
" Worthy sir, and my christian friend,
^^ I received yours a few dayos since. It was welcome
^ to me b(*cause signed by you, whome I love and honour
<^ in the Lord : but more to see some of the same groondaof
*< our actingrs stirringe in you, that have in us io quiet'iM
^< to our worke, and support us therein, which hath hid
<< greatest diflicultye in our engagement in Hcotland, br
^ reascm wee have lind to do with some whoe were (I
<^ verily tliinke,) g(xll^ ; but, through weaknesse and the
^< subtiltye of 8aian, mvolved in interests against the Lord
<< and his people. With what fenderncihsc wee have pro-
<< ceeded with such, and that in synccritye, our papers
<^ (which I suppose you have s<*en) will in part manifest,
<^ ami I give you mmc comfortable ahsurance off. The
^< Ijord hath marvellously api^eared even against them ; ami
^ liow ngaine, when all the power was devolved into the
<< Scottish kinge and malignant partye, they invadinM
^ England, the Ijord ravnetl upon therm such snares as toe
<< incfosed will shew, cmly the narrative is sh(»rt in this, that
^< of their whole nrmie, when the narrative wfis framed, m>t
<^ five of th(4r whole armie returned. Surely, sir, the Loid
" is greatly to be feared as to be pmis(Ml. W<*e need your
'* prayers in this as much as ever ; how shall we Ijehaye
^ ourselves after such niercves ? What is the Lord a
^ doeinge ? What prophesies are now fulfillinge ? Who
<< is a God like ours ? To know his will, to doe liis will^
*< are both of him.
^< I tooke this lilx^rtye from businesse to salute tlius in a
*^ word : truly I am ready to serve you, and the n*st of our
<^ brethren, and the churches with you. I am a poor wealiia
• Mom sad ParUh'i IlUt. p. 14A, 146.
POTTON. . IS
^' ciealaref and ikH werthye of the name of a woime; yet
^^ accepted to serve the Lotd and hb people. Indeed, my
^^ dear friend, between you and me, you knowe not me; my
'< weaknesses, my inordinate passions, my unskillfuUnesse^
<^ and every way unfitnesse to my worke ; yett the Loid,
^^ who. will have mercye on whome he will, does as you
^^ see. Fray for me. Salute all christian friendes, though
^^ unknown.
<^ I rest your affsctiooate friend to serve you,
" O. Cromwell."*
Mn Cotton was a divine indefatigably laborious all his
days. . He lived under a conviction of that sacred precept,
^^ Be not slothful in business, but fervent in spirit, serving
the Lord." He rose early, and commonly studied twelve
hours a day, accounting that a scholars dau. He was re-
served to wear out, rather than rust out. £le was a man of
Seat literary acquirements, and so well acquainted with the
iebrew, that he could converse in it with great ease. He
was a most celebrated preacher, delivering tlie great truths
of the gospel with sarouch gravity and judgment, that his
hearers were struck with admiration and reverence; and
.with io much plainness, that persons of the weakest capacity
might understand him. He was remarkable for practical
religion and christian benevolence, and his whole life was
filled with acts of piety and charity. He was a person of
great modesty^ humility, and good<nature ; and though he
was often insulted by angry men, he never expressed the
least resentment. A conceited ignorant man once followed
him home after sermon, and with frowns told him his
preaching was become dark or flat. To whom he meekly
replied, " Both, brother; it may be both : let me have your
prayers that it may be otherwise." At another time, Mr.
Cotton being kisulted by an impudent fellow in the street,
who called him an old fool, replied, ^^ I confess I am so.
The Lord make thee and me wiser than we are, even wise
unto salvation." We give one instance more. Mr. Cotton
hfiving, by the desire of a friend, given his thoughts upon
the doctrine of reprobation, against the exceptions of the
arminians, the manuscript fell into the hands of the cele-
brated Dr. Twisse, who published a refutation of it;* np<ni
Vhich Mr. Cotton thus modestly observed, ^^ I hope God
will give me an opportunity to consider the doctor's labour
•f love. X bless the Lord, whp has made me willing to bt
■
• Slo«M*i 1188. No. 4156.
MO LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
tenght by a meaner dkciple than such a doctor; iriioit
acholastical acuteness, pregnancy of ivit, solidity of judg-
ment, and dexterity of argument, all orthodox dtrinei so
lii^hly honour; and before ^hom all arminians and jesuils
fi£ ^wn in silence. Grod forbid that I should shut my
eyes against any light brought to me by him. Only I desiie
not to be condemned as a mlagian or arminian benHre I am
heard."*
Mr. Cotton often wished not to outlive his work. Herein
his desire was granted; for his last illness was yery shoit
Haying taken feaye of his beloyed study, he said to Mn.
Cotton, ^'I shall go into that room no moreJ*^ He wit
desirous to depart, that he might enjoy Ghrist and the
company of glorified saints, particularly his old inendiy
Preston, Ames, Hildersham, Dod, and others, who had bem
peculiarly dear to him while he liyed. Haying set Ms
house in order, and taken a sdemn leaye of the magiattatpi
and ministers of the colony, who came to see him- ia his
sickness, he sweetly slept in Jesus, December 83, 16fil^
aged sixty«seyen years. His remains were interred with
great lamentation and funeral solemnity. He is denomi-
nated ^^ an uniyersal scholar, ^a liying system of the lifaenl
arts, and a walking library. He was deeply skilled in
Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, and an extraoidinary thcMik^
gian."i Fuller has honoured him with a place amonir the
learned writers and fellows cMf £manuel college, Cam*
bridge, t Dr. Cottcm Mather, the pious historian, was his
grandson.
His Works.— -1. The Way of Ufe, 1641.--2. Doubts of Pradssli:
nation, 1646. — 3. Exposition upon Ecclesiastes and Cwilicleay 164&
—A, The Way of the CoDg^g^tional Cbarches Cleared, 10i8.T-
5. Commentary on the First Epistle of John, 1656.-~6. BCflk fer
Babes. — 7. A Treatise on thet New Covenant. — 8. Yarioas Seimd— ■
~9. Answer to Mr. BaU about Forms of Prayer. — la The Grooadt
and Ends of Infant Baptism. — 1 1. A Discourse upon Singiqg PnliM.
— i2. An Abstract of the Laws in Christ's Kingdom, for Civil
Government — la A Treatise on the Holiness of Church Members.
— 14. A Discourse on Things Indifferent— 15. The Ke5fs of Hm
Kingdom of HeaTen.— 16. Answer to Mr. Cawdry.— 17. Tbe BloodT
Tenet Washed and made White in the Blood of the LaiQli.— 19.-A
Copy of a Letter of Mr. Cotton's of Boston in New Englandi sent in
Answer of certain Objections made agaiivt their DisoipliijH» and
Orders there, directed to a Friend.
« Mather's Hist. b. fii. p. 86—29. f Ibli. p^ flfk *
J FuUer'i Hist, of Cam. p. 147.
tYFORD. 161
William Ltpord, B. D. — This worthy dirine was
bom at Pi^smore, near Newbury, in Berlcshire, ab'^ut the
year 1598, ami educated in Magdalen college, Oxrord,
where he was chosen fellow. While at <he university, he
entered upon the ministerial function, and in the year 1631
was admitted to the reading of tlie sentenccK in the college.
Afterwards, by fivour o- the Karl of Bristol, he became
minister of Sherborn in Dorsetshire, where he coniiuued the
rest of^is days. Upon the commencement of the civil wmts
he espoused the cause of the parliament ; and in l64S.was
nominated one of the assembly of divines ; but choosing
lather to continue in his stated ministerial exercises, he did
not sit among them. He was zealous and laborious in the
work of the Lord, taking unspeakable pleasure in every
duty of the pastoral othce. He fed the lambs in Christ 8
'flock, and possessed an excellent talent for catechizing
youth, wherein he was eminently useful.
Mr. Lyford was a divine of an excellent spirit, and an
avowed advocate of peace and moderation. He took no
active part in the public broils of the nation ; but drew up
his thoughts in writing, in a work entitled, ^^ (?asf*8 of
Conscience propounded in the Time of Rebellion.'' This
work, according to Bishop Kennet, was written with plain-
ncss, modesty, and impartiality, in discussion of the three
following questions : — " 1. Whether it be lawful to keep
days of public rejoicing and tlianksrrivinff for victories in a
civil war ?*-^2. Whether it be lawful tor the civil magistrate
to impa<ie an act of worship in itself unlawful, or estt^emcd
to be so, on men of a different judgment, especially on a
minister, who must needs be not only a passive hearer, but
an actor in the business, under temporal pains of seques-
tration, impri^nment, deprivation, &c. ? — 3. Whether a
minister performing such an act of worship, upon such a
force or fear, or for temporal ends, does perform an accept-
able service unto God?"* He answered each of these
.questions in the negative^ in which he discovered his senti-
ments relative to the controversies of the day.
, Mr. Lyford, during his last sickness, ^^ looked for the
appearance of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.'*
This supported and comforted his mind under a long and
painful illness. During the whole of it, his confidence was
fixed on Jesus Christ, the rock of ages. In his letters
written at this period, he thus expressed himself: <^ However
« Kennel'^ Chrooicle, p. S49.
▼OL, III. H
. 16f LIVES OF THE jPUftlTANS*
it may please God to dispose of my h^th, I rest cooofoitribly
assured of his everlasting love |o me in his Son Jesus Christ ;
who loved me and gave liimself for me. In the ,\ise of th^
means, I wait to see what the Lord will do with me. I know
it^wUl be well with me at last, having so many pledges of his
everlastinjg^ love to support me. Mv pasting coa^Qme9» Apd
my appetite faileth ; but my God faileUi not. In lqp,4Mid in
contemplation of the great things he hath done for pnei wd
the far greater things he will yet do, I find refred^injent*"
A few dnys previous to his dissojujtipny his friepd^ dewiffif
liim to give tpem son^e account of hi^ hopes and comforts, be
cheerfully replied^ " I will let yov know ho\v it is with m^,
and on what ground I stand. Here is the ^ye, tfaje wnA oif
God and devouring flames, the gr^at pumsbment of siji, on
the one hand ; and here am J, a poor sinjUi creature, on th^
other: but this is my comfort, the covenant pf ^pracp, es-
tablished upon so many sure promises, hath satuf^ .jaH.
>The act of oblivion passed in heaven is, / will forgive their
, iniquities, and their sins mil J remember no more^ sakh th
Lord. This is the blessed privilege of all within the covfr>
nant, of whom I am one. For 1 find the spirit which is
promised bestowed upon me, in the blessed effects of it
upon my soul, as the pledge of God's eternal love. By this
I know my interest in Christ, who is the foundation of tha
covenant; and therefore, my sins being laid on him, shall
never be charged on me.'' . As the earthly house of his taber^
nacle was dissolving, with great difiiculty, he said, ^ My dia*
solution is more comfortable to me than my marriage-day.
Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our
Lord Jesus Christ." And when the trying moment arrived,
he cheerfully surrendered his soul into the hands of his dear
Redeemer, October S, 1653, aged fifty-five years, when his
remains were interred in tlie chancel of Sherboum church.*
Fuller observes, that Mr. Lyford was ** a man of a pleasant
countenance, a courteous carriage, a meek spirit, great mo-
desty, and that his memory is still preserved in his learned
works.^t Wood says, " he joined the presbyterians, was
much followed for his edifying and practical preaching, and
. that his works savour much of piety; zeal, and sincerity, but
shew him to have been a zealous Calvinist}'t Pr. Walker
' i^rms^ *^ that he suffered much from the faction, both in hif
« Memorials of Mr. Lyford, preSzed to his *< Plain lIaB*i aesiea fizea-
ciscd.** Edit. 1655.
f Fuller's Worthies part i. p. 96.
% Wood:s Athene Oacoti. vol. II. p'. OS.
/
LATHORP. UiS
* ...
name and mimstij; and they wondered/' says be, ^diat do
hohf a insm as he was, should doat so mndi on kings, biriiopa,
die Coimmon Prayer, and ceremonies."* He bequeadied, ht
his last will and testament, the sum of one hundred and twenty
pounds to Magdalen coUege, Oxford, ^* in ^titude for the
advantages whith he had diere enjoyed ; and m restrtution for
a stim of money, which, accordi^ to the corrupt custom of
those itimes, Ve bild f e^ceived for the ^sienation of his fellow-
ship."! Mr. tVinds B^iifield, srff^rwwds ejected m 1662,
Mrab his ^cce^sor at ^erborti4
His Works. — 1. PrjncTples of Faith and a Good Coascienoc,
1642.— 2. An ApcAogie fbV ika t^iblic Ministrie and In&at-fiaplStB,
16&3,— a The PiRin Mlua's Senses £xerdsed Id discera both Gooil
and £nl; or, a Discovery of the Errors, Hereries, and ftlamhrmifli
of these Times, 1656.-^ A Legacy; or, an Help to Yoaqg P^opl^
to prepare them for ttie Sacrament, 165^ — 6. Cases of ^-ooscience,
tof^poandcd in the time of ttebeHion, Resolved, 1061. — 6. ConscieDCv
Infontoed, toachin; onr late Thank^girings, 1661.-7. SerMM on
▼atiMA OecaiioiM.
, John Lathorp. — ^This excellent person M-as minister of
Egerton in Kent; but, renouncing his episcopal ^^dillatiol^
was chosen pastor of the independent church, under the cm
c»f Mr. Henry Jacob, London, upon Mr. Jacob's retifing to
America. This little society, which had hitfaerlD assembled
in private^ moying from place to place, began about this
time to assume courage, and ventured to shew itself in public.
It was not long, however, before the congregation ^-as di^
covered by Tomlinson, the bishop's pursuivant, at the house
6f Mr. Humphrey Bamet, a brewer's clerk, in Blackfnars ^
when, April 9Qy l)i|d2, forty-two of them were apprehended,
and only eighteen escaped. Of those who were taken, some
were cbnfined in the Clink, some in New Prison, and others
in the Gatehouse, where they continued about two years.
They were then released upon bail, except Mr. Lathorp,
for whom no favour could for some time be obtained.
He, at length, petitioned the king, and his numerous family of
chfldren laid their lamentable case at the feet of Arclibinbop
Laud, reqjuesting that he might go into banishment in a f/yrrin
land; which being granted, he went to New England, m tfcs
year 1634, when he was accompanied by about thirty f^ km
• Walker^i Attenpt, part ii. p. 419. f lf^ak/»f iai ^ MU f,i,fif
t Wood's AUieac, vol. it p. 571.— Palmer'i JlMt«s, Him', ZT^
fm aiv.
16ft LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
congregation. It is observed, that, during his imprisonment^
bis wife fell sick and died ; but that he obtaineid so much
favour as to visit her, and pray with her, before she breathed
her last ; and then returned to prison.*
Mr. Lathorp was a man of learning, and of a meek and
quiet spirit ; but met with some uneasmess from his people
on the following occasion. It appears that some of his con-
gregation entertained doubts of the validity of baptism, as
administered by their own pastor; and one person^ who
indulged these scruples, carried his child to be re-baptized at
the parish church. This giving offence to some persons, the
subject was discussed at a general meeting of the society ; and
when the question was put it was carried in the negative: at
the same time it was resolved, by a majority, not to make any
declaration at present, whether or no parish churches were
true churches^ This decision proving unacceptable to the
most rigid among them, they desired their dismission; anSl,
miiting with some others who were dissatisfied about the
lawfulness of infant baptism, formed themselves into a new
society, which is thought to have been the first baptist con-
gregation in England. This separation took place in ^e
year 1633, and the new society chose Mr. John Spilsbuiy
for its pastor.t But the remainder of Mr. Lathorp's church
renewed their covenant, to walk together in the ways of God^
so far as he had made them known, or should make them known
to them, and forsake all false ways: and so steady were they
to their vows, that diere was scarcely an instance of any one
departing from the church, even under the severest persecu-
tions.t
Mr. Lathorp, being driven from his native country, tod re-
tiring to New England, was chosen first pastor of the church
at Scituate, where he continued for some time, distribatti^
the bread of life. Part of the church afterwards removing to
Barnstaple, he removed with them, where he continued pastor
of the church to the day of his deaths He died November 8,
1653. He was a man of a happy and pious spirit, studious
of peace^ a lively preacher, and willing to spend and be spent
for the glory of Christ and the salvation of souls.$
Mr. Prince, in compiling his " Chronological Histoir of
New England/' made use of " An original Register,^' is
manuscript, by Mr. Lathorp, giving an account of Scituate
• MoftoD*t Memorial, p. 141.— NeaFs Puritans, toI. ii. p. 273.
f Neal's Puritans, vol. ii. p. 373, 374.— Crosby's Baptists, toK i.
p. 148, 149.
t Neal's Puritans, ▼ol. ii. p. 374. S Morton's Memorial, p. 141.
GOUGE. 1(15
and Barnstaple, vihexe he had been luccessively the fint
minister.*
William Gouge, D.D. — ^This very learned and cele^
brated divine was bom at Bow, near Stratford, Middlesex,
November 1, 157^, and educated first at Eton school, then
in King's college, Cambridge. He was endowed with great
powers of mind, was a great lover of learning, and perhaps
exceeded by none in close application to study. His progress
in the various departments of useful literature corresponded
with his application. During his first tliree years at tne um-
yersity, he was so assiduous m his academical pursuits, that
he slept only one night out of the college. Here he spent
nine years, and during the whole of that period he was never
absent from the college prayers at half past five o'clock in the
morning, unless he was from home. He usually rose so long
before the hour of prayer, as to have time for private devotion
and reading his usual portion of scripture. He invariably
xesA fifteen chapters in the Bible every day; five in the
morning, before he entered upon his regular studies, five
after dinner, and five at night before he went to rest. When he
was chosen reader of logic and philosophy in the college, he
was so remarkably exact in those exercises, and performed
them with such admirable propriety, that, while he gained
the high applause of his auditors, he incurred the hatred of
those who were less attentive to their duty. Indeed, he was
so exact and conscientious in all his ways, that he was
reproachfully denominated an arch-puritan.
In the year 1608, he was unanimously chosen minister of
Blackfriars, London ; where he appears to have been assist-
ant to the excellent Mr. Stephen Egerton, and, at his death,
succeeded him in the pastoral office. His labours were
peculiarly acceptable to die people ; the congr^tiongreatly
increased; and the church was greatly enlaimd. Inougn
considerable preferments were frequently o&red him, he
refrised them all. His only object was to be useful to souls.
He used to say, ** It is my highest ambition to go fit)m
Blackfriars to heaven." He viras highly esteemed by the
people of his charge, and by all who knew his wordi. Mul-
titudes statedly resorted to his ministry, and many strangen
attended his Wednesday momii^ lecture. This lecture he
« Prince's Cbroa, Hiit vol. i. Pktf. p. 1.
]|SS, LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
•
kept up about thirtif'^ive years. Indeed^ so great \nm
&me, mat wfien religious persons from distant parts of die
country went to London, they did not think their business
finished^ unless they had attended Blackfriars lecture. '^1 he
success of his ministry was also ver^ great. It is said^ Ukat
tibousands were converted and bjiilt up under his. ministry.*
He was long employed in the work, and eminently faithful
and laborious as long as he could get into tlie pulpit. His
f)reaching w^s always, distinct, his method easy, and his
ai^uage adapted to persons of the meanest capacities.
jBr. Gouge, while he preached the gospel to others^ en-
joyed its consolations in his own mind. He found so much .
true comfort in his work, as, he believed, could not be found-
in any other employment. He often professed, that his
Seatest pleasure u\ this world was in preacliing the gO^pjel.
is heart and his h^opiness we^e so much in his work, ^uat.
he often said to Lord (!^oventry, then keeper of the great sc^^
that he enyiea not his situation. His whple life was p^-p .
ticularly exemplary. The doctrine which he delivered to
others had its proper infli^ence aiid effect upon himself*
^though his conduct was unblamable and irreprova^le .ia ,
the sight of all men, he was not without his enemies. B^e.
was as excellent and peaceable a subject as any in tlie .
nation ; yet, throush the instigation of Bishop Neile, he.was ,
cast into prison only for republishing Finch's book on " T|ie
Calling of the Jews.'' Having rem^iined in prison nine .
weeks, he was released. In the year 1626, he was chosen
one of the feoffees for purchasing impropriations ; for which
he was ordered to be prosecuted in the star-chamber: but
die prosecution being so manifestly invidious, was| afterwards
dropped .t During the intolerance of Bishop Laud, he was
prosecuted in the mgh. commission,, for opposing anninifuusm
and the new.ceremonies.t
Tliis celebrated divine was deeply concerned for the.
Redeemer's cause ii^ foreign countries, as well as at home,
Hi^ exercised particula|^ compassion toward&the foreign. pro:>
testants, und^ alL iheTr afflictions and. persecutions.. Hfe
rejoiced in their prosperity, but was afflicted in their adversitj4
Iperefore, wh^n public collections for the poor and distressed ;
ministers of the Palatinate utterly failed, he united with. his ^
brethren in promoting a private contributipn for their relief^
• Clark's LiTes aonezed to bit Martyrologie, p. 234— SS9.
+ Ibid. p. dS»->24l. } PrvBDc/g Cant. Doome. p. 302.
GOUCE. IS7
bat, marvellous as it may appear/ fot this singular act of
|;enerosity and homamty^ he was convened before die high
commission as a notorious delinquent*
In the year 1643, Dr. Gouge was nominated one of the
assembly of divines. He assiduously attended during the
whole session ; and was held id so high reputation, tliat he
often' filled the moderator's chair in his absence. September
I25th, in the same year, when the house of commons, the
Scots commissioners, and the assembly of divines met in
St. Margaret's church, Westminster^ to subscribe the cove-
nant. Dr. Gouge concluded the solemnity with prayer. He
was one of the select committee for the examination of minis-
ters who' petitioned for 'sequestered livings. In 1644, he was
rn the committee appomted for the examination and or-
ition of mimsters. Ih 1647, at the first session of die
provincial assembly, be was chosen prolocutor, and opened
th)e session with a senrt'<6n at Blackfiiars. In die same ytwt .
he was upon the committee appointed to draw up the con- *
fessiontof fiiidi'. And in the year 1648, he was on the com-
mittee appointed to draw up die assembly's annotaUoos.
His poition was from the first book of Kinss to the book of
Esther, inclusive.! In the same year he umted with his bre-
thi^n, in London and. its vicinity, in declaring against the
kii^s death.t
Dr. Goi^e' was a ^ strict observer of the sabbath ; and
when the Book of Sports came out, he absolutely refused to
read it. He was determined to suffer, radier than sin by
encouraging profane sports on the Lord's day. He was
exact in observing the public exercises of the house of God,
in promoting religion in his faniily, and iii the devotions of
the closet ; and, tO the great honour of his character, he
would never allow his servant to be absent from public
worship' on die Lord's day to cook provision, whatever com-
pany he expected, tie possessed an excellent talent for
solving cases of conscience ; and so great was the blessitig of
God upoii his judicious counsels, that multitudes were re-
stored to joy and peace in believing. Ministers, in difficult
ctoes, often consulted him ; on which account, he was deno-
minated Ae father of the London divines, and the very oracle
of his tiitie. He was Said to b* the very picture of Moaes for
a meek and quiet spirit. As he was not easily provoked, so /
he' was never inclined to provoke others. When he received
* ^mitlcy'i Pidatiy* Urarpatioai, p. 1M.
t Nenl's Hut. of Puitaos, vol. i^. p. SS, 70, 14K^ 350, SM, 4M;
t Calamjr^i Contiinuitidi, vol. ii. p. 743.
168 LIVES OF THEf PURITANS.
any injury, he always prayed for his enemies, and said, '.' that
revilers and evil doers always hurt themselves most." He was
remarkably kmd to persons in disiiess, especially the poor of
Christ's dock. According to the abdity which Go^ gave
him, he employed his substance to useful purposes. He
afforded much support to tlie poor scholars at the university*
It was his very meat and drink to do his heavenly Father's
will. His humility, indeed, outshone all his other amiable
endowments. He was never lifted up by multitudes flocking
to hear him, nor by the applause he received from them ; but
used to say, '' I know more to abase me, than others do to
exalt me."
He was, throi^h the whole of his life, remarkably exact and
conscientious in the improvement of his time. He .rose early,
both winter and summer. If at any time he heard other
persons at their work before he was in his study, he would
complain, saying, ^^ I am much troubled that any persons
should be at their calling before I am at mine." He was an
excellent scholar, being familiarly conversant with the original
languages, and every department of useful literature. When
the persecuting prelates would allow of no other fisists be*
sides those appointed by authority, Dr. Gouge and his pioua
friends kept their private fasts regularly every month. On
these occasions he greatly excelled. He was remarkably,
concerned for the welfare of the foreign protestaut churches.
Hearing that it was well with them, he rejoiced and praWed *
God : but when he received evil tidings, '^ he sat down and
wept, and mourned, and fasted, and prayed unto the God of
heaven."
In tfab decline of life, he was much afflicted with an asthma
and the stone. Under these painful maladies he often
groaned^ but never murmured. Labouring under these afflic-
tions, he frequently said, ^' Soul, be silent ; soul, be jpatient.
It is thy God and Father who thus ordereth thy estate: thou
art his clay ; he may tread and trample on thee as he pleasetht
thou hast deserved much more. It is enough that thou art
keipt out of hell. Though thy pain be grievous, it is toler-
able. Thy God affords some intermissions. He will turn it
to thy good, and then put an end to all. None of these,
things can be expected hereafter." Under his greatest pains
he used the woixls of Job: ^' Shall we receive good 9t die
lumds of God, and shall we not receive evil? At such
times, he committed his soul to Christ, saying, '* I am per-
suaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed
unto him against that day." When his friends endeavourecl
GOUGE. 169
to comfort him, by remmding him of his gifts and usefulness,
he repliedy ** I dare not think of any such thing for comfort.
Jesus Christ, and what he hath done and suffered, is the
only ground of comfort. I, being a great sinner, comfort'
nqiieu in a great Saviour. When I look upon myself, I see
oodui^ but weakness and emptiness; but when I look upon
Ohtist, I see nothing but sufficiency and fulness."
A few days before he died, having continued for three days
io a state of drowsiness, he inquired what day it was, and
eidaimed, ** Alas, I have lost three days!" Afterwards,
reviving a little, he said, " Now I have not long to live. The
time of my departure is at hand. I am going to my desired
liaven. I am most willing to die. I have, blessed be God,
Qodung else to do but to die. Death is my best friend, next
to Jesus Christ. I am sure I shall be with Christ when
I die.*'* As the hour of his departure approached, he spoke
much in admiration of the rich grace and mercy of God in
Christ Jesus; and died full of unspeakable comfort. Decern^
ber 12, 1653, in the seventy-ninth year of his age, having
been numster of Blackfriars nearly forty-six years.f Dr*
Cakmy observes, ** that he was a person of as eminent a
reputation for ministerial abilities, strict piety, and indeia-
t^ble labours for the good of souls, as most ministers that
IBFcr were in the city.j Granger says, " he was offered the
provostship of King's college, Cambridge, but declined to
accept it ; and that he was laborious, exemplary, and so much
beloved that none ever thought or spoke ill of him, excepting
those who were inclined to think or speak ill of religion
itsdf."^ He is classed among the learned writers and distin-
giushed worthies of this college.|| Wood styles him *^ a pious
and learned divine," and says, ^' he is often honourably men-
tioned by Vcetius, Streso, and other learned and foreign
divines."f Mr. William Jenkin was assistant to Dr. Gouge
about twelve years, preached his funeral sermon, and suc-
ceeded him in the pastoral office. Mr. Thomas Gouge, on
whose death Dr. Watts wrote an excellent elegiac poem, was
the doctor's son, and Mr. Richard Roberts married his
eldest daughter. These three excellent divines were ejected
by Ae Act of Uniformity, in 1662.**
Hk Works.— 1. Eight Treatises on Domestic Duties.— 2. The
Whole Armour of God. — 3. A Treatise on the Siu against the Rolf
* Jenkin's Funeral Sermon for Dr. Gouge.
f Gark's Lives, p. 242—246. | Calamy's Continuation, vol. i. p. 18.
S Graij^r's Biog. Hist. vol. ii. p. 179. i) Fnller'ti Hist, of Cam. p. 75.
1 Wood's Athens Ozon. vol. i. p. 807.
** Falmer's ^ioncoo. Mem. voU i. p. 109, 184. iii. p. SOI.
Kv
Cii
aiiJ
stud*
itn|>:
shin '
he 111
to Cau
and ii<(
the \A:.ii.
stations, I.' -
good sht |.i,.
appruaclii ti.
clioseii )>:iNt.i.
flhire; wIuti-
preacher ul;*..
the Earl (if \\
witli Mrs. \\;
lie aflcnvunl^ :
In theyiiiv
Mas appoiuti-'
tioiis ill re!i^>
leamtjd diviii(.;<,
to prepare inui
choson Olio of
tended ; nvA, by .
ticidarly ti^cfid in :.
he was clit>:>cu cue
t kingdom B MB. Collcv.
rf. HILL. ITt
ordiimtioii of pubUc; preachers;, and in l645» when
committee of accommodation was revived by order of pariia^
ibent, he was appointed one of its learned members,*- Htt:
preached frequently before the house of parliament, and vnm
chosen momii^ lecturer at the Abbey church, Westminster.
He preached every Lord's day at St. Martin's in the Fields^.
** where/^ it is observed, ** his labours were made a Uessing:
to many thausands/^f He was a divine universally celebratedi
for learning and ability ; and therefore was appointed master-
of Emanud college, Cambridge, and afterwards of Trinity
college, in the same university. Here he employed all hia-
talents and zeal in the advancement of sound learning and
genuine piety, and in the observance of college exercises.
Mr. Henry Oatland, afterwards one of the ejected ministers,
who was one of his pupils, observes, ** that he derived un-
speakable advantage from Dr. Hill's plain but excellent:
method of preaching Cfarist-^t He was twice chosen vice-
chancellor, and was particularly concerned to preserve the-
hpnour and privileges of the university.
Dr. Hill was a divine sound in the ^th, and firmly attached
to the doctrinal articles of the church of England. He con-'"
sidered unccmditional election, salvation by grace, justifica-
tion by the imputed righteousness of Chiist, and the final-
perseverance of believers, not as points of dry speculation or
vain curiosity, but as prominent doctrines of scripture, and
the very life of true christian fiuth. What he beUeved he
constantly practised through life, and found its uuspeakaU* i
comforts in truth. During his last sickness, being exceed-'^'"
ingly afBicted with a quartan^ ague, he found much joy and -
Saace in believing. Ipe distinguishing love of God in: Christ
esus was the foundation of his confidence and happ'mesa.
Being asked, just before his departure, whedier he enjoyed :
peace with ,God, he cheerfully replied, '^ Through the mercy *
of God in Christ my peace is made, and I quietly r^ in it.'*
He died much lamented, December 18kJ653. He was a
divine eminent for humility and holiness, an excellent and'
useful preacher, and of great learning and .moderation; but'
no friend to arminianism.$ . He used to lay his hand upon
hi? br^uit, and say, '' Every true christian hath some^ii^',
her^, that will frame an argument agunst arminianism."||
T^s leurped and pious divine has not escaped the reproack*'
»
« Papers of AocOHBiodatioB, pv 14«
f Clatk*8 LWet annexed to Martjrolof^e, p. 8S0, SSI.
t CaXumy's Cootin. vol. ii. p. 885. V Clarkli Utcs, p. SSS.
I Finnin'i Real CMitilui, p. 86. SdKLl6T0«
I7f LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
fol insinuations of Dr. Grey. Mr. Neal having specified hi»'
preferments^ the doctor adds, " but how deserving this gentle*
man was of these preferments, his works sufficiently testify:'
and then, to prove what he insinuates, he cites Dr. Hill'a
words, deUvered on public occasions, as follows : — " That wo
may have an incorrupt religion, without sinful, without guile-
ful mixtures ; not a linsey-woolsey religion : all new-born
babes will desire word-milk, sermon-miik, without guile,
without adulterating sophistication of it. — What pity it is
that cathedral societies, which might have been colleges of
learned presbyters for feeding and riding of city churches,
and petty academies to prepare pastors for neighbouring
places, should be often sanctuaries for nonresidents, and be '
made nurseries to many such drones, who can neither preach,
nor pray, otherwise than ready say, or sing their prayers^ and in
the- mean time, truth must be observed in a non-edifying
pomp of ceremonious ser\^ices. — Behold, with weeping eyes,
the many hundred congregations in the kingdom, where noul-
lions of souls are like to perish for want of vision. Truth if
' sold from among them, either by soul-betraying nonresidents,
soul-poisoning innovators, or soul-pining dry nursies. Iti many
places the veiy image of jealousy, the idol of the mass, is set up;
yea, the comedy of the mass is acted, because she wanteth the
light of truth to discover the wickedness and folly of it. In
many miles, not a minister that can preach and live sermons. I
vrish every parliament-man had a map of the soul-misery of the
most of the ten thousand churches and chapels in Ei^land.
" In the stead of the high commission," says he, " which '
was a soul-scourge to many godly and faithful ministers, we
have an honourable committee, that turns the wheel upon
such as are scandalous and unworthy. In the room of Jero-
boam's priests, burning and shining lights are multiplied in
some dark places of the land, which were full of the habita-
tions of cruelty. In the place of a long litui^, we are in
hopes of a pithy directory. Instead of prelatical rails about
the table, we have the scripture rails of church discipline in
great forwardness. Where popish altars and crucinxes did
abound, we begin to see more of Christ crucified in the sim-
plicity and purity of his ordinances. Instead of the prelates*
oath, to establish their own exorbitant power, with dppurfe-
nances> we havC' a solemn league and covenant with 6od>
engaging us to endeavour reformation, according to his word ;
yea, and the extirpation of popery and prelacy itself.*"* We
i ■ ■ 1
m •
* Grey's ExBM. of j!^«al, TCfl* ii. p. 168, IM^
T. WILSON. ITS
make no comment upon these expressiom, but leave the
pious reader to form his own opinion of the ungenerous in-'
slnuatiohs of the zealous churchman. Dr. Hill was author
of a number of pieces^ chiefly sermons before the parlia-
ment
His Works. — 1. The Trade of Truth Advanced, in a Sermon to
the Honourable House of Commons, at their solemn Fast, Jnly 27,
164^---1642.--2. The Militant Church Triumphant OTer the Dragon
and his Angels, preached to both Houses of Parliament, July 21,
1643— 1643.— <). The Season for England's Self-Reflection, and
Adyancing Temple-Work, in a Sermon before the Ilon'scs of Parli-
ament, August 13, 1644, being an extraordinary Day of HnmiliatioOy
1644.---4* The Right Separation Encouraged, preached to the House
of Lords, November 27, 1644, being the Day of their monthly publia
Fast, 1644.
Thomas Wilson, A. M. — This excellent minister waa
bom at Catterly in Cumberland^ in the year l601, and edu-
cated in Christ's college, Cambridge ; where he was greatly
admired for hb indefatigable industry, and great progress in
useful learning. Upon his leaving the university, he taught
Hchool for some time at Chartwood in Surrey ; dien entered
into the ministry at Capel, in the same county. Here, by
his judicious preaching and holy example, he directed the
people in the way to eternal life. Though he received littl©
or nothing for his pains, he was not the less faithfiil and labo-
iious in promoting the welfare of souls. He sought not
theirs, but them, and was greatly beloved by his people.
Afterwards, he removed to Farlington, near Portsmouth,
'^vhere he laboured among very ignorant and heathenish^
people. He did not continue long at this place, but removed
to Teddington, near Kingston-upon-Tliames. In tliis situa^
tion he continued several years, and was made a blessing to
many souls. He next accepted a presentation to the bene-
fice of Otham, near Maidstone, in Kent. At this place he
^as the means of awakening many careless sinners, and of
building them up in faith and holiness. Multitudes flocked
to hear him from Maidstone and its vicinity ; and the church
was soon found too small to contain them. His great popu-
larity and usefulness* presently awakened the envy of profane
sinners, and several neighboiu-ing ministers ; but he went on
undismayed, the Lord blessing his labours.
Notwithstanding his labours and usefulness, he was aj:
length silenced for refusing to read the Book of Sports. In
the month of April, 1634, he was inliibited by Archbishop
}7t LIVES OF TBE fUfllTANS.
Stand's Mcinr-geiieraly from port '6f 'bis public ministerial exei<-
•cises. But, upon the pubuoation of the Book of Sports^ hb
TeAised to read it^ when die archbishop scfntfrn* him to LanK
•bedi; andy April 29, l6S6, no less ihnn fourteen Axrg^
were exhibited against him, to each of which he gave his
answer^ May 28th following. The substance of these furticles,
together widi Mr. Wilson's answers, was as follows :
1. That canonical obedi^ice is due by your oath, taken aft
your institution.
Answer. It is true, as I understand the oath^ it is accord-
ing to the canons of the church of England.
2. That a minister must have a popular election, as seces-
•ary to hold his place.
Ans. I never held such an opinion, nor ever spok^ it, pri;
vately or publicly.
3. That there is little comfort for a minister instituted and
inducted, without the approbation of die people.
Ans. I know and believe the contrary.
4. You have held conventicles in your house, and in other
liouses in the town of Otham, within this two years, and used
exercises of religion by law prohibited.
Ans. I deny that I have holden conventicles, and usedh
exercises of religion by law prohibited. ^
5. Within this four years you have collected in private
houses, or caused to be collected, forty or fifty persons, and
to them repeated sermons, expounded scripture, made tediou^
extemporary prayers, full of tautologies, and delivered dan-
gat)us doctrine, to the perverting and corrupting of hif
majesty's subjects.
Ans. I protest against such doctrine^ and any such effect.
I also deny that I collected, or caused to be collected^ any
tuch persons.
6. You refused to read die King^s Declaration for Sporti
On Sundays, and spoke disdainfully to the apparitor and
officer of the court.
Ans. I said to the apparitor, ^* Remember the sabbath dajr
to keep it holy ;" and I said no more. I refused to read the
book, not out of contempt of any authority, being coni-
manded by no law. The king's majesty doth not in tfao
book command or appoint the minister to read it, nor it to
Ire read, but published. And seeing there is no penalty
threatened, nor authority given fo any one to question those
tvho refuse to read it, my refusal to read it was upon sufficient
grounds of law and conscience ; which, for the satisfaction
of diis high coort^ and to clear myself from contempt, { shall
T. WjQDrSON. I7i
.bviefly express "ii^raelf thus : His majesty's exfNress pkaewe k^
diat die. laws of the realm, ^nd Ihe canons of l|^ •church, be
observed in all places of die kingdom ; and dierefofe at Otham
in Kent : font this book, as I conceive, is contrary to botl|^.— -
It is contrary to the slatute laws.r^It is contrary to <the eccle- /
siastical laws. — It js c^uydnMry to the scnptm^. — It is eoo-
trary to the ciM^nc^s.^— It is c^nlraiy to divines, ancient «nd
modem.-— j[t is conti'ary to reason^* y
7. In 1633, when the commission was grafted for repair-
ilig St. Paul's, you sfoidy to build sumptuous temples u to
justify antichrist.
^3. I deny this sdtogether.
8. In 1634, you bade the pepple, in scorn and derision, to
lake heed of cUaiing with high priest's servants.
Ans. I deny both the time and the words.
9. At Boxley, June 99, 1632, you said. No man can have a
broken heart, who hath two steeples ; meaning two benefices,
alleging Acts yx. 20.
Ans. I never spake such words. But at the fimeral of «
puve and learned minister, I entreated the ministers present to
prepare to give an account of their lives and livings, shewing
the vanily CMf those who plead for pluralities, saying, ** That u
a man's heart^were broken, it would not be with the ^^ight
^ three churches ; -' ^d herein I followed no new opinion,
but die general opinion of learned divines, both ancient and
modem.
, 10. You have scandalized the governors and government
«f die church of England, as persecutors of God's faithful
ministers and people.
Ans. This is not true, in the whole or in any part.
11. In April, 1633, you delivered a dangerous doctrine,
•ven that if a subject suffer the penalty of die law from the
civil magistrate, he is free from sin.
Ans. I deny the time, and words, and doctiine. I never
taught, nor read, nor heard of this doctrine, till I heard this
article ; and I abhor it, and disclaim it as dangerous.
12. April 22, 1634, you lectured and expounded, after
jahibition by the vicar-general.
^Ans. This is n(A true. I did not preadi, excepting on
Ijord's days and holidays; neither did I expound. Yet
I had^a Ucense to expound, and was not ft>rbidden expound-
ing. I constandy instruct, by question and answer, in the
• Mr. Wilton eolar^ apra-eacb of these topia with {feat jmigmettt,
1i«t the whole It (00 lon^ fq( ini^rtioii.
176 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
cathechism, such as come to prayers, for which I' had my
institution and license, and from which I never received any
prohibition ; nor, so far as I understand, is it any sin against
God or man.
13. Vpu are accounted an enemy to the church of Eng-
land, and draw others into schism after you;
Ans. I deny the whole of this, and every part."
14. You are to promise^ by your word and honour^ to
speak the truth.
Ans. I believe what I have confessed, and deny what
I have denied in every part.*
From the above articles, together with Mr. Wilson's
replies, it is manifest that Laud had laid the snare to catch
him, chiefly for refusing to read the Book of Sports. In this
his lordship succeeded according to his wishes: for Mr.
Wilson's answers, in which he declared his refusal to read the
book, were no sooner given, than the archbishop replied,
/ suspend you for ever from your office and benejice till yikt
read it ; and he continued suspended for the space of four.
years.t Abou^ the same time he was committed to Maid^
Stone jail for nonconformity, but how long he remained in
confinement it does not appear.t At the expiration of the
above period, he was brought into the high commission
court by means of the archbishop ; and, to his great cost and
trouble, was again prosecuted fo( die same crime. Indeed/
the archbishop, in answer to this, said, that Mr. Wilson was
not censured for not reading the book; but, accordii^ to
his own confession, for dilapidations, in not repairing hi»
house .$ With what kind of evidence this is asserted, the
candid and intelligent reader will easily perceive.
Mr. Wilson, remaining under suspension, and being dis-
satisfied with the ministry of his successor, removed to Maid^
stone, where he gave private instructions among his friends.
His adversaries, at the same time, traduced his character, and
slandered him as a favourer of schism. Therefore, to wipe off.
the reproach, he addressed a letter to the parishioners of
Otham, exhorting them ^* to fear God and honour the king,
and walk in love one towards another." For the information
and Satisfaction of all, this letter was read to the public con-
gregation on the Lord's day. The news of this^ however,
soon reached London, when Mr. Wilson and Dr. Tuck, who
J
« Life of Mr. Wilson, p. 67—89. Edit. 1672.
f Prynne's Cant Doonae, p. 149 ^ClarlL'i LiTes, part i* p. 18^-8I«
* Nears Puritans, vol. iv. p. 6S2.
Whartoo'g Troubles of Laod, vol. i. p. 344.
T.WILSON. 177
had read the letter^ were cited to appear before the high com-
nussion. Mr. Wilson was charged in the court with havinr
Bent a scandalous and offensive letter to Otham, to nourish
schism, and to confirm the people in the dislike of govern*
ment; upon which he acknowledged his writing a letter, but
denied its evil tendency, saying, ^* I know that it was to ex- ^
hort the people to fear God and the king, and to meddle not
with those that are given to change ; to walk in foith and love,
and to call upon God: but I utterly deny all occasion of de-
rogating from the church of England, or confirmation of aoj
in a dislike of ^e government, and protest against all asper-
sions and imputations of schism or scandal : neither did
I direct any one to read it, nor intended or desired it should
be read in the church."* Notwithstanding all they could
allege in their own defence, they were enforced to continue
their attendance no less than three years, to their great cost
and trouble.f
In the year 1639, the Scots having entered Ei^land, and
a parliament being called. Laud took off Mr. Wilson's sus-
pension. , But his troubles and sufferings were not ended ;
for, September 30, 1640, he was cited to appear before the
archbishop's visitors at Feversham, together with other minis-
ters in Kent, to answer for not reading the prayer against
the Scots. Upon their appearance, Mr. Edward Bright^
being called first, was asked whether he had read the prayer;
and when he said he had not, the archdeacon instantly sus-
pended him from ofiice and benefice, without admonitioo, or
even giving him the least time to consider of it Mr. Wilson,
who witnessed this rash proceeding, was next called. When
he was asked whether he had read the prayer, he answered in
the negative; '^ because,'* said he, ''in the rubrick of the
Common Prayer, it is enjoined that no prayer shall be pub*
licly read excepting those which are contained in the Book
of Common Prayer, and that prayer against the Scots is not.**
This unexpected answer so confounded the archdeacon that
he did not know what to say. It cooled his fiuy, and caused
him to proceed more deliberately with Mr. Wilson than he
had done with Mr. Bright. He ^ve him fourteen days to
consider of it, and then deliver his answer at Canterbury '4
but whether he delivered any other answer, and what afiter-
♦ LifeofMr.Wilson, p. 90,91.
+ Dr. Tack's case was, indeei, more dlstreiiiog than Mr. WilfWTij for,
•o account of bodily infirmities, lie was anable to ride, and oeceailAlcd tm
wutke all bis joarnies on fool.<^Z6i4. p. 13.
t Ibid. p. 14— <16.
VOL. III. ^
178 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
wards followed relative to this cas^^ we are not able, for
want of inforpiatioDy to relate.
About the same time a warrant was issued from tfie lords
of the council, ^moi^ whom were Archbishop Laud and the
Bishop of London, to apprehend Mr. Wilson. With diis war*-
rant a pursuivant was sent to bring him to London. It does not .
appear for what crime this prosecution was designed ; yet no
doubt it was the sin of nonconformity. The pursuivant, ha^
ing received his warrant, hastened without delay to Otham ;
where, though he heard Mr. Wilson preach, aiid was afters-
wards in the same room with him in his own house, he let
him slip out of his hands. Mr. Wilson, suspecting turn as
soon as he entered the room, retired and hid himself, and so
escaped the snare. The pursuivant vras enraged at his lb8%
and said he had been employed in this service thirtyiirix
years, and had never been served so before. Mr. WusoOy
having escaped the snare, withdrew from the storm till tilt .
meeting of the long parUament, when he went to London, '
and presented his case and petition to the house of commons;
The house appointed a committee to take his case into con*- .
sideration; and, November 30, 1640, Mr. Rouse, who was
one of this committee, reported to the house, *^ That Mr. Wil-
son had been suspended four years from his living, wordi sixty
pounds a year, only for not reading die Book of Recreations
on the Lord's day; that die archbishop himself had sus-
pended him; and that for three years he had attended'
upon the high commission." The house therefore rescdved^
*^ That Mr. Wilson had just cause of complaint ; and that
diere was just cause for the house to afford him relief.''*
Upon the presentation of his pAition, Sir Edward Deerinff,
one of the members for Kent, said, '* Mr. Wilson, your peti-
tioner, is as orthodox in doctrine, as laborious in preachiiM^,
and as unblemished in his life, as any minister we have. He
ia now. separated from his flock, to both their griefs : for it is
not with him as with many others, who are glad to set a pur-
suivant on work, that they may have an excuse to be out of
the pulpit; it is his delight to preach."f Sir Edward furdier
observes of Mr. Wilson, " He is now a sufferer, as all good
men are, ander the general obloquy of a puritan.^ The poi^
snivant watches his door, and divides him and his' cum
asunder, to both their griefs. About a week since," he adds,
*' I went to Lambeth, to move that great bishop (too great '
indeed) to take this danger from off this, minister, and to recall
♦ RoshworthN Collec. vol. v. p. 66.*— Nahon's Cellec. vol. i. p. 571.
f Life of Mr. Wilson, p. 17— 2«.
T. WILSON. 179
the pui'suivsmt. And I did undertake for Mr. Wilson, that he
should answer his aqcusers in any o( the king's courtu a|
Westminster. The bishop made me answer, ' I am sure. that*
he will not be ^bsent from his cure a twelvemonth together.' "^
Upon the above resolution of the house^ he was released
from all his troubles, when he returned to his charge and
wonted labours at Otham. In the year l643, he was uomi*
nated one of the assembly of divines ; and, lliough at so great
a distance, he constantly attended. In the assembly he was
much esteemed for hb meek and humble deportment, anc)
his grave and judicious counsels. Having continued soma
time 9t Otham, he removed to Maidstone, where he remaine4
to the day of his death. Here his first care was to promote *
the reformation of the church, and to administer the sacra«
ments, according to his views of the word of God. To this
end he preached upon the necessity of observing scriptural .
discipline, and the qualifications necessary to church-fellow-
ship. At first he met with considerable opposition, but by
prudence and perseverance things were brought to a favour-
able issue.
Mr. Wilson was indefatigable in his attendance upon his
numerous duties, and usually observed the following method :
he protracted his studies on Saturdays nearly till midnight^
and rose by two or three o^clock on a sabbath morning, being
much displeased if he was later. About seven he came out
of his study, and called Iiis family together, when he read and
expounded a portion of scripture, requiring those present to
give some account of the exposition ; then sung a psalm, and
concluded with prayer. At nine o'clock he went to church,
and entered upon public worship by singing, then prayed for
a blessing, and expounded out of the Old Testament about
an hour; then, besides singing and prayer, he preached an'
hour, and concluded. ^rhen,^oing home, he invariably prayed
with his family before dinner. In the afternoon he. observed
the same method as in the morning, only his exposition was
upon some part of the New Testament. The public services
of the day being ended, he called his family together, when
many neighbours attended ; then they repeated the sermons
and expositions, sung a psalm, and concluded with prayer.
After this he usually went to a friend's house in the town,
where many attended, and did the same. He administered
the Lord's supper regularly once a month, delivered weekly
lectures, attended meetings for religious conference, and was
• Collection of Deerins't Speeches, p. 9, 10. £dit. 1649.
180 LIVEiS OF TH£ PURITANS.
incessant in catechizing. He did the Lord's work faithfullvi,
and found his reward in the labour. Sonie^ indeed, thougnt
he laboured too much, and that he ought to have spared him-
self; but he was of a contrary opinion, being persuaded that *
God makes no difference betwixt an idle and an evil servant.
Hence, when his frieud^ attempted to dissuade him firom' so.
intense an application, he was ever deaf to their counsel,
sayitig, " Would you have my Lord, when he cometh^ to find
me idler
He waig always exa(^t in setting a good example before his
children and servants, knoM'ing them to be much influenced
by the deportment of superiors. What he preached to them
on the sabbath, he practised before them all the week ; and
** in all things he she\i'ed himself a pattern of good works.*'
He ^as a strict observer of the sabbath, and eminently suc-
cessful in promoting the same among his people. This wa^
die happy fruit of his labours at Maidstone, as well as at other
places. One of the judges taking notice of this at the
assize, publicly declared, that, in all his circuit, there was no
town where the Lord's day M'as so strictly observed. Mr*
Wilson was of a courageous spirit, and feared no obstades hi
the path of duty. Ite feared God, and none else. He knew
God would take care of his om'u cause, whatever sufferings
his servants might endure ; therefore, when trials came upon
him, he said, with Luther, ** I had rather fall with CSuist
than reign with Caesar." He shewed his courage in reprof-
ing sin. If men were bold in sinning, he was bold in reprotr-
ing them, even without respect of persons. His sincerity,
humility, and great piety, were manifest to all. The excellent
Mr. William Tenner, after being in his company, said, " I am
ashamed of myself, to see how Mr. Wilson gallops towards
heaven, and I do but creep at a snail's pace."* Indeedj^his
treasure wad in heaven, and his heart was there also. This
excellent trait in his character will appear ffoiQ the following
anecdote : — Duritig the insurrection in 1648, the soldiers took
from him a legacy of a hundred pounds left to his daughter,
though it was afterwards restored . But when the money was
gone, being asked whether he Mas not much troubled, he
replied, "No; I was no more troubled when I heard the-
money was carried off, tlian when it was brought to my house.*'t
Mr. Wilson^s great piety was most manifest in his affliction
and death. When the bridegroom came, he had .his lamp
trimmed, oil in his vessel, add his light burning. He endured
• Ufe of Mr. ITUiod, p. S2--49. t Ibia. p. il.
T. WILSON. 181
his extreme pain with exemplary patience : he monnied, but
never mmmured. He was willing to drink his heavenly
Father's bitter cup^ When lying upon his death4)ed be
called his family around him. He desired his vnfe not to be
cast down^ or to sorrow as those who have no hope ; but to
trust in the Lord ; and added, '* Though we must now be
separated for a season, we shall meet again to part no more
for ever.*' He exhorted his children to fear die Lord, saying,
*' Look you to it, that you meet me not in the day of judg-
ment in an unconverted state/' He praised God, and spoke
much of the preciousness of Christ. The prospect of his
approaching death afforded comfort to his soul. To a pious
lady of his acquaintance, who was leaving Maidstone, he
pleasandy said, " What will you say, Mrs. Crisp, if I get the
start of you, and get to heaven before you get to Dover ?*
Another person saying, ** Sir, I think you are not far from
your Father's house ;" he immediately replied, " That is good
,uews indeed, and is enough to make one leap for joy." To
those who mourned over him, he said, ^' I bless God^ who
hath suiOTered me to live so long to do him some service ; and
now I have finished the work appointed for me, that he is
pleased to call me away so soon. He fought the goodjightf
he finished his course, he kept the faith, and died in peace,
towards the end of the year 1653, aged fifty-two years. He
had a clear understanding, a quick invention, a sound judg-
ment, a tenacious memory, and was a hard student, a good
scholar, an excellent preacher, and clothed vpith humility. •
Mr. Wilson was twice married, and by his second wife he had
eleven children, ten of whom were living at his death. Mr.
Thomas Wilson, ejected in 1662, is supposed to have been
his son.t When upon his death-bed he recommended Mr.
John Crump, afterwards ejected in 1662, to be his ^uccessor^
We are informed that Mr. Wilson was a baptist, and in the
year 1638, joined Mr. John Spilsbury's churcbi London ;$
but whether he continued to adhere to the baptists' senti-
ments, and acted upop them to the end of hi3 days, we are
unable to ascertain. He was author of a sermon preached
before the house of commons, entided, ** Jerechoe's Do^in-
fall," 1643 1 apd probably som§ others.
• Ufeof Mr. Wilton, p. S4, 52—64.
f Palaier*s Noncoo. Mem. ¥o). ii. p. 132. t ^'*^' P* ^32,
S Cnwby's Baptisti, vol. i, p. 149.— Neal'g Pnritam, toI. if. p. 6S2.
tfSS.
IBS LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Natijaniel Warjd, a. B. — This excellent person \vas the
son of Mr. John Ward, and brother to Mr. Samuel Ward,
both celebrated puritan divines ; was born at Haverhii ia
Suffolk, about the year J 570. He received a liberal edu-
cation, and viras intended tor the lav*^; but afterwards trayel-
ling into Prussia and Denmark, where he was honoured with
the intimate friendship of the celebrated David Pareus 6£
Heidelberg, from whom he received the most valuable in«-
tftruction, he purposed, upon his return home, to enter upon
the Christian ministry. He became preacher at St. Jaroes\
Duke's-place, London, in the year 1626 ; and afterwards
became rector of Standon Massey in Essex,* where he felt
t^e iron hand of Archbishop Laud. Previous to the year
16SS, he v^as often convened before this intoleraut prelate
for nonconformity ; and, after frequent attendance, for re-
fusing to subscribe according to the canons, he was excom-
municated and deprived of his ministry. The good man
remained a long time under the prelate's heavy censure. + It
does not indeeid app^r that he was ever released. For
having found that his release could not be obtained without
^he most degrading submission, contrary to the light of
conscience and the testimony of scripture, he left his natiye
country, and in the year 1634 retired to New EIngland.
Upon his arrival he was chosen pastor of the church at
Ipswich, where he continued in high reputation, frequ^it
labours, and great usefulness, about eleven years. In 1645
he returned to England, and became minister of Shenfield in
Essex. He subscribed the Essex testimony as minister of
this place, and was sometimes called to preach before the
parliament. He greatly lamented the confusions of the
times, and discovered great loyalty to the king, and much
solicitude for his majesty's welfare.}: He died at Shenfield
in the year 1653, aged eighty-three years.§ He is classed
among the learned writers of Emanuel college, Cambridge, l
He was a learned man, a pious christian, an excellent
preacher, and the author of many articles, full of wit and
good ser^e, the titles of which have riot reached us. '
Robert Abbot, A. M. — This person received his edu-
cation in the university of Cambridge, where he took his
* Newcourt's Repert. Eccl. vol. i. p. 917, vol. ii. p. 545.
f Wharton*8 Troubles of Land, vol. i. p. 525.
fGrey*8 Examination, vol. i. p. 401.
Mather*s Hist, of New £ng. b. iii. p. 167.
I Fnller'ft Hist, of Cam. p. 147.
N. WARD-ABBOT-^SPILSBUttT. 183
diogneB in arts, and was afterwards incorporated at Oxford.'
Having finished his studies at the university^ he became
ficar^ Cranbrook in Kent, and minister of Southwick in
Hampshire. A minister of the same name, and no doubt the
ame person, was a great sufierer under the tyrannical oppres-
dtm of Bishop Pierce of Bath and Wells. This learned
|mfete compelled Mr. Abbot and others, contrary to law and
jwtioe, to raise sums of money towards carrying on the war
igunst the Scots.* In the beginning of the year 1643, ac-
ewding to Dr. Walker, he was dispossessed of his viparage by
wilder of the house of commons ; because he had taken another
hying, which, from his own confession, was inconsistentt
Whether this be indeed correct we are imable to ascertain ;
hot be this as it may, it appears that, upon the commence-
ment of the dyil war, he espoused the cause of the parlia-
Bent, united himself to the puritans, and became rector of
8t. Austin's church, Watling-street, London, where he con-
tinued in peace and quietness all the rest of his days. In
each of these situations he was happy among the people of
his charge. They were much attached to him; and often
warmly pressed him to appear in print. He lived to a good
old age, and was living in the y<3ar 1653 ; but when he died
tre have not been able to learn. t
His Works.— 1. Be Tliarikful London and her Sisters, 1626.—
% Four Sermons, 1639.— 3. Tryal of our Church-forsakers, 1639. —
4*. Milk for Babes ; or, a Mother's Catechism for her Children, 1646.
—6. Three Sermons, 1646.— 6. A Christian Family Builded by God;
(H*, Directions £6r Governors of Families, 1653.
John Spilsbury was a minister of the antipacdobaptist
denomination. Upon his embracing these sentiments, he
i9 said to have gone into Holland to be baptized by* Mr.
John Smjth; after which he returned to England, and
b^n to baptize adults by immersion. Crosby, however,
attempts to clear him of this, and to prove that he did not
go abroad for this purpose ; but with what degree of sue*
cess we will not undertake to determine.^ In the year
163?, part of Mr. John l^athorp's church, in London, hav-
ing espoused the sentiments of the baptists, desired to be
dismissed from the church, and to be allowed to form a
distinct congregation. " The church," it is observed,
* Impeachment of Bishop Pierce, p. 8.
f Walker*s Attempt, part ii. p. 183.
t Wood's Athenae Oxon. vol. i. p. 800.
S Crosby's Baptists, vol. i. p. 96, 103> 104.
184 Liyj^ OF THE PURITANS.
<< having grown very numerous, and being more than Ciwld
In those times of persecution conveniently meet together,
and believing that those persons acted from a principle d
conscience, and not obstinacy, agreed to allow them the
liberty they desired." They formed tlicraselves, therefore,
into a distinct church, Se])tember 13, 1633, and chose Mr.
Spilsbury to the office of pastor. This church, which
settled in Wapping, is thought to have been the first baptist
congregation in England.* In the year 1638, Mr. William
Kii&i, Mr. Thomas Wilson, and other celebrated persons,
became members of this church,+ and the society appears to
have been in a flourishing condition.
In process of time, however, some disputes arose among
(he members, on the subject of mixed communion. Those
who opposed it withdrew, and formed a separate society ^under
the care of Mr. Kiffin. This separation is said to liave taken
Elace in I6h3^ soon after which the present baptist meeting*
ouse in Devonshire-square was built, where Mr« Kiffin and
his church assembled for public worship.^ Mr. Spilsbunr,
in 1644, subscribed the confession of faith set forth in the
name of the seven baptist congregations in London ; but
when he died we have not been able to learn. It appears
that after the above separation he went to Ireland, where
he was highly respected. Henry Cromwell, in a letter
dated Dublin, March 8, 1654, addressed to Secretary
Thurloe, speaks in high terms of him.^ He was a man of
an excellent spirit and great moderation.|| He published a
piece entitled, " The peculiar Interest of the Elect in Christ
and his Saving Grace."
CuTHBERT Sydenham, A. M. — This divine was horn at
Truro in Cornwall, in the year 1622, and educated in St,
Alban's-hall, Oxford. He continued at Oxford till after
the commencement of the civil wars, and the place was
garrisoned by the royal forces ; at which time he left the
.university, and espoused the cause of the parliament.
About the year 1644, he became lecturer of St. Nicholas
church, at Newcastle-upon-Tyne ; " where," says Wood,
*^ by his constant and confident preaching, he gained more
respect than any venerable minister in "that or another
♦ NeaFs Puritans, vol. ii. p. 347.— Crosby's Baptists, vol. i. p, 148, 149.
+ Crosby *s Baptists, vol. iii. p. 41, 42.
t Wilson's Hist, of DissentUig Ohorches^ vol. i. p. 401.
^ Thurloe's Slate Papers, vol. ii. p. 149.
I Bailie's Aoabaptism, p. 94, 118.
SYDENHAM— EEBBRT. ISS
coct>oration.'* This could not indeed be his fimlt. He wm
undoubtedly most doBemng of it In the yew 1630, bj
virtue of letters from the coniniission»s of parliament, far
regulating the uniyersitj of (hrfbtd, he was cieafied master
of drts. In those lettars they gave him a most exoelknt
character. He was a constant and zealous preacher, and
a man of great learning and piety, frequently exerdstiir a
holy jealousy over his own heart* But retiring to LoMoa
for the benefit of his health, and to superintend the printing
of some of his books, he there died, about March S3, IGM,
aged thirty-two years.
His Works.— 1. A Christian, Sober, and Plaip ExeieitatioB of te
two grand practical Controversies of these Tioies, Infant llapfhi
aiid Singing of Psalms, 1653. — 2. llie great Mjsterie of Godlineii,
opened in several Sermons, 1654. — 3. Hypocrisie Discovered in its
Nature and Workings, being the Sum of Seven Senaons, 16M.^
4. The False Brother; or, the Mapp of Scotland, drawn by an Eogiih
Pencil. — 5. Anatomy of Joh. Lilbonrn's Spirit and Pamphlets; or,
a Vindication of the Two Honourable Patriots, Oliver Cromwell,
Lord Governor of Ireland, and Sir Arth. Hasehigg, Knight and
Baronet ; wherein the said Lilbonm is demonstratively proved to ba
a common Lyer, and unworthy of civil Converse.
William Erbert, A. B. — This perscm was bom at
Roath-Dagfield in Glamorganshire, in the year 1604, and
educated in Brazen-nose college, Oxford. Having finished
his studies at the nniyersity, he entered into the ministerial
office, retired into Wales, and became yicar of St. Mary's
in Cardifi. Wood says that he was always schismaticallj
inclined, that he preached in conyenticles, and that, fctf
refusing to read the king's declaration for sports on the
Lord's day, he was brought several times into the high
commission court at Lambeth, where he sufiered for his
obstinacy .f The Bishop of Landaff, visiting his diocese in
the year 1634, pronounced Mr. £rbery ^ schismatical and
dangerous preacher ; and, for disobeying his majesty's in*
stnictions, he gave him judicial admonition, and threatened
tb proceed further against him if he did not submit. Re-
fusing to debase himself by submission, contrary to truth
and his own conscience, the bishop, the year following, pre-
ferred articles against him in the high commission court,
threatening to punish him according to his deserts. In
1636 his lordship complained of the slow prosecution against
« Wood's AthenaB.OzoB. vol. ii. p. 100, 101.
-f ibid. p. lOS.
Ig6 XlVfS or THE PURITANS.
kitii, and -observes^ that << this madeliini persist in fits hf*
ways, and his foUo'virers judge him faultless." Thou^ the
prosecution was slow, it was sure. It was committed into
the hands of proper persons, and success was certain*
Therefore, in the year 1638, Mr. Erbery was forced to
lerign his vicarage, and be left' the diocese in peace.*
Being thus deprived of his living, and dnven from hit
flock, he most probably went from place to place through
the countiT, and preached as he coidd obtain an opport»*
Bity, as did his brethren, Messrs. Wroth, Cradock, and
Powell. In the year 1640, says Wood, he shewed hinMelf
openly, preached against the bishops and ceremonies, and
made early motions towards independency. f Mr. Edwards,
with his usual scurrility, gives the following account of
him : '^ In the beginning of the parliament, he was an inde-
pendent, but by degrees is fallen to many gross erron,
holding universal red(*mption, &c. and is now a seeker, and
I know not what. This man was a chaplain in the Eaxl ct
Essex's army a great while, and there did broach many
antinomian doctrines, and other dangerous errors: but
having left the army a good while since, he was about .
London, and did vent his opinions here. About last spring
he betook himself to the Isle of Ely for his ordinary resi-
dence, from whence he takes his progress into one county
or another in private Rouses, venting his opinions amongst
well-affected people, under the habit of holiness. In Jiuy
last he was at Bury, where he exercised in private, some'
forty persons being present, and declared himself fiOr
general redemption; that no man was punished for Adam's
sin; that Christ died for all; and that the guilt of Adun's
sin shouM be imputed to no man. He said also, that within
a while God would raise up apostolical men, who should be
extraordinary to preach the gospel ; and after that shall b»^
the fall of Rome. He spake against gathering churches,
the anfibaptists' re-baptizing, and said men ought to
wait for the coming of the Spirit, as the apostles did.
^ Look, as in the wilderness they had honey and manna,
but not circumcision and the passover till they cariie into
Canaan; so now we may have many sweet things, con-
ference and prayer, but not a ministry and sacraments.
And then, after the tall of Rome, there shall be new heavens
and anew earth: there «hall be new Jerusalem; and then
•hall the church b^ one, one street in that city,andnom(»e.'
• WKaf ton's Troobles of Land, vol. i. p. 536-^565.
f Atbeoe Oxoo. fol. ii. p. 103. ^
ERBERY. Ig7
Not kmg aficT he went to Northampioo, where in a private
meeting the main Bcope of his exercise was, to speak againal
the certainty and sufficiency of the scriptures, allying that
there \^as no certainty to build upon them, because there
were so many several copies.' He was also at OiuKHe*
Newport Pagnel, and appointed shortly to return again to
JB«{ry.'^* The readier wUl judge for himself* how rar thia
account, from the unworthy pen of Mr. Edwards, i^ deserv-
ing of credit.
Afler the surrender of Oxford in 1646, Mr. Erbery, still
a chaplain in the parliament's army, was sent thither;
where, says Wood, " he kept his conventicles in a house
opposite to Mertou college church, cmd used all the meant
in his power in opposing the doctrine of the presbyterian
ministers, who were sent by the parliament to preach the
scholars into obedience.''^ He was certainly held in high
favour and esteem among the soldiers, but is said to have
envied the reputation of the presbytcrians. While he was
at Oxford he opposed them in several public disputations.
At one time the subject of debate was, '' Whether the
ministry of the church ought to be entrusted to a select
number of persons ?"' In the conclusion, Mr. Erbery and
his party are said to have put the presbyterian disputants
under the same difficulty as our Lord did the unbelieving
Jews, by his question about John's baptism. For, demand-
ing of themj " whence they had their orders," they durst
not say, ^< from the bishops," whom both sides confessed to
be antichristian ; nor could they deny it, as they had all
been episcopally ordained ; so the shout went in favour of
Erbery's party, and the meeting was dissolved, to the great
disturbance of the presbyterian disputants. Afterwards Mn
Erbery had a disputation with Mr. Chcynel, one of the
presbyterian ministers. The debate was conducted in St
Mary's church, when, it is said, he maintained, among
other things, ^^ That the saints shall have the same worship,
honour, throne, and glory, as Christ now hath ; and shall
be endowed with a greater power of working miracles than
Christ had when he was on earth." The contest, which
lasted about four hours, was not carried without tumult;
and in the conclusion, each party retired claiming the
▼ictory.t The account of this dfisputc was afterwards
puldiahed by the adverse party, eQtitled, <^ A Relation of a
* Gangraena, part i. p. 109, 110. Second edit.
-f Athense Oxon. vol. ii. p. 104.
% WallLer*! Attenpt, part i. p. 185, 19S.
188 , LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Disputation in St. Mary's church in Oxon, between Mn
Cheynel and Mr. Erbery," 1()46. A particular detail of
o^her disputes which he had with the Visitors was also pub-
lished by his opponents, entitled, " An Account ^iven to the
Parliament by the Ministers sent by them to Oxford," 1647.
In this piece they give a circumstantial account of their
disputations with Mr. Erbery, but not sufficiently interestine
to deserve the reader's particular attention. Mr. Erbery had
a public dispute with one Mr. Nichols, of which he gave a
particular account in a piece entitled, '' A Dispute at
Cowbridge, (Glamorganshire,) with Mr. Henry Nichols^
Pastor of an Independent Church, and Parson of a Parish-
Church."* But this is not more interesting than the
former.
Upon Mr. Erhery's departure from Oxford, says Wood,
" be went to London, where he vented his blasphemies in
several places against the glorious divinity ana blood of
Jesus Christ, especially in his conventicle at Christ-church
wiihin Newgate, where those of his opinion met once H
week. He was at length brought before the committee of
plundered ministers at Westminster; when, to the admiration
, of those who had heard his blasphemies, he began to make
a solemn profession of his faith in orthodox language : but
the chairman took him up, and commanded him silence^
saying, * We know your tricks well enough.' To say the
truth,"' adds our author, '' he had language at command,
and could dissemble for matter of profit, or to avoid danjger ;
and it was well, known he was a mere canter." Tbif
account, from the bigotted historian, is extremely partial
and incorrect, as appears from a particular narrative pub-
lished by Mr. Erbery himself, in which he denies manv of
the charges alleged against him, and acquits himseli of
others. The piece is entitled, " The Honest Heritique; or.
Orthodox Blasphemer, accused of Heresie and Blaspheniie,
but cleared of both by the judgment of God, and of good
Men, at a Committee for Plundered Ministers of the I^rlia*
ment, March 9th, 1652 : With a double Answer to Articles
charged against him ; whereupon he was freed irom his
Prison, and liberty granted by the Lord to preach
again."+.
« October 12, 1653, Mr. Erbery and Mr. John Webster
endeavoured," says Wood, ," to knock down learning and
the ministry together, in a disputation they had with two
♦ ^Ijery 'I Testimony, p. 852. f IWd.^ p. 3101
fiABERY. 189
ministers in a cburch in Lombard-street. JETrbery then
declai:ed, that the wisest ministers and purest churches were
at thdt time befooled^ confounded, and defiled by learning.
He said, also, that the ministers were monsters, beasts, asses^
grcejdy dogs, and false prophets ; that they are the bca$t
with seven beads and ten horns ; that Babylon is the church
in her ministers; and that the great Whore is the church
in her worship. So that with him," he adds, ^^ there was an
end of ministers, and .churches, and ordinances toffetben
While these things were babbled to and fro, the miutituda
bdjDg of various opinions, began to mutter, and many to
cry put, and immediately there was a tumult, wherein the
women bor^ away the bell, but some of them lost their
kerchiefs. And the dispute was so hot, that there waf
more dimger of pulling down the church than the
ministry."*
It is observed of Mr. Erbery , by one who appears to have
been well acqi^ainted with him, that the four principal
things upon which he chiefly dwelt in his ministry, were
the following : ^< That there was a measure of a pure appear-
ance of spirit and truth in the days of the apostles. — That
abput the latter end of their days, or soon after, the spirit of
the Loi]d withdrew itself, and men substituted an external
and carnal worship in its stead. — That tliis apostacy was
not yet removed from the generality of professing christiansy
notwithstanding their pretence of ddiverance; but that
they still lay under it, and were likely so to do for some
time. — That when the appointed season came, the apostacy
should be removed, and the new Jerusalem come down from
(rod, of which some glimpse might now appear in particular
saints ; yet the full view and accomplishment thereof seemed
to be at some distance."^
Mr. Baxter denominates him " one of the chief of the
anabaptists," and Mr. Neal calls him '' a turbulent anti-
nomian ;"t whereas he was neither the one nor the other.
Primitive baptism, he thought, consisted in going into the
water ankk-deep^ and not in a total immersion; but judged
that none have now any right to administer that ordinance
without a fresh commission from heaven. In his views of
the trinity he was of the Sabellion cast ; and it appears^
from the general strain of his writings, that he drunk very
deep in the spirit of mysticism. He was an admirer of the
♦ Athea« Oxw, vol. ii. p. 104. f Erbcry'a Testimony, Prcf.
t Keal*! P«rit«Biy toI. iii, p. S97.
190 LIVES OP THE PURITANS.
Quakers, with wTiom his wife united,* and from whom he
expected great things, but did not unite with them. He
liad formmy laboured under k sore affliction, which had
deeply affected his head ; previous to which he was a man
^ good parts and an excellent scholar, zealous and suc-
^ eessAil in his ministry, and particularly grave and religious
ni his life.t Mr. Christopher Love thus observes : '^ As for
Mr. Erbery, though he is fallen into dangerous opinions ;
yet, he being my spiritual father, I do naturally care for
Aim ; ^d my heaVt cleaves more to him than to any man^in
the world. I speak to the praise of God, he was the instru-
ment of my conversion nearly twenty years ago, and the
means of my educ^ition at the university ; for which kind*
Bess, the half of what I have in the world I could readily
part with for his relief. It is true, about eight or nine years
since, he was plundered in Wales, and came to see me at
Windsor castle ; but a son could not make m^re of a father
Ihan I did of him, according to my ability. When I had
not twelve pounds in the world, I let him have six of it ; and
I procured him to be chaplain to Major Skippon's regiment,
where he had eight shillings per day.'^t He is characteriased
by those of his own persuasion, as a holy and harmless
person, for which the world hated him.$ I(e died in the
month of April, 1654, aged fifty years.
His Wo^KS. — 1. The great Mysterie of Godliness :> Jesos Christ
our Lord God and Man, and Man with God, one in Jesus Christ ou^
liord, 1640. — ^2. Ministers for Tylbes, proving they are no Ministers
of the Gospc!, 1653. — 3. Sermons on several Occasions, one of which
is entitled, " The Lord of Hosts," 1653.— 4. An Olive Leaf: or,
•ome peaceable Considerations to the Christian Meeting at Cbrisfi
Church in London, 1654. — ^. The Reign of Christ, and the- Saints
with him on Earth a I'housand Years, one Day, and the Day at
hand, 1654. — 6. The Testimony of William Erbery, left upon Record
lor the Saints of succeeding Ages, 1658. — ^This contains several of the-
.foregoing pieces. # '
Jeremiah Whitaker, A.M. — This excellent person
was bom at Wakefield in Yorkshire, in the year 1599, and
educated in Sidney college, Cambridge, where he was hcJd
in high estimation. He was religiously thoughtful from a
child ; and when a boy at school he us^ to travel, in com-
pany with others^ eight or ten miles to hear the gospd, and
unite with them in prayer and other religious exercises.
♦ Biog. Britan. vol. ?. p. 3199. Edit. 1747.
t MS. AccoQot. t LoTe'ff YlndicatioB, p. 3$. fidit. 1651.
S Wood's Atben« Oxon. voj. it. p. 104.
/^
J. WHITAKER; 191
He often said, in the days of his youth, ^^ I had much
rather be a minister of the gospel than an emperor."
While at the university, be made considerable progress in
the various branches of useful literature ; .and, upon his
removal, he settled at Oakham in Rutlandshire, where, for
some time, he taught school. Here he became intimate
with Mr. William Peachy, an eminent scholar and preacher,
ifhose daughter he afterwards married. Having been at
Oakham about four years, he accepted the pastoral charge
at Stretton in the same county. He naturally cared for the
fionls of the people, and the preaching of the gospel was
his beloved work. His heart was so deeply engaged in
the work, that, having received an invitation to become
master of a college, he returned this reply : " My heart,"
said he, '^ doth more desire to be a constant preaqher than
to be master of any college in the world."
Upon the publication of the Book of Sports, this amiable
divine, with multitudes of his brethren, was exposed to the
persecution of the ruling prelates. Though, for refusing to
read it, he was involved in some difficulties, he happily-
escaped the malicious threaten ings of his enemies. B<nng
Afterwards required to afford pecimiary assistance for the
purpose of carrying on the war against the Scots, he refused,
and openly told the Jjishop, or his chancellor, that he could
not do it with a good conscience; for which, if one of his
friends had not paid the money, he would have suiicred
suspension and deprivation.* .
Mr. Whitaker, liaving preached at Stretton thirteen years,
^as chosen, in the year 1643, one of the assembly of
divines. This called him up to Loudon, wiien he accepted
an invitation to the pastoral office of St. Mary Magdalen,
Bermondsey, in Southwark; and he became one of the
morning lecturers at the Abbey church, Westminster. In
1647 he was appointed a member of the first provincial
assembly holden in London, and was once chosen to tlie
office of moderator. During the same year, by an order
from the house of lords, he was appointed, with Dr. Thomas
Goodwin, to have the oversight and examination of the
papers to be printed for the assembly of divines.t The
{^ear following he was in danger of being deprived of his
ccture at Westminster for refusing the engagemqnt; but,
* Clark's Lives annexed to his Martyrologie, p. S61) 265,
f Dis8eotin|; Brethren's Propositions.
192
LIVES OF T|IE PURITANS.
on account of his universal esteem and great moderation,
he continued unmolested.*
This worthy divine, during the latter part of his life, was
afflicted with most racking pains, but was of a most humble^
meek, and quiet spirit. Under these tormenting agonies, he
never murmured, but, in the exercise of faith and patience,
was entirely resigned to the will of God. He manifested so
excellent a spirit through the whole of his long and painful
affliction, that many persons were of opinion that Grod
designed him for a pattern of patience to posterity. When
his triends asked him how he did, he usually replied, ^' The
bush is always burning, but not consumed. And thou^
my pains be -above the strength of nature^ they are nol
above the supports of grace.^* About two months before
his death, his pains became more extreme than ever, wheii
he cried thus unto the Lord : " O thou Father of mercie^
pity me. Do not contend for ever. Consider niy fram^
that I am but dust. My God, who hast made heaven and
earth, help me. Oh ! give me patience, and inflict what
thou wilt. If my patience was more, my pain would be
less. Dear Saviour, why dost thou cover thyself with a
thick cloud ? Blessed is the man that endureth temptation.
Consider, Lord, that I am thy servant. Lord, drop some
sweet comfort into these bitter waters. O that the blood rf
sprinkling may allay my pains ! I am in a fiery fmrnace.
Lord, be with me, and bring me out refined from sin. Whcai
I have sailed through the ocean of these pains, and look
back, I see they are all needful. I fly unto thee, O God !
Hide me under the shadow of thy wings, till the terrible
storm be overpast. O, my God ! break open the prison
door, and set my poor captive soul at liberty. But enaUe'
me willingly to wait thy time. No man ever more desired
life than I desire death. When will that day arrive that I
shall neither sin nor sorrow any more? When shall this
earthly tabernacle be dissolved, that I may be clothed upon
with that house which is from heaven ? Blessed are the dead
which die in the Lord ; for they rest from their labours.** ■
Through the whole of his affliction heexercised an unshaken
confidence in God, and enjoyed an uninterruped assurance
of his favour. He called him nw Father and mi/ God^ and .
said, " Consider, and save me, for I am thine. How long,
* aark'fi Li?C9, p. 266.
J. WHITAKER. 193
W long, shall I not be remembered ? Yes, I am remem<*
beted : blessed be thy name. This is a fierv chariot, but
il will carry me to heaven. Blessed be (jod, who has
Utbeito supported me; who has delivered me, and will
deliver' me.' As the agonizing fits of pain were coming
Qpoo him, he usually said, ^' Now, in the strength of the
I^rd God, I will undergo these pains. Oh ! my God, put
tuidemeath thine everlasting arms, and strengthen me."
Nutwithstanding all his pains and roarings, he often told liis
fiiends, that he would not, for a thousand worlds, exchange
itates with any man on earth whom he looked upon as living
in a slate of sin. The grand adversary of souls could
lever f hake his confideiu:e. He often said, << Through
ntercy, I have not one repining thought against God." As
be Mi the fits coming on, he requested his friends to with-
draw, that they mii^ht not b(* grieved by hearing his groan*
iii£8 ; and he blessed God they were not obliged to hear his
doleful lamentations. As the period of his dissolution
approached, his agonizing fits became more frequent and
more painful ; but the Lord was, at length, pleased to deliver
him out of them all. He died June 1, 1654, aged fifty-five
years, and his mortal remains were interred in Bermondsey
church, when vast numbers of people honoured his funeral
by th« ir attendance.* H is funeral sermon was preached by
nr. Simeon Ashe, and afkrwards published, entitled,
" Liviiig Loves betwixt Christ and Dying Christians. A
Sermon preached at M. Magdalene, Bermondsey in South-
wark, near London, June (i, 1654, at the Funerall of the
faithful Servant of Christ, Mr. Jeremiah Whitaker, Minister
of the Gospel, with a Narrative of his exemplary Life and
Death," 1634.
After Mr. Whitaker's death, his body was opened in the
presence of several physicians; when they found both his
kidnies full of ulcers, and one of them swelled to an
enormous size, and filled with purulent matter. In the neck
of his bladder, they found a stone about an inch and
balf long, and an inch broad, weighing abont two ounces,
which is supposed to have occasioned his racking pains.f
"He was a constant and an excellent preacher, an
universal scholar, an eminent theologian, an able disputant,
>Uid much given to acts* of charity and liberality ."t Mr.
Leigh says, ^^ he was a pious and learned divine, mighty io
• CUrk'f Livef, p. 267—272.
+ Ibid. p. 273.— Ashe'B Fun. Sf r. for Mr. Whitaker.
t Ckirk'n Uvet, p. 266.
VOL. III. O
19* LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
ihe scriptures, laborious in his ministerial fundioii/feeBliMll
for God^s glory, and of a humble, melting spiri^ and k
wonderful instance of patience during the whole of hik
heavy afflicticm/'* Fuller includes him among the \ektn0i
writers of Sidney college, Cambridce.f We have not been
able to collect any long list of his writings; only he
published certiin sermons preached before the parliamrat,
and probably some others. Mr. William Whitaker, qected
in 1662, was bis son 4
Mr. Whitaker, during his heavy affliction, wtote a l^iei
to the Protector Cromwell, the sight of which will b6
highly gratifying to every inquisitive reader. It is tran-
scribed from the original in Mr. Whitaker^s own hand, and
though there be no date, it was evidently written in the yeaf
1651. It is addressed << To his Highness the Ldrd Pro*
tector," of which the following is a copy :^
<< May it please your highness to pardon this boldness in
presenting this book, composed by some godly men, to
appease the heat of the present controversies, wherein is
proved — ^ That the office of the ministry is not the intru-
sion of men, but the institution of Jesus Christ. — ^Thatthe
necessity of this office is perpetual. — That the ministry inwk
60 preserved under antichrist, that it is not antichtistian*-—
That this office is peculiar to sonie, and not commdn to Idl.-^
And that they who assume this office must be called lawfdlf
at present, and also hereafter.^ Ordination, in geiielal ig
necessary, and how that is to be observed is justifiable.
. ^^ I cannot come to tender it, being confined to my chaiii*
ber under extreme tormenting pains of the stdne, whiich
forceth me to cry and sorrow night and day. But blessed for
ever be the Lord, wlio hath begotten us to a lively hobe and
joy by Jesos Christ; that the thoughts of eternity do
sweeten the bitter things of time : that, when we are we&ry
of the thines of this life, we may greatly rejoice in hope cf
a better, in this dying condition, give me leave to tender
many thanks to your highness for taking away the engage-
ment, wherebv you have greatly refreshed the conscfences
of many. The good Lord recompense this great act of
mercy, and enlarge your heart to prevent the like sham in.
future, at which the worst of men frown, and the best <^
men mourn. And the same God who hath raised you above
other men, still raise you to be higher than yourself^ fif
* Leigh*8 Re1i|[:ion and Learning, p. 364.
i History of Cambridge, p. 154.
1 Palmer*8 Noocon. Mem. vol. i. p. 157.
t Sloane's MSS. Ko. 4159.
J. WHITAKER. 195
Aoffe an these dominions, and tbrones, and poivers ; that
jroQ may account all these things low and little, dr^ and
dost, dung and dross, in comparison of things etemaL
Ako^ what poor things are Pompej, Caesar, Nimrod^ and
Nebachadiiezzar, to the Abels, whose thoughts are fixed
Ml things everlasting !
^ May it please your highness to consider seriously, how
idlgioo is not only weakened by divisions, but almost
waited by the daily growing of alterations. The reins of
Evcrnment a long time have been let loose, and are now
it in the church totally : in families extremely so, that
masters know not how to order their servants, nor par^its
flidr childien. All grow willing to command, but unwilling
to be commaDded : sabbaths are generally profaned, ordi-
IMooet detpiied, the youth playing whilst the minister is
Meaching, the consciences of many growing wanton, abus*
uuf liberty to all licentiousness. And .there are none left in
pSoes to put offenders to shame for any of these abomina-
tiooBm The good Lord persuade your heart to appoint such
jaiticeB whose principles and practice lead them to restrain
▼ice; who do account the sabbath their delight, that the
inferior officers may be by them encouraged.
^^ I beseech you also, in the bowels of Jesus Christ, to
remember the many poor prisoners in the land, who in
uprightness of their heart lent the greatest part of their
ertate apon public faith. The Romans were forced in like
straits to borrow of the people; but it is recorded to their
gloiy, that their wars were no sooner ended than these
public debts were discharged. Let not paganish Rome rise
np in the day of judgment to condtmn uutaithful England.
The n^lect of this will involve the land in national guUt.
I am persuaded, if the Lord help you to defray these debt^,
Aat you shall win the hearts of very many, and stop the
months of your greatest adversaries.
^' And now that I have taken upon me to speak, let not
your highness be an^ry with your poor servant, if he
implore your pity and candour, and petition for the safe
ntum of Mr. Cawton, a sincere servant o^ Christ ; who,
tiein^ involved in the business for which Mr. Love suffered
death, half a year since suffered a voluntary banishment in
great extremity and hardship. May not the blood of Love
mkSer for that offence ? Have not others in other kinds done
as much and more, and yet found favour ? I beseech your
licmour's protection, that the beginning of your government
jnaj be with acts of grace ; and oh that such a day of
196 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
release might come that your highness might see it, both
for your honour and safety, to proclaim liberty to the
captives, and the opening of the prison to them who haY<$
been long bound. The God of glory help you to lay such
foundations in common equity and righteousness, that yoa
may leave the najlion in a better condition when you dii;
thap you found it : that you may give up your account
with joy ; which is the hearty prayer of,
" Your higlmesses humble servant,
« Jkr. Whitakeh."
Hb Works.— >1. Cbrlst the Settlement of Unsettled Times, a
Sermon preached before the Honourable House of Commons, at their
late pablic Fast, 25 Jan. 1G42, printed 1642.-2. The Christian's
Hop6 Triumphing, in a Sermon preached before the Right HonoifP*
able the House of Lords, in Abbey-church, Westminster, May 18^
being the Day appointed for solemn and public Humiliation, 1646.
— 3. The Danger of Greatnesse ; or, Uzziah, his Exaltation and
Destruction, a Sermon before the Lords and Commons in Parliament^
and the Assembly of Divines, in the Church of St. Martin's in tilt
Fields, January 14, 1645, being a special Day of HumiliatiMi aet
apart to seek God's Direction in the settling of Church GoTenn
mentyl646.
William Strong, A. M. — This excellent minister
received his education in Katherine-hall, Cambridge, of
which he was chosen fellow. The master of the coUcj^ was
the celebrated Dr. Sibbs. Upon leaving the university, be
was presented to the living of Long Crichill in Dorsetshire,
where he continued till he was forced to flee from the cava*
liers.* He then fled to London, where he often preached
before the parliament, was chosen one of the aaditional
divines to the assembly, and minister of St. Dunstan^s in tlie
West. After some time he gathered a congregatioil uppn
the plan of the independents, which assembled in West^
minster abbey, and was composed of many parliament ipen
and persons of quality residing in Westminster.t He waa
chosen to the office of pastor in this society, December 9,
1650, upon which occasion he delivered a sermon on the
order of, a gospel church, which may be «een among Ids
select sennons published after his death. He was iuter-
wards nominated one of the triers for the approbation, of
.preachers.^
• Wood's Atbenae Onm; vol. ii. p. 1S9.
-f Caliiniy*8 Accouot, ? ol. H. p. 41.
X Bishop Keooet ponn great calumny upon those learaed dl? isiei wh^
>ere appointed triers. '« By the qacstions they were wont to tik,**
STRONG. 197
Mr. Strong died in the vigour of life, and wa& buried ia
die AUiey church, July 4, 1654 ; but bis remains were dug
up at the restoration and thrown into a pit dug on purpose
in St. Margaret's church-yard ; but of this brutal transaction
a more particular account is given in another place.* Mr.
Obadiah Sedgwick, who preached his funeral sermon, says,
^that he was so plain in heart, so deep in judgment, so
painful in study, so frequent, exact, and laborious in
preaching, and, in a word, so eminently qu ilified ibr all the
datiea of the ministerial office, that he did not know his
eqoal/'t Mr. Strong published several sermons and
flieological treatises in his life-time ; and others were pub-
liihed after his deatli. Among these we find, in quaito,
•* Thirty-one select Sermons, preached on spe(^ial Occasions.
By William Strong, that godly, able, and faithful Minister .
of Christ, lately ofthe Abbey at Westminster, 1656." To
this volume there is a preface by Dr. Thomas Manton, Mr.
John Rowe, and Mr. George Griffith. There is another
piefiu:e by Dr. Henry Wilkinson, d' an of Christ's Church,
who jFives the following account of Mr. S troughs character:
** There is an excellent vein in his sermons, as one siith
in the like case, the farther you search the richer treasure
you are likely to find. That which made bis sennotis pass
with so great approbation of the most judicious hearers,
when he was alive, and will be a passport to his writm^^s
though posthumous, ^vas, that he followed the advice of the
Apostle to Timothy, studying to shew himself approved to
Crod, a zoorkman that need not be ashamed^ ^igMu dividing
ihe word of truth. He made preaching his work. He was so
much taken up in this work, that to my knowled^^e he was
often in watchings a great part of the night, besitles his
pains in his day studies. But, besides that very great
diligence and travail of head and heart, and that unseason-
able and hard study, that he laid out in his sermons, he had
a special faculty or kei ping close io his text and business in
band; which, as it is very requisite in a preacher, so it is
very advantageous to commend a discourse to the most
judicious ear. That which further contributed to his
excellency in preaching, was his skill and deep insight into
the mystery ot godliness, and the doctrine ofthe free grace
of God. And as to the mystery of iniquity within us, he
was well studied in the soul's anatomy, and could dexterously
he, '' a man coold not U\\ what they aimed at, except it was to advance
Qukerism, or make way for Mahometism."— iVeaf* Puritans^ fol. ir,
p. lOS.— ifmiici's Chronicle^ p. 7 14.
• See Art. Dr. WiUiam Twiue. f Stronf*^ Fancnil Sermon.
t» LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
diBsect the old man. He underatood well the mystery of
iuiqoity without us, of Satan and antichrist; and, by hk
knowledge of these mysteries, he was able to advance the
kingdom and honour of our Lord Christ in the hearts and
lites of his hearers ; to discover Satan's depths, and to di»»
appoint his plots and devices. There was one thing mor^
which added very much unto him and to his labours in
preaching, and made him successful in clearing dark places^
Und searching further into the deep mines of the word, and
that was his constant recourse to the originals, in which ha
had good skill. By these means he went beyond most of hil
brethren in the work of the ministry ; so that his sermons had
always something above the ordinary reach, and a certaitt
strain answering the advantage and happiness of the age in
which he lived. There was so great a weight, both of words
lind sense, in this our author's sermons, and so much of
worth, that they appeared as good upon a narrow disquisition
as they seemed to be when they were delivered. The igno*
ranee or want of a clear knowledge of the doctrine of di^
covenant of grace, God's rich and frep grace in the businels
of our salvation, was formerly, and is still, the cause of miaiy
errors in the church. The author of these sennons bad
arrived to an excellency and height in this doctrine, beyond
die most that I ever read or knew. Had he lived to hzth
perfected his labours about the covenant of grace/ I pre-
sume I may say they had surpassed all that went before.
Though his adversaries did very much endeavour to asperse
him, yet he proved them to be unjust and false. He was «3I
happy in the purity and innocency of his life as he was for
tiie fervour which, through grace, he erected in his preach-
ing.".
Mr. George Griffith, in his preface to Mr. Strong't
sermons, entitled, " The Heavenly Treasure," l656, givea
die following account of the author : ** It is abundantly mani-
fest to most of the godly through the nation, but more
especially in the city of London, <vith what singular ability,
strong affection, and good success, Mr. Strong employed and
i$pent himself in the service of the gospel. He did the work
of him who sent him while it was day; because, as he often
isaid, the night was coming when no man can work. While
he had the opportunity, neither the flatteries nor the frowns of
taen could hinder him fron) his beloved exercise. He
fNreached the word with mu(^ freedom aad boldness^ and
• WiUuittoii'f Preface to Mr. Stro^B*s Thirty-one Sittmam.
STRONG. JS»
without fear or partiality. He was not of them who corrupt
the word of God, but declared .all the divine counsel. He
often told me that one chief object of his study and prayer to
God was, that he might be led into all trutli^ and teach the
same both seasonably and profitably. God appointed him to
labour in those places where all his abilities might be exer-
cisedy and shine forth in all their lustre. Though he com-
monly preached four times a week, and frequently oftener^
his sermons were not filled with empty notions ; but were
well studied and enriched with substantial matter, the com-
i)osition being close, elaborate, and pithy. And while he
aboured more to profit than to please, he never failed to
please as well as profit those who heard him. What he
delivered harmonized one part with another, and was ever
j^upported with strong arguments. He compared spiritual
thmgs with spiritual; yet not with the enticing words of
man's wisdom, but in full demonstration of the Spirit. Being
^lled with the Spirit, he was enabled to do much work in a
jUttle timp. He did not weaf o^t with rusting, but with using*
He exhorted professors of the gospel, however thjey might
differ about matters of discipline, to maintain good works,
and bring forth the fruits of righteousness. He laboured to
bring all parties to live a holy life. Indeed, he well knew
that persons zealous about external matters, might shew with
what pjorty they sided ; but by the holiijiess of their lives only,
couljd they know that they were on the Lord's side. Hence
he pressed the duties of self-examination and 8elf<ienial ^tb
great earaestpess ^nd exactness, le9t any persons should pro-
fess Christianity out of faction^ carrying a pagan heart under a
christian n^pae."*
The learned Mr. Theophilus Gale, who published Mr.
Strong's " Dis^course of the Two Covenants," in 1678, gives
him the following character : " He was a wonder of nature
for n^tu^l parts, and a miracle of grace for deep insight into
the more profouiid mysteries of the gospel. He had a spirit
capacious a^d prompt, sublime and penetrant, profound and
clear ; a singular sagacity to pry into the more difficult texts
of scripture, an incomparable dexterity to discover the secrets
of corrupt nature, a divine sapience to explicate the mysteries
of grace^ and an exact prudence to distribute evangelical
doctrines, according to the capacit}- of his auditors. He was
a star of the first magnitude m the right hand of Christ, to
diffuse the resplendent li^t oi the gospel. And as he
• Griffi(h*s Preface to Mr. Strong*! Heavenly treaiare.
too LIVES, OF THE PURITANS.
■
transcended most of this age in the explanation of evangelical
truth, so, in his intelligence and explication of the Jkxfo Core-
nantSy he seems to excel himself: this being the study of his
life, and that whereon his mind was mostly intent. The
notices I received from his other works gave me a great ,
impression of his divine wisdom ; but what mine eyes naY6
seen, and my thoughts imbided of his incomparable intel-
ligence, from his elaborate Discourse of the Two Covenants,
assures me, that not the half was told me by his works for-
merly published. He was, indeed, a person intimately and
familiarly acquainted with the deepest points in theology;
but especially those which relate to the covenant of grace."*
The learned Dr. Thomas Manton styles him '^ an eminent
and a faithful servant of God, a man eloquent and mighty in
the scriptures, and a burning and shining iight in the church
of Christ."t
His Works. — I. Thirty-one Select Sermons, preached on special
Occasions, 1656. — 2. The Heavenly Treasure, 1656. — 3. Commaniom
with God, the Saint's Privilege and Duty, 1656. — 4. A Treatise Oft
the Subordination of Man's WiH tothe Will of God, 1657.— 5. Hdl
Torments, 1672. — 6. A Discourse of the Two Covenants, 1678.1-—
7. The Parable of the Prodigal.
Thomas Gataker, B. D. — This celebrated divine wm
the son of Mr. Thomas Gataker, another puritan divine, the
pastor of St. Edmund's, Lombard-street, London. He was
bom in the metropohs, September 4, 1574, and educated in
St. John's college, Cambridge, where he had Mr. Hennr
Alyey for his tutor. He greatly distinguished himself by his
assiduous application; and he is mentioned among those
ardent students who attended the private Greek lectures
given by the learned Mr. John Boys, in his chamber, at four
o'clock in the morning.^ He was afterwai;ds chosen fellow
of Sidney college, in the same university. He entered with
great reluctance on the ministerial work while he was at die
university, when he engaged with Mr. William Bedell, after-
wards Bishop of Kilmore, and some others^ in the pious and
laudable work of preaching every Lord's day in the adjacent
* Gale*8 Sammary, prefixed to Mr. Strang's " Disconne of the Core-
Bants.*'
f Manton's Preface to Mr. Strong's Heavenly Treasore^
t This is very evangelical, and oncommonly jadiciont.— -friOiiMif^f
Christian Preacher^ p. 448,
5 Aikin's liiYcs of Sclden and Usher, p. 406.
T. GATAKER, Jrs. SRH
country, where didr UxNirs were most wuded. Ha^qg
continued these exeroBeB some tDne, he removed to IxmdaB,
^nd became domestic chafdain to Sir WiQiam Cook, to miioK
lady he was nearlj rebted. Hk admirable talent fur preadi-
ing soon gained him so great a reputation, diat, in the yar
1601, he was chosen preacher to the honourable Mxaelr of
Lincoln Vinn ; where, for the space of ten jears, he laboured
with great acceptance, popularitj, and usefulness. Prmout
to Mr. Gataker s settlement in this situanon, Mr. Lev, after-
wards Earl of Marlborough and lord treasurer, having been
present, with his lady, when Mr. Gataker preached at
St. Martin's in the Fields ; on their return home she asked am
old servant how he liked the preacher. " Why truly,'' said
the man, ** he's a pretty pert boy ; and he made a reasonable
good sermon." Not many weeks after, Mr. Ley, returning
from Lincoln's-inn, said to his lady, ** I wHl tell yon some
news. That young man, whom you heard at St. Martin's, is
chosen lecturer at Lincoln's-inn." The old servant standii^
by and hearing this, said, ** What ! will the benchers be
taught by such a boy as he .^' Mr. Gataker having observed
in one of his sermons, that it was as lau-ful for the husband-
man to cultivate his ground as for counsellors to confer with
their clients and give advice on the Lord's day ; die appro-
priate admonition was well received, and occasioned the
alteration of the time of public worship ; for, instead of preach-
ing at seven o'clock in the morning, as had been the constant
practice, he was desired to preach at the usual hour of morn-
mg service. He did not, however, entirely leave Sir William
Cook's family, but in the vacations went down to their seat
in Northamptonshire, where, during his stay, he preached
constantly, sometimes in their domestic chapel, and some-
times in the parish church. In this he acted purely from the
inotive of christian piety, uninfluenced bv any worldly consi-
derations, as very clearly appeared from the following circum-
stance, peculiarly honourable to his memory: our author, after
stating this fact, immediately adds, '' And this he did with an
apostolical mind, not for filthy lucre, but freely making the
gospel a burden only to the dispenser. Yet such was the
devotion of that religious pair, (Sir William and his lady,)
that they would not serve God without cost ; for they after-
wards, in consideration of those pains, freely taken, settled
upon Mr. Gataker an annuity of twenty pounds per annum,
which he indeed received a few years; but afterwards he
remitted it unto the heir of that family, forbearing tp use
the right he had, and forbidding his executor to claim any
801 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
arrears of that annuity. This is mentioned to shew Ihe
generous temper of his christian soul."*
Mr. Gataker's learned preaching to the above society, at
it gave him much satisfaction, so it gained him great reputa-
tion ; and, if it had accorded with his views, woidd have pro-
cured him considerable preferment. But whei) various valuable
benefices were offered lum, he refused to accept of them, coin
eluding that the charge of one congregation was sufficient for
one man. He therefore chose to remain in his present sHuar
tion, in which, though his salary was small, his emplimnent
was honourable, and his condition safe. Moreover, it afforded
him great leisure for the pursuit of his studies, in which he
was very assiduous, particularly the holy scriptures in the
original languages, the fathers of the church, and the best
writers among uie Greeks and Romans.
In the year I6II, he was prevailed upon, not without
some difficulty, to accept of the rectory of Botherhithe in
Surrey, a living of considerable value, with which he was
much importuned to hold his former office ; but that being
inconsistent with his principles, he absolutely refused. li
Ais situation, notwithstanding an almost perpetual head-achc[
with which he was afflicted from his youth, he continued for
many years to discharge his numerous pastoral duties witli
unrenutting and indefatigable industry, and to feed the flock
of Christ over which the Holy Ghost made him overseer,
God greatly blessing his labours. Although he had'not coin-
mitted anv of his learned productions to the press; yet his
.celebrity foi* erudition was so great, that he held a reguly.
correspondence with the learned Dr. Usher, afterwards t}i#
celebrated primajte of Ireland. Some of his epistles ^re stiljf
preserved, and afford sufficient testimonies of the nature ap4
extent of his studies, and of his unremitting care to preseryf
the unpublished works of some of the ancient divines. Thesf
letters contain very shining proofs of his modesty and humi*
lity, which do not sdways accompany profound literary acquu'Ot-
ments. Mr. Gataker's first letter is dated from Rotherhithe,
March 18, 1 6 16, in which he informs Usher, that he had in
his possession a manuscript, containing certain treatisea
which be could not learn ever to have been printed ; among
which was " Guielmus de Santo Amore, de periculis novissi?
morum temponim," and an oration delivered in writing to th#
Pope at Lyons, by Robert Grosthead, formerly Bishop of
lincoln.
* Clark*8 ^vet amiexed to M^tyrolQgie, jp. 148 — !&!>
T. GATAKER, Jmr. flOt
*^ Some of these/' says he, '' peradventure, if they be not
abroad already, might not be unworthy to see the Ught, nor
should I be uuwilliiigy if they should be so esteemed, to heal
my poor and weak endeavours that way. But, of that oration to
the pope, certain lines, not many, are pared away in mj
copy, though so as the sense of them may be guessed and
gadiered from the context; and in the other treatises tfaera
are many faults that cannot easily, or possibly some of them
without help of other copies, be amended. My desire is to
understand from you, whether, at your being in England, for
I wot well how carefril you were to make inquiry after suck
monuments, you lighted upon any of these, and where, or ia
whose hands they were."
In another letter to Usher> date^ from Rodierhitfae, June
94, 1617> he writes thus: — '' I esteem myself much beholdea
unto you, as for your former love, so for this your late kind*
ness, in vouchsafing me so large a letter, with so full instruo
tions concerning this business, that 'I was bold Co break unto
you, though the same,' as by your information appeareth, wert
wholly superfluous. True it is, that diough not fully pur-
posed to do ought therein myself, willing rather to have
offered mine endeavours and furtherance to some others.**
Having mentioned two of the manuscripts, he adds, '^ But
I perceive now, by your instructions, that the one is out
already, and the other perfect and fit for the press, in die
hands of one better furnished and fitter for the performance
of such work than myself, whom I would therefore incite to
send what he hath perfect abroad, than by his perfect copy,
having pieced out mine imperfect one, to take his labours out
of his hand. I have heard, since I wrote to you by Mr. Bill,
that Sir Henry Savile is about to publish Bishop Grosthead's
epistles, out of a manuscript remaining in Merton college
library. If I meet with your countryman -Malachy, at any
time, I will not be unmindftil of your request. And if any
good ofiice may be performed by. me for you here, either
about the impression of your learned and religious labours, so
esteemed and desired, not of myself alone but of many others
of greater judgment than myself, or in any other employment
that my weak ability may extend itself unto, I shall be ready
and glad upon any occasion to do my best therein."*
Dr. Usher and Mr. Gataker had an ardent Jiredilection for
publishing the remains of ancient divines, which introduced
ihem to an acquaintance with each other, and occauoned their
• Pkirr^fl Idfe of U&ker, p. 37—76.
«* LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
friendly correspondence. Hie letters of our divine^ it is said^
shew his true genius and disposition, and will account for diat
hot and eager opposition which his writings met with^ when
he ventured to publish his opinions from the press. As he
never ^Tote upon any subject which he had not fully studied,
iand thorouglily examined what had been said upon it by men
of all ages and all parties ; so his penetrating skill in distin-
guishing truth, and his honest zeal in supporting it, laid him
continually open to the clamours of those who had nothing in
view, but the maintenance of those systems to which they
were attached from their education, or the magnifying of such
notions as were popular in those times ; and, by defending
which, they were sure to have numerous admirers, thougk
their want of learning, and the weakness of their arguments,
were ever so conspicuous. But in these kind of disputes,
such furious opponents were sure to have the worst ; and how
considerable soever they might be, either in figure or numb^,
they served only to heighten the lustre of his triumph. For,
it is added, as the modesty of his nature withheld him from
printing any thing till he was forty-five years of age ; so by
that time his judgment was so confirmed, and his leamii^
supported by an extraordinary and almost incredible memory,
80 greatly extended, that he constantly carried his point, and
effectually baiBed all the attempts to envelope again in dark-
ness and obscurity any subject that he had once proposed to
enlighten.
The great regularity of his life, his unblemished character,
and the general esteem in which he was held by the greatest
and best men in the nation, fortified him sufficiently against
all those low and little artifices by which a writer, deiScient in
any of these respects, would certainly have suffered. He had
not the least tincture either of spleen or arrogance in his
nature ; and though it be true that he gave no quarter to die
arguments of his adversaries, nothing could provoke him to
stake at their persons. He always remembered that the prize
contended for was truth, and that, for the sake of obtaining it^
the public undertook to sit as judges: he was cautious^ there-
fore, of letting fall any thing that was unbecoming, or that
might he indecent or ungrateful to his readers to peruse.
He was not, however, so scrupulous as to forbear disclosing
vulgar errors, through fear of giving the multitude offence.
His modesty might, indeed, hinder his preferment, but it
never obstructed his duty. He understood perfectly weli
how easily the people may be wrought either to superstition
or profanehess ; and no man could be more sensible than he
T. GATAKER,.Jnir. 805
wasy that true religion was as far distant from t)ie one as from
die other. He was well acquainted with the arts of hypo*
critea, and thought it as necessary to guard against them as
to avoid the allurements of open libertines. He understood
ditt souls might be ensnared, as well as seduced ; and that
canting words, and a solemn shew of sanctity, might enable
presumptuoas or self-interested persons to put a yoke upon
the necks of christians, very different from the yoke of Jesus
Christ.*
This IS certainly a very high character of our learned divine.
He wa? very careful, in the exercises of the pulpit, to preach
not only sound, but suitable doctrine, such as might edity any
christian congregation ; and was particularly appropriate to
die people of his charge. His desire to discharge his duty
induced him, among other subjects, to discourse on one both
furious and critical, which he applied to common use. This
was the nature of lots, about which much had been written,
and more spoken ; from which, in the opinion of the learned
(jataker, some very great inconveniencies had arisen. He,
dierefore, thought, that, by a minute investigation of the sub-
ject, it might give his congregation clear and correct views of
the nature, use, and abuse of lots, and might prove very
beneficial to. them. This induced him to handle the matter,
as he did all subjects, freely, fully, and fairly ; without sus-
pecting, however, that this would oblige him to have recourse
to the press, and involve him in a long and troublesome
controversy. Some ill-disposed persons reported that he
defended dice and cards, with otlier groundless stories;
which induced him to publish his thoughts on tlie subject in
a small treatise, " in which," says my author, " it is hard to
say whether the accuracy of the method, the conclusiveness
of his reasoning, or the prodigious display of learning, de-:
serves most to be admired." He dedicated his work to
Sir Henry Hobart, bart. chief justice of tlie common-pleas,
with all the benchers, barristers, and students of Lincoln's-inn,
as a mark of his gratitude and respect for their past favours.
This piece made a great noise in the world, and gained the
audior great reputation.
. The title of this learned treatise is, " Of the Nature and
Use of Lots, a Treatise Historical and Theological, written
by Thomas Gataker, B. of D. sometime Preacher at liu^
coln's-inn, and now Pastor of Rotherhithe," 1 6 19* In the
prQ&ce to the judicious and ingenuous reader, he observes,
... • Biof. BriUo. toI. It. p. S160.
JM LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
#uit how baekward he had eyer been to publish any Aag
from the press, thej knew best who had often pressed hia
Aereto, but had never till that time prevailed. *^ A twofold
ftecessitj/' says he, ''is now imposed upon me of doing
somewhat in this kind, partly by the importunity of divert
ehristian friends, religious and judicious, who having eidier
beard, being partakers of my public ministry, or heard of \y
ike refiort of others, or upon request seen some part of Au
weak work, have not ceased to solicit the further put^ishiog
of it ; as also partly, and more especially, by die iniquity of
iome others ; who, being of a contrary judgment on some
particulars therein disputed, have been more forward thaa
was fit, by \mchristian slanders, and uncharitable ceoMirefl^
to tax and traduce both me and it." He dien remarics, tbal^
if any should' surmise that these kind of writings mi^ht pcea* ,
tion too much liberty, a thing not necessary in that licentioos
age; he answers briefly, '' First, that it is unequal, that, for the
looseness of some, the consciences of those that be godj
riiould be entangled and ensnared ; and, secondly, that whe^
ioever shall take no more liberty than is here given rindl be
sure to keep within the bounds of piety and sobriety/ ef
equity and of charity, than which I know hot what can be
more required. For no sinister ends, I protest before God%
face, and in his fear, undertook I this task ; neither haive I
averred or defended any thing therein but what I am verily
persuaded to be agreeable to God's word."
llie first chapter describes what a lot is, and treata of
lottery in general ; the second, of chance or casualty, and of
casual events ; the third, of the several sorts or kinds of lots;
the fourth, of ordinary lots ; the fifth, of the lawlidness of
such lots, with cautions to be observed in the use of tfien;
the sixth, of ordinary lots lusorious^ and of the lawfuloesB of
them ; the seventh contains an answer to the principal olge«>>
lions against hisorious lots; the eighth, an answer to die
lesser arguments used against them ; the ninth, 6f ca^itioiis
to be observed in the use of them; the tenth, of extraoi^
dfaaryw divinitary lots ; the eleventh, of the unhiwfrihMie oif
such lots ; the twelfth contains an admonition to avoid ihem,
with an answer to some ailments produced in the defence
of them, and the conclusion of the whole. The second
CaKtton of this treatise, revised, corrected, and enlai^geA by
ftft author, was published in 1627.
The publication of the first edition of Urn woA drew
Mr. Gataker into a public controversy, which continued many
years. A very warm writer, who bad^beeil misled by com*
t. GATAKER, Jitir. fOf
Mtt UltfMij tendered wliat he took to b« a MfetatifMi of Ui
doctrin^ to those who were then intrusted with the lacensing of
die press. But his perfommnce, being written with greater
apprarance of ai^r than argument, was stopped ; which dio
piMsionate Wiiter considered as an additional injury, and of
wbiA ht fp6 loudly complained, that our author, who oa^
idught die investigation of truth, generously interposed, and
opened die way as well for his adversary ad for himsdf*
He was, indeed, convinced that he could not better defend
Us own duuncter and sentiments against evil reports, than by
affording his virulent adversary the fan-est opportunity. H«
did not, however, treat him Mith total silence* After the
poblicalion of his opponent*s angry piece, he employed hit
jfct in a most learned refutation of his ailments and obteo-
tMMifl, in a work entided, ** A just Defence of certain PMi-
s^Jea in a former Treatise concerning the Nature and Use of
IMb, againift such exceptions and oppositions as have been
made thereunto by Mr. J^ B. 2. e. John Balmford, wher^
Ae insufficiency of his Answers given to the Arguments
hfonght in defence of a Lusorious Lot is manifested ; thi
imbecility of his Arguments produced against the same further
dBscovCTed; and the point in controversy more fully cleared,**
• About twelve years after, Mr. Gataker had to contend witk
taore leaitied opponents, and he found himself under ti^
necessity of publishing a defence of his sentiments in Latin^
against two very learned men who had written on the same
Subject. His treatise is entitled, " Thomae Gatakeri Lon*
dinatis Antithesis partim Gulielmi Amesii partim Gisberti
VsBtii de sorte ITiesibus reposita," 1637. In this performance
he discovered, as in all the productions of his pen, his great
piety, modesty, and erudition.*
Mr. Gataker, in the year l6£0, made a tour into the Low
Countries, which gave him a very favourable impression of
the tnx)testantism of the Dutch, and doubtlessly inclined him
to. m^ rehgious moderation by which he was characterized.
WhHe he gave much satisfaction to the protestants, by his
preadhing to the English church at Middleburg, he excited
the warm displeasure of the catholics, by disputing vnth great
freedom and boldness against the ablest of their pnestK.
Though he might not convert them, he certainly confounded
Aem, which occasioned their great resentment. His mother,
teidfdte, knowing his fervent zeal in the cause of truth, and
' * Biog. Britan. fol. iv. p. 2160— 2165.
108 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
tfie proTOCfttion bis .Mrorks had already giveOi had certainly
some cause to apprehend his danger from a party never,
famous for their moderation. Upon his return he applied-
himself^ with his former assiduity, to his beloved studies and
die duties of his charge. He also addressed a letter to his
learned and pious friend Usher, now preferred to a bishopric, ia
which be gives a very affecting description of the state of the
foreign protestants. In this letter, dated from Rotherhithe,
September 29, 1621, he expresses himself as follows :
^' My duty to your lordship remembered. This messenger
so fitly offering himself to me, I could not but in a line or.
two salute your lordship, and therefore signify my continueil
and deserved remembrance of you, and- hearty desire of your
welfare. By this time I presume your lordship is settled in
your weighty chaige of oversight, wherein 1 beseech tiie
JLord in mercy to bless your labours and endeavours, to the
glory of his own name and the good of his church, never
more oppressed and opposed by mighty and malicious adver*
saries, both at home and abroad; never in foreign parts
generally more distracted and distressed than at present. Out
of France there is daily news of murders and massacrei^
cities and town taken, and all sorts put to the sword. Nor
are those few that stand out likely to hold long against the
tower of so great a prince, having no succours from without^
n the Palatinate likewise all is reported to go to ruin. Nor dO;
the Hollanders sit, for ought I see, any surer ; for that the coals
that have been heretofore kindled against them about trans-
portation of coin, and the fine imposed for it, the quarrels
of the East Indies, and the command of the narrow seas,
the interrupting of the trade into Flanders, &c. are daily
more and more blown up, and fire begiuneth to break pu^
which I pray God may not bum up both them and us.
" I doubt not, worthy sir, but you see as well, yea much
better I suppose, than myself and many others, being able
further to pierce into the state of the times, and the conse-
quences of these things, what need the forlorn flock of Christ
hath of hearts and hands to help to repair her ruins ; and to
fence that part of the fold that as yet is not so openly broken
down, against the incursions of such ravenous wolves, as,
having prevailed so freely against the other parts, will not in
likelihood leave it also unassaulted : as also what need she
hath, if ever, of prayers and tears (her ancient principal
armour) unto Him who hath the hearts and hands of all men
in his hand, and whose help (our only hope as things now
stand) is oftentimes then most present when all human helps
T. GATAKER, Jxw.
«nd hopes do fail. But these lamentable occurrences
me fardier than I had purjx>8ed mrhen I put my pen to paper,
I shall be right glad to hear of your lordship's health and
Mrelfare, which the Lord vouchsafe to continue; gladder to
see the remainder of your former learned and laborious work
abroad. The Lord bless and protect you. And thus ready
to do your lordship any service I may in these parts^ I
rest, &c."«
Mr. Gataker had not yet finished all his writings on points
of controversy. His zeal and courage in the cause of ffnh
testantism engaged him to enter the list of disputants against
the popish party. Observing that the papists labftured to
prove the doctrme of transubstantiation to be agreeable to
the holy scriptures^ he resolved to shew, in the most con-
vincing manner, the absurdity and impossibility of their
attempts; and, having driven them firom this, which was
tiieir strongest post, he prosecuted his attack, and forced
his opponents to quit every other refuge. This he did in hit
work entided ^' Transubstantiation declared by the PopiA
Writers to have no necessary Foundation in God's Word,**
1624. He also published a *^ Defence" of this work. His
learned, performances in this controversy proved a great and
.seasonable service to the cause of protestants, and verjr
deservedly rendered him conspicuous in the eyes of the most
worthy persons of those times, who admired his erudition and
his fortitude as much as his humility and his readiness to
serve the church of Christ.t
In the year 1640, he was deeply engaged in the controversy
about justification, which greatly increased his reputatioii.
In 1643, he was chosen one of the assembly of divines, and
constantly attended during the session. His endeavours hi
this learned synod, for promoting truth and suppressing
error, were equally strenuous and sincere ; yet his study of
peace was so remarkable, that when his reason canceming
Christ's obedience in order to our justification, could not
obtain the majority of that assembly, by whom die question
was determined contrary to his sense, his peaceable and pious
spirit caused him to keep silence, and hindered him fiom
publishing the discourses which he had designed to publish
on that subject. In the year 1644, he was chosen one of tbt
committee for the examination of ministers. He was r^
peatedly urged to take hb doctor's degree, but he alwayi
• FutH Life of Uiher, p. 16, f Biog. Britea. vsl. H. f. flM.
YOL. III. F
»lt) LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
refused : and when he was offered the mastership of Trinity
college, Cambridge, by the Earl of M^ncheister, he declined
the honourable preferment.*
Mr. Gataker, content with his own pastoral charge, was
more ambitious of doing good to others than of exalting him-
self; he therefore assiduously applied himself in those tur-
bulent times to his ancient studies, which could give offence
to no party, and which might entitle him to the gratitude and
approbation of all the friends of good literature. With this
object in view he published his judicious and laborious dis-
course on the name by which God made himself known to
Moses \nd the people of Israel. In this performance he
diewed himself a very great master of Hebrew; and the
work was so well received by all competent judges, that it
has been often reprinted. This very profound, curious, and
instructive treatise is entitled, ** De nomine Tetragrammato
Dissertatio, qu& vocis Jehovah apud nostros receptae usus
defenditur, & a quorundam cavillationibus iniquis pariter
atque inanibus vindicatur," 1645. The work was reprinted m
1652 ; it is also inserted amongst his " Opera Critica ;" and it
found a place among the ten Discourses upon this subjecf,
collected and published by Hadrian Reland, the first five of
which were written by John Drusius, Sextinus Amama,
Ijcwis Capel, John Buxtorff, and James Alting, who opposed
the received usage, which is defended in the other five disser-
tations, the first of which was written by Nicholas Fuller^the
second by our author, and the three others by John Leusden*
This celebrated scholar^ by his continual application to die
study of the best Greek authors, his wonderful memory, his
unconunon penetration, and his accurate judgment, :wai
enabled to look into the very principles and elements of diat
copious, elegant, and expressive language. This might seem
Ibeneath the attention of so great a man ; but he resolved to
vindicate these inquiries, and to shew how much a thorough
knowledge of grammatical learning contributes to the.inl-
provement of science. He was aware that the singularities
of his opinion might lessen his reputation, if they were not
clearly and fully established. He knew that they did not
spring either from a naked imagination, or an affectation of
opposing common opinions ; but were in reality the produce
of nuich reading and reflection, and they had, at least to him*
^Ifj the appeai'ance of certain, though not vulgar trutbi. It
♦ Clark'i LiTfi, p. 158— 155. "
T. GATAKERy Ji7)r/ I Ml
'Was from these motives, therefore, that he y^tured to pdb-
lish a work which would scarcely have been noticed from any
other hand, but which, from its own merit, and the respect
due to its author's skill, especially in Greek literature, was
very wellreceived, and highly commended, by able and candid
judges. This learned and critifaT work is entitled, ** De
jDiphthongis sive Bivocalibus Dissertatio Philologica, in qua
Ifiteraruni quarundam sonus germanus natura genuina Agura
nova et scriptura vetus veraque investigatur," 1646.. This is
also printed amongst his " Opera Critica." ITie point which
he endeavours to establish is, that there are in reality no
diphthongs, and that it is impossible two vowels should be so
Uended together as to enter into one syllable. This, as we
have observed, was one of our author's singularities. We
shall not enter into this controversy, nor attempt to decidt
whether he was right or wrong in his views of orthography.*
Notwithstanding Mr. Gataker's assiduous application to
these deep and critical studies, he paid the most exact attend-
ance to his pastoral duties, and to the assembly of divioet.
In obedience to their appointment, he wrote Hhe annotationt
upon Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Lamentations, published in the
Assembly's Annotations on the Bible.t Though he was a
divine most distinguished for moderation, he disapproved
of many things in &e national church, but would have been
satisfied with moderate episcopacy. He was of opmion, dbnt t
iMshops and presbyters, accordii^ to the New TeaCament, '
were the same. He was always opposed to the great power "
and splendour of the prelates; and concluded, that tbej
ought to be divested of their pompons, titles and their seats
in parliament.! He differed more than once with the lety
learned Dr. Ljghtfoot,in their meetings at the asaenrirfy;
' though they sometimes debated warmly^ they never lost
tempers, or indulged any rancour on account of these
As our divine advanced in years, his incessant iabonrs^ bodi
of body and mind, brought upon him those inliiiniliis whtrh
slackened his speed, but did not wholly stop the proyet of
his studies. For even under these wAnaotii^ vtA m\iitm tjM^
fined to his chamber by the diieclion of hk plrvfi^vMM, he
was continually em|doyed m hb beloved tfmUsmifkmw^m,
• BioK. Brifu. ▼•!. H. ^ aii(.
f This wefbl work b imprmftnfj i^mbmi *«» ffe«r tum^mMf ^ ^^^Jtm
but was OBdrrtakra hj tatum <t%jm^ x^f^ikrM 17 iw» jnr^iKiif» mw
of wbon were ■e»brri of ihe jii'MSfy. fj^\ y0't^in. m4 «w y^tJJuil
acriptore appotoird bia \j tkoot •«• Mt •«» 4« m^B. 4>»«#m 4^ 4^*
were celebraicd fonUM. m ifte «ate ffitt Surf uA^M m I01O wWm,
tit LITES OF THE PURITANS.
But when, through the excellency of his consdtiition, 1^
temperate manner of livings and the skilful efforts of the
f|u:ulty9 he recovered a moderate share of health, he betook
himself again to the duties of his ministry ; but was after-
wards under the necessity of declining the ei^ercises of the
pulpit, though he cdntini^ed to administer the sacraments,
and to deliver short discourses at funerals. The chief part
of his time was now employed in study, and in composiiK
several learned works. He employed his learning, his zeal,
and his moderation in the antinomian controversy, by pub^
lishing a work, entitled, ^' A Mistake or Misconatructiofi
removed, (whereby little di£ference is pretended to have hwit
acknowlefdged between the antinomians and us^) and Fiee
•Grace, as it is held forth in God's Word, as well by the
Prophets in the Old Testament, as by the Apostles and
«Qurist himself in the New, shewed to be other than is by the
Antinomian Party in these times maintained. In way of
.Answer to some Passages in a Treatise of Mr. John Sub-
.marsh, concerning that subject," 1646. This is written .ip
answer to Mr. Saltmarsh's " Free Grace, or the Flow]iigs,of
Christ's Blood freely to Sinners ; being an Fxperim^pt of
V Jesus Christ upon one who hath been in Bondage .of xP
'troubled Spirit at times for twelve years,'' 1645. Mr. Qatn-
;ker .in.his work observes, ** That it seems a thing piuch to im
jfeared, that this course, which I see some effect, and maii|f
.people are much taken with, of extracting divinity in a kiipii
'(Qfchymical viray, even chimerical conceits, will, if it hold op,
«aa .much corrupt the siipplicity of the gospel, and the doctrins
lOf firith, as ever the, quirks and quillets of the old schoolmen
<did«" During the same year he published '* Shadows with-
out Substance, in the pretended New Lights," in answer to
.Saltmarsh's '^ Shadows flying awav.'' Also his " Mysteriou*
.Clouds and Mists," in answer to Mr. J. Simpson.
jyf r. Gataker soon after published his discourse on the
-ityle of the New Testament, in which he opposed the senti-
HiMits of Pfochenius, who maintained that there were no
Hebraisms in: those sacred writings, which he endeavoured to
prove as well by authorities as arguments. All this over
s^tlior undertook ^ overthrow, which, in the opinion of it)ie
best critics, he most effectually accomplished ; and more than
this, he so clearly and concisely explained the true meaning
of many texts in the Old as well as the New Testament;
corrected such a variety of passages in ancient authorsL;.aiid
discovered such a consummate skill in both the living :aDd
dead languages, as very justly gained him the character of
T. GAfAKER, Jun; «15
if by them, why not by the ancienU? ** 1 could readfly
grant you diat," says our divine, " and yet deny the conse-
quence that you. would draw from it. For the Grreek lan-
guage itself was much declined, in the time of the apostles,
by the admission of a multitude of exotic words and phrases
borrowed from the Italians, Sicilians, Cyrenians, and Cartha-
genians, partly from their being under the same government,
and partly from their commercial intercourse with those
nations. But, after all," says he, */ if Demosthenes could
live again, it is most likely he would find many obstacles in
reading Paul's writings, and would object to many of the
words and phrases." He then quotes a long passage from
Beza's Annotations on the Acts of the Apostles, m which that
learned commentator shews the reasons why the apostles were
not studious about their style, but endeavoured to make them-
selves understood by those with whom they conversed, rather
than to render their dfscourses elegant from their pure and
correct language.
In the same manner he proceeds through the rest of his
treatise, in which he explains, as they occur, a multitude of
passages in sacred and profane authors, correcting some and
commending other critics who have gone before ; but with so
much mildness and moderation, with such apparent can-
dour and respect to truth above all things, that it is impossible
for the reader not to admire his excellent temper, while be
ruins the reputation of the contrary party. In the forty-
fourth chapter, Mr. Gataker gives a recapitulation of the whole
dispute between him and Pfochenius, and observes, that the
true state of the question is, whether the style of the New
Testament in Greek is evefy where the same with that which
was used hy the ancient writers, at the time when the lan-
guage w'as m its greatest purity ?• Or, whether it is not such
as frequently admits of Hebraisms and Syriasms f Pfochenius
^rms the former, and denies the latter ; while our learned
critiQ maintains the opposite sentiments. Mr. Gataker con-
dudes by observing, that, notwithstanding all that Pfochenius
jbas urged, he does not doubt that nearly six hundred phrases
MjOil^t be produced from the New Testament, and a much
'^^ '^ number from the Greek version of the Old Testa^
lii ^ purity of which Pfochenius seems tacitly to main-
fl^\which there are plain characters of the Hebrew or
'^^ kc tongues, and not the least resemblance of the
le^ so far as men of the greatest labour and eruditioQ
to discovered.* The venerable primate of Ireland
.. •BiOf.Brltea.Tol.W. p.8167— Sl^.
«« LIVES OF THB PURITANS.
than whom there could not be a better judge, shewed His gnmi
laBspect both for our author and his {>ei formance, by sending
it with his own Annals as a present to Dr. Arnold Boate,
then residing at Paris.*
Though this literary production was a very considerable*'
yvatk, and greatly increased the author's reputation, it wai^
indeed, no more than a specimen of- a much larger work, in^
which he had been employed for many years. He at first,
intended his discourse against Pfochenius only as an appendix
to this celebrated perfoimance; but that treatise being ready*
for the press, and it being very doubtful whether he should liv€:
to complete the other, he judged it most expedient to publish-
that alone, particularly that he might see what kind of recep*
tion his iarger work was likely to meet with from the repubUa.
of letters. Finding this specimen universally applauded, he.
determined to publish the first two books of the other, the;
whole being divided into six, to which he gave this title i
'' Thomas Qatakeri Londinatis Cinnus ; sive adversaria nm^
eellanea animadversionum veriarum libris sex comprehensa:
Juorum premores duo nunc primitius prodeunt reliquiv
einceps (Deo favente> seorsim insecuturis," 1651. la dw
Eefbce the author shews, that these collections were pub^
hed in fulfilment of his promise made in his dissertation qb
the style of the New Testament ; which promise would have
heen fulfilled much sooner, had he not been prevented by Inx
numerous avocations, apd by a dangerous eruption of blood,.
by which he was brought very low, and for a long time,
withheld from his studies. The first book is divided into<
deven chapters, and the second into twenty, but they aier
mostly independent one of another. The account given of
the forgoing work renders it unnecessary to enlarge upon
this performance. They are exactly the same in. their nature^
except that this tends to no one particular point, but dift<
covers, in numerous instances, the author's opinion on difficult
passages in the Old and New Testaments, the primitive
fitthers, modem critics, and, as his subjects occasionally led
him, he illustrates a vast variety of obscure or perplexed
places both in Greek and Latin authors ; and there are aonMt
observations on words and phrases in our own lang^age^
This work was received with the highest commendatioo^
Morhoff particularly applauds the author for. his singular
happiness in distinguishing the true sense of the most difficult
passages^and of making it appear that what h» diefenda i$
•
• Parr*i life of Uiher, {».569.
T. GATAKER, Jcm. f 17
litb tmef sense, and this in few words^ without any ostentation^ '
Vid without ever insulting those whom he corrects : but, on
the contrary, he ascribes their mistakes, sometimes as a slip
of the memory, and at others, to the bad editions of the
kioks which they used.* The remainuig books of this col-
lection were published after his decease, by his son Mr,-
Charles Gataker, with the following tide*: ** Adversaria Mis-
cellanea Posthuma, in quibus sacrse Scripturse primo deinde
alionim Scriptorum locis multis Lux afFunditur," 1659.
Mr. Grataker's natural modesty, as well as his christian
moderation, kept him from that publicity of character which,
from his great abilities, and his numerous friends, he might
easily have attained. Notwithstanding the mildness of his
temp^, and his aversion to whatever might render him the
object of public discourse ; yet the trial of the king moved
him to make a public declaration of his sentiments. He was,
accordingly, the first of the forty-seven London ministers
who subscribed their ^' Letter to the Generall and his Councell
of Warre," commonly called their " Declaration" against the
kill's death. In this address they firmly remind them of
dieur duty to the parliament, and of the obligations they were
under, as well as the parliament, to defend his majesty's
person and maintain his just rights. They told the general
and his council that the one could not be injured, or the
other invaded, without manifest breach of many solemn oaths,
particularly the covenant: they taught them to distinguish
between God's Approbation and permission ; they set, in its
true light, the folly of pretending to secret impulses in.
vkdation of God's written laws; they made it evident that
necessity was a false plea ; and they concluded by recom-
mending them to follow the rule of John the Baptist, Do
violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely , and scrupled
not to tell them, that, if they persisted in theur design, their
sin would surely find them out.f
During the year in which Mr. Gataker published the first
two books of his Miscellanies, he printed a small piece on
iirihnt baptism, which was very much admired. He was
deq>ly versed in that controversy ; therefore, in addition to
dus, he wrote several other discourses, in whieh he treated
ibe main questions with great seriousness and solidity of
aMpnent. He published two Latin discourses on this
tiB|ect, which, in point of modesty, learning, and argumen-
it is said, were not at all inferior to any of the other
If. Britan. toI. W. p. 2169, 2170.
•fnr to tkt Gen.
fl8 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
productions of his pen. The first of these is entitled, " De
JBaptismatis Infantilis vi & efiicacia Disceptatio privatimhabita
inter V. C. Dom. Samuelem Waidum, theoiogise sacrae docto-
rem, & in academia Cantabrigiensi Professorem, & Thomam
Gatakerum," 1651. The other is entitled, " Stricturae ad
Jllpistolam Joannis Davenantii de Baptismo Infantum," 1654.
. In the year 1652, he favoured the world with his admirable
edition of the Emperor Marcus Antouinus's Meditations, to
which he prefixed a preliminary discourse on ihe philosophy
of the Stoics, which, in the opinion of the ablest critics, both
at home and abroad, is allowed to be a most complete and
correct treatise, as well as a most useful compendium of
• morality. He added also an exact translation, together with
a commentary. In some of his former works he had^ given
occasional specimens of his perfect acquaintance with the
works of this imperial philosopher, whose celebrity has
always been as high among the learned as his station was in
Ae world ; therefore, when the work was published, men''8
expectations were highly raised, and abundantly gratified. It
had been published in Greek by Conrad Gesner, with a Latin
translation by William Hy lander, and had passed through
several editions; Mr. Gataker found both the text and the
translation exceedingly faulty, and spent nearly forty years
in considering how the former might be amended, and a new
translation made, which might do justice to so exquisite a
production. He found prodigious difficulties in the arduous
undertaking, being able to meet with very few manuscript
copies, and receiving very slender helps from those learned
persons, whose assistance he solicited in the progress of his
endeavours. He sent indeed a list of his principal difficul-
ties to the celebrated Salmasius, who, in his answer, vefy
gratefully acknowledged, and warmly commended his under-
taking; but gave him, at the same time, a dismal pro-
spect of the obstacles he had to overcome: as, innumerable
corruptions, fi-equent chasms, more frequent transpositions,
and many other misfortunes, for the removal of which he
promised his assistance; which, however, his frequent joumie^
and other occurrences prevented. Mr. Gataker, nevertheless;
persevered in the arduous work, and, with the few helps be
enjoyed, his own sagacity, and the comparing of various'
copies, at length completed his design, and, to the great satis-
faction of the learned world, published his admirable edition
of this valuable work, about two years before his death,* uiMlep
the following title : *' Marci Antonini Imperatoris de r^buf
suis sive de iis quae ad se pertinere censebat JLebri xii. ciw
T. GATAKER, J0K. : fI9
Versioiie Latin^ 8c commentariis Gatakeri/' 1652. The work ^
was reprinted in 1697^ with the addition of the Emperor's life,,
by Mr.- Dacier^ together with some select notes of the same
author, by Dr. George Stanhope, who, in his dedication to the
Lord Chancellor Somers, gives a high (Character of our author .*
. Mr. Gataker, in the evening of his days, when he earnestly
deatred that repose which his labours so well deserved,
waa warmly attacked by an active and angry adversary, who
was infinitely beneath him in point of knowledge, but who
had credit with certain persons high in office, and who was
esteemed by the vulgar as a person of transcendent abilities.
This was Mr. Wilham. Lilly, the famous astrologer, who,
finding that our author had a very bad opinion of his pre-
tended art, and a worse opinion of his personal character, had
the confidence to take up his pen against him ; but he expe-
rienced the disappointment which he might easily have fore-
seen. Mr. Gataker, who possessed all the sacred and pro-
fane learning relative to this subject, not only defended him-
self with great strength of argument, but very clearly detected
aO die plausible sophisms tliat could be urged in support of
this pretended science. The ground of this controversy was
Mr. Gataker's Annotations on Jeremiah x. 2., in which chap-
ter the Jews are warned against listening to the predictions of
astrologers, and complying with the practice of idolaters, the
two great sins to which they would be tempted in a state of
captivity. Our author considered it his duty to expose the
vanity of predictions from the stars, and to shew to the chris-
tian world, that it was not only folly and ignorance, but great
wickedness to rely upon them. Uis exposition is curious,
lull of solid sense and sound learning, and effectually destroys -
fl{e credit of that delusive art, by which, in all ages, weak and
wandering minds have been misled.
' These annotations roused all the tribe of astrologers against
our learned author, from the highest to the lowest. William
Lilly, John Swan, and Sir Christopher Hey don, took great
offence, and wrote against him without mercy. I'his induced
Mr. Gataker to publish a discourse in defence of himself, and
what he had before advanced against the illuminated star-
gazers, which is entitled, " A Vindication of the Annotations
on Jeremiah, chap. x. ver. 2., against the scurrilous aspersions
of that grand impostor Mr. William Lilly ; as also against the
various expositions of two of his advocates, Mr. John Swan,
and another by him cited but not named. Together with the
* Bio|;, Britao. toI. It* p. 2171. »
no LIVES OF i;he PUEITANS-
annotadons themselves; wherein the pretended gromids of
judiciary astrology, and the- scripture' proofs produced for i^
are discussed and refuted/' 1653. In this treatise he ffilly and
openly exposed his opponents and their pretended science ;
and enforced all that he had said against it by substantial
arguments, and produced, in support of his own sentiments,
9 numerous train of respectable authorities. I'his excited
their scurrility and abuse more than ever ; which induced him
to publish a reply to their raillery and bitter language, in a
piece entitled, " A Discourse Apolegitical, wherein Lillies lewd
and Ibwd lies in his Merlin or Pasquil for the year 1654, aro
clearly laid open ; his shameful desertion of his own cause it
furttier discovered ; his shameless slanders fully 'refuted; and
his malicious and murtherous mind inciting to a general mas*
sacre of God's ministers, from his own pen evidently evinced i
together with an advertisement concerning two allegations
produced in the close of his postscript ; and a postscript con-
cerning an epistole dedicatory of one I. Gadburie," 1654«
In this treatise our venerable author speaks of the most con^
siderable transactions of his life, relates at large the manner lo
which he arrived at his several preferments, and completdy
refutes all the idle and malicious reflections of Lilly aiid liia
associates. He mentions, among other particulars, his seiH
timents upon church government, and declares that he never
was an advocate for the power and splendour of the prelacy ;
but that, on the contrary, he had always inclined to a mode
rate episcopacy. As, for the sake of doing good in his gene*
ration, he had submitted to the bishops ; so, when they were
taken away by what he esteemed the supreme power, he suIh
mitted to that likewise, yet never sought any preferment, but
refused it from both parties. This, it appears, was written a
very little time before his death.
Although Mr. Gataker convinced all judicious and impar-
tial inquirers after truth of the vanity of this delusive science^
he could never silence his conceited and obstinate antagonist^
whose bread, indeed^ was in some degree at stake ; and who
was, therefore, bound by one of the strongest ties to defend
that craft by which he lived. By his frequent publicattons^
he vilified and persecuted our venerable divine to the end of
his days, and, contrary to all the rules of religion or hmnaiiity^
insulted him when laid in his silent grave..* As for die pioua
and learned Mr. Gmtateer, he pursued the same peaceable and
useful- coinrse,^tUl hi»' years, his infirmities, ana hi»perpetaai
labours^ wore out his constitution.
• DIog. Britao. vdl. It. p. «n2— ^175,
f . 6ATAKER, Jim. SM
In his last sickness his faith and patience were Btrikiii|^
manifest. To a servant who waited upon him when confined
to his bed, and who told him that his head did not lie rights
he said, ^' It will lie ri^ht in my coffin." The day before hit
departure, being exercised with extreme pain, he cried, 'MIow
long, Lord, how long? come speedily!" A little before he
died, he called his son, his sister, and his daughter, to each of
whom he delivered his dying charge, saying, ** My heart fails,
and my strength fails : but God is my fortress, and the rock
of my salvation. Into thy hands, therefore, I commend my
soul ; for thou hast redeemed me, O God of truth. — Son,"
aaid he, ** you have a great charge, look to it. Instruct your
wife and family in the fear of God, and discharge your minis*
try conscientiously. — Sister," said he ^* I thou^t you might
have gone before me, but God calls me first. I hope we
shall meet in heaven. I pray God bless you. — Daughter,"
«aid he, ^* mind the world less and God more ; for all tilings,
without religion and the fear of God, are nothing wordi.^
He then wished them all to withdraw and leave him to rest,
when he {>resently expired, July £7, 1654, aged seventy-nine
years, having been forty-three years pastor at Rotherhithe.
Jlis funeral sermon was preached by his very esteemed friend
-Mr. Simeon Ashe, and afterwards published with the follows
iiig tide : " Gray Heyres crowned with Grace, a Sermon
preached atRedriff, August 1, at the Funeral of ^at reverend
and eminently learned and faithful Minister of Jesus Christ,
Mr. Thomas Gataker."
This venerable divine was married four times. His third
wife was sister to Sir George Farwell. He would never
suffer his picture to be taken ; but the following is said to be
a just description of his person. He was of a middle stature,
a thin body, a lively countenance, and a fresh complexion*
He was temperate in diet, free and cheerful in conversation,
and addicted to study, but did not seclude himself from useful
company. He possessed a quick apprehension, a solid judg-
ment, and so extraordinary a memory, that, though he us^
no common-place book, he had in readiness whatever he had
read. His house was a private seminary for both Englishmen
•and.foreigners, who resorted to him, lodged at his house, and
received instructions from bim. His extensive learning was
admired by the great men of the age, both at home and
abroad, with whom he held a regular correspondence. It is
•aid, " Of all the critics of this age who have employed their
pens in illustrating polite learning, tlicre are few, if indeed
any, who deserve to be preferred to Thomas Gataker fpr
LIVES OF* THE PURITANS.
diligence and accuracy, in explaining those authors whose
writings he has examined." He is styled ^' a writer of infr
iiite learning and accurate judgment;"* and his name as a
scholar is paralleled witb those of Selden and Usher.f He
was an ornament to the university, a light to the church, a
loving husband, a discreet parent, a faithful friend, a kind
bene^ctor, a candid encouragei* of students, and a stoat
champion for the truth ; yet so much for peace and modera-
tion, diat he maintained unity and affection towards those vrbo
differed in lesser matters.* Echard says, " He was remark-
able for his skill in Greek and Hebrew, and the most cele-
brated among the assembly of divines ;" and adds, '^ it is hard
to say which was most remarkable, his exemplary piety and
charity, hb poUte literature, or his humility and modesty in
refusing preferment."^
His Works, in addition to tliose whose titles have been already
given. — I. David's Instructor. — 2. The Christian Man's Car©.—
3. The Spiritual Watch.— 4. The Gain of Godliness.— 5. The Jifit
Man's Joy, with Signs of Sincerity. — 6. Jacob's Thankfulness. —
7. David's Remembrances. — 8. Noah's Obedience. — ^9. A Memorial
of England's Deliverance. — 10. Sorrow for Zion. — 11. God's Parley
with Princes, with an Appeal from them to Him. — 12. £leaaeK^
Prayer, a Marriage Sermon. — 13. A Good Wife God's Qift.-*'
14. A Wife Indeed. — 15. MarriageDuties.— 16. Death's Advantage. —
17. The Benefit of a Good Name, and a Good End. — 18. Abraham's
Decease, delivered at the Funeral of Mr. Richard Stock, late Pastor
of Alt-hallows, Bread-street — 19. Jeroboam^s Son's Decease. —
20. Christian Constancy Crowned by Christ. — ^ITie above Sermons, of
which the pious Bishop Wilkin's gives a ver}' high character,J| were
published separate, but, in 1637, collected and published m one
▼olnnie foli6. — ^21. Francisci Gomari Disputationis ElencticaSy de
Jttstificationis, &c., 1640. — ^22. Animadvertionis in J. Piscatoris k
L. X<ucii scripta adversaria, de causa meritoria JustificationiSy 1641.*:-
23. Mr. Anthony Wotton's Defence, 1641.— 24. A true Relation of
Passages between Mr. Wotton and Mr. Walker, 1642. — 26. An
Answer to Mr. Walker's Vindication, 1642. — 26.' Stricturae in Barth.
Wigelini Sangallensis de' obedientia Christi disputationum Theol0N>
gicam, 1653. — 27. Ejusdam Yindicatio adversus Capellum. — 2S. The
Decease pf Lazarus. — 29. St. Stephen's last Will and Testament-^
30. God's Eye on his Israel. — 31. A Defence of Mr. Bradshaw against
Mr. J. Canne. — I'he celebrated Hermannus Witsius, in the year
1698, collected and published in one volume all Mr. Gataker's
critical works, entitled, *' Opera Crilica;" which will stand a mono*
meut to his memory as durable as time.
♦ Biog. Britao. vol. iv. p. fin5< 217«.
f Aikin's Lives of Selden and Utber, p. 40S.
t Clark's Lives, p. 256—260.
S Ecbard'a Hist, of Eog. vol. ii. p. 77U
I Wilkiat on Preachiag, p. 82, 83.
S; BOLTON.
Samubl Bolton, D. D. — This excellent idivine was bom
b the year 1606, and educated in the university of Cambridge.
He afterwards became minister of St. Martin's church, Lud-
ntie-atreet, London ; where he continued about three years.
Upon his removal from this situation, he was chosen minister
tf St. Saviour's, Southwark, where he continued seven years,
and then removed to St. Andrew's, Holbom. At each of these
places hb ministry was made a blessing to many souls. He
was Dominated one of the additional members in the assem-
bly of divines. Upon the death of Dr. Bainbrigge, he was
chosen master of Christ's college, Cambridge, which he
fovmied with great wisdom and prudence the rest of his
fltys. Having strong desires to win souls to Christ, though
lie was master of a college, and had no ministerial charge of
bis own, he preached gratuitously every Lord's day for many
yean. In the year 1648, a minister of his name, and pro-
iiaUy die same person, attended the Earl of Holland upon
die scaffold when he was beheaded in the palace-yard, West-
minster.*
l)iiring his last sickness, which was long and painful, he
•lercised great patience, and often said, though the provi-
dence of God was dark towards him, he had light and cSm*
fort within. A little before he died, he said to a person
moving him in bed, " Let me alone ; let me lie quietly. I have
as much comfort as my heart can hold." The last time
Mr. Calamv visited him he was anxious to be with Christ,
flaying, " Oh this vile body of mine ! when will it give way,
diat my soul may get out and go to my God ? When will it
be consumed, tliat I may mount up to heaven f" When he
perceived any symptoms of his approaching dissolution, he
rejoiced I exceedingly, calling tbem, " the little crevices
through which hb soul peeped." He died greatly lamented,
October 15, 1654, aged forty-eight years, and was buried in
St. Martin's church, mentioned above. He gave orders, in
his last will and testament, to be interred as a private chris-
tian, and not with the outward pomp of a doctor; " be-
cause," as he observed, " he hoped to rise in the day of
judgment, and appear before God, not as a doctor, but as an
kumble christian." ^Numerous elegies were published on his
death. .
Dr. Bolton was a person of good parts and considerable
learmng, a burning and shining light in his day, and a man 'of
great piety and excellent ministerial abilities. He was ortho-
* Whitlocke'i Mem. p. 387. Edit. 173?.
/ /
LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
dk>x in his judgment, philanthropic in his 8|Miit, end A cde<-
brated interpreter of scripture. He studied, not oaly ti»
preach the word, but to live as he preached. His life was an
excellent comment on his doctrine. He was the voice .^
God crying aloud to those around him, by his exemplary
life as well as his holy doctrine. He was a man of much
prayer, reading, meditation, and temptation, the four thiogi
which, in the opinion of Luther, make a preacher. He was
assaulted with manifold temptations, and very probably with
more than many hundreds of his brethren. He laboured
under the buffetings of Satan, that, being himself tempted, he
might be better able to comfort those who were tempted.
The words from which Mr. Calamy preached his funeral
sermon had often been a source of great joy to his aouT:
'* Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned
like unto his glorious body, according to the mighty workiQ|(
whereby he is able even to subdue all things to himself."*
His Works. — I. A Vindication of the Rights of Law and Hm
Liberties of -Grace, 1645. — 2, The Arraignment of Error, 1646^—
3. The Sinfulness of Sin, held forth in a Sermon preached to the
Honourable House of Commons, upon the late Solemn Day tff
Humiliation, March 26, 1646— 1646^-^. A Guard of the Trae ti
Ijife, 1647. — 5. The Dead Saint speaking to Saints and Sinners, 16&T.
— ^. A Word in Season to a Sinking Kingdom. — 7. The Weddiq^
Garment,
John Murcot, A. B. — ^This very pious man was bomjA
Wanvick, in the year 1625^ and educated in Merton college,
Oxford, under the tuition of Mr. Ralph Button. Oxfati
being garrisoned by the king's forces, he, to avoid beariiu
arms, ned from the place in disguise, and went to live wim
Mr. John Ley, vicar of Great Bud worth in Cheshire, where
he continued several years in close application to his studies.
Upon his entrance on the work of the ministry, he was
ordained according to the presbyterian form at Manche^t^,
and settled first at Astbury in Cheshire; afterwards, he
•removed to Eastham, and, upon the death of Mr. llalph
Marsden, to West Kirby, both in the same county. In each
of these situations he was much beloved, and his labours
were rendered particularly useful. About the time of his last
removal, he married Mr. Marsden's daughter. The Oxforfi
historian says, that he at last removed to Chester; where, by
• Calamj»s Faneral Sermon for Dr. Bolton.— Clark's Lifts, part i.
p. 4S-47.
MURCOT.
liis damage, (meuuB^ imdodbtedljyliii CXI
he became ridicHtoms to tie KuJberf.* It does not apfw^
however, that he ever settled at Chester. For the vmcr id
his life, who is very paiticiilar in speciirii^ bis vanou
removals, gives no intimatioD of the kiiid.
Though he never settled in that dtr, vet, after labouriiig
aome time at Kirbj, and finding himself unable to prcmote
church discipline according to his wishes, he went to Ireland
and settled in the city of Dublin. He was there chosen one
of the preachers in ordinary to the l(Md deputy and council^
and was greatly admired and followed. In this sitnatkMi he
was in labours more abundant than most of his brethieii, and
die Lord sufiered him not to labour in vain. He was instrv-
mental in the conversion of many sinners, and in the estab-
lishment of many saints. The Lord, who had prepared hina
for this service, blessed his endeavours in umniug multi-
tudes of souls to Christ. In matters of worship and ceremo-
nies, he was zealous in opposing the iuventions and
impositions of men, closely adhering m all things to die word
of God. A public disputation was held at Cork, May 26,
1652, between the psdobaptists and the antipaedobaptists, in
which Dr. Harding, Dr. W orth, aud Mr. Murcot, were par*
ticularly engaged, though we have no further account of it.t
During his last sickness his mind was most serene and
happy. Apprehending that the hour of his departure was at
hand, he said to his friends, '' I must now tell you I am not
long for this world ;" and, raising himself up, he ciied, " Lord^
remember me in this trying hour." To his affectionate wife
he said, " Haste, haste, love, for my time is very short. I
shall not reach midnight. These raptures tell me I must
quickly be gone." His sister, asking him whether he was in
charity with all the Lord's people, though in certain things
they differed from him ; '^ Yes," said he, stretching forth his
arms ; and with a loud voice added, '' Lord Jesus, draw me
up to *hyself ;" and breathed his sotil into the hands of his
dear Redeemer, December 3, 1654, aged twenty-nine years.
His remams were interred with great funeral solemnity in
St. Mary's chapel, Dublin; when the lord deputv^ the
coimcil, and the mayor and aldermen of the city followed,
with great laibentation, his body to the grave.t
Though Wood, with most palpable untruth, denominates
him " a forward', prating, aad pragmatical precisian, who
* Wood*8 Athene Ozon. ▼ol. ii. p. 112.
f Crosby's Baptists, vol. iii. p. S18.
t Ifr. Mnrcot's Life prefixed to tail Works. Edit. 1057.
▼OL. III. g
tS6 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
cave .up the gbost very unmllingb/;*'* it appears from hk
ufe, ^ that he w^s an eminently humble^. hmy,' i|nd happy
man; and a most zealous, laborious, and usefid preacher.
* Granger says, " he was an admired preacher, a man ^ great
industry in his profession, and of uncommon stric^ss^q^
life/'t Mr. Murcot's works, consisting of various ..articles,
were, published at different times; but were afterw^^
collected and published with his life prefixed, in one vpluoif
quarto, 1657-
Joshua Hoy lb, D. D. — This learned divine was bom
at Sawerby, near Halifax, Yorkshire, and educated in
Magdalen college, Oxford. Afterwards, being invited |Dio
Ireland, he became fellow of Trinity college, Dublin, took
his degrees in divinity, and was chosen divinity professor m
that university. In his daily lectures he expounded die
whole Bible, seldom taking more than one verse at a tnao^
which lasted about fifteen years ; and in about ten years mon
he went through greatest part of the sacred volume a second
time. In the year 1634 he sat in the convocation, held at
Dublin. But, upon the commencement of the rebeUioB in
Ireland, in ljS41, he fled i^rom the terrible effusion of blocMl^
returned to Ei^land, and became vicar of Stepney, near Lon-
don ; but, according to Wood, he being too scholastical, ^U
not please the parishionera.^ In the year 1643 he was
appointed one of the assembly of divines, abd constandy
attended. He was witness against Archbishop Laud at hii
trial,, when he attested that the archbishop had cotrupted the
university of Dublin, by the arbitrary mtroduction of the
errors of popery and arminianism.|| In the year 1645 he
was elected one of the committee of accommodation ; «od id
' 1648 he became master of University college, Oxford,^ and
king's professor of divinity in that university. In the office
of professor he has incurred the severe animadversioa of
♦ Wood^s Athens Oxon. vol. ii. p. 1 13.
f Granger's Biog. Hist. toI. iii. p. 49.
( Acrordiog to the computation of the popish prietts themeWcf,. wIm
were actively employed in this rebellion, upwards of one hundred mndjlf^
four thousand protestantM were massucred in Irelaod in the space of 'm .few
Booths: but, during the continuance of the rebellion, according tofQirj.
Temple, there were above three hundred thousand cruelly mnrdered UI'mH
blood, or ruined in some other way. Cardinal Richelieo was deepljr toa*
cerned in,this massacre ; and, according to Rapin, King Charl^ I. **' spread
abroad that the catholics had his authority for what they did.**^— ifiW. tf
England, vol. ii. p. 386.
^ AtbensB Ozon. vol. ii. p. 113.
I Pryane s Gaat. Doome, p. 178, 359.
vSei
HOTLE--FERNE. 9K
. Dr. WalkjfCf • This abusive writer says diat he opened hi^
Isctiirea bj a speech void of all spirit and. learning ; ai^d tha^
Us lectures had neither method nor argument in diem, and
dwi^j^ hini to be ignorant even of the most common rides o^
logjo;* Wood however styles him " a person of great reading
and fomiory, much devoted to study, profound in the feculty
of div^utj, a constant preacher, and a noted puritan;" and
'^ be was highly respected by the famous Archbishop
Uier/'t In vindication of this learned' prelate, he wrota
^ A R^ynder to Will Malone Jesuit his Reply concerning
the^Retd Presence,'' 1641. Dr. Hoyle was a member of
great hpnour and esteem in the assembly of divines, as master
of all.i&e.anqent leamine of Greek and Latin fathers^ and
mie, who ragned in his chair and in the pulpit.} He died
Xkefi^q^ber 6, 1654, and his remains were interred in the olcl
d|UM|>bidpiq;ing to University college. His successors
B|.,9K. offices of master and professor were Mr. Francis
Johnson and Dr. John Conant, both silenced nonconformists
b 1662^
Andbew Peene, A.m. — ^This worthy minister was
bcMn in the year 1596, and afterwards chosen fellow of
Katfaerine-hall, Cambridge, where he probably received his
education. Having finished his studies at the university, he
became rector of Wilby in Northamptonshire, where he con-
tinued a laborious, faithful^ and successful preacher twenty-
seven years. One of his name and degree was of Peter<>
house, and elected master of the Charter-house in I6l4;||
and die year following he became vicar of Southminster or -^
Sudminster in Essex. But this could not be the same person.f
In the ^ear 1643 Mr. Perne was chosen one of the assembly
of divines, and constantly attended during the whole session.
He often preached before the parliament, and several of his .
sermons were published ; one of which is entitled, " Gospel
Courage, or a Christian Resolution for God and his Truth,
in a Sermon preached before the Honourable House of
Commons, at Margaret^s, Westminster, at a Publique Past,
ft^ 21 of May, 1643"— 1643. Being called up to London,
hf sained a high reputation, and was offered considerable
• Walker's Attempt, part i. p. 141.
f Wood's Athens, vol. ii. p. 113.
1 Calamy's Account, vol. ii. p* 472.
\ Palmer's Nnncon. Mem. vol. t. p. 229, 267, 4SS.
I NicboU's Hist, of Leicestershire, vol. ii. p. 369.
f Newcoort't Repcrt. Ecrl. vol. ii. p. 537.
9Sk LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
preferments ; but he refiued them all, resolving to retinrn to
his charge at Wilby. In this place, by his awakemng sermofi^
and exemplary life and conversation, a most signal and happy
reformation was effected ; and his people revered and loved
lum as a father. *' He was full of spiritual' warmth'/' says
Mr. Ainsworth, '' filled vrith an holy indignation asaiint sin,
active in his work, and never more in his element ttian wheA
he ¥ras in the pulpit." As his life was holy, so his death
was happy. He blessed God that he was not afraid to die ;
my, he earnestly desired to be gone ; and often cried out,
durinff his last sickness, *' When will that hour come i One
assault more, and this earthen vessel will be broken, and I
shall be with God.'** He died December 13, 1654, 9%ei
sixty years. Mr. Samuel Ainswordi, one of die silenced
nonconformists, preached and published his funeral sennoD^
His remains were interred in the chancel of Wilby chordi ;
where, at the foot of the altar, is the following monumeotri.
inscription erected to his memory :f
Here lietb
iDtcrred Mr. Andrew Pernr,
a faitbfiil servant of Jesus Christ,
a zealous owner ever of God's cause
in perilous times,
a powerfal and successfu) preacher
of the gospel,
a gpreat blessing to this town
and country,
where he lived twent^*seven years.
He departed December 13,
1664.
Albxander Gross, B. D. — ^This pious man was bom ia
Devonshire, and educated first in Caius college, Camhricbe,
then in Exeter college, Oxford, where he was admitted tbUi«
reading of the sentences. Entering upon the work'df the
ministry, he became preacher at Plympton, in his own coun^«
afterwards rector of Bridford, near Exeter, aud at tfen^
▼icar of Ashburton, in his own county ; at each of l^hich
'places he was much followed, .especially by persons of
aerious piety. He was a zealous puritan, aiid, upon the
conmiencement of the civil wars, he espoused the cause of the
parliament.^ He was a man of a strong mendory, a aoond
judgment, and great integrity^ abhorring all kinds of auper-
♦ Neal's Puritans, vol. iv. p. 128.
+ Brid^8*s Hist, of NortbamptoDshire, vol. i. p. 155.
J Wood'i Atbeos Oxoo. vol. ii. p. lOJ.
GROSS— 6RAILE.
■
athion. He was a judicious, faithful, laborious, and constaal
preacher, and deeply versed in a knowledge of die scripturea,
and furnished with an excellent gift in prayer. His public
mimstry- was accompanied widi the rich blessing of God,
and made abundandy usdful in the conversion of souls. Hit
holy life was an excellent practical comment upon his
holy doctrine. While he urged the necessity of holiness
ippon others, he practised holiness himself. He was a
burning and shining light. In a word, be spent his strenffth,
his life, his all, for die honour of God and the good of soids.*
He died in a good old age, in the year 1654.
■
His Works. — 1. Sweet and Soal-persuading IndacemeDts leading
unto Christ, 1632. — 2, The Happiness of enjoying and making a
trac and speedy use of Christ, 1640. — 3. Severml Sermons, 1640.—
4. The Mystery of Self-denial; or, the Cessation of Man's living to
Himself, 1642.— 5. Man's Misery without Christ, 1642.-<6. The Waj
to a Blessed Life, 1643.— This is sometimes entitled, '* The Fiery
Pillar."— 7. Buddings and Blossomings of Old Thiths, 1656.-6. Hm
Anatomy of the Heart. — 9. Of Sacred Things.
John Gratle, A. M.— This worthy minister was bora in
Gloucestershire, in the year l6l4, and educated in Magdalen
college, Oxford. Upon his leaving the university, he became
a famous puritanical preacher; and, about the year 1645^
succeeded Mr. George Holmes as master of the free-school
at Guildford in Surrey. Towards the close of this year, he
married the daughter of Mr. Heni^ Scudder ; and, the year
following, he lived at Collin^born-Dukes in Wiltshire, where
he was most probably exercised in the ministerial function.
Afterwards he became rector of Tidworth in Hampshire,
where he was much followed by the precise and godty parijf,
as they are contemptuously called. Wood says '^ he Mras a
presbyterian, but tinged with arminiaiiism.''f Whether he
was or was not tinged with arminianism, we shall not under-
take to determine ; but in his work entitled " A modest
Vindication of the Doctrine of Conditions in the Covenant
of Grace, and the Defenders thereof, from the Aspersions
of Arminianism and Popenr,*' 1655, he certainly labours
much to repel the charge. He was a man of g^at learnings
humility, integrity, and christian circumspection ; and a pious,
faidi&l, and laborious minister of Christ, beipff ever opposed
to the use of superstitious ceremonies. He hved mucb
• Grow*8 Blossomings of Old Truthf, Prcf.
f Wood's AtheiUi Ozon. yoU il. p. lOft*
iStf LIVES OF THE PURITANTS.
rfeipectedy and died greatly lamented.* During his last sick-
oesSy when afflicted with extreme pain, he discovered becom-
ing submission to the will of God. He said, '' I could be
obntented, if the Lord see it good, to abide a while in this
c6i|dition, amongst these poor people. It may be, I shall do
more good amongst them, ;n my sickness, than they have
recmed firom all my labours during the time of my health.*'f
He died in the year 1654, dnd the fortieth of his age. His
remains were interred in Tjdworth church, when Dr. Cham-
bers preached his funeral sermon to a very numerous v^on*
gregation. This sermon was afterwards published, fronai
which part of the above account is collected.
Richard Vines, A. M. — This learned and excellent,
divine was bom at Biason in Leicestershire, about the year
1600, and educated in Magdalen college, Cambridge. From
the university he wa3 chosen schoolmaster at Hinckley in his
native county ; and afterwards, on the death of Mr. James
Cranford, he obtained a presentation to the rectory of Wed-
diiigton in Warwickshire. Here he was a zealous and faithful
labourer in the vineyard of Christ. His ministry was verjp
much foUowed ; and his endeavours were made a great
blessing to (he people. He also preached at Caldecot, a
place near Weddmgton, and, at the death of the incumbent
was presented to the living. With great care and diligence,
be served both parishes, the profits of which amounted only
to eighty pounds a. year. He also delivered a lecture at
Nuneaton in the same county, to which multitudes resorted.
Mr. Evans, afterwards ejected in 166^, succeeded him in bis.
two livings, who, it is said, found that side of tlie country, well
stocked with religious knowledge and solid christians, pror
duced by the preaching of many excellent men, but especiaDy
his wordiy predecessor.^
On the breaking out of the civil war, Mr. Vines was driven
fW>m his flock, and forced to take shelter in Coventry. Indeed,
there were about thirty worthy ministers in that city, who,
driven from their flocks, fled thither for safety from the plunder
of soldiers and popular fury, though they never meddled in
the wars.^ The heavy judgments of God being now inflicted
upon the nation, these divines set. up a morning lecturo in
* Chambers's Faneral Sermon for Mr. Graile.
f Grace's Doct. of Cooditioos, Pre£.
t Calaroy's Account, vol. n. p. 744,745. ,
( Sylvester's Life of Baxter, part i. p. 44.
VINES. . SSI
•
diat city, in which Mr. Vines was frequently engaged, aft well
as on the Lord's day.
'In the year 1643, he was chosen one of the assembly of
divinesy and he constantly attended during the session. Here
his excellent abilities and great moderation were called forth
into daily exercise ; and how much good he did, in the matter
of church government^ says our author, may be safely con-
cealed, but can scarcely be expressed without giving offence
to some.* In 1644, he was appointed by the parliament one
of the assistant divines at tne treaty of Uxbiidge. llie
Oxford historian, speak'mg of Dr. Hammond, one of the
king's party, on this occasion, thus triumphantly observes :
" It being his lot to dispute with Richard Vines, a presby-
terian minister, who attended the commissioners appointed by
parliament, he did, vnth ease and perfect clearness, disperse
all the sophisms that he brought against him."t How ht
this statement is correct, we are unable to say. Whitlocke, a
writer fkr more correct and impartial, however, speaking of
Ais treaty, says, '^ That while Dr. Steward and Dr. Sheklen
argi!ied very positively y that the government by bishops was
Jure Divtno; Mr. Vines and Mr. Henderson arguea as
positively, but more -moderateluy to the contrary, and that
Ae government of the church by presbyteries vras' Jure
Divino^t
' Mr. Vines vms chosen a member of the committee of
accommc^dation, and was chairman at their meetings.} On
the subject of a general accommodation of all parties, he
wr6te an excellent letter to Mr. Baxter, discovering his mild
and accommodating 8pirit.| He was, at the same time,
appointed master of Pembroke-hall, Cambridge, by the Earl
of Manchester, and, it is swd, few persons were better qua-
lified for the situation. Here he promoted true religion and
sound literature to the utmost of his power, and restored the
college to a very flourishing state, till, m the year 1649; he was
turned out for refusing the engagement.^ In the year 1645,
he was one of the committee of learned divines appointed by
the assembly to prepare the Confession of Faith.** In 1648
he was appointed, by order of the parliament, one of the
assistant divines at the treaty of the Isle of Wight; on which
• Clark*« Lives, last yoI. part i. p. 48.
+ Wood*t Athene Oxon. vol. ii. p. 159.
% Whitlucke's Mem. p. 119, 123, 126. S ^V^^ of Accom. p. S«
I Sylvester's Baxter, part ii. p» 147. I Ibid, part i. p. 64,
«-• Neari Paritani, vol. iii. p. 350.
LIVES OF THE PURITANS,
occasion he was much applauded by his own party, pardcu^'
larly for proving the suniciency of presbyterian ordination.
Ministers, he observed, who had been ordained by the pres-
byterian churches in France and the Low Countries, wem
formerly owned and acknowledged, to all intents and pur-
poses, by our bishops, as lawfully ordained, both to preach
and admiinister the sacraments.* During the treaty, he had
much converse and some disputation with the king.t His
majesty highly valued him for his ingenuity, aud seldom spoke
to nim without touching his hat, which Mr. Vines returned
with most respectful language and gestures 4
Dr. Grey, m his answer to Mr. Neal, relates, that when
Mr. Vines returned from this treaty, he addressed one Bfr.
Walden, saying, *^ Brother, how hath tliis nation been fooled !
We have been told that our king is a child and ^Jool; but if
I understand any thing by my converse with him, which I have
bad with great liberty, he is as much of a christian prince as
ever I read or heard of, since our Saviour's time. He is a^
very precious prince, and is able of himself to argue vidth the
ablest divines we have. And, among all the king's of Israel
and 'Judah, there was none like him." This account is said
to have been given about the year 1675, by one Nathaniel.
Gilbert of Coventry, in an information subscribed by bis own
hand, having himself heard Mr. Vines. Dr. Grey tran-r
scribed it from an attested copy of the original, which original
was in possession of his fadier, to whose grandmother the
above Gilbert was half brother ! $
When sentence of death was pronounced upon the king,
Mr. Vines, and several of his brethren, presented their duty to.
his majesty, with their humble desires to pray with him, and
perform other serviceable offices, if he would be pleased to
accept them. The king returned them thanks for their kind
offers, but declined their services.|| About the year 1653»
Mr. Vines was appointed, by order of the parliament, one of
the divines to draw up the Fundamentals, to be presented to
the faouse.i
When Mr. Vines first went up to London, he was chosen
minister of St. Clement's Danes, where many persons of
quality were his constant hearers. After some time, by the
solicitation of the Earl of £ssex,' he resigned the place and
« Poller's Cborch Hist. b. xi. p. 215.
f Whiilocke*8 Mem. p. S36, 339. % FiOler^ Woitbies, pt. \u p. 184.
^ Grey's ExaminatinD, voL i. p. 414.
I Wood's Atbenn OiLon. vol. ii. p. fifiS.
I Sylvester's Baiter, part ii. p. 197.
VINES. SSS
Tcmoved to Walton in Hertfordshire. He afterwards accepted
an invitation to Su Lawrence Jewry, London; where his
exc^ellent talents were still employed in promoting the
Redeemer's glory, and the salvation of his people, jianj
flocked to his ministry, and his labours were made a blessing
to their souls. While pastor of St. Lawrence, he was chosen
one of the weekly lecturers at St Michaers, ComhiU, and was
often called to preach before the parliament. It is but just,
however, to observe, that our divine, with several of his
brethren, preached too warmly against the baptbts.* On the
death of the Earl of Essex, die parliament appointed a
public funeral for him, which was performed with great
solemnity in St. Peter^s chur/ch, Westminster, when Mr. Vines
preached his funeral sermon to a very great audience, com-
posed of persons of very high distinction.t
After a laborious and useful life, Mr. Vnies, at length,
became the subject of painful bodily affliction. Thougii
afflicted with racking pam in his head, which nearly took
away his sight, yet he would not desist from his public
labours. He was resolved to spend and be spent in the work
of the Lord. The day before he died, he preached and
administered the Lord's supper ; and about ten o'clock the
same evening he was taken with bleeding at the iKMe, and
died betwixt two and three next morning, aged fijfty-five
years. His remains were interred, with great lamentation, ia
the church of St. Lawrence Jewry, February 7, l65o ; whea
Dr. Thomas Jacombe preached his funeral sermon, civxng the
following high commendations of his character : — He was a
burning and shining light in his day, and po>4sessed vefj
excellent parts, even taller by the head than most of hm
• Nears Paritmns, yoI. iii. p. 130.
f Robert, Earl Qf Enez, was oalj mb of the ■■fortsaMe faravtec mt
Qaeen Elizabeth, and inherited nach of hi« father « p«p«larirj. He «ai a
DoblemaD of verj aprighf iDCeatioBi. Owiayr to ih^ cnrnpiminm o^ Us
■atore, and the tiacerity of hb zeal fvr the cMemcialt of r^ii^jtm^ kt
the wed jrreat kiadnev to the penecaied p«riiaa«. He wai me of (lM«t
few Doblrnieo in parliaaent who dared to auaek the ** fra* ■mi»t^r cao
Crogative.^' Bat he never appearvd to lo gvfsa an adv-innicr mM 'he
d of an army. He acqnired a gr^^t rt ptarinn an a loMa^ s a a*«4 ^
merit that was detpiied b? JaaM^ f. and ovrrioolled hj Chtkr^^. M«
conraj^e was i^reat, aod hi« hooonr oas iuM^tirhte ; !Mf h^ r^ih^f wa.'^
than soaght for opportnaiiiet for ighrinc; ar.«( ka^^ \^i»r iMw *^ f*^
than improre a TiciorT. When he loofc the rtmmemit 4f «»-* pm^U^m^t^t
army, he was better q'aaliird than any naa m rh^ k*»r4*vm f^f fA^ /*ww j
bat he is «aid to teve been Moa eriipvpd b? \ a-^w r*r* *f iouf.^i »**,
if BOt his snperiors in the an of war. went far bryowd hi« m •#•#* *«4
enterprise. He died S#>preBber 14, l4-*«; emA wm deaib IbmC a SiM«4a^
for the adraarement of CromwHI.— •iof- Mritem, m4» *' F- ^* '^'
Sdit. ni9.'~Qrmgm'9 BUg. HiU. voL u f. SJ3: i«- tf**
SM LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
brethren. He was mighty in the scriptures, and an intw-
prater one of a diousand. He was an accomplished scholar,
a perfect master of the Greek, an excellent philolo^st, and
an admirable orator. He was a ready and close disputant,
and approved himself, to the admiration of many, in the
treaties of Uxbridge and the Isle of Wight. He was a
tolid, judicious, and orthodox divine, mighty in points of
controversy, giving a death-wound tb error. His spiritual
and powerftiT ministry was principally upon the doctrine of
justification, debasing man and exalting the Saviour. He
wbhed to die praying or preaching. That which wotdd have
made some keep their beds, did not keep him out of die
pulpit: and as he preached, so he lived and died. He was
of an heroical and undaunted spirit ; and, like Luther, notbing
would hinder him from a courageous and conscientious dis-
- charge of his duty.* He was accounted ^' the very prince of '
preachers, a thorough Calvinist, and a bold, honest man, void
of pride and flattery.^f FuUer styles him ^* sm excellent
]|^acher, and the very champion of the assembly;" and
adds, ^* that he was constant to his principles, yet moderate
and charitable towards those who dinered from him.'^t Wood
says nothing of him, only denominates him a zealous puritan.^
Dr. Grey insinuates a reflection on the simplicity and
mtegrity of Mr. Vines, by a story of his praying m the
morning of an Easter Sunday, before the Marquis of Hert-
ford, for the king's restoration to hi& throne and regal AAtsl
but, in the afternoon, when the Marquis was absent, and Liont «
Fairfax come to church, he prayed in stulo parlianientario,
that God would turn the heart of the king, and give him
|;race to repent of his grievous sins, especially all the blood
he had shed in those civil, uncivil wars. On this it was
observed, that Mr. Vines was much more altered between the
forenoon and afternoon, tlian the difference between an
English marquis and an Irish baron^ The reader, however,
will easily perceive, that each of these prayers might have
bjBen very consistently offered up by the same person.
When Mr. Vines was schoolmaster at Hinckley, he had for
one of his pupils Mr. John Cleiveland, a noted royalist and
popularpoet in the reign of Charles L, who, it is said, " owed
the heavmg of his natural fancy, by the choicest elegancies in
^ Jacombp'a Fan. Ser. for Mr. Vioet.
f Clark*« Lives, part i. p. 48—51.
t F«llcr*i Worthies, pan ii. p. 184, ISS.
^ AtbcniB Oxoo. fol. i. p. 801.
I Grejr*! Ezaminatioo, toI. iii. p. 115, 176..
1 *
a. ROBINSON. 83S
Greek and Latiiiy to Mr. Vbes."* — ^A few days before the
death of our pious dirine, as he was preaching at St. Gregoiya
church, a riide fellow cried aloud to him, ** Lift up your
voice, for I cannot hear you:" to whom Mr. Vines replie<^
'< Lift up your eais, for I can speak no iouder."f
His Works.— 1. A Treatise on the Sacrament, 1667.— 2. Chriil
tiie Christiau*8 only Gain, 1661,-r-3. God's Drawing and .^laals
Cominjc to Christ, 1662.— 4. The Saint's Nearness to God, 1062. —
6. Funeral Sermon for the Earl of Essex. — 6. Funeral Sermon for
Mr. William Stronfc- — 7. Caleb's Integrity in following the Lord fully,
a Sermon before the Honourable Honne of Commons, at tlielr lat«
solemn Fast, Not. 30, 1642.— 8. The Posture of David's Spirit, wbea
he was in a Doubtful Condition, a Sermon before the Commons, 1644.
— 9., The Happiness of Israel,. a Sermon before both Houses, 1640i.—»
He was aathor of some other Sermons.
Hugh Ro^Inson^ D. D. — This learned person was borb
in St. Mary's parish, Anglesea, and educated first at Wick-
ham school, then at New College, (!>xford, where he took
his degrees in arts, and was admitted perpetual fellowi After
finishing his studies at the university, he was chosen principal
master of Winchester school; and, taking his degrees in
lUvinity, he became archdeacon of Wiuton, canon of Wellsp
and archdeacon of Gloucester. In the beginning of the
civil war he lost all his preferment, joined himself to the
puritans, espoused the cause of the parliament, took die
covenant, and afterwards became rector of Hinton, near
Winchester. He was an excellent linguist, an able divine,
and very well skilled in ancient history.) He died March 30«
1655; and his remains were interred in the chancel of
St. Giles's in the Fields, London.
KDs WoRRs.^1. Pieces, written for the Use of the ChOdren of
Winchester School^ in Latin and English, 1616.— 2. Grammaticalia
qosedam, in Latin and En^cUsh, 1616.— 3. Antiquao Histori» Synopsii,
1616.— 4. The Latin Phrases of Winchester School, 16&i.—
6. Annaliuro Mundi Universaliom, 1677, — ^Ue alsb wrote a pieca in
Vindication of the Covenant
• Biojr. Britan. yoI. iii. p. 688. Edit. 1778.
t Fuller's Worthies, part ii. p. 136.
} Wood's Atheh* Oxen. vol. ii. p. 117.
S36 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
John Angel, A. M. — This pious divine was bom ia
Gloucestershire, and educated in Magdalen-hall, Oxford.
Having taken his degrees, he Jeft the university and entered
upon the ministerial worL. Previous to the year 1629> Mr.
Higginson, being chosen by the- mayor and aldermen of-
Leicester to be the town preacher, but refusing the office, on
account of his growine nonconformity, he recommended Mr.
Aneel, then a learned and pious conformist, to their appro-
bation. They accordingly made choice of him ; v\rhen he
removed to Leicester, and continued in the office of public
lecturer, vvith some interruption, upwards of twenty years.*.
Though at first he was conformable to the established diiutdi,
he afterwards imbibed the principles of the puritans, and
became a sufferer in the common cause. Archbishop Laud,
giving an account of his province in the year 1634, observes,
*^ lliat in Leicester the dean of the arches suspended one
Angel, who hath continued a lecturer in that great town
for divers years, without any license at all to preach ; yet.
took liberty enough." His grace adds, *^ I doubt his violence
hath cracked his brain, and do therefore use him the mote
tienderly, because I see the^hand of God hatb overtaken
bim.^'t Mr. Angel most assuredly had the license of those
-who employed him, and who paid him for his labours^
though he might not have the formal allowance of hie
diocesan or the archbishop. What his lordship can mean by'
insinuating that '^ his violence had cracked his brsdn, and the'
hand of God having overtaken him," is not very easy to
understand. If he laboured under some afflictive, mental, or
bodily disorder, as the words seem to intimate, he was surely
more deserving of sympathy and compassion than a heaiy'
ecclesiastical censure. But tlie fact most probably was, tfai^^
Mr. Angel was deeply involved in spiritual darkness about
his own states and in painful uncertainty concerning his own
salvation. '^ For," says Mr. Clark, " there was a great light,
Mr. Angel, formerly of Leicester, afterwards of Grantham,
but now with God, who being under a sore and grievous
deseHion, received much comfort from the conversation oC'
Mr. Richard Vines."* This undoubtedly refers to the same
affliction.
Though it do^s not appear how long Mr. Angel contiBued
under suspension, he was afterwards restored to his ministEy ;
and he continued his lecture till the year 1650, when he vim
• Mmther's Hist, of New Eb|;. b. iii. p. 73.
-f Wharton^s Troubles of Land, toI. i. p. 531.
t Clark's Lives, last vol. part i..p. &0.
AN6EL--R. ROBINSON. 1S7
turned oat for -refusing die engagement. About theMune
time the company of mercers in London made choice of him
as public -lecturer at Ghrandiam in Lincolnshire; and not
long after be was appointed assistant to the commissibners of
diat county, for ejecting ignorant and scandalous ministers
and schoolmasters, but did not long survive the appointment.
He died in the banning of June, 1655) vrhen his remains
were interred in Grandiam church. Having gained a dis-
tinguished reputation, and being so exceedingly beloved while
he lived, his funeral was attended by a great number of
ministers, when Mr. Lawrence Sarson delivered an oration at
his grave, in high commendation of his character. Wood
denominates him ** a frequent and painfid preacher ; a man
mighty in word and doctrine among the puntans ;" and adds^
^' mat as his name was Angel, so he was a man indeed of
angelical understanding and holiness, a burning and shining
li^t, and he continued to shine as a burning light, until God
translated him to shine as a star in the kingdom of heaven
for ever.''* Mr. Henry Vaughan, ejected at the restoration,
was his successor at Grantham.t
Ifis Works. — I. The right ordering of the ConvenatioD, 1650.-*
2. Funeral Sermon at the Burial of John Lord Darcey, l6A0.~->
9, Preparation for the Communion, 1609. — 4. Tlie right Government
of the Thoughts ; or, a Discovery of all vain, unprofitable, idle, and
wicked Thoughts, 1650.
Ralph Robinson. — ^This holy minister was bom at
Heswall in Cheshire, in the month of June, I6l4y and edu-
cated in Katherine-hall, Cambridge. Here, for several years,
he made good use of his time and academical advantages, and
came fordi well qualified for the ministry. Upon the com-
mencement of the national confusions, in 1642, he left the
university and went to London, where he gained consider-
able reputation. Being richly furnished with gifts and
■graces, he was gready beloved by the London ministers, and
his preaching rendered him exceedingly popular. He ac-
cepted an invitation to the pastoral charge at St. Mary's,
• Woolnoth, and was ordained presbyter, . by fasting and
prayer and the imposition of hands, in the year 1647 he
"was chosen one of the scribes to the first provincial assemUy
in London. In 1648 he united with the London ministers in
•
* Atbenn Oxod. yoI. ii. p. 118.
t Fdmer's NoBcoa. Mfia« Yiih tt» p. 417.
S98 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
decLuii^ i^nst t)ie king's deaths* And in 1651 he wif
concerned in Love's plot; but, upon his petitioning .for
pardon^ and promising submission to the existing govemm^t
m future, he was released.^
Mr. Robinson died in the meridian of life* When be wap
seized with his last sickness, having no (freat degree cipfia^
he was unapprehensive of his approaching change. When
he was requested to. make his will, he said, ** I will do it
with all. readiness, though I perceive not myself in m
danger of death :" adding, '' I pray you flatter me not* ff
my physician apprehend danger, let me know it ; for, I Ucm
God, the thoughts of death are not dreadful to me/' To an
mtimate friend he said, ** I bless God, I have loved fastiiig
and prayer with .all my heart." And being asked what was
the present state of his mind, he replied, *^ Thoiq^h I
have not ravishing joys, I enjoy uninterrupted and satiating
peace ; not in the least questioning my everlasting happiness
through the grace of God in Christ Jesus." Being reminded
of the rest to be found in the bosom of Christ, he said, ^ Gkl
true rest can be found no where else ;" with which woids he
breathed his last, June 15, 1655, aged forty-one years. He
was a person of exemplary piety ; and, in his judgment wtii
practice, a thorough presbyterian, and ever true and steadjr tp
hb principles. He was an indefatigable, orthodox, and useftl
preacher ; a loving husband, a tender father, a viffilant pastoTt
a cheerful companion, and a faithful friend.t Many poems
and elegies were published on his death. He was author
of the following works : '^ Self Conduct ; or, the Saint's
Guidance to Glory, opened in a Sermon at the Funeral of
the virtuous and reUgious Gentlewoman, Mrs. Thoinaiin
Barnardiston," 1654. — '^ The Christian completely Anned^''
1656.^" Christ AU and in All," 1656.
Nathaniel Rooebs. — ^This excellent minister was boffH
at Haverhil. in. Suffolk, about the year 1598; and at .theagu
of fourteen was sent to Emanuel college, Cambridge, wheDp
he became a hard student, made great proficiency in idl kinds
of useful leamipg, and was a great ornament to the college*
He was son of Mr. John Il(^rs, famous for his ministry and
nonconformity at Dedham in Essex* Under the pioaf
• Calamy*8 Contin. vol. ii, p. 744.
f Wood's AtbrnflB Oxon. vol. ii. p. 77.
X Asbe's Fun. Ser. for Mr. Robinson, eotiUed, <« The Qsod lfM*i Death
IjimeBte4.'*<-^ark*s Uves, Ust tolr part i. p. ftf— M
N. ROGERS.
kifltruotions of his excellent parentfl, he feared.tfae Lord from
liifl youth ; and, as he grew up to the age of man, he trod ia
the footsteps of his honoured and worthy &ther« Hough he
was indeed a person of most exemplary piety ; yet it is reuted^
that, through the hurry of business, he went one morning from
home without attending to his usual private .devotiona,.whea
his horse atumliied and fell, by whidb h^ lost much bloo^
and was exceedingly briused. This event, however, taught
him a valuable lesson. It awakened him to so deep a sense
of his onussion of duty, that, from that time to the day of his
deaths no engagements' whatever would hinder him from
attending upon the exercises qf the closets
Mr. Kogers, having fimshed his studies at the university,
became domestic chaplain to a ()er8on of quaUty, when he
gave the first s^cimen of his ministerial abilities. After he
had continued m this situation about two years, he became
assistant to Dr. Batkam, at Bocking in Essex. The doctor
being a high churchman, and particularly intimate with
Bishop L«aud^ many people wondered that he employed for
his curate the son or one of the most noted puritans in die
IdngdouLi Mr. Rogers was much beloved by the people,
and they were remarkably kind to him. Though tiie doctor
treated him widi civility, he did not allow him one^enth of his
benefice, amounting to many hundreds a year, when he did
above three-fourths of the work. Mr. Rogers now began to
examine the controversy about ecclesiastical matters, and, as
the result of his inquiries, he became thoroughly dissatisfied
with the ceremonies and discipline of the church. After-
wards, the doctor being present at a funeral, and observing
that Mr. Rogers did not use the surplice, he was so completely
disgusted, tliat he advised his curate to provide for himself,
and so dismissed him. What a sad crime was it to bury the
dead without a jsurplice !
After he had preached about five years at Bocking, he was
Sesented to the living of Assington in Suffolk, where the
ishop of Norwich allowed him to go on in the Lord's work,
without molestation, for about five years. His preaching
was highly esteemed, and^eady blessed among persons of
all descriptions. He had commonly more headers than could
crowd into the church. The ignorant weiie instructed, the
careless awakeaed,.and the sorrowfrd comforted. He was a
'^ fisher of men," and, by the blessing of God upon his
endeavours, many were caught in the gospel-net. At length,
the ruling ecclesiastics were resolved to stop the mouths of
f 40 LIVES OP THE PURITANS.
all ministen who refused to conform to their arbitrary
injunctions ; on \vhich account sreat numbers of the most
laborious and useful preachers m the kingdom were either
buried in silence, or forced to abscond, to avoid the fiiry of
the star-chamber and of the high commission. Mr. Rogers,
perceiving the approachmg storm, chose to prevent rather
than receive the terrible sentence of those tribunals; and
therefore he resigned his living into the hands of his patron.
Not being satisfied to lay down his ministry, he forsook the
neighbourhood of his father, with all his prospects of worldly
advantage ; and, casting himself and his youne family on the
providence of God, embarked for New England, where he
arrived November 16, 1636. Mr. Ralph Partridge, another
puritan minister, accompanied him in the same ship.*
Upon their arrival, Mr. Rogers was chosen co-pastor with
Mr. Norton over the church at Ipswich. These judicious
and holy men, whose hearts were cordially united in pro-
moting the glory of God and the salvation of souls, were
rendered a peculiar blessing to this religious society. Mr.
Rogers was much afflicted, especially with the spittins of
blood. When the complaint was upon him, he used to
comfort himself by observing, *^ Though I should spit out
my own blood, by which my life is maintained, I shall never
cast out the blood of Christ, or lose the benefits of that
blood which cleanseth us from all sin." Under one of these
afflictions, Mr. Cotton wrote him a consolatory letter, dated
March % 1631, in which he addressed him as follows :— " I
bless the Lord with you, who perfecteth the power of his
grace in your weakness, and supporteth your feeble bodj to
do him still more service. You know who said, * Unmortified
strength posteth hard to hell : but sanctified weakness creepetfa
fest to heaven.' Let not your spirit faint, though your hoisj
do. Your soul is precious in God's sight. ^ Your hairs are
all numbered.' The number and measure of your fainting
fits, and wearisome nights, are all weighed and limited l^
him who hath given you his son Jesus Christ to take upon
him your infirmities, and bear your sicknesse8."+ During the
last conflict, he was full of heavenly conversation, and closed
his life and labours saying. My times are in thy hands. He
died July 3, 1655, aged fifty-seven years. He was an emi-
nently holy man, an admirable preacher, and an incomparable
mast^. of the Latin tongue. ^^ And I shall do an injury
• Mather's Hist, of New Eog. b. iii. p. 104—106. f Ibid. p. lOT.
f/TUHNEIU-MARSHALL. Ml
Id his rnemoty/' says our author, '^ if I do not decfaure that
he was one of the greatest men and one of die best ministert
Aat ever set his foot on the American shore."*
Jerom Turneb, a. B. — ^This worthy person was bom
at Yeovil in Somersetshire^ in the year I6l5, and educated
at Edmund's-hall, Oxford/ Having finished his studies at
the university,iie became schoolmaster at Bear in Devonshire,
where he also preached as assistant to his friend and kins*
man, Mr. Hugh Gundry, for the space of two years. At the
expiration of this period, he removed to Exmoudi in the
same county, where, for about two years, he was assistant to
Mr. William Hook, afterwards silenced at the restoration.f
He next removed to Compton, near the place of his nativity,
and afterwards became chaplain to Sir Thomas Trenchard.
But, upon the commencement of the civil war, he was forced
to flee for safety, when he took refuge at Southampton.
There he abode during the national confusions, and preached
among the puritans with considerable approbation. Upon
the conclusion of the wars, in 1646, he became pastor at
Nelherbury in Dorsetshire, where he continued a zealous
and useful preacher to the time of his death. In the year
1654 he was appointed one of the assistant commis-
noners of Dorsetshire, for ejecting ignorant and scan-
dalous ministers. Wood says, ^^ his love to learning was
very great, and his delight in the ministerial exercise was
greater than his weak body could bear. He had a strong
memory, was well skilled in Greek and Hebrew, and was a
constant, zealous, fluent, and useful preacher ; but," says he,
** too much addicted to Calvinism, t He died at Nether-
bury, November 27, 1655, aged forty years.
His Works. — 1. A. Breast-plate for the Keeping ' of the Heart,
1660.-2. A Rich Treasarie for the Promises, 1660.-9. Am Exposir
tbn on the first Chap, of the Epistle of St Paul to the I^hesians.
Stephen Marshall, B. D. — This celebrated persou
ffViS born at Godmanchester in Huntingdonshire, and educated
Uk Emanuel college, Cambridge. He was some time minister
at Wethersfield in Essex, then presented to the benefice of
Finchingfield in the same county ; but hb memory has greatly
• Mmther^ Hist, of New Bug. b. iii. p. 106— lOS.
f Palmer*8 Noncoo. Mem. vol. i. p. 184.
I Wood's Athens Ozoo. ^ol. ii. p. 121, ISt.
VOL. III. R
94t LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
tuflkred from men of opposite principles. In the fornHSC
situation, his people, from their warm attachment to him^
expended fifty pounds to purchase him a library, and
performed for him many friendly offices. It is further
observed, that '' he was sensible of their kindness, and
engaged himself by a voluntary promise never to leave
them. He had not continued long in this situation before
Mr. Pickering, a reverend and learned divine, minister of
Finchingfield, died. The fatness of the benefiV' it is said,
^< helped the patron to suitors enow, but, amongst all, our
Marshall was the man w}iom his affection made choice of
to bestow his presentation upon; who having unluckily
married himself to Wethersfield, knows not what course
to take to sue out a bill of divorce. The great living, worth
j£200 a year, is a strong temptation to the holy man's conv
cupiscible appetite ; however, Wethersfield holds him to
his promise, never to leave them. A little assembly of
divines is called ; and it is there debated bow far Mr.
Marshall's- promise is obligatory. The casuists, knowkig
his mind before, conclude, that it bound him not to leave
them for a lesser salarj/, but left him at liberty to take a
bigger living when he could get it. Indeed, there is no
reason why any promise, though ever so solemnly imd
deliberately made, should stand a perpetual palisado to anj
jnMllv man's preferment. This decision satisfies his corvan.
For ne leaves Wethersfield, and awfnr he goes to Finchine*
field. This,'* it is added, '^ is the first noted essay that he
gave of his fidelity in keeping his promise."*
In this partial and curious account of Mr. Marshall, it hs
also thus observed : << He was as conformable as could be
desired, reading divine service, wearing the surplice, le*
ceiving and administering the sacrament kneeling; approv*
ing, commending, and extolling episcopacy and the litoi^ ;
ol^rving all the holidays with more than ordinary mli-
gence, preaching upon most of them. This he did so long
as he had any hopes of rising that way. His ambition
was such," says this writer, ^' I hare great reason to believe
that he was once an earnest suitor for a deanery, which is th^
next step to a bishopric ; the loss of which made him turn
schismatic. His son-in-law Nye was heard to say, < tfafit
if they had made his father a bishop, before he had he^ttiS
far. engaged, it might have prevented all the war ; and sincii
he cannot rise so high as a bishop, he will pull the bishopi^.
• Life of Marihall> p. 5. Sdit. 1680.
MARSHALL. MS
I •
as low as himself 4 yea, if he can, lower than he was hlm«
self, when he was at Godmanchester.'^'*
This is the representation of a known adveisary, and is
evidently designed to cast a stigma upon his character*
Notwithstanding his conformity, as here represented, after
his removal to Finchingfieid he was silenced for noncon-
formity ; and he remaim d a long time in a state of suspen*
sion. Upon his restoration to his ministry, in 1640, he did
not return to his former charge, but was appointed lecturer
mt St. Margaret's church, Westminster. Although he was
greatly despised and reproachcrd by the opposite party, he
^was a man of high reputation, and was often called to
preach before the parliament, who consulted him in all afiairs
of importance relating to religion. ^^ And without doubt,"
says Clarendon, <^ the Archbishop of Canterbury had never
so great an influence upon the councils at court, as Mr.
Marshall and Dr. Burgess had upon the houses of parlia-
ment."+ November 17, 1640, nas observed as a day of
solemn fasting by the house of commons, at St. Margaret's,
Westminster, when these two divines were appointed ,to
ccHifiuct the public service of the day ; on which occasion,
it is said, they prayed and preached at least seven hours^
The service being closed, the house voted thanks to both
the preachers, desiring them to print their sermons ; and, to
afford them encouragement in future, a piece of plate was^
by order of the house, presented to each.t
Lord Clarendon, with other historians of a similar spirit,
brings^ against him a charge unworthy of any honest man.
The accusation relates to the ministers' petition presented
io the parliament ; and, says he, ^^ The paper which con-
tained the ministers' petition, was filled with very few
hands, but that many other sheets were annexed for the
reception of numbers who gave credit to the undertaking.
But when their names were subscribed, the petition itself
was cut off, and a new one, of a very different nature,
annexed to the long list of names ; and when some of the
ministers complained to Mr. Marshall, with whom the
petition was lodged, that they never saw the petition to
which their names were annexed, but had signed another
petition against the canons, Mr. Marshall is said to reply,
that it was thought fit by those who understood the business
bett^ than they, that the latter petition should be preferred
• Life of Marshall, p. 10. f Clarendon*! Hiit. toI. i. p. 9S9.
% Nalsoo*! Collec. toI. i. p. 530, 53S.
S44 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. .
rather (ban the form^/'* This, indeed, is a cbai{ge 43f a
very high nature, and ought to have been wdl suhstaotiated.
Dr. Walker, notwithsta^ing his extreme bigotrjr and
enmity against the puritans, seems not to give full credit to
the noble historian. ^< It is probable^'^ says he, ^'tbat
Mr. Marshall was deeply enough concerned in this affiur ;"
but he appears unwilling to affirm it as a matter iAfs^
If, however, the above account had been true, why did noi
the ministers complain to the committee appointed by the
hous^ of commons to inquire into their regiuar methods of
procuring hands to petitions ? The learned historian an-
swers, that they were prevailed upon to sit still and pass ii
by ; for the truth of which we have only his loroship's
word, as nothing of the kind appears in Rushwortfa, Wlut-
locke, or any other impartial writer of those times. The
whole a&ir has, therefore, the appearance of a mere forceiT,
designed to blacken the memory of Mr. Marshall and tht
rest of the puritans. ,
Few persons have censured our divine with greater seyet
rity than the anonymous author of ^< A Letter of Spiritual
Advice, written to Mr. Stephen Marshall in his Sicknesf,^'
1643. '' When I heard of your sickness,'' says this writer,
^< I assure you I found in myself such a different apprehen-
sion of your state, from that of other ordinary sick men, that
I think you will not wonder if all the king's subgects, who
wish good success to his majesty in this war, cannot impotB
your visitation to any thing but the just severity and reveage
of Almighty God, for having had so strong an influence
upon the ruin of this kin^om and church. For, sir, is it
not apparent that your eminent gifts of preaching have been
maAQ use of for the kindling of those flames of rebellion and
civil war, and most unchristian bloodshed ? Have not yon,
with all the earnestness and zeal imaginable, persuaded vom
hearers to a liberal contribution for the maintaining of thb
unnatural war ? Have not you forsaken your own cSurge^ to
accompany and strengthen the general of your anny in his
resolutions and attempts against the just pow^ and life of
his and your anointed sovereign? Does not the whoia
kingdom impute almost all the distractions and combustioM
therein as much to the secHtious sermcnis of the preachers nf
your faction, as to the contrivances of those persons who aal
you on work 7 Let your own conscience be your own JoH^
« ClareDdon's Hist.Tol. i. p. 161, 162. '
f Walker's Attempt, part i. p. Ijk
MARSHALL. 945
in tbis matten and it ^ill tell you, that if all tbese new
iatgoB ahould succeed to your wish, and tliere should
kqipen to be a change of government, you would think
JiiinidTes wronged if you should not be acknowledged
TOy effectual instruments in that change. These things
ftoefore being so, you cannot accuse of nncharitableness
those who think these designs not only unjust, but ruinous
both to justice and religion, if they attribute it to God^s
aercy to them, and vengeance on vou, if he take such a
fln^-brand as ^ou out of the world. •
While this anonymous calumniator thus reproaches
Mr. Marshall for his zeal in the cause of the parliament^
he b extremely lavish in the die nified compliments con«
fared upon his majesty, styling him '' God's anointed, and
a moot righteous christian king.'* Wood says, ^^ that, upon
liie approach of the troublesome times in 1640, Mr. Mar«
sludl, Mr. Calamy, Dr. Burgess, and some others, fint
whiiipered in their conventicles, then openly preached, that
far the cause of religion it was lawful for subjects to take up
arms against the king/'f <<As to Mr. Marshall," says
Dr. Cuamy, ^^ lie was an active man, and encouraged
takmg up arms for securing the constitution, when it ap-
]MBarea not only to him and his brethren, but to a nural:^
of as worthy gentlemen as ever sat in St. Steplien's chapol^
te be in no small danger ; yet I am not aware that he can be
jostly charged with any concurrence in those things wliich
ajfterwards overthrew the constitution, and tendecf to con*
forion. He wrote a defence of the side which he took in our
civil broils, and I cannot hear that it was ever answered.''^
Mr. Marshall, at ttie same time, took an active part in
the controversy concerning church government. The cele-
brated Bishop Hall having published his work in defence of
episcopacy and the liturgy, called, '' An Humble Remon-
strance to the high Court of Parliament," 1640, he united
with several of his brethren in writing the famous book,
entitled, <^ An Answer to a Book, cntituled, < An flumble
Remonstrance;' in which the Original of Liturgy and
Episcopacy is discussed, and Queries propounded concern-
ing botn.« The Parity of Bisiiops and Prrsbyters in Scripture
dmonstrated; the Occasion of fhrir Imparities in Anti-
quitv discovered ; the Dis])arity of the ancient and our
maaem Bishops manifested ; the Antiquity of Ruling
•
* letter of Advice, p. 1, 2.
I't AUieuB Dion. vol. ii. p. 2S5, 236.
F'i CoDtiB. vol. ii. p. 137.
t46 . LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Elders in the Church vindicated: the Prelatical Chul^h
bounded. Written by Smectymnuus," 1641. The word
smectymnuus is composed of the initi:ils of i- s authors' nnme^^
who were Stephen Marshall, Edmi|n(t Calamy, Thomas
Young, Matthew Newcomen, and William Spurstowe.
^^ The work," it is said, '^ is certainly written with great
fierceness of spirit s^nd much asperity in language, ccm-
taining eighteen sections, in 'the last of wliiph the differ-
ences between the prelatists and puritans are aggravated
with great bitterness." The same author, on the same page^
says, " it was, indeed, a very well writt<*n piece, theretore
we find frequent reference to it in all the detences and apo-
Wiesfor nonconformity, which have been since published.''
A4^. Calamy affirms, that it ^' gave the first deadly blow to
episcopacy." The learned Dr. Kippis says, " it was a
production of no small importance in its diy; and wAs
d[awn up ip a style of composition superior to that of the
puritans in general, and, indeed, of many other nriteiB at
that period." The learned Bishop Wilkins represents it as
^^ a Cfipital work against episcopacy."*
The book is concluded by a postscript, in which is cqq^
tained an historical narrative of the bitter effects of episco-
pacy, as, pride, luxury, brilxTv, extortion, rebellion, treasaii|
&c. ; and the whole is closed thus : — ^^ The inhuman butphee
ries, blood-sheddings, and cruelties of Gardiner, Bonner,
and the rest of the bishops in Queen Mary's days, are so
fresh in every man's memory, as that we conceive it a UAng
altogether unnecessary to make mention of them. Only we
fear lest the guilt of the blood then shed should yeC remain
to be required at the hands of this nation, becau<se it hath
not quickly endeavoured to appease the wrath of God, by ft
general and solemn humiliation for it. What the practices^
of the prelates have been ever since, from the beginning of
Queen Eliz^bith to this present day, would fill a volume^
like E^ekiel's roll, with lamentation, mourning, and woe
to record. For it hath been their great design to hinder all
further reformation ; to bring in doctrines of popery, armi-
nianism, and libertinism ; to maintain, propagate, and mach
increase the burden of human ceremonies ; to keep out, and
beat down the preaching of the word, to silence the faithful
ministers of it, to oppase a.rd persecute the most zealoua
professors, and to turn all religion to a pompous outside j^
and to tread down the power of godliness. Insomuch, M
• Biog. BritaQ. toI. iii. p. 132, 186. Edit. 17T8.
MARSHALL. S*7
^ •* •
it is come to an ordinary proverb, that irhen any thing is
spoiled, we use to say, The bishop's foot haih been in U.
And in this, and much more which might be said, fulfilling
Bishop Bcmner's prophecy, which, when he saw that in
King. Edward's reformation there was a reservation of
ceremonies and hierarchy, is credibly reported to have
4ised these words, ^ Since they have begun to taste our broihj
they voiUnot be long ere they xsnll eat our beef J* "•
tjpon the publication of the above work. Bishop Hall
wrote his ^^ Defence of the Humble Remonstrance against
the frivolous and false Exceptions of Smectymnuus,'' 1641 •
To this, Smectymnuus published a reply, entitled, " A Vin-
dication of the Answer to the Humble Remonstrance, from
the unjust Imputations of Frivolousness and Falsehood:
wherein the cause of the Lititrgy and Episcopacy is further
debated," 1 64 1 . The learned prelate concluded the dispute
by publishing his piece entitled, << A short Answer to a
t^ious Vindication of Smectymnuus," 1641.f
In tbisvear, Mr. Marshall was appointed chaplain to the
Earl of ^sex's regiment in the parliament's armv. Dr.
Grey, in contempt, denominates him and Dr. Downing
*^ the two famed casuistical divines, and most eminent camp-
chaplains ;" and charges them, on the authority of Clarendon
and Echard, with publicly avowing, << that the soldiers lately .
taken prisoners at Brentford, and released by the king upon
their, oaths, thai they would never again bear arms against
him^ were not obliged by that oath; but by their power
they absolved them, and so engaged those miserable wietches
in a second rebellion."^ This, as well as the foregoing
account, has all the appearance of forgery, with a view to
calumniate the two excellent divines. Priestly absolution
was as remote as possible from the practice of the puritans ;
and they rejected all claims to the power of it with the
utmost abhorrence. The parliament's army, at the same
time, stood in so little need of these prisoners, which were
only 150 men, that there is good reason to suspect the whole
account to be a falsehood. §
In the year 1643, Mr. Marshall was chosen one of the
assembly of divines, and was a most active and valuable
member. In this public office it was impossible for him to
escape the bitter censures of the opposite party. One of
* Smectymnnns, p. 77, 78. Edit. 1654.
f Biog. BriUn. vol. iv. p. 2498. Edit. 1747.
± Grey's ExamiBatioD, vol. ii. p. 10.
) Nears Paritansy vol. iii. p. 3, 4.
91» LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
them, speaking of him as a member of the assemUj, tftjrs^
<< He quickly grows to be master, anil is so called 1^ allw
They si^ not to consult for the reformation of religion ia
things that are amiss, but to receive the parliament's ccrtn*
maaas to undo and innovate religion. In which work, ot
rather drudgery of the devil, our active Siephen needs
neither whip nor spur: tooth and nail he bends himself to
the overthrow of the hierarchy, root and branch.*'* Dr.
Heylin, with his usual modesty, calls him " the great bell-
wether of the presbyterians ;"f and aflirms, that though he
had the chief hand in compiling the directory, he married
his own daughter by the form pntscribed in the Book of
Common Piayer ; which he had no sooner done than he
paid down five pounds to the churchwardens of the parish^
as a fine for using any other form of marriage than that
contained in the directory .J The truth of this rrprcseuta*
tioii of so excellent a person as Mr. Marshall, especially
from the pen of Dr. Heylin, is extremely dcmbtful, if ki^fc
unworthy of the smallest en dit.
Mr. Marshall frequently united with his brethren in the
observance of public fasts, when the services were usually
protracted to a very great length. On one of these occar
sions, it is said, ^< that Dr. Twisse having commenced Um
public service with a short prayer, Mr. Marshall prayed in
a wonderful, pathetic, and prudent manner for two htmrtm
Mr. Arrowsmith then preached an hour, then they suog ai
psalm ; after which Mr. Vines prayed nearly two hoar%
Mr. Palmer preached an hour, and Mr. Seaman prayed
nearly two hours. Mr. Henderson then spoke of the evils of
the time, and how they were to be remedied, and Dr. TwisM
closed the service with a short prayer."^
* Life of MarshaU, p. 11.
f Dr. Peter Heylin, preaching at Westminster abbey, before Bisbop
Williams', and endeavourini^ to justify the church in the impositioii ot
doctrine and ceremonies, and to censure the nonconformists, be said, *' Id*
stead of hearkening to the voice of the church, every man hearkens to biin*
lelf, and cares not if the whole miscarry so that be himself may carry hit
own devices. Upon which stubborn height of pride, what quarrels have
been raised ? what schisms in every corner of the church P-r-To Inquire no
further, some put all into open tumult rather than conform to the lawful
government derived from Christ and bis apostles." On expressing these
words, the bishop, sitting in the great pew, knocked aloud with bis staff
npon the pulpit, saying, " No more of that point, no more of that poiit,-
Peter.'* To wbom lleylin immediately answered, *' I have a little more to
say, my loid, and then I have done ; when be proceeded to finish bii sabject*
Biog, Britan. vol. iv. p. 8597. Edit. 1747.
fHeylin's Ezamen Historicum, p. 864. '
Biog. Britan. vol. i. p. 518. £;dit. 1778.
MARSHALL. S19
in the yetur 1644, he attended the oommisiionen of par*
liament at the treaty of Uxbridge. In 1645, he was chosea
one of the committee of accomnoodation, to secure the peace
of the church, and promote, as far as possible, the satisfao*
tion of all parties. The year fcdiowiiig, he was appointed,
together with Mr. Joseph Caryl, chaplain to the commia*
SLoners who were sent to the king at Newcastle, in order to
an accommodation for peace. Removing thence, by easj
joumies, to Holmby-house in Northamptonshire, the two
chaplains performed divine worship there ; but his majesty
never attended.* He spent his Lord's day in privatr. ; and
thou^ they waited at table, he would not so much as allow
them to ask a blessing. The Oxford historian, who men-
tions this circumstance, relates the following curious anec-
dote : — ^< It is said that Marshall did, on a time, put himself
more forward than was meet to say grace; and, while he
was long in forming his chaps, as the manner was among the
saints, and making ugly faces, his majesty said gr.'ice him-
self, and was fallen to his meat, and had eaten up some pait
of his dinner, before Marshall had ended the blessing ; but
Caryl was not so impudent."+
About the above period, Mr. Marshall and Mr. Nye were^
by order of the parUament, appointed to attend the commis-
sioners to Scotland, whose object was to establish an agree-
ment with the Scots.t In their letter to the assembly, thej
assure their brethren, that the ministers in the north are
wholly on the side of the parliament. They conclude their
cwUhig letter, as Dr. Grey calls it, in the following words :
^< We scarce ever saw so much of Christ for us as thia
day, in the assembly's carrying of this business: such
weeping, such rejoicing, such resolution, such pathetical
expressions, as we confess hath much refreshed our hearts,
before extremely saddened with ill news from our dear coun-
try ; and hath put us in good hope that this nation (which
sets about this business as becometh the work of God and
the saving of the kingdoms) shall be the means of lifting
up distressed England and Ireland. "(
In the year 1&7, Mr. Marshall was appointed, together
• Dr. Grey, on tbe authority of « An Apolofry for the Bishops/* aayt^
that Mr. Marshall having once petitioned the liinf^ for a deanery, and at
Another time for a bishopric, and being refiised, his maj^^sty told him at
Qolmby, that he would on this account overthrow all. — Grfjp^s ExaiB*
vol. i. p. S92.
f Wood*8 Athene Oxon. vol. ii. p. 975.
± Clarendon's Hist. vol. ii. p. 232.
S Grey'i Bzamlnatioo, vol. ii. p. M.
J50 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
with Mr. Vines, Mn Caryl, and Dr. Seaman, to attend the
cximmissioners at the treaty of the Isle of Wight, when he
conducted himself with great ability and moderation. The
house of commons having nrfw many important affairs under
consideration, Mr. Marshall and Mr. Nye, by ofder of the
house, December 31, 1647, were desired io attend the neiet
morning to pray with them, that they might enjoy the
direction and blessing of God in their wei^ty consulta*
tions.* In the year 1654,' when the parliament voted a
toleration of all who professed to hold the fundamentals of
Christianity, Mr. Marshall was appointed one of the com«
mittee of learned divines, to draw up a catalogue of fun-
damentals to be presented to the house, f About the same
time he was chosen one of the tryers.
A writer already mentioned, who employs thirty quarto
})ages in little else than scurrility and abuse, gives the
bllowing account of him : <^ Because the church could not
be destroyed without the king, who was more firmly
wedded to it than Mr. Marshall was either to his wife or his
first living ; the king, and all who adhered to him, and the
church, must be destroyed together: to whose ruin Mr.
Marshall contributed not a little. His thundering in all
pulpits; his cursing all people who were backward in
engaging a^inst him; his encouraging all those whoie
Tillany made them forward in undertaking that great -worky
warranting them no small preferment in heaven if th^
would lay down their lives tor the cause ; his menaces B,nA
private incitatiotis, becoming drum-major or captain-general
to the army, praying from regiment to regiment at Edse-p
hill. His religion stood most in cxternais: in a Jewish
observation of the sabbath, praying, preaching, fasts, and
thanksgivings. Under these specious sbews,'^ adds the un*
worthy biographer, " the mystery of iniquity lay hid.^t
Mr. £cbard, with his usual candour, d^iominates him
<< a famous incendiary, and assistant to the parliamentarians ;
their trumpeter in their fasts, their confessor in their sick-
ness, their counsellor in their assemblies, their chaplain in
their treaties, their champion in their disputations;^' and
then adds, " This great Shim^i, being taken with a des-
perate sickness, departed the world mad and raving /% thaa
which there never was a more unjust aspersion. Mr. Baxter^
• WhUlocke's Mem. p. 2«0, 287, SS6.
i Sylvester's Life of Baxter, part ii. p. 107—199.
% Life of Marshall, p. 13, 17.
\ £chard'i Hist, of £d|;. toI. ii. p, 783.
MARSHALL. 151
who knew him well, calls him << a sober and wofth j man ;**•
and used to observe, on account of his great moderatkmy
that if all the bishops had been of the same spirit as
Archbishop Usher, the independents like Mr. Jeremiah
Burroughs, and the prebyterians like Mr. Stephen Marshall,
the divisions of the church would soon have been healed.
He was, indeed, taken ill, and obliged to retire into the
country for the benefit (tf the air, when the Oxford Mercnrr
published to the world that he was distracted, and in hur
rage constantly cried out, that he was damned for adhering
to the parliament in their war against the king. But ho
lived to refute the unjust calmnny, and published a treatise
to -prove the lawfulness of defensive war, in certain cases
of extremity. Upon his retirement from the city, he spent
his last two years at Ipswich. His last words when upon
his death-bed, according to Mr. Petyt, were, King Charletj
Kins Charles^ and testified much horror and regret for the
bloody confiisions he had promoted.f , This reprcsentatioa
appears to be void of truth, and only designed to reproach
his memory. For Mr. Giles Firmin, who knew hun in litist,
9nd attended him in death, observes, in a preface to one of
Mr. Marshall's posthumous sermons, ^^ That he left behind
him few preachers like himself; that he was a christian in
practice as well as profession ; that he lived by faith, and died
by faith, and was an example to the believers, in word, ill
conversation, in charity, in faith, and in purity. And when
Jhe, together with some others, conversed with him about his
death, he replied, ^ I cannot say, as one did, I have not so
lived that I l^hould now be afraid to die; but this I can say,
/ I have so learned Christy that I am not afraid to die.' "( He
enjoyed theTull use of his understanding to the last ; but, for
some months previous to his death, he lost his appetite and
ihe use of his hands.
He was justly accounted an admired preacher;^ but, Ui
« Sylvester's Life of Baxter, part ii. p. 199.
il- Grey's ExamiDation, yol. iv. p. 146.
fNeal's Puritans, vol. W. p. 19.
Mr. Marshall was certaioly a usefal as well as admired preacher, .•f
which the foUovfing instance is preserved on record : — Lady Brown, wife
to an eminent member of the loof parliament, was under great trouble
about the salvation of her soul. For some time she refused to attend upoo
public worship, though it had formerly beeo her great delight. She asked
Fhat she should do there, and said it would only increase ner damnation I
In thi« state of mind she was persuaded, and almost forced to hear Mr.
Marshall; when the sermon was so exactly suited to her case, and so
powerfully applied to her mind, that she returned home in transportt of
joy. — Caiamy's Coniin. yol. i. p. 467.
Sa? LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
refute this account of his character, Dr. Grey quotes sereral
passives from his sermons preached on pubUc occasions ;
among ivhicb are the following :— '^ Beloved, our days aie
better than they were seven years ago ; because it is better
to me the Lord executing judgment, than to see men woriL-^
ing wickedness; and to beh^d people lie wallowing in
Iheir blood, rather than iq^iostatizing from God, and em*
bracing idolatry and superstition, and banishing the Lord
Cfaorkt from taiongsl men.— Carry on the work stiS. Leave
not a rag thai bdongs to popery. Lay not a bit of the
liord's buildii^ with any thing -that bdongs unto anti-
christ's stttflf; but away with sdl of it, root and branch,
kead and tail ; throw it out of the kingdom. — I could easHf
i^ hefoae you a eatalogne of mercies. You have receivOT
many peculiar to yout own persons, to your souls and bodies,
your estates and families, privative mercies, positive mer«
cies. You eat mercies^ drink mercies, wear mercy's clothes,
are compassed about and covered with mercies, as much'
88 ever the earth was in Noah's flood. "« These sermons,
ct which this is a specimen, so abound with striking cc»n«
paris<ms, and contain so pointed an appeal to the hearers^
that though they are not suited to the taste of modem elo-
quence, it is easy to conceive how they might gain great
admiration in those times. The doctor's refutation, tlere^
fore, refutes itself.
Another author endeavours to expose Mr. Marshall to
Jnblic contempt, on account of his sentiments delivered m
is sermons before the parliament. We give these sent!**'
ments in his own words, as transcribed from his sermons t
<< Christ," says he, ^^ breaks and moulds commonwealths al
kis pleasure. He hath not spoke much in his word how
long they simil last,, or what he intends to do with them£
only this, that all kings and kingdoms that make wav against
the church, shall be broken in pieces; and that, in the end,
all the kingdoms of the world sliall be the kingdoms of our
Lord and his saints ; and they shall reign over them. Did
ever any parliament in England lay the cause of Christ and
religion to heart as tliis hatli done ? Did ever tbit city of .
London, the rest of the tribes, and the godly party through*
ont the land, so willingly exhaust themselves, that Christ
. might be set up ? Let all England cry that our blood, our
poverty, &c. are abundantly repaid in this, that there it
such a concurrence to set the Lord Christ upon his thronei
• Grejf's Examinatioo^ toI. iii. p. 183—185.
MARSHALL. tfit
Id be Lord and Cbsid over this oor Isimel.''* Tboeii
more to the same purpose ; but this oontains a sidtdad
specimen.
Newcouit calls him << llie Geoeva-BaU, and a hctiam
and rebeUions diirine;"t and Wood styles him ^ a notori*
ous independent, and the aidiflamen of the lebdlioas roat.**^
The fact however is, he never was an independent, but lived
and died an avcrwed presbyterian. And vrith respect to his
lebellion, what is obrarved above will afford every impartial
leader a sufficient refotation of the charge. Fnller has
classed him among the learned writers of Emanud coU^e ^
and gives him the following character : ^ He was a minister
well qualified for his work ; yet so supple, that he did not
break a joint in all the alterations of the times. Althougk
some suspected him of deserting his piesbyterian principles;
yet upon his death-bed he gave fidl satis&ction of the con*
trary.'^ll He died in the month of November, 1655, when
his remains were interred with great funeral solemnity in
Westminster abbey, but were dug up, together vrith many
others, at the restoration.! Mr. Huj?h Glover, ejected in
1663, was his successor at Finchingneld.** Mr. Marshall
wrote with consideraible ability against the baptists, and
published many sermons preached before the parliament,
the titles of some of which we have collected.
His Works. — 1. A Sermon preached before the Honoursble Hovm
ilf Coinmoi]i3, at their public Fast, Nov. 17, 1640—1641.-2. A Peace-
Offering to God, a Sermon to the Honourable House of Commons, at
their public Thanksgiving, Sept. 7, 1641— 1641.— 3. Meroz Cursed;
or, a Sermon to the Commons at their late solemn Fast, Feb. 23, 1641
— 1641, — 4. Reformation and Desolation; or, a Sermon tending to
the Discovery of the Symptoms of a People to whom God will by f^
be reconciled, preached before the Commons at their late public Fajt,
Dec. 22, 1641—1642.-^. The Song of Moses the Servant of God,
and the Song of the Lamb, opened in a Sermon before the Commons
at their late solemn Day of Thanksgiving, June 15, 1643— -1643. —
il. A Copy of a Letter vrritten by Mr. Stephen Marafaall to a Friend
of h«s in the City, for the necessaiy Vindication of himself and bis
Midbtry, against the altogether groundless, most unjust, and ungodly
Ajpenion cast upon him by cerMn Malignants in the City, 1643.—
7. A* Sermon of the Bi^tizing of Infants, preached in Abbey-church,
* L'Estraoge's Dissenten' Sayingi, part ii. p^40y 59.
f Newcourt's Itepert. Ecd. vol. it. p. 26S.
} Wood's Athens, vol. ii. p. ST5, 715. ^ HUt. of Can. p. 147.
roller's Worthies, part ii. p. 52, 53. 1 Kenoet's Chronicle^ p. 506.
** Fftlmcr's Noocoo, Men. vol. il. p. 900.
£34 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Wettminster, at tbe Moniiog lecture appointed by the Honourabte'
House of CommuuB, 1644. — 8. The Churches Lamentation for tbe
€rood Man's Loss ; delivered in a Sermon to the Right Hononrable
the two Houses of Parliament and the Reverend Assembly of
Dhrines, at tbe Funeral of that excellent Man, John Pym, esquire,
« late Meml}er of the Honourable House of Commons, 1644. —
9. God's Master-Piece, a Sermon tending to manifest God's glorioot
appearing in the Building up of Zion, preached- before the Right
Honourable the House of Peers, March 26, 1645—1645. — 10. The
Strong Helper; or, the Interest and Power of the Prayers of the
Destitute, for the BnilcUng up of Zion, opened in a Sermon before tbe
Commons, upon the solemn Day of their monthly Fast, April 90^
1645^1645. — II. A Sacred Record to be made uf God*s Merciea to
Zion : a Thanksgiving Sermon preached to the two Houses of Par-
liament, the Lord Mayor, Court of Aldermen, and Common Connoil
of the City of London, at Chrisf s Church, June 19, 1645—1645.—
12. A Defence of Infant Baptism : In Answer to two TreatukeSy and
ao Appendix, lately published by Mr. Jo. Tombes, 1646.
Timothy Armitage, in the year 1647, was choaen
pastor of the first independent church in the citj of Nor*
wich. So early as the year 1643, many pious people io^
Norwich joined Mr. Bridge's church at Yarmouth, who
afterwards wished to have the seat of the church removed
to the former place ; but the majority of members residing
at Yarmouth, the proposal was declined. Yet it was
mutually agreed that they should form themselves into a
separate church. This was done June 10, 1644, in the
presence of several of their bn^thren from Yarmouth, who
signified their approbation by expressions of the most tender
and endeared afiection. Indeed, many of the members of
both churches had been companions in the patience of our
Lord Jesus in a foreign land, when they enjoyed sweet
communion together in the ordinances of the gospel, but
returned home upon the commencement of the civil wars.
The church at Norwich was no sooner formed than namer«
oils additions were made to it. Mr. Armitag<^'a(%er labouring
several years with ffreat usefulness, died math regretted in'
Decemh!er, 1655. He published a work entitled, " Enoch's
Walk with God." Mr. Thomas Alkn; the silenced non-
conformist in 1662, succeeded him in the pastoral office.*
There were at this early period no less than fifteen pongre-
gational churches on the coast of Sufiblk and Norfcdk^ under
• Meen^ MS. CoUec. p. 116. ^
ARMITAGE--G. WORKMAN— T. TOUNG. flSfi
f
the direction and enconragement of Mr. Armitage and
Mr. Bridge.*
Giles Workman, A.M. — ^This worthy person was the
ion of Mr. Wiili^ Workman, born at Newton fia^path in
Gloucestershire^ in the year 1605, and educated at Magda-
len-ball, Oxford, where he took his decrees in arts. After
finishing his studies at the university, lie became vicar 'ot
Walfora in Herefordshire, then master of the college school
in Gloucester, and at length, by the favour of Matthew
Hale, esq., afterwards lord chief justice, he became rector
of Alderley in Grloucestershire^ Wood says, <^ he was a
quiet and peaceable puritan."f He was brother to Mr.
John Workman, another puritan divine, and a great
sufferer under the oppressions of Archbishop Laud. Mr.
Giles Workman died in 1655, aged fifty years ; when his
remains were interred in Alderley church. He published
^< A modest Examination of Laymen's Preaching, discovered
to ha neither warranted by the Word of Grod, nor allowed
by the Judgment or Practice of the Churches of Christ in
New England," 1646. He also published several sermons.
Thomas Young, D. D. — This pious and learned divine
was probably educated in the university of Cambridge.
He was afterwards preacher to the Ejiglish merchants at
Hamburgh ; and, upon his return to his native country, he
became vicar of Stow-Market in Suffolk, in which situation
he continued almost thirty years. He was a person of great
learning, prudence, and piety, and discovered great fidelity
and ability in the work of the ministry. t In the year 1643
he was chosen one of the assembly of divines, and proved
himself a distinguished member during the whole session.
Bdhg called to the metropolis, he was chosen pastor at.
Dukes-place in the city. In 1645 he was appointed one
of the committee ctf accommodation ;S ^nd about the same
time was chosen master of Jesus college, Cambridge, by
the Earl' of Manchester. In this public situation he dis-
coFeied his gieat abilities and usefulness, till he was turned
« Palmer's Nonson. Mem.Tol. iii. p. 11, 980.
f Wood's AtbensB Ozon. vol. ii. p. 1S8.
% Clark's Lives annexed to Martyrologie, p. 194.
S Papers of Accom. p. IS.
$56 LIVES OP THE PURITANS.
01]^ in 1650, for refusing the engagement.* Upon this he
most probably reiired to Stow-Market, where he afterwards
died, in the year 1655, and his remains were interred in the
church under a marble htone, with a monumental inscription.
Mr. Baker says, ^< he left behind him the character of a
learned, wise, and pious man."t Mr. Leigh styles him « a
leamed divine, very well versed in the fathers, and author of
an excellent treatise, entitled " Dies Dominical He was
also one of the authors of Smectymnuus.t
John Pbndarves, A. B. — This person was bom ia
C<»niwaU, in the year 1623, and educated at Exeter ooU^^
Oxford. In the year 1642, when the nation was involved
in war, he left the university, took part with the parliament,
and, says the Oxford historian, ^^ having a voluble tongue
for canting, went up and down preaching in houses, bams,
under trees, hedges, and elsewhere." Though this is
evidently designed to blacken his memory, his oondoct
herein was surely as commendable as that of many of tike
episcopal clergy, who stretched all their power to obtain
numerous rich livings, but did not preadi at all. << Bnt,^'
says he, ^^at length he turned anabaptist; and baying
obtained a great multitude of disciples, made himself head
of them, defied all authority, contradicted and opposed all
orthodox ministers, challenged them to prove their callingi
and spared not many times to interrupt them in their pulpits^
and to urge them to disputes. After several chaUmgeSy
Dr. Mayne, of Christ's Church, undertook to be his respon*
dent; and, according to appointment, they met September
11, 1652, in Watlington church, Oxfordshire, when an
innumerable company of people assembled : but Peodanyi
beinff backed by a great party of anabaptists, and the^cnm
of the people, who behaved themselves very rudely, the
disputation was interrupted, and so came to nothing."^ H«
was lecturer at Wanta^ in Berkshire, and pastor to the
baptist church at Abingdon in the same county. Cor
author acids, that '' he accounted himself a tnie-bofil
Englishman ; but, because he endeavoured utterly to undo
the distressed and tottering church of Ei^land, he irai
undeserving of the name. And as he did these things fiff
♦ Walker's Attempt, part i. p. ll(i.
+ Baker's MS. Collec. vol. vi. p. 58w
t Leigh on Religion aod Learning, p. S69.
S Wood's Athene Ozoa. ?ol. ii. p. 127.
PENDARYES— J. 6IFF0RD. £57
no other purpose than to obtain wealth, and make himielf
famous to posterity ; so it would be accounted worthy, if
by my omission oi hinl his name could have been buried in
oblivion." This bitter writer, nevertheless, allows him to
liave been a tolerable disputant* Mr. Pendarves died in
London, in the beginning of September, 1656, aged thirty*
four years. His remains are said to have been carried to
Abingdon, in. a sugar-cask filled up with sand ; whore they
were interred, with sreat funeral solemnity, in t)ic baptists*
burying-ground. He was a fifth monarchy nian;t and,
being famous among the party, his interment drew tc^etber
so great a concourse of people, that the government took
notice of it, and sent Major-general Bridges, with a party
of soldiers, to attend at Abingdon on the occasion. The
numerous assemblage of people spent sevend days in the
religious exercises of praying and preaching which was
attended with some rude behaviour and confusion.;
His Works — 1. Arrows against Babylon ; or, Qaerirs scr^ ing to a
clear Discovery of the Mystery of Iniquity, 1656. — 2. Endravonrs
for Reformation of Saints* Apparel, 1656. — 3. Queries for the People
called Quakers, 1656.— 4- Prefatory Epistle to a Book entiUed«
* The Prophets Malachy and Isaiah prophesying to the Saints and
Professors of this Generation,' 1656. — 5. Sevend Sermons, 1657. —
And various other small articles.
John Gifford. — This person was bom in the county of
Kent ; afterwards he became a major in the king^s army
durinj^ the civil wars. He was concerned in the insurrectioa
raiscdin that county ; for which he was apprehended, and^
together with eleven others, received the sentence of death.
But, the night before he was to suffer, hb sister coming to
visit him, and finding the centinels who kept the door of
the prison fast asleep, and his companions in a state of
iatoxication, she urged him to embrace the favourable
opportunity and escape for his life. Having made his
< • Wood's Atheote, ▼ol. if. p. 187.
-¥ The fifth monarchy men arose about the time of the death of Charles I.
1 during the commonwealth. They expected the immediate appearance
Chriit to establish on earth a new monarchy or kingdom, and to com*
B hb glorious personal reign of a thousand years. As there are four
aaipmi mentioned in ancient history, which successively gained the
kn of the world, so these men, believing that tbitf new spiritual kiag^
[Christ was to be theJi/)tA, received the appellaUon Qfjlftk monmrckjf
^ MS. CoUcc. p. 468.
U III. s
LIVES OF THE PURITANS. *
escape, he fled into the fields and crept into a ditcb, where
he remained about three days, till search for him was orer;
and then, by the help of friends, he went in disguise to
London. After concealing himself for some time in the
city, and at various places in the country, he went io Bed-
ford, where, though an entire stranger, he commenced the
practice of physic ; but still remained very debauched in
his life. He was greatly addicted to drunkenness, swear-
ing, gaming, and similar immoral practices In his gaming
he usually found himself a loser, which made him sometimes
disccmtented, and resolve to leave off the practice ; but' his
resolutions were soon broken, and he returned to his old
coursie. One night, having lost fifteen pounds, he became
almost outrageous, attended with most reproachful thoughts
of God ; tint looking into one of Mr. Bolton^s books, SQUie^
thing laid fast hola upon his conscience, and brought binl
for Uie first time io a deep sense of his sins. Under these
painftil convictions he laboured for about a month, when
God by his word so discovered to him the forgiveness of
his sins, through faith in Jesus Christ, that, as he used to
say, he never lost sight of it afterwards.
Mr. Gifford having thus tasted that the Lord was gracious,
presently sought an intimate acquaintance with the religious
people in Bedford, whom he had before grievously perse-
cuted, and had even resolved to murder the minister who
had occasionally prcaghed to them. Indeed, he imd been a
man of.so profligate and base a character, that they werefoi
same time jealous of his profession ; but he, being naturallj
of a bold spirit, still thrust himself among them, both in
theit public meetings and private company. Having made
SuflScient trial, they embraced him as a disciple and a
brother ; and after some time he began to preach amoiu;
them. The very first sermon he preached was ma£
instrumental in the conversion of a female, whose future life
hccsime an ornament to her profession. He afterwards col-
lected the most pious persons in the congregation together;
and, having repeatedly assembled and prayed to God for
his direction and blessing, they formed themselvea into a
christian church. They were twelve in all, incltidii^ Mr.
Giflbrd, and all ancient and grave christians, ana well
known to one another. Here was laid the foundation of
that religious society of which the celebitttod Mr. John
Bunyan was afterwards pastor, and which exists and
flourishes at the present time. It was fonned upou strict
/
I
CAPEL. «9
Gon^re^iohal principles, admitting both paedobaptists and
antipaedobaptis^, and still continues on the same broad
foundation.
The membere of this infant society, after giving them*-
, selyes to the Lord and to one another, unanimously chose
Mr. (jriffi)rd to the office of pastor. He accepted the charge^
and i^aye himself up to the service of the Lord and his
people, to walk with them, watch over them, and dispense
among them the Inysteries of the kingdom. This was about
the year 165L The principle on which they entered into
church fellowship, and on which they added fresh members^
waS) '^ Faith in Christ anc} holiness of life," without respect
to any outward circumstances whatever. <^ By this means,''
it is said, '' grace and faith were encouraged, and love and
amity maintained ; disputing and occasion of janglings,
and unprofitable questions, avoided ; and many thiit were
weak in ikith confirmed in the blessings of eternal 11 fe.'^
Mr. Gifford died September 1^1, 1656; who, on his deaths
bed, wrcke a most excellent letter to the congregation,
earnestl|r persuading them to continue in the faithful
maintenance of their principles, and afiectionately exhorting
them to promote peace, holiness, and brotherly love.*
Richard Capel, A, M. — This worthy divine was bom
in the city of Gloucester, in 1586, and descended from the
ancient family of that name, being a near relation to Loid
(}apel. His lather was an alderman of the city ; one whu
greatly promoted the cause of Christ in the place; and was
a zealous friend to the suffering nonconfornii^^ts. His soa
was educated in Magdalen college, Oxford, where he
gained a considerable reputation^ and was chosen /ellow of
ike house. He had many learned pupils, who became
&mous in their day ; among whom were Dr. Frewen, after-
wards archbidiop of York, and the celebrated Mr. William
Femble. Mr. Capel, being desirous of greater usefulness to
souls, ,iemoved from the univensity and entered upon the
ministerial work, first at Bstington, then at Pitcfacomb in
bis own county* He did not enter into the sacred office for
apiece of bread, but for the advancement of the Redeemer's
kingdom and the salvation of men. Therefor.^ he had no '
sooner entered fupon the ^ork^ than he gave himself wholly
to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine ; and his profiting
• Meen*s MS. CeUec. p. SISH^H, SS5; M trangcribod frcua the
•rif^al chufch-book at Bedford.
«» LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
intolerable and abominable ; yet he could Uttre been satisfied
ivitli moderate episcopacy. He held a profession of faith
and repc^niand^, and a subjection to the ordinances of Christy
to be the rule of admission to church fellowship; but ad*
mitted to baptism the children of those who had been
baptized, withgut requiring the parents to own any covenant
or being in church felhm^hip. He, as well as his colleague,
considered the subbath as beginning on the Saturday
evening.
Mr. Pfoyesj'at the close of life, endured a long and tedious
affliction, which he bore with christian patience and holy
cheerfulness. He died triumphing ih the Loid, October
8S, 1656, aged forty-eight years. He possessed a quick
invention, a sound judgment, a strong memory, and was a
good linguist, an able disputant, an excellent counsellor, and
one of the greatest men of tluB age.* He was much bdp^f^d
by his people, and his memory is there respected at the
present day. He published a piece entitled, ^' Moaes and
Aaron, or the Rights of Church and State f and ^< A CbIb-
chism," for the use of his flock, which, to the honour of Ul;
memory, has lately been reprinted.f
Edward Bright, A. M. — This worthy minist^of Cbriit
was br>rn at Greenwich, near Iiondon, and educated in the
university of Cambridge, where he was chosen fellow of his
college.} AHerwards he became vicar of Goudhunt in
Keijt, where he fell under the displeasure of ArcblHshop
Laud. In the year 1640 he was cited, with other puriiwi
ministers in Kent, to appear before his lordship's visiton «t
Feversham, to answer for not reading the prayer against the
Scots. According to summons, th<y appeared before Sk
Nathaniel Brent, the archbishop's vicar-general, and other
officers : ^"uen Mr. Bright was first called, and being asked
whether lie had read the prayer, he answered in the negative.
Upon which the arclnkacon immediately suspend^ bim
from his office and benefice, without the least admonttkm,
or even giving him a moment of time for consideration.
This rash act was deemed, even by the favourites of JLaiid,
to be neither prudential nor canonical.^ It does not appear
how long the good man continued under this cruel setttoaces
* •
♦ Mather's Hist of New Eng. b. iii. p. 145'-148.
+ Mors" aod Parish's Hist. p. 43, 46, 41.
i Baker's MS. Conec. vol. ?i, p. 81.
S Life of Mr. Wikoo, p. 15. £dil. ISTt.
JBRIGHT— PECK. 263
but he was most probably released upon tbe meeting of the
long parliament, toward[i> the close of this year.
Mr. Bright was afu-rwards chosen fellow of Emanuel
college, Cambridge; bul he still <.oniinued in his beloved
work of prciiching. He was next chosen minister of Christ-
church, London ; but he did not long survive his removal.
Duritag his hst sickness, be often said, ^' 1 thaiik God I came
not to London for money. I brought a good conscience
.from Cambridge, and I thai»k God I have not lived to spoil
.it.'' He died in the month of December, li)b6 ; when his
funeral sermon was prciiched by Mr. Samuel Jacomb, and
afterwards published. He was zealous, courageous, and
conscieatious in tlie suppoit of divine truth ; jet of great
candour, affection, and moderation. He was a man of great
piety, ffood learning, rxcclhnt ministerial abilities, and
admirable industry. Many elegies were published upon
his death.* He had the character of a very good man, and
was endowed with a considerable share of patience, which
indeed he very much needed, having the affliction of a very
firoward and x^amorous wife. On this account, many
thought it a ha{)piness to him to be dull of hearing. This
WOTtiiy servant of Christ is, by mistake, included among the
ejected ministers atlcr the restoration.f
Robert Peck. — This zealous puritan was rector oi
jligfaam in Norfolk, to which he was preferred in tlie year
iS06. He was a zealous nonconformist to tiie ceremonies
^uul corruptions of the church, for which be was severely
persecuted by Bishop Harsnet. Having catechized his
hmuly and sung a psalm in his osfrn house, on a Lord's day
evening, when some of his neighbours attended, his lordship
«njoin^ him, and all who were present, to do penance, re-
quiring them to say, / confess my errors, 'f hose who
nfiieed were immediately excommunicated, and required
4a tfm heavy costs. All this appeared under the bishop's
own hand. For this, and similar instances of his oppression
'Md omelty, the citizens of Norwich, in the year 16!?3,
jpiMftutodi m complaint against his lordship in the house of
.1^ the bishop's ^swer to this complaint, he had nothing
"^^^tMjoX^Ax. Peck's doctrine and life, only his non-
0^; He pleaded, in his own defence, <^Tbat
Semon fbr Mr. Bright.
faafyPt |fefli««oli U. p. 988.
t64 LIV£S OF THE PURITANS.
Mr. Peck had been sent to him by the justices of the peace,
for keeping a conventicle at night, and in hi& own house;
that his catechizing was only an excuse to draw the people
together; and that he had infected the parish with strange
opinions : as, < that the people are not to kneel as they
enter the church ; that it is superstition to bow at the name
of Jesus ; and that the church is no more sacred than anj
other building/" His grace further affirmed, that Mr.
Feck had been convicted of nonconformity, and of keeping
conventicles, in 1615 and 1617; and that, in 16!^, he was
taken in his own house, with twenty-two of his neiglibonts,
at a conventicle.* How far the house of commons acquiesced
in his lordship's defence, or whether they considered it a
sufficient justification x>f his arbitrary proceedings, we
.have not been able to learn.
Mr. Peck suffered much under the persecutions of
Bishop Wren ; when he was driven from his flock, deprived
of his benefice, and forced to seek his bread in a foreign
land.f He is indeed said to have been deprived for non"
residence, which was the case with many of his brethreiu
JBy the terrific threatenings of their persecutors, and having
no better prospect than that of excommunication, impriscm-
ment, or other ecclesiastical censure, they were driven frmn
their beloved flocks, or they retired for a time into some
private situation, in hope that the storm might soon be over;
lor which they were cottured as nonresidents. This was
DO doubt the case with Mr. Peck. He and Mr. Thomai
Allen are said to have had so much influence upon their
parishioners, that, after the deprivation of the two mimsteiK)
none of them would pay any thing to those who served their
cures. This shews how greatly they were beloved4 Hav-
ing fled to New England, the church atHigham, in the new
colony, rejoiced for a season in his light. He remained
there several vears ; till afterwards he received an invitation
from his old niends at Higham, in his native country^ when
he returned home, laboured am(M]g them, and was of eminent
service to the church of Grod.§
The following account is given of Mr. Peck by one .of
our historians, me design of which is too obvious : '< He
was a man of a very violent schismatical spirit. He pulled
• MS. Remarks, p. 71S— 715. .
f NalsoB'i CoUec. yoI. ii. p. 400, 401.— ^Rosbworth'i Collec* vol. iU.
p. S53.
Wren's Parentalia, p. 95.
Mather's Hist, of New £o|f. b. iii. p. 914.
\
S. GEREE. 965
down the rails in (he chancel'of the church at Higham, and
levelled the altar and the whole chancel a foot below the
church, as it remains to this day ; but, being prosecuted for
it by Bishop Wren, he fled to New England, with many of
his parishioners, who sold their estates for half their value,
and conveyed all their effects to the new plantation. They
elected the town and colony of Highani, where many of
their posterity still remain. He promised never to desert
them ; but, hearing that the bishops were deposed, he left
them to shift for themselves, and came back to England in
1646, after a .banishment of ten years. He resumed his
charge at Higham, where he died in the year 1656. His
funeral sermon was preached by Mr. Nathaniel Joceline^
and afterwards published ;"* but this we have not seen.
Stephen Geree, A. B. — This person was elder brother
to Mr. John Geree, another puritan divine ; was bom in
Yorkshire, in the year 1594, and educated in Magdalen-
hall, Oxford. Having finished his academical pursuits at
the university, he entered upon the ministerial work, but
laboured most probably in the two-fold capacity of minister
and schoolmaster. On the approach of the civil wars, he
took part with the parliament, became minister of Wonncrsh,
near Guildford in Surrey ; but he afterwards removed to
Abinger in tlie same county. Wood, in contempt, styles
him ^< a zealous brother in the cause that was driven on by
the saints."f He appears to have been living in 1656,
but died probably soon after that period. He published
several sermons, one of which is entitled, " The Ornament
of Women; or, a Description of the true Excellency of
Women, at the Funeral of Mrs. Eliz. Machel, on Prov.
xxxi. 29, 30"— 1639. He also published « The Doctrine
of the Antinomians by Evidence of God's Truth plainly
Confuted, in an Answer to divers dangerous Doctrines in
the seven first Sermons of Dr. Tob. Crisp," 1644 ; and
^^ The Golden Meane, being some Considerations, together
with some Cases of Conscience, resolved, for the more
frequent Administration of the Lord's Supper," 1656-
' * Blomefield's Hisl. of Norfolk, toI. I. p. 6S8.
^ Wood^ JUhenm Oxon. toI. ii. p. 138.
• «
S66 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Edwaio Corbet, D. D. — Thk ivorAj person was bom
at Pontesbury in Shropshire, in the year (60^, descended
from the ajicieiit family of Corbels in thai county, and edu-
cated in«Merton college, Oxfoni, where he was chosen
iisllow. He was made proctor of the uniyersity; but^
reusing confoitoity in certain points, he was called before
the vice*cbancelIor. He was no efiemy to the church of
EnglamI, but could not with a good conscience obs^crve all
its superstitious ceremonies. And while the vice-chancellor
laid his case before Archbishop Laud, chancellor of the
iniiversity, he petitioned his lordship for relief; but it was
|i0t li^y he could obtain the least redress.* The civil
war having commenced, and Oxford being garrisoned by
the l^ing^s forces, he was deprived of his fellowship, ara
expelled from the college, for refusing to espouse the royal
cause.t Archbishop Laud, being afterwards prisoner in
the Tower, refused him the rectory of Cliatham in Kent,
because he was a puritan; and when he was appointal
rector of that place, by. order of parliament, his lordship
ttill refused his allowance ; but his refusal was to no pur-
po6c4 He was witness against the archbishop at bis triidy
and deposed '^ that, in the year 1^38, his grace visitiu
Merton colh^ge, by his deputy, Sir John Lamb, one artidfe
propoiHkded to the wardens and fellows was, ^ \¥heiher
they made diue reverence, by bowing towards the idtar^
when they came into the chapel /---That he and Mr. Cheynd
were cpjoiaid by the visitors and comroisstoners to use Ais
ceranoBy ; but they refused ; for which, though he assigned
iki& reasons for vetoing, he was particularly threatened. —
That, after this, Dr. Frewin, the vice-chancellor, toU him
that he was sent to him by the archbishop, i^uiring him to
use this ceiieiiiony.<«<i~That the aichbishop afterwards sent
injunctions to Merton college, requiring them io bow towards
the altar, and the visitors questioned those who refused. —
And that in Magdalen college there was a crucifix placed
over the communion table, and pictures in the windows;
and a n^v crucifix was set up in Christ's diurch, none c^
which innovations wme ever faemrd of before the time dT
this aichbishop."^
Mr. Corbet was chosen one of the assembly of divines,
one of the committee tor the examination and ordinatioa of
* Wharton's Tronbles of Land, vol. ii. p. 15J», 156.
f Wood's Athens Oxon. vol. ii. p. 88.
^ Pi^nne's Breviate-of Land, p. 97,^8.
^ Pr\nne's Cant Doome, p. 71.
CORBET. 267
ViiBisten, and one of the preachers before the iMurliameiit.
He- was ^appointed one of the preachers to reodncife the
Oxford scholars to the parliament, one of the visitors of
th»t uiiiverbity, and orator and canon of Christ's Church, in
the ro(MU of Dr. Hammond. It is observed, '' that, though
he was one of the visitors, he seldom or lu^ver sat among
thrm. And v« hon he usually {^reached at St. Mary's church,
the year Ix'fon* the king was beheaded, he would, in his
long prayer before sermon, desire ^ that (lod would open
the king^s eyt's to lay to heart all the blood that he had
q;)ilt. And that he would prosper the parliament and their
blessed procciedings." He was an easy maii,'Mt is added,
<< and apt to be guided by the persuasions of otliers; and,
therefore, by Cheynel and Wilkinson, two violent and
impetuous presbyterians, he was put into the roll of vhitora,
nerely to make a nose of wax."* However, he did not
continue long in tliis situation ; but, being made rector of
Great Uasely in Oxfordshire, he nrmovod to the chaige of
his flock, wiierc he continued to the end of his days. He
took his doctor's degree in 1648, and dic>d in London,
in January, 1657, aged fifty-five years; when his remains
were "conveyed to Great Hasely, and interred in the chancd
cf the church.t Ho was a good divine, a valuable preacher,
tad a person remarkable for integrity. His wife was
dangfato: of Sir Nathaniel Brent, and grand-daughter of Dr.
Rotert Abbot, bishop of Salisbury.^ ' She was a lady of
most exemplary piety. Iler funeral sermon was preached
by Dr. Wilkinson, and afterwards published, with some
account of iter excellent diameter.^ Dr. Corbet appean
to have been author of ^' The Worldling's Looking-glass;
or, the Danger of losing his Soul for Gain," 1630. " God'a
Piovidence, a Sermon before the House of Commons,"
1642. And most prol)ably some others. Some of Bishop
Abbofs manuscripts iell into his hands, particularly his
Latin Commentary upon the whole Epistle to the Romans.
This learned and laborious work, in four volumes folio.
Dr. Corbet deported in the BodUuan library, Oxford, whcM
it still remains.!
. * Grey'i EEiiaiiiHition of Neat, vol. ii. p. 900.
f Wood's Athenae Oxon. voU ii. p. 749.
?Bio|c. Brilnn. Tol. I. p. 93. Edit. 1778.
RcBMet Obfookle, p. 16.— Clark's Uwes annexed to Martyrolog'^f ,
y. 414. I Biog. Britao. ibid. p. S4.
f6S LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
James Cranpord, A. M. — This excellent muiister
the son of Mr. James Cranford, many years minister and
master of the free*8chool in Coventry. He was born in that
city in the year 160!^, and educated in Baliol college, Oxford,
where he took his degrees. Upon his leaving the university,
he became minister in Northamptonshire, then removed to
London, and became rector of St. Christopher le StockSi
near the old Exchange. This was in the year 1642. The
following year he was appointed, by order of parliament^
to be one of the licensers of the press for works m divinity.
In the year 1644, he was appointed one of the Lcmdon
ministers to ordain suitable young men to the christian
ministry. And in 1645, he was brought into trouble for
speaking against several members of the house of conunons.
He was charged with saying, tliat they had carried on a
correspondence with the royalists, and were false to the
parliament ; for which he was committed to prison ; where
ne continued about five weeks, when the house of commons
Srocceded to an examination of his case, and passed upon
im the following sentence : — ^^ That the words spoken bj
Mr. Cranford against some members of the house of com*
raons, and of the committee of both kingdoms, thai tkejf
kept intelligence xsnth the king's party ^ and were fabe U>
the parliament^ were false and scandalous. — That Bfr»
Cranford, at a full exchange In London, and at West*
minster, shall confess the wrong he hath done them in* so
scandalizing them. — ^Tbat he shall pay five hundred pounds
to each of those four members for damages. — ^And that ho
shall be committed to the Tower during the pleasure (rf* the
house.^'^* Whether this heavy sentence was legal or ill^al,
we will not pretend to determine.
Thongh Afr. Cranford thus felt the vengeance oi his
cuperiors, he does not appear to have been a man of a turt
bulent spirit; and though he mieht be provoked to use the
above unjustifiable expressions, he was a man who bore an
excellent character, and was highly esteemed among his
brethren. Wood denominates him an '^ exact linguist, wdl
acquainted with the fathers, schoolmen, and modem divines}
a zealous presbyterian, and a laborious preacher."f Fuller
adds, ^^ that he was a famous disputant, orthodox in judg«
mcnt, and a person of great humility, charity, moderation,
a(id kindness towards all men.'';t Uq died April 27, 1657}
m
• Whitlocke'i Mem. p. 144, 145.
f Wood*i Athenas Oxon. vol. ii. p. 1S3.
i Fuller's Worthies, part iti. p. 118,
CRANFORDl-BLAKK. 9G>
aged fifly-fiye years; when his remains were interred in
St. Christopher's church.
•His Works. — I. The Tears of Ireland, wherein is represented a lift
of the anhcard-of Cruelties of the blood-thirsty Jesuits and the Popish
Faction, 1642. — 2. An Exposition oh the Prophesies of Daniel,
1644. — 3. Haeresco-Machia; or, the Mischief which Heresies do, and
the Means to prevent them, 1646. — 4. A Confutation of the Anabap*
tists. — He wrote also numerous Prefaces to other men's works.
Thomas Blake, A. M. — ^Tbis pious servant of ChrisI
was bom in the county cf Stafford, in the year 1597, and
educated in Christ's Church, Oxford. Haying finished his
studies at the university, he entered upon the ministerial
work, and obtained some preferment in the church. He
became a faithful steward of the manifold mysteries of
God. He was zealous in the work of the Lord, and his
labours were made eminently useful. He was the faithful
and laborious pastor of St. Alkmond's church, Shrewsbury,
but it is doubtful whether this was the first place of his neL^
Ueoient. When the parliament prevailed, and episcopacy
was abolished, Mr. Blake took the covenant ; but was after-
wards turned out for refusing the engagement.* In the year
1647, he accepted an invitation to Tamworth in hb native
county, where he continued in the ministerial work all the
lest of his days. Here he was appointed one of the
assistant commissioners of Staffordshire, for ejectii^ ignorant
and scandalous ministers and schoolmasters. He died at
Tamworth, aged sixty years, and his remains were interred
in his own church, June 11, 1657.t He was a man of
great piety, good learning, and a constant and excdlent
preacher.
Mr. Anthony Burgess, afterwards ejected in 166?,t who
preached Mr. Blake's funeral sermon, ^tves the foUowing
commendations .of hb character: — He was a man of
inany excellent qualifications. He possessed good natural
talents, much improved by diligent application, and sancti*
fied by the grace of Grod. The most eminent feature in hit
character was his great piety, for which he was highly
esteemed. And as he was a man of conrideiable learning,
* Calamy'i Accoaot, yoI. ii. p. 184.
-^ Wo6d*8 Athens Ozod. yoI. ii. p. ISS.
t Palmerli Jf oncon. Hem. yoI. ili. p. 950.
f70 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
and ihat learning being directed to proper objects, he wat
enabled to do more work in the vineyard of Christ thaa
many of his brethren. • He did not overlook the younger
part of his flock. Being well persuaded of the importahce
of early religious instruction, he discovered great diligence
in catechizing the youth of his congregation. He possessed
a peculiar tenderness of spirit, which fitted him in a more
eminent degree for this part of his work. As a true
chepherd over the flock of Christ, he sought not theirs^ but
them : not any worldly advantage, but the salvation of tlieir
souls. He was a wise and prudent counsellor. Persons
voder trouble of soul sought his advice, and he gave it with
great alrility and readiness. But, while he administcrecl
consolation to others, God sometimes left him to walk ii^
npiritual darkness; yet, at length, he dispelled those
uoomy fears, and caused him to rejoice in his salvatiooi
IJpoa his death-bed he found the comfort of the doctrine ht
had preached. He had not the least doubt of the truth
of it ; and he left the world in full assurance of eteioal
life.*
Mr. Samuel Shaw, afterwards silenced at the restonttioUff
who delivered Mr. Blake's funeral oration, addressed the
people as follows :-— ^^ While he lived, it was as impossibly
lor him not to love you, as it is for you ix> make aim mji
adequate return of love : and his care was answerable to his
love. His writings were not read without satisfaction ; and
his sermons were nevef heard without approbation, aj]4
seldom without following advantage. His awful giB'Thtj^
ancl commanding presence could not be considered without
reverence, nor his conversation without imitation. To se^
him live was a provocation to holy life: ta see him ^
might have made us weary of life. When God restrained
hiia from this place, he made his chamber his church, and
his bed biiipulpit; in which I heard him offer «p ma^jr
prayers to Uod for you. His death made him nundful of
you^ who have been too unmindful of his life. I did not
> see that aay thing made him so backward to resign uj^ his
soal to God as his unparalleled cave for you. nis deatk
seemed litfle to him in comparison of your happiness. {
sat by himi and I only, when, with a Jfiood of tears, ba
pfayed : Lord, charge not me with the ignorance of tkis
•
• Faneral SermoD for Mr. Blak«. '
f Palm«r's Noncon. Mem. Y9l. li. p. 404»
JANBWAlr. 171
people. His wisdom, justioe, and tenderness^ were such
predomininit graces, that it is as much mj inability to
describe them as it is my utihappinesB not to imitaie
them."*
His Works.— 1. Birth's Privilege ; or, tbe Right of Infants to
Baptismc, 1644. — 2. Infonts Baptisine freed from Antichristiaiiisinek
In a full Repulse given to Mr. Ch. Blackwood, in his Assault of that
Part of Clirist's Possession which he holds in his Heritage of Infantsl
entitled, by * The Storming of Antichrist,' ie46.--3. A Moderate
Answer to the two Questions, I. -Whether there be sufficient 6ffMui4
from Scripture to warrant the Conscience of a ChristiaB to present hit
Infants to the Sacrament of Baptism ? — 2, Whether it be not sinfi4
for a Christian to receive the Sacrament in a mixt Assembly? 1645.—-
4. An Answer toMr.Tombes his Lctter.in Vindication of the ^irth-
privilege of Believers and their Issnc, 1646.^ — 6. Vincficiie FeederiS^
A Treatise of the Covenant of God with Mankind^ 1093.-^. Itttet
Baptisme m'aintained in its Latitude, 1653. — 7. The Cofeaant Sealed i
or, a Treatise of the Sacrament of both Covenants, 1666. — 8. Posti-
script to the Rev. and licarned Mr. Rich. Baxter, 1655. — 0. Mr*
Job. Humphrey's Second Tindication of a Disciplinary, Ahti-erastSHn,
Orthodox, Free Admission to the Lord*s Supper, taken into Com
sideration, 1656. — 10. Answer to Mr. B. Cox about Free Admimiott
to the Sacrament — 11. Living Truths in Dying Times. — 12. Several
Sermons.
John Janeway. — Tliis extraordinary person was the
son of Mr. William Janeway, and born at Lilley in Hert-
fordshire, October S7, 1633. He was educated first at
P^uFs school; London, under the care of the excellent
Mr. Lanffley, where he made great progress in Latin,
Greek, Hebrew, matliematics, and astronomy. Ailer*
wards, he was sent to Eton college, where the eyes of many
were upon him, as the glory of the school and the wonder
of the age: and at the period of seventeen he onter(*d
King's college, Cambridge, wh«i the electors contended for
the patronage of so admirable a youth. He afterwards
became fellow of the college.
In addition to his great learning, he was endowed with
inany excellent ornaments of nttturc. His deportment was
candid ^nd agreeable, courteous and obliging. Though he
tvas exceedingly admired and caressed, he did not discover
the least vanity or pride. His learning was mixed with
much modesty and prudence; and he had great command
of his passions, by which he was preserved irom the follies
and vices of youth. But, hitherto, J^ was wholly uncon-
• Faaeral Oration for Mr. Blake.
S7S LIVES OF TUE PURITANS.
•
cenied about his best interests. He did not trouble him-
self about religion 9 or the salyatioH of his souL But Grod,
who had chosen him to shine as the sun ii^ ^ firmament of
glory for ever, was pleased, at the age c£ eighteen, to-
enlighten his mind by the power of his grace, convincioff
him of sin, and his need of a Saviour. Mr. Baxter^
^< Saints' Everlasting Rest'" was principally the instrument '
of promoting his conversion to God. The important
change soon became manifest to all. His time and his
talents were now so much employed in the pursuit of future
happiness, that he found little leisure, and less delight, in
the contemplation of the moon and stars. He now tasted
the sweetness of studying the mind of Grod in his word;
and was most concerned to please and to enjoy him for
ever. He pitied those who were curious in their inquiries
about almost every thing except the knowledge of them*,
selves and Jesus Christ. ^^ What things were once gain to
him, he now counted loss for Christ. Vea, doubtless, he
counted all things but loss for the excellency of the know-
ledge of Christ Jesus; and did count them but dung, that
he might win Chri^." Though he did not look upon
human learning as useless, but exceedingly profitable when
suitably employed ; yet, when fixed on any thing short of
Christ, and not employed to his glory, he considered it as a
sword in the hand of a madman.
In this state of mind, Mr. Janeway began to think bow
he could best improve his present attainments^ and direct
all his future studies in the most proper channel. He was
particularly concerned to express his love and thankfulness
to God, who had called him out of darkness into his marvd^.
lous light. He, therefore, addressed many letters to his
jelations and friends, in which he wrote so judiciously and
profitably upon divine subjects, that they were more like
the productions of old age than a person of his years. He .
could not help announcing to others what he had seen, aod
heard, and felt. To plead the cause of God, to exalt his
dear Redeemer, and to brin^ sinners to Christ, was the only
object he had in view. But his uncommon gravity, his
striking majesty, his pathetical expressions, his vehement
expostulations, and his close applications, can be seen only,
in his own words.
Before he was arrived at the age of nineteen, writing io
his father, who was then in great distress of mind, he thin
addressed him : — ^' The causes of your desponding and
melancholy thoughts, give me leave, with submission,, to
JANEWAY. 879
^es8. The first, I think, is yoar reflecting upon jroor
entering into the mitiistry iirithout that reverence, care, and
holy zeal for God, loVe to Christ, and compassion to souh^
which is required of every one who undertakes that holy
office. It may be there was a respect to your living in the '
world, rather than.yoiir living to God. Be it thus, be it
iiot so bad, or be it worse, the reiQiedy is the same. These
liave in them a wounding power, which will be felt to be
grievous, when felt as they are m theitiselves. But con-
tinual sorrow and sad thoughts kisep the wound open too
long, and are not available to produce a cure. Wounds,
indeed, must first be opened, that they may be cleansed.
They must be opened, that their filth may be discovered, in
order to their being purged and healed. But no longer than
till the Balm of Gilead is am)lied, that they may be healed.
When Christ is made use ofaright, he leaveth joy and com-
fort ; yet a constant humiliihr of spirit is no way incon-
sistent with this peace with God.
** A second cause of your heaviness may be, a sense of the
«tate of the people committed to your care. And, indeed,
who can help mourning over people in such a condition ?
Objects of pity they are, especially because they pity not
themselves. I have often wrestled with God, to direct you
in the path of duty concerning them, which, I a^ per-
suaded, is your request also, ffow, after seriously examin-
ing yourself, what your conscience doth conclude to be
your duty, do it; and be sure yon do it: you 'are then to
rest upon God for his effectual working. And this is no
more the cause of heaviness to you, ihari the opposition
which the apostles found was to them, who, notwithstand-
ing, rejoiced in tribulations.
" You may have some thoughts and cares concerning
yoMT family when you are gone. Let faith and former
experience teach you to drive away all such thoughts.
Your constitutiou and solitary habits may also be some
cause of. melancholy. But there is a duty which, if pro-
perly observed, would dispel all. This is heavenly medi-
tation, and the contemplation of those thin^ to which the
christian religion t,ends. If we walk close with God in this
duty, only one hour in the day, oh, what influence would
it have on the whole day ; and, it duly performed, upon the
whole life ! I knew the nature and usefulness of this duty
in some measure before, but had it more deeply impressed
upon me by Mr. Baxter's " Saints' Ev^crlasting Rest ;" for
▼OL. III. T
S74 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
m
I
which I have cause for ever to bkss God. As for your
dear wife, I fear the cares and troubles of the world take off
her mind too much from walking closely with God, aod
from earnest endeavours after higher degrees of grace^
I commend God unto her, and this excellent duty of medi-
tation to all. It is a bitter sweet ; bitter to corrupt nature,
but sweet to the regenerate part. I entreat her and your-
self; yea, I charge it upon you, with humility and tender-
ness, that God have at least half an hour in a day allovrad
him for this exercise. Ob, this most precious soul-reviv-
ing, soul-ravisbing, soul-perfecting duty ! Take this from
Jrour dear friend, as spoken witli reverence, fiEiithfuIness, add
ove.
<' One more direction let me give. See that none in your
fimiily satisfy themselves in family prayer, without draw-
ing near to God twice a day in secret. Here secrrt vrants
may be laid open. Here great mercies may be begged
with great earnestness. Here the wanderings and cotaSeis
in family duty may be repented of and amended. This is
the way to get sincerity, seriousness, and cheerfulness in
religion. Thus the joy of the Lord will be your strength.
Let those who know their duty do it. If any think it is
imnecessary, let them fear lest they lose the most excellent
help to a holy, useful, and joyful life.
<< Take some of these directions from sincere affection ;
some from my own experience ; and all from a compassion-
ate desire for your joy and comfort. The Lord teadi yoa
in this and in the r^. I entreat you, never rest till you
have attained to true spiritual joy and peace in the Lord.
The God of peace afford you his direction, with the fore-
tastes of his comforts in this life, and the perfection of than,
in the enjoyment of his excellency and holiness, through
Jesus Christ."
^ Having arrived at the age of twenty, he became fellow of
his college. He wrote many pathetical letters to his brotheiB,
followed by his prayers and tears for a blessing. He'oflea
Itddressed them individually, in private conversation, when
he earnestly recommended Christ, and affectionately uiged
them to seek an interest in him. And these his labours wei^
not in vain. He was supposed to have been the spiritual
fiither of his own natural father, and several of his broth«!S,
who will have cause to bless God, to eternity, that they
ever received his instructions. He spoke to all his brethren
in the language of the apostle : Brethren^ my hearfs demc
JANE WAY. S76
and prayer to God for i/ou all isj that you may be ^aved.
QChis witl best appear in his own words, in a tetter addressed
to them.
. " Distance of place," says he, " cannot at all lessen- that
natural bond whereby we are one blood; neither ought it
to lessen our love. Nay, where true love is, it cannot.
Respecting my love towards you, I can only say, that
I feel it better than I can express it. But love felt and not
^xpres^ed is little wortb. 1 desire, therefore, to maket my
love manifest in the best way I can. Let us look on one
another, not as brethren only, but as members of the same
boHy, of which Christ is the head. Happy day will that
be, when the Lord will discover this union ! Let us, there-
fore, breathe and hunger after this, that so we may all meet
in Christ. If we be in Christ, and. Christ in us, we shall b^
one in each other.
^^ You cannot complain of the want of instruction. God
hath not been to us as the dry and barren wilderness. Ypa
have had line upon line, and precept upon precept. He hath
planted you by the rivers of waters. It is indeed the Lord
alone who maketh fruitful ; yet we are not to stand still and
do nothing. There is a crown worth, seeking to obtain.
Seek then by earnest and constant prayer. Keep your
iiouls in a praying frame. This is a great and neces^uy
4^^y 5 y^^ ^ ^^^y great privilege. If you can say nothuif^
come and lay yourselves in humility before the Lord.
Through mercy I have experienced what I say ; and you
may belieye me when I say, that there is more sweetness to
be got in one glimpse of God's love, than in all that the
world can afford. Oh, do but try ! Qh, taste and see how
good the Lord is !
'^ Beg of God to make you. sensible of your lost and
undone state by nature, and oi the excellency and necessity
of Christ. Say unto God, ^Let me be, any thing in the
world if I may be enabled to value Christ, and be persuaded
to accept of him as he is tendered in the gospel. Oh that
I may be delivered from the wrath to come ! Oh, a blessing
fo^ me, even lor me !' and resolve not to give it up till the
liord hath in $ome measure satisfied you. Oh ! my bowels
J earn towards you. My heart works. Oh that you did
at know with what afiections I now write to you, and
what prayers and tears have been mingled with these lines !
The £ord set these things home, and give you a heart to
mpply them to yourself.
^< Give me leave to deal plainly with you,^ and comt
I
fTfl LIVES OF THE PtJRITANS.
cioier to you. I love vour souls so well, that I cannot bear
the thoughts of their being lost. Know this, thai there ift
such a thing as the new birth ; and except a man be borti
agam^ he cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven. This
new birth hath its foundation laid in a sense of sin, and in
a godly sorrow for it, and a .heart set against it. Without
this, there can be no salvation. Look well to yourselvess
You will see that you are in hcH'l^ mouth, without this first
step; and nothing but free grace and pure mercy is be*
tween you and a state of damnation. The Lord deliver ui
from a secure and a careless lieart. Here you see a natural
man's condition. How dare you then lie doii^n in security i
Oh, look to Grod for your soul's sake i Without rppentaticCi
there is no remission of sin ; and repentance itself will lose
its labour if it be not of the right kind. Prayers, and tears,
and groans, will not do without Christ. Most persons, T^heir
they are made in some measure sensible of their sins, and
are under fears of helL run to duty and reform some things^
and thus the wound is. nealed, by which thousands fall short
of heaven. For if we be not brought off from trusting in
oufselves, and flrom our oitn righteousness, as well as oar
sins, we are never likely to be saved. We must see oiir
abfeolut^ need of Christ; give up ourselves unto hini; and
cbuntdll things but dross and dung in comparison of hiA ri^-
teousness. l^k therefore for God's inercv in Christ alone.
** The terms of tlie eospel are,Rcpent and believe. GiUcious
tertns ! Mercy for fetching ! Mercy for receiving ! tia
you dpsire the grace and mercy of God ? I know you do ;
and even this desire is the gift of Grod. Hunger afler
Christ. Let your desires put you upon endeavours. The
work itself is sweet. Yea, mourning and repentance them*,
selves have more sweetness In them than all the comforts of
this world. Upon repentance and believing comes ju8ti£l«>
cation ; and after ^^ards sanctification by the spirit dwelliiig
ill us. By this we become the children of Grod ; are made
partakers of the divine nature ; and lead new lives. It b'
unworthy of a christian to have such a narrow spirit as not
to act for Christ with all his heart, soul, and strengtti. 86
not a^hatned of Christ ; nor afraid of the frowtis of the
witkad. Be sure to keep a conscience void of ofienc^; aiid
yield by no means to dny known sin. Be much ih secHtt
j)rayer and in reading the scriptures. My git^itest d^sitt
IS, that God would work his own work in you.'*
Such was the spirit of his letters addressed to his brethren*
l&t observed this method with every other means of thhtrnc-
JANEWAT. 917
tioD. He dflcn yisited tbem for this poipofie ajone ; wbea
he most faithfuUy addressed each according to his necessity.
On one of these visits, observing that one of his brothers
«Iept at family prayer, he embraced an early opportunity of
shewing him the magnitude of his sin, and the just desert
of such contempt of God. The Lord was pleasc'd to
apply his instructions as a dagger to his heart ; and, though
he was only about eleven years of age, it was supposed to
be the means of his souUs conyersimi to God. The change
wrought in his young brother gave him great comfort apd
encouragement. Having occasion to write to hini soon
after, he reminded him of wuat the Lord had done for his
«oul, and urged him never to rest till he enjoyed good
evidence of the change. '^ I hope," said he, ^' that God
hath a good work lo do in you, for you, and by jfou;
yea, I hope he hath alr^y begun the work. BuL' oh !
iaJLe not up with some beginnings, &int desires, pr lazy
fteekings. Oh, remember your former years! One may
weep a little for si^, ^nd yet go to bell for sin. Many whot,
under some such Wi9rk, shake off the sense cf sin^ murder
their convictions ^nd return to folly. Oh, take heed!
If any draw back, the Lord will take no pleasure in th^m.
But I hope better things of you."
His great Ipve and compassion for souls will appear from
the following address to one of his near relations. Having
shewn how much it is beneath the christian to have bis heart
anidously set upon any thing in this world, he adds, << Oh,
what folly is it to trifle in the things of God ! But I hope
.b^ter things of you. Did I not hope^ why should j[
inoum in secr^et for you, as one cast out among the dcsad ?
Oh ! what shall I do for you, besides pouring out my soul
like water? and give my God no rest till he graciously visit
you with jbis. salvation? till he cast ypu down and raise you
up ? till he wound you and heal you again ?"
AfiC* Janeway was mi^ty in prayer, and his soul was
&egu^Iy so transported in the duty, that he almost forgot
whether he was i^ the body or .out of the body. His con-
verse with God was so familiar, and attended with such
4ivine cousolatipn to his youl, that, wJien he engaged in this
duty, he otien iibund the greatest difficulty to leave it off.
lie could, by |»appy expedenoe, testify, that ^pisdom*s wms
are ways of pleasantness^ and aU her pmjths are peace. In
Jijis appipaches to Qpd, like Jacob, be wre^l^ with the
Loird, and was cpirer iMiwilHiirg ito ri^ from off his knees
'ii^Aw^>tus Fall's bl^ He conii^^ with God a9
878 LIVES OF THE PURITANS-
a man with hift friend ; and on all occasions of importance
sought his direction and his blessing. His p-ay( rs were no
vain oblations; bur were often reinRrkably henn< and an-
swered. We shall give the following instance as worthy
of being prescrv 'd.
His fatlie-, being deeply exercised with affliction, and
under painful apprehensions about the safety of his state^
he said to his son, *^ Oh, son, this passing into eternity is a
great thing i This dying is a solemn l)nsmess, and enough
to make any one's heart ache, who hath not his pardon
sealed, and his evidences clear for heaven. I am under no
small fears as to my own state for another world. Oh that
God would clear liis love ! Oh that I could clieeriiilly say
I can die, and am able upon good grounds to look deatq
in the face, and venture upon eternity with well-groundod
peace and comtbrt !" Mr. Janeway, s(*eing his dear father
so deeply afflicted with despondency, presently retired for
the purpose of wrestling with God in prayer. He most
devoutly prayed, that God would lift up the light of his
countenance upon him, and fill his soul with joy and peace
in believing ; that so he might leave the world with joy*
Arising from his knees, and coming to his father, he asked
him how he did, but received no immediate answer. His
father continued some time unable to speak, but K^ejpi
exceedingly. After recovering himself, he burst forth into
these expressions : <^ Oh, son ! Now he is come ! Now he
is come ! Now he is come ! I bless God, I can die« The
Spirit of God hath witnessed with my spirit that I am a child
of God. Now I can look up to Grod as my Father, and to
Christ as my Redeemer. I can now sav. This is my FHettd:
this is my Aefoved. My heart is full, it is brim-full. I can
hold no more. I now know what that means. The peace of
God which passeth understanding. That fit of weeping
which you saw me in was a fit of overpowering love aiuL
joy. It was so great, that I could not contain myself, nor
can I express what glorious discoveries God hath made to
me. Had that joy been greater, I Question whether it would
not have separated my soul and body. Bless the L^, O my
soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name ; who
hath pardoned all my sins, and sealed, that pairdon. Oh !
now I can die. 1 bless God, 1 can die. I desire to depart
and to be with Christ."
The sou was partaker of his father's blessing on two
accounts. First, that his jbther was so clearly satisfied
about the safety of his state. And, secondly, that this was
JANEWAY. S7^
w eyident and immediate an answer to his prayer. Young
Janewaj, therefore, broke forth in strains of the highest
joy and praise, saying, << Oh blessed, and for ever
blessed, be God for his infinite grace ! Oh, who wouM not
pray unto God. Verily, he is a Grod hearing prayer, and
that our souls know right well/' He then told his fother
how much he had been affected with his despondency ; that
he had just been praying with all earnestness for his soul ;
and how wonderfully the Lord had answered his prayer.
Upon this, his father felt his joys still increased, and ex-
claimed, saying, Now let thy servant depart in peace^ far
mine eyes have seen thy sahation. When I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death^ I wUlfear no evil. On !
how lovely is the sight of a smiling Jesus, when one is dying !
How refreshing is it, when heart, and flesh, and all things
iail, to have God for the strength of our heart, and our
portion for ever !" He then de{^ed to be numbered wiUi
the blessed.*
Upon the death of his fiither, Mr. Janeway endeavoured
to fill up that relation, in the tender and affectionate care
of his mother, sisters, and brethren. His excellent ex«
anmle, prudent instructions, and holy practice, had the
desu-ed effect. Those who were older than himself, as well
B8 the younger branches, loved and revered him.
Having returned, after some time, to King's coU^e, he
there continued till he was invited to become domestic
tutor in the family of Dr. Cox. Here he did not disappoint
the e^^pectations of his employer. His deportment was so
sweet and obliging, and ms conversation so spiritual and
holy, that he gained the esteem and admiration of all. But^
on account of his ill health, he was obliged to relinquidi
the situation, to try a change of air, and reside with his
mother. Here he continued m a weak and languishing con*
dition, in the prospect of death, but not afraid to die. He
was even ashamed of desiring life, and said, ^^ Is there any
thing here more to be desired than the enjoyment of Christ ?
Cam I expect any thing here below comparable to that
Uessed vision ? Oh that crown, that rest which remaincth
for the people of God ! And, blessed be God, I can say it
is mine. 1 know thai when the eftrihly house of this taber*
nacle is dissohedj I have a buUding of God, an house nU
• Mr. WiUiam Janeway, the fkther of Mr. John Janeway, wai mloifCfT of
LiUey in Hertfordshire, then of Harpenden, and afterward! of Kelsall in
the same county. At hii death, he left a widow and cltffB chUdrts,
tef eral of whom bc«aaio worthy miniiten of Chriit.
taO LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
made.wUh hands; and therefore I desire not to be uncloihedy
but to be clothed upon mth Christ. To me io liv^ u
Christy and to die is gatn. Through mercy I can now speak
in the language of the apostle : 1 have fought a goodfighii
henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righttf
ousness.^^
Perceiving one of his relations much troubled at the
I)rospect of his dt^ath^ he charged him not to p^ay tor hb
ife, unless it should be more for the glory oi Grod. ^^ i wisb
you/' said be, ^^ to keep your mind submissive to the will of
God. concerning me. The Lord draw you nearer to him^df,
that .you may walk with .him; and if'i go to hhu befoie
youy I hope you will follow." Afterwards, ihe Lqrd was
pleased so far to restore him, that his friends were in hopes
of his perfect recovery. And while God thus remembered
him, he did pot forget God. His words to an intimate
friend discover his deep sense of the love of God. I}e ^^id^
^^ God holds mine eyes most upon his gooilness^ his unnKenT
surable goodness; and upon the promises. which are most
sure and. firm in Christ. His lov^ to us is greater, mpM
sure, more full, than ours to ourselves. For when we Wvod
ourselves so as to </e5/ro^ ourselves, he loved us so at, to
save us."
Mr. Janeway, writing to a friend under perplexing icais
about the state of his. soul, thus addressed him : ^ Oh ! sttod
still and wonder. Behold and admire his love ! Conskior
what thou canst discover in this precious Jesus. Ker^ 19 •
sea; cast thyself into it, and thou shalt be compassed
with the height, and depth, and breadth, and length of
love, and be filled with all the fullness of God. Is not this
enough ? Wouldst Jhou have more? Fling away aU exv
cepting God. For God is a sufficient portion^ and tte
only proper portion of the soul. Hast thou not. ta^ed^
hast thou not known, that his love is better than wine ? .H«
is altogether lovely. And while I write, my heart doth
bum. My soul is on fire. I am sick of love. But noW|
methinks, I see you aln)ost drowned in tears, because, jom
fed -not such workings of love towards God. Weep on
still ; for love, as well as grief, hath tears. And tears iof
love, as well as others, shall be kept in God's bottle.. Kimr
that they are no other than the streams of Chriirt's lov9
flowing to thee, and from thee to him. Christ is Aus
delighted in beholding bis beauties in those whom ht
loves.^' • '
Mr. Janeway,' however, was not always on the UfOiiJiitr
JANEWAT. 881
f
He had his cloudy days, as well as others. His sweets
wer^ sometimes tmrned into bitters. He was painfully
assaulted by Satan's temptation^. The enemy was permitt^
to come upon him as a^ armed man* As, in die case of the
apostle, lest he should be exalted aboye nieasure, tlie enemy
was suffered \o buffet him; and it would have made %
christian's heart ache to have heard how this gracious mao
was exercised with Satan's dreadful temptations. But he
WHS well armed for the painful conflict. Having on the
shield of faith, wherewith to quench the fiery darts of the
wicked one, he came off a complete conqueror. In the
trying cont^, he sent up strong cries and tears to the Lord
for fresh supplies of grace.
* This holy man was much afraid of spiritual declension^
both in him^lf and others. He eyer laboured to maintain
a tender conscience ; and took notice of the smallest depar<p
tures of his soul irom God, as well as God's withdrawing^
from him. His great concern was to build sure, by being
looted and grounded in the faith* He also exercised a
similar godly jealousy over his intimate frieods and relationiu
To one of his brothers he wrote thus : ^< You live in a place^**
said he, ^< where strict and close walking with God hatH
few or no examples. God's own children are too apt to
forget their first love. Our hearts are prone to.be carelessi
and to neglect our watch. When conscience is put off
with some poor excuse, religion withers; he who oncf
seemed a zealot^ becomes a Laodicean; and he who once
appeared an eminent saint, may afterwwls come to nothing.
It is too common, to have a name to be alioe^ and yet to be
dead. Bead this and tremble, lest it should be your case;
When we are indolent and asleep, our adversary is most
awake. I consider your age; I knoyr >vhere you dwell; I
am no stranger to your temptations ; therefore I cannot help
being afraid of you, and jealous over you. Let me remind
you of what you know already. Remember what meltings
of soul you once had ; how solicitously you once inquired
after Christ ; and how earnestly you seemed to ask the way
to Zion, with your face thitherward. Oh, take heed of
losing those impressions ! Be not satisfied with a slight work.
True conversion is a gtoat thing, and very different from
whi^t most persons taSe it to be. TherdTore rest not ip
meie convic^ons, much lec^s in a lifeless md formal pro-
fession.
^ There is such a thing as being ^kwH ^ christian ji as
back unh pcrdiiiani as being not far from the
f82 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
kingdom of heaven^ and falling short at last. Beware, lesC
thou lose the reward. The promise is made to him thai
holdeth fast, holdeth oiit to the end, and overcometb*
Labour to forget the things which are behind, and reacS
unto the things which are before. He who b contented
with just enough grace to escape hell and get to heaven,
and desires no more, maj be sure he hath none at all, and
M far from the kinj?dom of God. Labour to enjoy con*
Terse with God. Strive to do every thing as in his pre-
tence, and for his glory. Act as in the sight of the grave
and eternity. Let us awake and fall to work in good
earnest. Heaven and hell are before us. Why do we
sleep ? Dulness in the service of God is very uncomfortablei
and at best will cost us dear ; but to be contented in such
a frame is the certain sign of a hypocrite. Oh, how will
such tremble when God shall call them to give an account
of their stewnrdship, and tell them they may be no longer
stewards! Oh, live more upon the invisible realities of
heaven, and let a sense of their excellencies put life into
your performances ! For your preciseness and singularity
you must be content to be laughed at. A christians
walking is not with men, but with God. 'He hath great
cause to suspect his love to God, who does not delight more
in conversing with God and being conformed to him, than ill
conversing with men and beuig conformed to the worid.
How can the love of God dwell in that man who liveth
without God in the world ?'*
This shews how anxious he was himself to be undeceived,
and to undeceive otiiers. Here we see his delight, his
treasure, his life, his all. The great love he had to Christ
and the souls of men made him desirous to spend and be
spent in the work of the ministry. Accordingly, at the age of
twenty-two years, he entered upon the sacred office under
ft deep impression of its importance and the worth <tf
souls. Yet alas ! he never preached more than two sermons ;
which, it is said, he delivered with such cleiameBS and
freedom, such tenderness and compassion, such power and
majesty, as greatly amazed those who heard him. He
understood the glorious mysteries of the gospel, and what
he delivered was the language and experience ot his own
heart. His two sermons were from Job xx« 21* <' Aequaml
now thyself with him^ and he at peace r thereby gooa sk&U
come unto thee^
*' During the closing scene of life Mr. Janeway seemed
wh(dly employed in the contemplation of Christ, teaTm>
JANEWAY. S8S
and eternity. He lived as a stranger in the world, and in
the constant prospect of a better state. Like the -worthy
patriarch, '^ he looked for a city which hath foundations
whose bnilder and maker is God." His meditations, his
discourse, his whole deportment, all made it appear that
he was fast ripening for glory. He was never satisfied
unless he was employed in those pursuits which brought
him nearer to God and the kingdom of heaven. Hereby
his faith was increased to full assurance. The Lord often
called him up to the mount and let him see his glory. He
often feasted upon the fat things of God^s house, and enjoyed
many foretastes of future blessedness. From hu own happy
experience, he could say to others, ^^ Oh, taste and see that
the liord b good! Come unto me, and I will declare unto
you what he hath done for mv soul.'*
In the midst of all needful worldly comfbrts he longed
for death ; and his thoughts of the day of judgment ffreatljr
sweetened all his ^oyments. He said, '^ What if the day
of judgment were to come even this hour ? I shoidd be
glad with all my heart I should hear such thunderings,
and behold such lightninfi;s as Israel did at the mount;
and I am persuaded mv heart would leap for joy. But
this I am confident of^ that the meditation of that day
hath even ravished my soul; and the thoughts of its
certainty and nearness is more refreshing to me than all the
comforts of the world. Surely nothing can more revive
my spirit than to behold the blessed Jesus, who is the life
and joy of my soul.'' It required no small degree of
patience and seif^enial to be kept so long from him whom
bis soul loved.
Mr. Janeway at length found himself in a deep consump*
tion, but was not afraid. The spitting of blood did not in
the least intimidate him, who enjoy ra an interest in the
blood of Christ. During the progress of his complaint, he
was seized with dimness in his eyes, which ended in the
total loss of his si^ht. Being in expectation of his departure,
lie called his mower, and said, <^ Dear mother, I am dying ;
but I beseech you be not troubled. Through mercy I am
cpiite above the fear of death. It is no great matter. I
have nothing that troubles me, excepting the apprehensioif
of your grief. I am going to Him whom I love above
life."' From this faintmg fit the Lord was pleased to
revive him ; and for severd weeks his soul was so devoutly
employed in the contemplation of Christ and heaven, that
he ahnost fbrgoi lus pains and sickness. His fisuth, his
t8i LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Jove, and his joys exceedinfflv abounded. He freqaentlj
fxcUimed, ^^Oh that I could let you know what I feel!
Oh that I could shew you what 1 now see i Oh that I
could expiess a thousandth part of that sweetness which
I row nnd in Christ! You would then all think it
worth your while to make religion your chief business.
Oby ray dear friends, you little think what Christ ib worth
upon a death-bed ! I would not for a world, nay,
for a million of worlds, be now without a Christ apd a
pardon^ . I would nut tor a world live any longer; and
the very thought of the possibility of a recovery makes m^
tremble.*'
When it was said that the Lord might again raise him
up to healih and stn^nglh, so as to live many years, he said,
*^ And do you think to please me with that ? No, friend,
you are mistaken, if you think that life, and health, and ibt
world are pleasing to me. TJie world hntli Quite lost its
cxceilrncy. Oh, how poor and contemptible is it in all it|(
glory, wh(*n compared with the glory of that world which I
now live in sight of! And as for life, Christ is my life. 1
tell vou, it would please me incomparably more if yoa
should say to me, ^ You cannot possibly hold out long,
fiefore to-morrow you will be in eternity.' I tell you 1 do
so long to be with Christ, that I could be content to be citf
in pieces, and to be put to the most exquisite torments, so |
might but die and be with Christ. Oh, how sweet is
J<?sus ! Come, Lord Jc siis, come quickly. Death, do thy
worst. Deatli hath last its terrors. Through grace, I can
s^y, death is nothing io nic. I can as easily die as shut my
fyes. I long to be w ith Christ. I long to die."
To hjs mother he said, ^^ Dear mother, I as earnestly
beseech you as ever I desired any thing for you in my JLif^
that you would cheerfully give nic up to Christ, I beseech
you do not hinder me now I am going to glory. I am
Afraid of your prayers, lest they shoultl pull one wtiy and
n^ine another." Then, turning to his brothers, he thu»
' addressed them : '' I charge you all do not pray for mj
life. You wrong me if you do. Oh the glory, the uar*
speakable glory that I now behold ! My heart is full, mj
heart is full! Clu-ist smiles, and I am constniued to smile.
Cjm you find in your bea* ts to stop mc, now 1 am going tQ
the cojnplete .and eternal enjoyment of Christ? WciMld
you keep me from my crowu ? The arms of n^jr bkssc;^
8aviour arx) opi^ii to embrace me. The ansdls Sit^Jpd mulj
tp c^ry jny spul into his bo^ow, Oht 4^4 yoii ]bi4 s09
JANEWaY. 185
Irhat I see, yoU it^ould all cry out with me^ t)ear Lord, how
longF Come, Lord Jesus, corae quicklj. Ob, why aM
liis chariot wheels so slow in coming !" r
A itilnister haying spoken to him of the rlories 6f he&ven.
he ibid, ^ Sir, I feel somethilig of it. My heart is as fiill
as it cati hold in this lower state. I can bold no more.
Oh^ that I coald but let you know what I feel I Who am
I, Lord ; who am I^ that tbou sbouldst be mindful of me ?
Why me. Lord, why me! and pass by thousands to look
upoh such a wretch as I ! Oh, what shall I say unto thee,
ihbti tyfcseryer of men ! Oh, why me, Lord, why me ! Oh,
blessed, and for ever blessed be free ^race! How is it.
Lord, that thou shouldst manifest thyscu unto me, and not
uriib Others ? Even sOy Father^ because it seemed good in
ikjf ifghi. Thou wUt have mercy, because thoU wilt hav^
mefcy. And if th6u wilt look upon such a poor worm, who
dsA hinder ? Who would not lov^ thee, oh blessed Father }
Oh, how. sweet and gracious hast thou been to me ! Oh,
ibA he should have me in his thoughts of love, before the
fctattdations of the world !"
Thus he continued admiring and adoring the sovereignty
of divine grace. As he experienced the intermissions of
tritlttiphatit joy, he thus cried : ^' Hold out, faith and
^ietice, yet a little while, and your work is done. What
B the imitter, oh ! my soul ? What ! wilt thou, canst thou
thus unworthily slight this astonishing condescension of
God ? Doth it seem a small matter, that the great Jeliovah
should deal thus familiarly with a worm ? And wilt thou
pass this over as a common mercy ? What meanokt thou,
oh my soul, that thou dost not constantly adore and praise
this unspeakable love ! Doth God deal graciously and
familiarly with man, and are his love and praise too eood
for him ? Why art thou not, oh my soul ! swallowed up
^ery moment with his free, unparalleled, and everlasting
love ? Stand astonished ye heavens, and wonder ye angels,
at this infinite grace! Was ever any one under heaven
more beholden to this grace than I ? Oh, help! me to praise
the Lord, for his mercy endureth for ever !"
One of his brothers having prayed with him, his joys
became unutterable ; and " i believe," says our author,
**lhat if exceeds the highest strains of rhetoric to set forth
to the life what this heavenly ra^n delivered." He broke
out in such words as these : ^^ Oh, he is come! he is come !
Otu how sweet, how glorious, is the blessed Jesus ! . How
.diml I ^>eak the thousandth part of his praises ! Oh, for
886 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
words to flpt forth a little of that excellency ! But it is in«
exprt^ssible. Ob, how excellent and glorious is the precious
Jesus ! He is altogether lovely. Oh, my friends, stand
and wonder ! Come, look upon a dyinj^ man apd woodor.
Was there ever greater kindness ? Were there eyer more
sensible manifestations of rich grace ? Oh, why m^ Lord?
why me? Surely this is akin to heaven. And it I weie
never to enjov move than this, it is more than a suffici^t
recompence for all the torments that men and devils could
inflict. If this be dying, it b sweet. This bed is soft
Christ's arms, and smiles, and love, surely would turn hdi
into heaven. Oh that you did but see and ieel what I do!
Behold a dying man, more cheerful than you ever saw a
man in health and in the midst of his swe^est woridiy
enjoyments ! Oh, sii s, worldly pleasures are poor, pitilul^
sorry things, when compared with this giory now in my soul.
Why should any of you be so sad, when I am so glad ?
This is the hour that I have waited for."
Mr. Janeway took his leave of his friends every evenings
hoping that he should see them no more till the morning of
the resurrection. He exhorted them to make sure of a
comfortable meeting in a better world. He entreated tfaoae
about him to assist him in praises. ^^ Oh," said h^ << he^
me to praise God ! Henceforth, to eternity, I have nothii^
else to do but to love and praise the Lord. I have my
soul's desires on earth. I cannot tell what to pray for
which is not already given me. The wants capaUe of
being supplied in this world are supplic d. I want only one
thing, iiud that is a speedy lift to heaven. I expect no
more here. I desire no more. 1 can bear no more. Oh^
praise! praise! praise! that boundless love, which hath
wonderfully looked upon my soul, and hath done more for
me than for thousands of his children. ^ Bless the Lord, O
my soul ; and all that is within me, bless his holy name !' O
my friends, help me, help me, to admire and praise him,
who hath done such astonishing wonders for my soul ! Ht
hath pardoned all my sins, and hath filled me with hk
goodn(^. He hath given me grace and glory, and no good
thing hath he withhoiden from me. All ye mighty angds,
help me to praise God. Let every thing that hfUh being
help me to praise him. Praise is my work now, and wm
be my work for ever. Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah!'*
During his sickness he found the word of God sweet to
his soul, especially the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, and
seyenteenth chapters of John's gospel, and the fifty-fourtli
JANEWAY. S8f
of baiah. He Qften, with abundant joy, repeated those
lilMds: fFUh great mercies will I gather thee. A short time
before his death, he said, ^ I have ahnost done conversing
with mortals. I shall presently behold Christ himself, who
lored me and washed me in his blood. In a few hours I
dttll be in eternity, singing the song of Moses and the Lamb.
I shall presently stand upon mount Sion, with an innumerable
eompam/ of angels, and the spirits of just men madeperfedj
ibnTJesus the mediator of the new arcenant. I shall near
the Yoice of much people, and be one amongst them, saying,
MalUbyah! salvation j glory y and honour, and power be unto
the LoHD otrr God ! Vet a little while, ana I shall sing
unto the Lamb, Worthy art thou to receive praise, who hast
redeemed us to God by thy bloody out of every kindred^ and
Umfpie^ and people, and nation, and hast made us kings and
pnests unto Uod, and we shall reign with thee for ever and
eoer. And who can help rejoicing in all this ?
The day before his departure, his brother James having
beed praying for him, he said, ^' I thank thee, dear brother,
for thy love. I know thou lovest me dearly ; but Christ loves
me ten thousand times more. Dear brother, come and kiss
melbefore I die.'' Havuig kissed his cold dying lips, he
said, ^< I shall go before thee to glory, and I hope thou wilt
follow after.'' A few hours before bis happy exit, he called
together his mother, and sisters, and brethren, to give them
one more solemn warning, and pray for them before he
departed.
His affectionate mother being first called, he thanked lier
for her tender love to him ; and desired that she might see
Christ formed in the hearts of all her children, aud meet
them all with joy in the day of judgment.
He prayed that his elder brother might be wholly taken
up with Christ and love to souls, and be more holy in his
life, successful in his ministry, and finish his course with joy.
For his brother Andrew, living in London, he prayed tliat
God would deliver him from the sins of the city, make him
a feOow-citizen of the saints, and of the household of God.
<< O that he may be," said he, '^ as his name is, a strong man^
Imd that 1 may meet him with joy."
To James he said : '' Brother James, I hope God hath
ffiven thee a goodly heritage. The lines have fallen to thee
in pleasant places. The Lord is thy portion. Hold on,
dear brother ; Christ and heaven are worth striving for.
Hie Lord give thee abundance of his grace."
iSS LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
To his brofther Abraham, he said : ^' The blessiDg of the
God of Abi aham rest upon thee. The Lord make thee die
foher of many spiritual children/'
To his brother Joseph he said : " Let him bless diee, O
Joseph, 1/i'ho blessed him that was separated from bis
brethren. My heart hath been working towards thee, poor
Joseph ; and I am not without hopes that the arms of the
Almighty will embrace thee. The God of thy father bless
Aeer
To his sister Mary he siud : " Poor sister Mary, Ay body
is weak, and thy days will be filled with bitterness. The Lord
sweeten all with his grace and peace, and give thee health of
Son!. Be patient; make sure of Christ ; and all is weU."
To Sarah he said : ** Sister Sarah, thy body is strong and
healthful. O that thy soul may be so too ! JThe Lord make
thee a pattern of modesty, humility, and holiness.''
To his brother Jacob he said : ^' The Lprd m&ke thee an
Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile. O that diou
mayest learn to wrestle with God, and not go without a
blessing !'*
And of his youngest brother Benjamin, then an infan1| he
said : '^ Poor little Benjamin ! O that the Father of the
fatherless would take care of thee ; and that thou who hast
never seen thy father on earth, may see him with joy in
heaven. Tlie Lord be thy father and thy portion."
He then said to tliem all : '^ O that none of us may be
found among the unconverted in the day of judgment ! O
that we may all appear, with our honoured father and dear
mother, before Christ with joy; and that they may say,
* Lord, here are we, and the children whom thou hast given
us P O that we nray live to God here, and live with God
hereafter. And now, my dear mother, brethren, and sisterSy
fiirewell. I leave you a short time. / commend you to Crod,
and to the word of his ^race, which is able to biiild you up, and
to give you an inheritance amon^ them which are sanctified.
And now, dear Lord, my work is done. / have foueit a
goodjight, I have finished my course, I have kept ihe faith;
nencgorth there is laid up for me the crown of rishteou$nes$*
Come, Lord Jesus, cane quickly ;'' and he presently departed.
He died in the month of June, l657y in the twenty-fourdi
year of his s^e ; when his remains were interred in Kelshall
church, where his father had been minister.
The foregoing account of this extraordinary young mui
was originally published with the recommendatory testimonial
LAN6LET. fSB
«f fourenment presbytemn ministers, giring dieir attestatioD
%9 die tnilii of die narrative.* A late popular writer observes,
dia^ if ever mortal lived the life of an angel while upon the
cndi, Mr. Janeway seems to have been the man. And he
adds, ^ that his death-bed scene, above all others I have
cMier read or seen, appears to have had in it die lamst share
of divine communications/'f Wood denominates Mr. Jane-
wsjr a zealous presbyterian.^ His three brothers, William,
James, and Abraham, were all ejected nonconformists in
John Lanolet, A. M. — ^This celebrated scholar was
bom near Banbury in Oxfordshire, and educated in Mag-
dbleii4iaU, OxCcH-d. Afterwards he was prebendary of
Gloucester, where he was master of the college school
about twenty years; and, in the year 1640, he succeeded
Or. Ghll as chief master of St. Paufs school, London. In
bodi these situations many persons were trained up under his
tnidon, who became eminently distinguished characters in
duirch and state. Among the number of his learned pupik
was Mr. Richard Cumberland, afterwards bishop of Peter-
bolough.ll He was a judicious divine, a universal scholar,
and so celebrated an antiquarian, that his delight in, and ac*
quaintance with, antiquities deserves the highest commendatidn
mat can be given.f He was highly esieeined by men cele-
brated for literature, but little regarded by the clergy, because
he was a puritan, and a witness against Archbishop Laud at
histrial.**
Mr. Langley was indeed called as witness against the
archbishop; when he deposed, that, in the year I6I6, his
lordship, then dean of Gloucester, came down to the cathe*
dral of that place, intending to turn the communion-table into
an altar, aud to place it altar-wise at the east end of the choir^
removing it from its former situation in the midst of the
church. Dr. Smith, bishop of Gloucester, opposed the
innovation, and warmly protested to the dean and the pre-
bends, that if the communion-table sliould be removed, or
• Jaaewa^F'i Life of Mr. John Janeway. Edit. 1673.— Clark*t UfCf,
ls«v»l.p.60— 81.
f BfanpMB^s Plea for Relij^ion, p. 306, 310. Edit. 1810.
{AtJleD« Oxon. vol. ii. p. 3S5.
Fdaer't Noncon. Mem. vol. ii. p. 306. iii. 311, 315.
BISf. BriCM. vol. iv. p. 658. Edit. 1778.
Bsyaoldt*! Fan. Srr. for Mr. Langley.
** W«oi1i AtbeiUD OxoD. vol. ii. p. 135.
, TOL.III. U
190 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
any oinh 'uuHmifiM hixw^t kito the ctdiedi«l,M DMnLani
tken intended, he wo«U never come witkin die wails of Ae
cethedral any more. But Che deap wm ao vieleut, tfaa^ m
direct opposition to the order and sqppointment of tfie biilKip,
he cawed the Lord's table to be removed aad placed akp-
wise, ixND nordi to south, at the east end of the dieir, wilb
po|Msh furniture upon il, boding towards it Unisdf^ ani
commending the varioos officers of the church to d» ihe
same. He further deposed, Chat the biAop was wo wtmdk
offended at these innovations, that he, according to hie pro»
testation, came no more into the cathedral to the day of his
death. This is the substance of M'hat Mr. Lai^Iey testified,
which was further confirmed by odier evidenoe.*
ICr. JUangley^ being a most celdirated scholar, wia cheesa
one of the licensers of the press far the fhilosopUoal and-
historical depaitnient.t A nMnister of his nune, b«t, aoecidU
ing to Wood, a <Kfferant person, was chosen one of Iht^
assembly of divines4 He died at his honae adjoiniag Paufs
school; September 13, 1657. I>r. Edward Reynolds^
wards bishop of Norwich, preached his iunenl
nrhich was afterwards pubUsfaed. Fidier caUs Mr. f anghy
'^ the «bte and raligions schoolmaster.'* Ardideacoo EcbaHl
dcnoounates him ** an exoetteot theologist of the pwaCan
Utomp, a great lingiHst and historian, ami a nice wmi exact
9ntiq«iary ; for ^ich he was hiahly esteemed by the Anaoas
Sel^n aad other learned men. $ Mr. Strype aays, '^ ha
was « general scholar, and a great antiqmay, espeodU^ m
matters relating to bis own conatiy, ihe stories ami curiostties
of which be, during his travels, made a considerable coUee*
Isea,'' His^awM presence nod speeeh produced imcomason
relict and fesff among his sdiolars^ and such was Ur
b^aviottr towards them, that they both feared and ioVed hsm^
His remains were interred, with great fimeral solemmly, wr
Mercer's chapel, Oieapside; when all his sch<4ars nttayded^
And, as he died a single man, they walked before ifae coipse,
baring white gloves, and beuig hung with verses insteari of
escutCTeons, from the school through Cheapside to Maeoar^
f^pd. He was so much in favour with the worsfa^fM
company of mercers, that th^y Accented his commeodatinn
,ef a successor .fl Mr. Langley was author of ^ Totias^
• Prynne's Cant. Doope, p. 7S— 78.
t Neari Pnritaoi, to]. Hi. p. 46. t Wood*B AtlMBVp voL ii«#r'l8k
S Ecbard't Hist, of £ag. vol. ii. p. 811.
I KDigbf 8 Life of Colet, p. 319, 880. £dil. ITMi
JUMoricis fldumbnido in mum Scfaolae Pauliuee," 1644—
'* Ab introdikietiqB ip Gnmv^* — ^Anfl 90jaa/& other jMeces*
J^HN O^MBi^pDENy A. M.-^This person was bom i^
Hampshire^ in tbe year 1^^, and educated first at Broad-
gate-hally then in Christ's church, Oxford, where he tpo)c
his degrees jm arts. In 1632 he was admitted to the reading
pf the set^enees. After ccMnpleting his studies at the luuh
verskj, he preached for several years^.at Loi^worth in Bei^-
shire. Wlusn the civil wars brote out, he espoused the qaus^
of the parliament, became chaplain to Robert^ earl pjf
jLeicester, a^ tfteryfords, for Bo^le time, rector of CrPyt-
chMTGhin Glam^ganshire. In thi? situation he died abojf^
the month of October, 1657, aged fifty-nine yej^s. Hur
jfeitaaim were interred m the chancel of the church at that
itoce^
His Works. — 1. A Sermon on Gen. vi. 5 — 7,, 16^.-2. A Sermon
on Gen. xxii. 1, 2., 1027.—^. God's great Mercy to Mankind in
Jesus Christ, a Seraion at PauFs CTross, on Isa. liii. 6., 1628. — 4. Two
S^rinons before Ihie Univendty of Oxford, 1057.— 5. Ckritt tempted,
IIm Devil oonqoered : or, a Atxti Exposition on a Part of the Fonith
of St Matthew's Gospel, 1667.--6. A Sermon on A^ts^
Joi^N Frost, B. D. — ^This pious minister was so^ oiP
Mr. John Frost, the ancient and pious minister of Fajcen-
ham in Suffolk. During his childhood and youth, he disr
covered a sweet and amiable disposition, and ^was ever
harmless and affectionate in Jiis behaviour. He received his
acbool learning first at Thetford, then at Bury St. Edmund'i^
where he made Mncommon proficiency, especially in Greek
and X^atiu. But that which added the greatest lustre to nis
diameter was his early piety, and a zealous attachment to
the word of God. Even in the days of his youth he diligently
•easched thi^ scriptures, copstantly attended upon the word
g cached, and spent much time in the duty of private prayer.
6 WHS desirous, firom a child, to b(e employed in the work of
line ministry; therefore, he earnestly and constantly praye4
that God would fit him for that important work.
At the age g^ sixteen he eqtered St. John's college. Cam*
faridge^ wh^e he continued thirt^n y^ars, and was choseq
« ^Woed'i Atkeas 0«oa. vol. li. p. ISI.
818 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
fellow of tbe house. During this period, he made tmnmg
progress in all kinds of useful learning ; but, having die chris-
tian ministry constantly in view, he directed his studies chiefly
to those branches of literature which were likely to be most
serviceable in that holy office. At the university, on account of
the acuteness of his mind, the mildness of his behaviour, his
intense application to study, and his great proficiency in use-
ful knowledge, he was greatly beloved by men of leaming and
piety. He entered upon his ministerial work during his
abode at Cambridge; and afterwards became pastor at
St. 01ave*s, Hart-street, London ; where he remained to die
day of his death.
In this situation he continued many years, and gained a
distinguished reputation. As he lived highly respected, so
he died gready lamented. And having lived a most pious
life, he died a most peaceable and happy death. During his
last sickness, he discovered a becommg submission to the
will of God, being willing to die, if his heavenly Father had
so determined ; or willing to live, if most for the glory of God
and the advantage of his church. When he was asked how
he did, he replied, ** Full of peace and sweet submission to
God my Saviour, and in dependence upon him.*' The pangs
of death evidendy approacnmg, he called his family tocedier
and ei^ged in prayer, for the last time, with much liveliness
and affection. And having received something to drink, his
affectionate wife reclining upon his bosom, he exclaimed,
" We have overcome, we have overcome !** and si>oke no
more, but resigned his pious soul to God, and immediafdy
entered upon die joy of his Lord, November 2, 1657.
Mr. Crofton, who preached and published Mr. Frostfs
fimeral sermon, gives the following account of his exceDent
qualifications: — ** He was sound in the f^uth, well studied in
polemical divinity, and able to defend die trudi, holding last
the doctrines of the gospel, and establishing the minds of his
people in the faidi, especially against the fancies of annim-
anism and popery. He was singularly excellent in practical
divinity, pressing die observance of duties, rebuking sin with
wisdom and afiection, and prudendy directing persons into all
necessary christian conversation, as becometh the professioo
of the gospel. He was a thorough puritan in principle and
practice, but h^^y esteemed the unity and peace of the
church. He studiously laboured to promote concord amooff
die episeopal and presbyterian divines. He was ever sok^
citous to perform all the duties of his office, by preaching,
administenug the sacraments, catechiziiq^ the youth, and
EVANS.
▼isi&ig the sick. He wu zealous amd fervent,
and i^ise, and always deeply affected widi the worfi «f
souls.
** His excellent ministerial endowments were manifest Id
all. What he delivered to die people was first deeply im-
printed on his memory by an easy method, and deepfy
engraven on his own heart by serious meJBtition. He ex*
pressed himself with great power and plainness, and enforced
^the great truths of die gospel widi strong arguments and
padietical affections. In his daily conv^sation he was cour-
teous and affable to all men, wfaedier his superiors, inferiors,
or equals. He was meelL and ^rave, hdy and exemplary, as
was obvious to all who knew him.''* He was the author of
** Select Sermons,'' 1657.
f^ Hugh Evans was bom in Radnorshire, bat removed in
his youth to the city of Worcester, where he lived some years.
About the commencement of the civil wars, he left thi^ city
fiid went to reside at Coventry. There he fomid a society
q{ biqptists, vriien he soon embraced their sentiments, and
was admitted a member of their church. This was about
the year 1643. He approved himself a very pious, senribie,
and hopefiil young man. His brethren socm perceived that
he was endowed vrith prcmiising gifts for the ministry, and
encouraged him to cultivate and exercise them; which he
did to ^eir abundant satisfiiction. He now bq;an to pity
die state of his native country; and, considering its deplor-
able condition as overspread whfa gross darkness, and desti-
tute of the means of knowledge and salvation, he felta strong
de^re to devote himself to die laudable, but arduous wori^ of
enlightening and converting his countrymen. Tho-e were
then not above one or two gathered churches in all W^ales,
and very few preachers of die eospel. His friends approved
and countenanced his benevolent inclination, but judged it
advisable that he should first have some ftirtfaer literary
advantage and instruction. Accordingly, he was placed for
some dme under the care and tuition of Mr. Jeremiah Ives,
a baptist minister of considerable respectability. Having con-
tinued widi Mr. Ives, and eii|oyed the benefit of his instruc-
tions for a consideraUe time, he, according to hb or^^inal
intention, returned mto Wales. This, it appears, was about
the year 1647«
• Croftoa't Faneral Senaon and Life •f Mr. Fr«8tv
tM LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Mr. Evans entered (ipon the ministerial work aa one fl
siUe. of its importance, and deeply impressed with the worth
of souls. It soon appeared that his labours were both accept*
ah 'e and usefiil. The good people among whom he preached
warm) J solicited and pressed him to continue with theiii, which
he did to the end of his dsiys. Though, at the commencement
of his nunistry, he does not appear to have been above thir^-
years of age, he vras tinwearied in all his labonra to proiBote
dieir best interests, and to extend the boundaries of the
Redeemer's kmgdom. He presently succeeded in gatlierilfg
a respectable congregation, which, as our author obaefves^
has continued by a succession of new members down to the
present time. After having spent about ten years, widk
exemplary diligence, unwearied perseverance, dnd eminent
success in promoting the gospel among his countrymen, he
finished his course in the prime of life, and in the heightof
his usefulness, to the unspeakable regret of his mun^rHl
fiiends, by whom he was exceedingly respected and bdoveAi
His ministry was chiefly exercised in Radnorshire and Breclu
nockshire. Dr. Walker enumerates him among the pc^Mlltt
itinerants of Wales, and charges him with having. recetfrod *
salary for itinerant preaching in both those counties.^ If ka
did so, it only proves his great activity and uncommon labouttk
When one man does the work of two, it is fit he shpuld H^
ceive double wages. There is reason to think, says oair'
author, that he was for some time the only baptist mimstelr
in Wales. Some of the other preachers, and Mr. Vavasdl*
Powell among the rest, were probably baptized by him^
His people, it is added^ were all baptists, and do not appear
to have admitted mixt communion, though some of the Be^b«
bouring churched did ; nor did they practise singing in their
public worship, except, perhaps, at the Lord's tBme, The
church afterwards increased, and spread into several branches {
and now forms three or four distinct and respectable chmt^hes^
assembling in the counties of Radnor, Brecon> and MonI*
gomery.
Mr. Evans had, doubtless, many enemies ; buthb pri^pd'
opponents are said to have been the Quakers; who vnu»
lently opposed him from the press, as well as otherwise,
conceiving a very strong and unreasonable antSpathy agamst
him. A hook was published against hiin, about die time (^
his death, by one John Moon, who called Mr. Evans ** tk6
blind Welsh priest of Radnorshire/' and attempted^ V^
-• WaUer's Attempt, part i. p. 169.
O. SEDGWICK. 195
• I
iUiberalljE, to aspenb and vilify his cfatncter and menoiy.
His two friends, Mr. John Price and Mr. William Bownd^
answered die Quaker, and successfully vindieated their de-
ceased brother; and, from their own intimate knowledge
of him, expressed the liighest opinion of his integrity and
piety, as well as the truest respect and veneration for his
memoiy. The amiableness and respectability of his charac-
ter may be safely inferred from the strong attachment of his
pious and numerous friends. He died about the year 1857^
wid probably not more diain forty years of age.. But he lived
long afterwards in the affectionate recollection of those who
had attended on his faithful and edifrinir ministry*^ Mr.
Heinry Gregory, who had been a member of Mr. Ehrans's
church, was his successor in the pastoral office.t
Obadiah Sedowiok, B. D.-<-This excellent person
\I9«B brother to Mr. John Sec^wick, anodier puritan divine,
bom at Mariborough in Wiltshire, in die year lOOO, and
educated first at t^ueen's college, then in Magdaleohhall,
Oxford. Having finished' his academical studies, he entered
^M)n the ministerial exercise, and became chaplain to Lord
Horatio Vere, whom he accompanied to die Low Countries.
*Aft]er his return, he went again to Oxford, and, in the year
16^, was admitted to the reading of die sentences. He was
tutor to Matthew Hale, afterMfards die celebrated lord chief
jii8tice.t LfCaving the umversity a second time, he became
preacher at St. Mildred's, Bread-street, London; but was
^ven from the place by die intolerance of the pr^ates.
He became vicar of Coggeshall in Essex, in the year 16S9»S
"where he continued two or three years. Upon the com-
mencement' of the wars, he returned to die city and to his
ministry at St. Mildred's, and was often called to preach
before the parliament In die year 1642, he became chap«
lain to Colonel HoUis's regiment in the parliament's army.
The year following, he was appointed one of the licensers of
the press, and chosen one of the assembly of divines, and he^
constantly attended.n Wood observes, but certainly with no
good design, '< that while he preached at Mildred's, which
was only to exasperate the people to rebel and conf6und
episcopacy, it was usual with hkn, especially in hot weather^
« Theolog. Bib. Maf . vol. ▼. p. 4SO—42t. f Ibid. ? ol. ? f. p. 6»
? Clark's Lives, last voU part ii. p. 186.
Newcoart*s Repert. Eccl. ▼ol. ii. p. 100.
I Neal's Paritaos, vol. it. p. 65av iU« 46, M.
296 LIVES OF THE PURItANS.
to onbottoii his doublet in the pulpit, that his breath iiiq;ht
be longer, and his voice more audible, to rail against the
king's party, and those about the king's person, whom he
called popish counsellors. This he did in an especial manner
in September, 1644, when he, with great concernmeDt, tcdd
the people, several times, that God was angry with the. army
for not cutting off delinquents."* Dr. Grey, with a similar
design, denonnnates him '^ a preacher of treason, rebellion,
and nonsense ;" for the proof of which, he alleges the follow-
ing passages from Mr. Sedgwick's sermons preached befote
tlie parliament : — ** The field which I am at this time to work
upon, and eo over, you see is large. There is much mora
f round in it tliaii 1 can conveiiiently break up and sow.
shall therefore, by God's assistance, who is the only breaker
of hearts, 'Iset upon the work, and may he in tender mercy so
accompany, and water, and prosper his truths at this day, thai
all our fsdlow ground may be broken up, and then be so gra-
ciously sown in righteousness, that we and all the land may
shordy reap in mercy. — Sirs, you must break up diis grcHUN^
or it will break up our land. There is not such a God-
provoking sin, a God^removing sin, a church-dissQlving^.S
kingdom-breaking sin, as idolatry. Down with it, down with
it, even to the ground. Superstition is but a bawd to gross
idolatry .-^Be as earnest and as active as you possibly can tp
send labourers into the field ; I mean to plant the land with a
heart-breaking ministiy. — God hath been the salvation of die
parliament, and in the parliament, and for the parliament
Salvation at Edge-hill; salvation at Reading and Causon;
salvation at Gloucester ; salvation at Newbury ; salvation in
Cheshire; salvation in Pembrokeshire; salvation in the
north ; salvation from several treacheries ; and salvation from
open hostilities.'*-!' Such are the formidable proofs, in th^
opinion of the learned doctor, that he was a preacher of
treason, rebellion, and nonsense! How far he was guilty,
every reader will easily judge.
In tliC year 1046, Mr. Sedgwick became preacher at
St. Paul's, Covent-garden ; where he was exceedingly fol-
lowed, and was mstiumental in the conversion of many souls*
In 1653, he was, by the pailiament, appointed one of the
tri^ers ; and the year following was constituted one of tlie
assistant commissioners of London for ejecting ignorant and
scandalous mmisters. He ws(s very zealous to carry on, as
♦ Wood's AthensB Oxon. Yol. ii. p. 139.
i Grejf'b EzaminaiioD, vol. iii. p. 804— J206.
SANDBROOKE. S97
in deriaon it is called, '^the good work -of reformation in
church and*8tate." He was a frequent preacher before the
parliament. Sir John Birkenhead casts his foul aspersions
upon him and Mr. Marshall, saying, ** it is pleasant ,to ob-
serve how finely they play into each other's hands. Marshall
procures thanks to be given to Sedgwick ; and, for his great
pains, Sedgwick obtains as much for Marshall; and so they
pimp for one another. But, to their great comfort be it
spoken, their whole seven years sermons at Westminster are to
be sold in Fetter-lane and Pye-comer."* Had this writer known
how many of the episcopsd clergy purchased aqd preached
the sermons of the puritans, he might have greatly extended
his foul aspersions. Mr. Sedgwick finding, at length, that
his health began to decline, he resigned all his preterments
and retired to Marlborough, his native place, where he died
in the month of January, 1658, aged fifty-seven years, and
his remains were interred in the chancel of Ogbom St. A%
drew, near Marlborough.f He was a learned divine, and an
orthodox and admired preacher .t In his ministry, he was
succeeded by the celebrated Dr. lliomas Manton, ejected in
1662.$
His WoRKS.f-:l. Several Sermons on public Occasions, 1639, &e.
--f42. Parliamentary Sermons, 1642, &c. ; among which were, ^ Eng-
land's Preservation,'' 1642.—" Haman's Vani^," 1643.— " An Ark
against a Deluge: or. Safety in Dangerous Times,** 1644.—^. Mii»-
tary Discipline for the Christian Soldier, 1639.— 4. Christ's Council
to his Languishing Church of Sardis, 1640. — 6. Speech in Guildhall,
1043^—6. The best and worst Malignant, 1648.-— 7. The doubting
Christian resolved, 1663. — 8. The humble Sinner resoWed; or.
Faith in the Lord .(esns Christ the only way for sensible Sinners, dis-
covering the Quality, Objects, and Acts of Justifying Faith J| 1656. —
Ol The Fountain opened, and the Water of Life flowing, 1657. —
10. The Shepherd of Israel ; or, an'Exposition of Psalm xiuii., 1658.—
11. Anatomy of Secret Sins, 166a — 12. I'he Bowels offender Mercy
Sealed in the Everlasting Covenant, 1660.— 13. The Parable of the
Prodigal, 1660. — 14. Synopsis of Christianity. — 15. A Catechism.
William Sandbkooke, L.B. — ^This pious person was
educated in Gioucester-hall, Oxford ; and in 1635 he became
rector of St. Peter's xihurch in that city, where his preaching
• GfSBger^ Bi«g. Hist. vol. iii. p. 48.
f Wood's Atbey» Oxod. vol. ii. p. 139, 140.
1 Neal's PoriUns, vol. i?. p. 184.
Palmer's Noocon. Mem. vol. i. p. 125, 426.
j The MS. of this excellent work, and apparentl j io Mr. Mgwickli
•wtt band, is in the posscsiion of the author.
1M LIVES OF THE PURITANS,
was much followed bj the religious and puritanical adiolarSk
Upon die commencement of the civil wari he espoosed the
cause of the parliament^ left the university, and went lo sea
as chaplain to the Earl of Warwick, admiral to the puita*
Bient. However, in 1644, being tired of a sea emvlsfmeB^
he became die officiating minister at St. Margarers- dhiirch^
Rochester, when Mr. Selvey,' the incumbent, to his- great
honour, allowed him all the profit^ of the living. Afterwnrds^
by the powers which dien were, he was appointed one &[
die three lecturers at the cathedral in that city, ^ purpoeely^*
sa^ our author, '^ to preach down the heresies and blasphe*
ttnes of Richaitl Coppin, and his bigoted foUowers*** He
died at Rochester in ihe month of March, l658, leaviif
behind him the character of a godly and.paiiiAd preacher.*
He published a work entided, ** The Chnrch Ae pn^et
Subject of die New Covenant,'' 1646 ; and ^ Several Se»-
mons," 1657.
John Bevbrly was fellow of Trinity college, CanlMidlgis^
where he most probably received his education. Towaras
the close of life he setded at Rowell in' Northamptonshire;
where, by his pious and useful labours, he gathered a chiirch
accorcling to me model of the independents. Having beeo
instrumental in the conversion of about diirty peraonsy he
united them in. church fellowship, upon congregpitioDai piift-
ciples, when they entered into a covenant to vralk with each
omer in the order of the gospel. The tenpr of their covenaot
was, ** To walk.together with God, in gospel fdlA and ordlbSy
■MMi a particular church, in the performance of all duties
towards God^ towards each other, and towards all men^ in
die strengdi of the spirit of Christ, and accordii^ to his
word.^' They chose Mr. Beverly their pastor, two elders,
and two deacons.. This was in the year 1656* Under
Mr. Beverly's ministry,, many of the inhabitants of the
town were awakened and received into the church. But
bis excellent and useful labours were not long condmed
among them after the above period ; for he died in tbe
month of June, 1658. After his death, the good peopk who
composed his church mosdy attended upon the ministry of
Mr.' Thomas Browning of Desbprongh. Upon bis rioctioii, '
in 1662, they invited him to the office of pastor, and M con-
tinued vnth them to the day of his death/ This clmiich B '
■• Wood'! AthtenaB Oxoo. vol. ii. p. 149.
SKTG»LY-^W. CAKTBIL AM
Mi m tlOBtbtkcey and ib rather a flouridiiiig state, under the
pastoral care of Mr. Jokft Wood. Mr. Beveriy was author
of several pieides on chunifa goremmettt : as> ** The Grnind
*]Poiiit of Oiurch Matters." — ^A Trtet against Hombeck d§
Jhdepmtum^y in Latin.-^^ADd apieoe agahist fr/ee Admia^
sidtt) opposed' to Ae CoAtracUctioiiB of Timson, publMied m
William* Cartek was bom in ^e year 1605| voA edo-
^ted inihe university of Qambridge> after which he beeame
a very popular preacher in London. In die year 1643, he
was appointed one of ^ licensers of the press ; and, the
tame year> was chosen one of the assembly of divines, upon
which he constantly attended. After some time he joined
liie independents, became one of the dissenting brethren in
llle assemblj^, uid discovered his ^reat zeal, teamir^ and
ittoderatton in support of their distinguishing sentimente.f
In ' 1654, he was appointed one of the tiyers of public
Sreachers, in which capacity Dr. Walker has endeavomed to
epreciate his memoiy, widi that of other learned divmes.t
Be had frequent ofiers of preferment, but, being dissatisfied
with die parochial discipline of those times, he refused them
all* He was, neverdieless, indefatigable in his ministry,
jMeachk^ twice ^ry Lord's day to two large congregations
m the i^ty^ besides weekly lectures and other occasional ser-
vices. He was one of the preachers before the parliament.
His incessant and arduous labours wasted his strength, and
St an end td hift life about the month of June, 1658, aged
y-lfaree years. He was a good scholar, an admired
jpfeacher, Md a man of most exemplary piety.. His relations
irere afterwards great sufferers by the purchase of bishops*
linds.f He was author .of a sermon entitled, '' Israel's Peace
vnl^ -God Benjamin's Overthrow ; preached before the
Honourable House of Commons, at their late solemn Fast,
July «7, 1642.''
: Hsin'i MS; Collcc. p. 4IS, 414.<-PklMf *» N«neoB. Mtai. «ol. ill.
f*8l-rSS.
f l>l88entiiig Brethren's ReaMos, p. 40 — .
iWalkeT*^ Attempt, part i. p. 174, 175.
JHai^ FnritSBi, tsl. Ui. p. 46.
300 UVES DF THE PURITANS.
John HARRi8y D. Dw— This learned person was the sob
of Mr. Richard Harrisi rector of Hardwick in Bucldngham--
shire; bom at that place in the year 1588, educated in gram-
mar learning at Wickham school, near Winchester, and
admitted perpetual fellow of New College, Oxford, In
the year 1617 he was fmanimously elected one of the proc-
tors of the university ; and two years after was chosen Greek
professor, both of which offices he filled with great honour.
Afterwards, he was prebendary of Winchester, rector of
Meanstock in Hunpshire, and, in the year 1630, h^ became
'warden of Wickbam college. In the beginning of die civil
wars, he took part with the parliament, and was, appointed
one of the assembly of divines ; when he took the x^ovenant
and other oaths, and kept his wardenship to the day of lua
death. He died August 11, 1658, aged seventy years, and
his remi^ins were interred in the chapel belonging to Wickham
college. Dr. Harris was so adnurable a Grecian, and so
eloquent a preacher, that Sir Henry Savile used to call him
the second Cfarysostom.* He published " A short View of
the life of Dr. Arthur Lake, bishop of Bath and Wells,* <
1629* Several of his letters to the celebrated Dr. Twisse
were also published by Mr. Henry Jeanes, in 1653. One <tf
these letters was '^ Of God's finite and infinite Decrees;?-
another, " Of the Object of Predestination." It does not
appear, however, that he was any relation to Dr. Robert
Harris, another puritan divine who lived at the same time.
Thomas Goodwin. — ^Tliis excellent servant of Christ
was some years minister at South Weisld in Essex, where be.
was much beloved, and eminendy useful. He was a divine
of puritan principles, and deeply concerned for the purity and
spirituality pf christian worship, lliough he died joui^, he.
was a person of great learning, exemplary piety, and univer-
sal reputation. Mr. Bownd, who preached his funend ser-
mon, gives the following account of him : ** He was an.
eminent light and pillar in the church where he lived. He
gave evident proof that he was one in Christ, and is now
blessed. He was a good and precious man, and well known
to be a minister of great worth, every way qualified for the
work to which he was called. It was his desire firom a yoatk
to be a minister of the gospel ; and, accordii^ to that desire^
the Lord in due time called him to his service. To his qndB-
« Wood's Atbeoa Oxoo. vol. U. p. 144.— Ecbaid's Hiit. of £^r-
vol. ii. y. S87.
- I
J. HAllRIS— GOODWIN* SOI
ficati^ns for the sacred office, his brethren in the counter, with
many others in more distantplaces, could give ample testunonj.
He was a learned and a godly person, and it is difficult to
say which of the two had the pre-eminence : they seemed to
keep pace, and he was eminent in both. He was a great pro-
ficient in the study of divinity and in a knowledge of the holy
scriptures. Like Ezra, he was a ready scribe in the law of
the Lord; and, like ApoUos, mighty in the scriptures.
Though he was young, his attainments were very great;
God gave unto him abundantly of his spirit. In prayer he
had much of the spirit of devotion, and was filled with the
breathings of the Holy Ghost. In preaching, he was very
pow;erful, and spoke directly to the hearts of his hearers. In
his hfe, he was most exemplary, both as a christian and a
minister. His preaching was admired by the godly and the
learned, yet persons of the meanest capacity could under-*
stand him. He had such a winning method, that his ser-
mons were never tedious, but the attention of his hearers
seemed to be chained to his lips. He took great pains in his
ministry, and was frequendy engiqged in preaching, in which
he took great delight. The love of Christ, and me souls of
the people, made frequent preachii^ his recreation and hi<t
pleasure.
This faithful Qiinister of Christ was very jealous in pro-
moting a further reformation of the church. The zeal of
God's house did even eat him up. In the cause of God he
manifested undaunted cours^e, and laboured vigorously to
promote the Redeemer's kingdom and glory, whatever oppo-
sitions were in the way. One might stand upon his grave
and say, ^' Here lies one who never feared the face of any
.man.'* He was never proudly puffed up with his rare endow-
ments ; but, in the whole of his conversation, he discovered a
happy degree of humility and holiness* He lived fi-ee fi*om
woiidly incumbrances, but fiill of cares for God's glory and
the ssdvation of his people. He was deeply concerned for
persons in sickness and death.- He used to tell me, says oup
audiCNT, how sadly it affected his heart wheti any one was sick,
or taken away by death, and he, the pastor, have no know-
ledge of his condition. He naturally cared for the souls of
the people ; and he sought not his own things, but the tliinp
of Jesus Christ. He was a minister of the gospvl, and iia
endeavoured to fulfil his ministry. He made his work his
business, and *^ studied to approve himself unto God a work*
man that needed not to be ashamed."
As tfiis righteons man lived, so he died| and bis «im1 wm
4M . LIVES OF THE WKVtMiS.
hmppy. Duriiw^ the sickneM of which he died, I vitiM
him, sftyi Mr. Bownd, and havkig recoiiUBeBded wbaufr
lion to die will of God under all hia di8p€»«atioii0, lie r^lidily
concurred, and added, *^ But my desire is to teach fuftbw^
and not only to submit, which an ordinary christian nwiy.df^
but to raise up myself (o courage and cfaeerfuhiess under ibi
rod. Blessed be God, that hitherto I can date his choic^
merciies from some great aiBiction.'' Having exhorted hte
to the lively exercise of faidi, that he might be abl^ to queadh
the fiery do-ts of the devil, he replied, ^' I Wess God, iblt
Satan hatii, as yet, got no ground by this affliction/' Coniiw
to him on anodier occasion, and finding him gready redmmf
he said, ^^ Dear fiiend, two days since I overbed the ifXtpf
speaking to my wife, as if he £^ed me ; and I bless GqA )w1iO
ao ordered it diat 1 diould h^u- him. For, indeed, till 4w%
I did nojt so seriously consider of death, as I have done jjocf •
I did all along in my sickness set my heart to labour far a
sanct^ed use of the Lord's hand; but, overfaearivg ifaai^'
I diou^t it needful to look most carefully into my famrt aa
to evidences for eternity ; and truly, upon a thoron^ iseanh
of my heart, I bless God, I find good old evidences, thwi^
I be but a young man, and ibey stick very close to me. fijk§
friend," said he, " one thing I must tell you, which taiivhkf
and afflicts my spirit very much, that when I grew teiy
serious, being exercised about serious work, the aeajrjcbing,4rf
my heart for eternity-evidences, I perceived tiiis seriouiwwrt
of mine was judged by some to be melanchojly, for ftar ct
death. Now this, indeed, troubles me very mucli^ that aay
riiould take .me to be such a one who am afraid to die.^
I afterwards called upon hiiEL, says his pious ibiogimplMri
and told him that his friends were about to meet to^Mier
to offer up prayer to God for him ; when, after pauaing a
little, he broke out in most affectionate expressions of th^
sense he had <^ his people's love to him, and how greatthf ha. ^
loved them, saying, ^^ Oh my poor peo{)Ie ! Oh the souu of
my poor people ! How dear, now precious are tfiey to ma I
Oh, if God should spare me, how would I lay out mytalf
for them!" He then vrished me tp commend him to hit
people, and tell them, diat which be desired them to beg of
God was a clearer sense of his love, saying, ''Not 'dint I
altogether want it; for, 1 bless God, I Iwve it;"' butooiM say
9Q more.
The next time I called upon him, •continues Air. Bownd^ I
heard from his mouth a most predious and powerfid da*
tMraa aonceming the a^eetqeaa mnd fidness of Ghnit. He
X. HARRIS. SB$
tmalktmatuii kebad been preacbkur from die pidpit. I
«pU :|»t help wondering to bear bkf deliror a duoouise ao
~ metnodicmly quoting the scripturet, aad not fiuling
e, almost without fiiulteiing. He very nupresuvely
those worda^ ** AXL things are yaarsj whether PaiH
.Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or deaths or
igs;** whea he oould proceed no further, but afterwaiAa
zMed, ** because ye are Christ's." He afiberwards said,
'^ WeHy it is a sweet thing when he that speaks of Christ
hadi Cbist dwelling in Urn, at the time when he speaks ;**
m gave iq> the ^host. He died in die prime of life,
Ihe midst of his usefulness, September 4, 16.58 ;* but
r he was any rdation to die cdebrated Dr. Thomas
in, or to Mr. John Goodwin^ both of whom lived air
fa BsawlUBe, we have not been abk to kam.
BoBSBT Hakris, D. D. — ^This learned divine vras bom
it Biiaad Campden m Gloucestershire, in the year 1578,
aal odncated in Magdalen collie, Oxf<mi, where he became
aa CKcaUent scholar, and a famous logician and disputant.
Bf &e blessing of God upon his studies, and the pioutf
ivImelaoDs of his tutor, he was brought to a saving know^
kd^e of the gospel, and soon after became a celebrated
puitUL He preached his first sermon at Chipping Campden
m his native county. Such, however, is said to have been
the igaonuice of the times, that when he came to the church
there was no BiUe to be found ; and it was with much diffi-*
txdty that he could procure one to carry virith him into the
pnlpil. Indeed, the vicar of the parish possessed a Bible,
ta whose house he was directed ; but, as it had not been seen
fior many months, it was with great difficulty it could be
foinkL Having at length prociu-ed the sacred volume, he
went to the church and preached an admirable sermon from
8m. X. Lf
He eKcettent Mr. Dod being silenced for nonconformity,
d^qected from Hanwell in Oxfordshire, Sir Anthony Cope
* Mr. Harris to become his successor. He, accordingly,
itmoved to Hanwell, though with much grief and fear. I'he
WOfle would own no man as their pastor except him who
Bad been ejected. It was, however, agreed upon that Mr.
Harris jhould preach so long as there was any hope of
MQirfldng Mr. Dod. During Uiis unsettled state at Hanwell,
d'l Funeral Sermon for Mr. Goodwin.
,*j filfcs aaaezMl to liartjrolosle, -p. dU, SU.
3M LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Archbishop Bancroft presented the living to one of his
chaplains, on pretence of a lapse. But Sir Anthony Cope,
then sitting in parliament, together with several other mem-
bers of the house, waited upon the archbishop, and presented
Mr. Harris, whom his grace, after a long contest, reluctandj
admitted. Sir Anthony having formerly spoken against in-
sufficient ministers, not without some reflection upon the
intolerant proceedings of the archbisliops and bishops, Ban-
croft embraced this opportunity of shewing his resentment;
and, therefore, referred Mr. Harris to be stnctly examined by
the most learned of his chaplains. ^Fhe chaplain, after mifli-
cient examination, returned Mr. Harris moderately hamei*
This proving unsatisfactory to the archbishop, he was com-
mitted to the examination of Bishop Barlow, a person ezacdy
suited to Bancroft's wishes. The bishop was a person irf
great wit and learning, and extremely glad of the opportunity.
He examined Mr. Harris first in divinity, then in other
branches of learning, particularly the Greek, in which Us
lordship was esteemed a celebrated critic. As the stoiy ii
related, '^ they Greeked it till they were both run aground lor
want of words; upon which they burst into a fit of laughter,
and so gave it over."* Barlow returned to the archfaislioB^
and, delivering a most fovomnble testimony, his grace, it v
said, was satisfied.
Mr. Harris being now settled at Hanwell, Mr. Scudder at
Drayton, and Mr. Whately at Banbury, they became paiti-
cidarly intimate, and were united in judgment and afiectioa.
Mr. Harris married Mr. Whately 's sister, and Mr. Scudder
his wife's sister. These divines commonly met tosedier
once a week, to translate and analyze a chapter of the Bibk.
Iliis practice was productive of numerous good effects^ bf
stirring them up to greater diligence, and promoting the*
mutual edification.
. Though Mr. Harris was thus comfortably settled, he wis
called to endure many trials. His faith and patience were
much exercised by his wife's long and painful illness. Thb
a£Siction, said Mr. Dod, was designed to season him and fit
him for tus work. '^ And I should have been spoiled,'' ssjs
Mr. Harris, '' had 1 not been tlius taken down. Youig
ministers know not on what ground they tread till God make
them humble." He, nevertheless, foimd much encourage*
ment in hb work. His people began to relish his miaistiy,
and the Lord greatly blessed his labours. He did not fised
• Clark's Utei, p. 818.
R. HARRIS. 90S
Ihem i^ith airy notions^ and dry speculations, but with '^ the
sincere milk of the word ;'' and in a method adapted to those
of the meanest capacity. And God is said to have so won-
derfully blessed his endeavours, that there was not one prayer-
le^s family in Hanwell, nor one person who refused his
examination and instruction previous to receiving the Lord's
supper.
In this situation he continued about forty years, blessed in
himself, and made a blessing to his people, until the com*
mencement of the civil wars. Tlie bloody battle of Edge-
hill, only a few miles distant, was fought October 23, I6489
being the Lord's day ; yet, the wind bein^ contrary, he did
not hear the least noise of it till tiie public exercises of the
day were over ; nor could he believe tlie report of a battle
till soldiers, besmeared with blood, came to make it known.
From this time his troubles increased. Rude soldiers were
quartered upon him, some calling him romtd-kead, others
tnalignant ; but he continued to attend upon his numerous
duties as at other times. One company that was quartered
upon him was so outrageous in sweating, that he could not
forbear preaching from James v. 12. ^' Above all things, mj
brediren, swear not at all." This so offended them, that they
swore they would shoot him if he preached again from the
same text Undismayed by their tlireatenings, he ventured to
£ reach from the same words the following sabbath ; when, as
e was preaching, he observed a soldier preparing bis fii^ock,
as if he meant to shoot; but Mr. Harris went on without
fear, and finished his discourse without interruption.* He.
indeed, endured the storm till he had suffered very material
iigury, and was at length drives from the place.
Ifr. Harris, being forced from his flock, fled to London^
when he was chosen one of the asseinbly of divines, and
preached at St. Botolph's church, Bishopsgate. He wu
one of the preachers before the parliament. In 'the year
1646, he was' appointed one of the six preachers to the
miversity of Oxford; and, the year following, one of the
visitoni. Dr. Walker, with his usual slander, observes, that
when the visitors proceeded to open their visitation, they
began, as they did all their odier distinguished wickedness.
sod accordu^ to their usual hypocrisy, with prayen ana
a sermon! Tne sermon was preached by Mr. Hams.f He,
at the same tkne, took his doctor*s degree, was made piesi-
s CUurk'f Livei, p. 3tl. t Walker's Attcnpl, part i. p. 117.
VOL. IIT. X
a06 LIVES OP THE PURITANS.
ident of Trinity college, and became rector of GrarlingtoB,
near Oxford. He governed his college with great prudence,
gaining the affections of all the fellows and students^ who
reverenced him as a Either.
Dr. Harris, in his last sickness, being desired to admit
company, i^aid, f ' It is all one to me whether I am left alone
or have my friends with me. My work is now to arm myself
for death, which now assault me, and apply myself to that
great encounter." Accordingly, he spent all his time in
prayer, meditation, and reading the scnptures ; and when he
became unable to read himself, his friends read to him. He
said to them, ** You must put on all the armour of God, and
then go forth in the strength of the Lord. Stand in Ae
fight, and the issue will be clorious : only for^t not to call
in the help of your General. Do all from hun and under
him." Bems asked whence he derived his comfort, he said,
" From Chnst and the free grace of God." When it was
signified that he might take much comfort from his laboon
and tisefulness, he replied, '^ All is nothing without a Saviour.
Without him my best works would condemn me. Oh! I
am ashamed of them, being mixed with so much -sin. Oh! I
am an unprofitable servant. 1 have not done anything for Crod
as I ought. Loss of time sits heavy upon my spirit. Woik,
work apace. Be assured nothing will more trouble you, when
you come to die, tlian that you have done no more for Grbd,
who has done so much for you." He said, ** I never saw Ac
worth of Christ, nor tasted the sweetness of God's love^ id
so great a measure as I do now." When his friends asked
what they should do for him, he replied, '' You must not only
pray for me, but praise God f&r his unspeakable mercy to me.
O, how good is God ! Entertain good thoughts of hmi. We
cannot think too well of him, nor too ill of ourselves. I an
now going home, even quite spent. I am on the shore, bat
leave you still tossing on the sea. Oh ! it is a good time to die
in." Afterwards, being asked how he did, he said, ^' In no
great pain, I -praise God, only weary of my useless Bfe. If
God hath no more work for me to do, I would be glad to be
in heaven, where I shall serve him vnthout distractions^ I
pass from one death to another ; y^ I fear none. I pnuse
God that I can IKe, and dare die. If God hadi more woriL
for me to do, 1 am wflling to do it, though my infirm body be
very weary.'' He professed that he lived and cBed in tiiat nidi
which he preached, and found its unspeakable comforts now in
the immediate prospect of death. He closed his eyes ia
peace^ resigniDg hit soul to God, December 11, l658/iq[ed
eighty years.*
Mr. Clark gives the following account /of his exeellent
endowments: — He was a hard student, endowed witfi great
parts, and furnished with all manner of learning necessary to
a divine. He was a pure and elegant Latinist, very exact in
the Hebrew, and much admired as a subtle, clear, and ready
disputant. He excelled in chronology, church history, the
councils, case divinity, and in the knowledge of the fadiers.
But his parts were best seen in the pulpit. His gifts in
■prayer were very great; his affections warm and fervent; his
petitions weighty and substantial ; and his language, pertinent,
unaffected, and without tautology. He preached with
learned plainness, unfolding the great mysteries of the
gospel to persons of the meanest capacities. He used to
My, '^ a preacher hath three books to study: the Bibkf
himself y and his p/iople" He observed, that the humblest
{Nreachers converted the greatest number of souls, not the
most learned scholars while unbroken. He valued no man
for his gifts, but for his humility under them. Nor did he
expect much from any man, were his parts ever so great, till
he was broken by temptations and afflictions. He was a
man> who ruled "(^ell his own house, was of great modera-
tion about church discipline, exceedingly charitable to the
poor, and eminently distinguished for humility, mortification,
and self-denial. In short, he was richly furnished with every
necessary qualification to render him a complete scholar,
a wise governor, a profitable preacher, and an excellent
christian.f
Notwithstanding this account from the impartial pen of
one who must have been well acquainted with him, Dr.
Walker has stigmatized him as *^ a notorious pluralist." He
rests the evidence of this slanderous accusation upon the
authority of a scurrilous and abusive letter, published to
expose and pour contempt upon the puritans. The doctor
ilso observes, ** that he had somewhere read, that in those
times Dr. Harris's picture was drawn with one steeple upon
bis head, and odiers coming out of his pockets." We shall
Hot attempt to justify pluralities. They are undoubtedly
indefensible. Yet the satire had certainly been more season-
able, if pluralities did no where exist among rigid churchmen.^
Respecting this charge, Dr. Harris himself made the follow-
ing open and generous declaration : '' I stood clear," says
• Clark's Lives, p. S25--S27, + Ibid, p. WY— 3S1.
J Walker*! Attempt, part I. p. 127.
90B LIVES OF T&B PURITANS.
he, ^ in my own conscicncey and in the consciettciBS of those
who best knew me. I was far from allowing nonresidence
and a plurality of livings; yet, to such as were ignolvnt of all
circumstancesy there was some appearance of evil."* He
undoubtedly possessed several benefices; but whedier he
received the profits of them all, and enjoyed them all at the
same time, appears extsemely doubtfuL Though Dr. Gr^
denominates him '*■ a fanatical hero^ and a professedl
enemy to the constitution, both in church and state;'' yet
he in part acquits him of the vile charge, and invalidatisa,
in a great measure^ the authority of th6 above scurrilous
letler.t
The Oxford historian brings accusations against Dr. Harris,
which, if true, would prove him to have been one of tbe
basest of men. He charges him with having taken- for his
own use two bi^ of gold,containing one hundred pouwk eadb^
which he found among some old rubbish in Tnaity rnlhir,
soon after he became president. He also affirms, that Br.
Harris told several most glaringfalsehoods, with a view In
secure the money to himself*. Though our documents wffl
not afford us materials for a complete refutation of the«e
charges ; yet the whole of what is asserted, and especiallyjlhe
worst part of it, is so contrary to the uniform spirit and
deportment of this learned and pious divine, that the account,
appears extremely suspicious, and only designed to reproach
the memory of the puritans.}
Dr. Harris's last will and testament contains much excel*
lent adiace to his wife and numerous children, but is too
long for our insertion.^ His works came forth at diflfieient
times, but were afterwards collected and published in one
volume folio, in 1654. The pious Bishop Wilkins passes, aa
liigh encomium upon his sermons.|| It doc^ not appear
whether he was any relation to Dr. John. Harris, whose
memoir is given in a foregoing article.
Christopher Feake was first a minister in the esta*
blished church, afterwards he joined the brethren of the
separation, espoused the sentiments of the baptbts, became a
fifth . monarchy-^nan, and was exceedingly zealous in the.
cause. Edwards, who styles him a great sectary, gives die
• Clark*! Lives, p. 323.
f Greer's Examination, toI. ii. p. 898, 299.
} Wood's AciieDaB Oxod. toI. ii. p. 748.
Ir Clark's Uves, p. 336—338. f| VfUlkisi on Preaching, p. 8S, 89.
FEAKE* 909
following curious and amusing account of him : ** This
Master Feake, >¥ithin this twelvemonth, was preacher in Lon-
don, and hath preached many strange and odd things at
Peter's in Comhill, besides Wool-church, and other places :
as, for separation from* our assemblies, expressing many
heterodox things about mixed communion at theiLoitPs
supper, against maintenance of ministers by uAes ; and, in
sermons and prayers, hath had many flings at the assembly ;
butnow is preacher in the town of Hertford, and in AIL-saints,
the greatest parish and church of that town, being put into a
sequestrated living by the power of some of the independents.
As for his carriage at Hertford, where he hath preached since
last January, it hath been as follows : His preaching and
praying shews him to he no friend to the assembly, nor to the
directory; h^ hath never used the Lord's prayer since he
went thither, but hath preached agunst the use of k as a
l^rayer. It is observed of him by understanding men, hia
auditors, that they never heard him appoint <h* sing a paakn ;
he reads but one chapter, or a piece of a chapter, and hath
Hot baptized any since his going. One of the committee, a
Jnslice of peace, put up some articles against him at die
«88izes at Hertford, to both judges dien on the bendi. The
"finit was this, ' That God would destroy not only unlawful
government, but lawful government, not only the abuse, bat
the use of it; and as he had be^m to destroy it in E^haid,
«o would he, by raising combustions in the bowels of imuice
and Spain; and that he would destroy aristocracy in Holland^
for toleratii^ arminianism/ When he denied tibe words, one
being present and asked, affirmed him to have preached ^us ;
and there are found four oAers, understandiiig men and of
igood worth, who will testify the same. When Master Feake
«iplained himself before the judges, that there was in
monarchy and aristocracy an enmity against Christ, which he
would destroy ; and as he was preaching, some turbnlent
fellows and sectaries clambered up by the bench, and cried
oat, ' My lord, my lord, Mr. Pr. doth it in malice : we will
maintain our ipinister with our blood.' Whereupon the
juitee threw away the paper, and said he would hear no more
of It, though he had before commanded Master Eldred to>
read openly all those heterodoxies. The Lord's day follow-
ing Master Feake in the pulpit endeavoured to answer all
die articles put up 9gtm»t him to the judges, in m great
aaditory.''*
« EAmwH^ GMsrsoa, part iii. p. 81, 147, Ut.
810 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Upon the sequestration of Mr. )\^illiam Jenkin he became
minister of Christ's churchy London/ and afterwards one of
die lecturers at Blackfriars; but was most violent against
Cromwell's government. He is denominated a bold and
crafty orator, of high reputation among the anabaptists. He
preached with great bitterness against the civil administration
during the commonwealth, but especially against the protec*
tor, calling him ** the man of sin, the old dragon, and the
most dissembling and perjured villain in the world;" and
desired, that if any of his friends were present, they would go
and tell him what he said.t The protector, therefore, to
support his own authority, ordered hiufi to be taken into
custody. He was apprehended in the year iGoS, when he
was carried before Cromwell and the council, and committed
prisoner to Windsor-castle4 The baptists, disliking the
proceedings of goveiiiment, protested against them in t
work entitled,/' A Declaration of several of the Churclies of
Christ, and godly people in and about the city of LondoD,
concemii^ the kingly interest of Christ, and the present
sufierings of his cause and saints in England,'' 1654. Ib
this piece they declare, *^ That they value the churches of
Christ, which are the lot of God's inheritance, a thousand
times beyond their own lives ; that it is their duty to perse-
vere therein to the utmost hazard of their lives ; that the Lord
made them instruments to vex all in his sore displeasure, vi4io
take counsel against Christ, whom the Lord hath anointed
and decreed king; and that they were not merely the
servants of man ; and that they not only proclaimed Jesm
Christ to be king, but that they would submit to, him alone
upon his own terms, and admit him only to the exercise of his
royal authority," 1 his declaration was subscribed by a gre^t-
number of persons ; ten of whom are said- to be ** of the
church that walks with Mr. Feake, now close prisoner for this
cause of Christ, at Windsor-castle."$ He remained under.
confinemeht several years; was in prison in 1655; but enjoyed
his liberty in 165 7 11 These tribulations did not cause him
to desist from his public labours. For he was no sooner
released from prison than he renewed his ministerial exer^
cise, and was preacher in the city, most probably at various
places, in the year 1658 ;f but when he.died we are not abU
♦ Keonet's Chronicle, p. 793.
+ Thurloe's State Papers, vol. i. p. 621.
± Ibid. vol. ii. p. 67. ^ Declaration, p. 9, 91.
« Thurloe's State Papers, vol. iii. p. 485. t. 756.
IT Ibid. vol. vii. p. 57.
PARTRIDGE— SYMPSON. 3H
to learn. He was author of several pieces, the tides of which
have not come to our knowledge.
Ralph Partridge was a most worthy minister, and b>
great sufferer from the persecuting prelates. He was hunted
by the severity of the bishops, as he used to express it, '^ like
a partridge upon the mountains, till at last he was resolved tQ
fet out of their reach, and took flight to New England.'^
Ipon his arrival, he settled at Duxbury in the colony of
Plymouth, and was held in very high repute through the
country. Tlie synod of Cambridge^ in 1648, made choice of
him, together with Mr. Cotton and Mr. Mather, to draw up
their model of church government. He was a person of
great humility and self-denial, and always content with the
meanest circumstances. When most of the ministers of
Plymouth colony left their places, on account of their want
of a sufficient maintenance, this good man continued with Ub
people to the last.* He lived a pious and unblamable life,
possessed a grave and solid judgment, was famous in dispu-
tation, and much honoured and beloved by all who knew hun.
This excellent servant of Christ was scarcely ever interrupted
in his ministry by bodily sickness, during the period of forty
years. He dhed in a good old age, in the year l658.f
. Sydrach Sympson, B. D. — This meek and quiet divme
received his education iu' the university of Cambridge, and
afterwards became a celebrated preacher in London. He
was appointed curate and lecturer of St. Margaret's church,
fiah-street ; but his preaching soon gave offence to Arch<-
bishop Laud, who, in his metropolitical visitation, in the year
1635, convened him before him, with several other divines,
for breach of canons. Most of them having promised sub-
mission, they were di8missed.t By the intemperate super-
stition and bigotry of Laud, and the violence with which he
exacted conformity, many eminent divines were driven out of
the kingdom. Amoi^ these were Mr. (afj^erwards Dn)
Thomas Goodwin, Mr. Philip Nye, Mr. Jeremiah Bur-
roughs, Mr. William Bridge, and Mr. Sympson. They all
retired to Holland, and were afterwards denominated the five
pillars of the independent or congregational party ; and, in
• Mather's Hist, of New England, b. iii. p. 99.
f Morton^ Memorial, p. 153.
t Wharton's Trouble! of Land, to!, i. p. A86. '
1^1
819 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
the assembly of diviaes, were distinguished by the name of
die dmentuig brethren.*
Upon Mr. Sympson's arrival in Holland, he went to
Botterdam ; and beholding the good order of the Engliidi
church at that place, under the pastoral care of Mr. Bridse,
he desired to become a member ; and, upon delivering his
confession of fedth, was received into their communion.
After some time, Mr. Sympson discovered certain things in
the church which he did not well approve ; and urged die
utility of prophesyingSy that, after sermon on the Lord's day,
the people might express their doubts, and propose questions
to the ministers, with a view to their better edihcation. Tins,
however, with some other things, produced a misunderstand- ,
ing betwixt Mr. Bridge and Mr. Sympson ; which, at lengdi^
caused the latter even to separate himself from the church,
and begin a new interest. This new society had, indeed, a
very small beginning, but afterwards, through die blessing of
God, it became very considerable^ Mr. Joseph Symonds^
another persecuted puritan, succeeded him in the office of
pastor to diis church.|
About the commencement of the civil war Mr. Sympson
returned to England ; and in the year 1643 was chosen one
of the assembly of divines, and he constandy attended drain
the session. In all their debates he conducted himself wim
great temper and moderation. He was one of the five divines
who published and presented to the house of conunoDf, in
1643, ^* An Apologetical Narration submitted to die Honenw.
able Houses of Parliament," in favour of the independents.
In the year 1645 he was appointed one of the committee oT
accommodation.^ In the year 1647 he united with bb dii*
senting brethren in presenting their reasons to the houses of
parliament, against certain p^rts of the presbyterian goven-
ment.|| In the year 1650 he was appointed, by the pnilift*
mentary visitors, master of Pembroke-hall, Cambric^, in
the room of Mr. Vines, who was turned out for refusing the .
engagement. In 1654 he yms chosen a member of the com*
mittee for drawing up a catalogue of fundamentals, to be
presented to the parliament. During the same year he was
constituted, by order of die council, one of the commissioners
for the approbation of public preachers; these commissioners
were commonly distinguished by the name of fryers. In
• Neal's Puritans, toI. iii. p. 917.
f £dward8*s Aotapolo^a, p. 142, 143.
X Bailie's DissoasiTe, p. 7T. § Papen of Accom. p. 1S»
I Beasooi of Dissentins Brtthreo, p. 40> 13S, 198.
STMPSON.
313
1655 he was appointed, by a commission from the protector
Clromwelly one of the new visitors of the oniversity of Cam-
bridge.* During the long parliament he gathered a church
and congregation in London, upon the plan of the indepen-'
dents^ which assembled in Abchurch, near Cannon-street.
Mr. Sympson was a divine of considerable learning, of
great piety and devotion, and a celebrated preacher. Dr.
Grey calls him a celebrated preacher of rebellious principles ;
which is plain, says he, from the following passage in one of
his sermons: ^' Reformation is liable to inhuman treacheries.
Pharaoh's dealing was very treacherous. He bade the
people go ; gave them liberty by proclamation ; and when he
had got them at an advantage, he brought up an army to cut
them off. The reforming of the church will meet widi such
kind of enemies."! If the learned doctor had not been m the
constant practice of ascribing rebellion to the puritan divines,
be would have fotind some difficulty in discovering rebellious
principles from this passage. And so far from appearing ^
plain from the passlEige, that he was a celebrated preacher of
those princi{Mes, we diink it would puzzle all the learning of
the two universities of Oxford and* Cambridge to make the
discovery. Mr. Edwards censures him for attempting to'
piopagate his own sentiments relative to church discipline^
ub^ty of conscience, and universal toleration.^ In his last
sickness, he laboured under spiritual darkness and some
melancholy apprehensions; on which account certain of his
friemls and brethren assembled at his house to assist him
with their prayers. When they took their leave of him, he
tfianked them, and said, he was now satisfied in his soul, and
lifting up his hands towards heaven, exclaimed, ^^ He b
come, he is come !" and died the same evening. This was
m the year 1658.$ Mr. Sympson published several sermons
pveached before the parliament, one of which is entitled,
^ Refpirmation's Preservation, opened in a Sermon preached
at Westminster before the Honourable House of Commons,
at the late solemn Fast, July 26, 1643.'' He was author
of some other pieces, the titles of which have not reached
• Sylvester*! lAt^ of Baxter, part ii. p. 197.— Neal*s Pnritani, Vol. it.
p. S7, 183.
f Gre>*i Examination, toI. i. p. 188. | Antapologia, p. 215,216*
S NeaPi Paritans, vol. iv. p. 207*
314 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Robert Dinglet^ A. M.— This mcms minister was the
son of Sir Jolrn Dingley, by a sister of Dr. Henry Hammond ;
Mras bom in Surrey, in Uie year 1619^ and educ|ited in Mag-
dalen college, Oxford. Having finished his studies at ths
imiversity, he took orders, and, according to Wood, became
«< a strict observer of church ceremonies, and a remarkable
bower to the altar when he entered the church." Upon the
commencement of the wars, he espoused the cause of the
parliament, became an avowed enemy to superstitious cere-
monies in divine worship, and a zealous puritan. He was
made rector of Brightstone in the Isle of Wight, where he was
much followed by those of his own persuasion, for .his excel-
lent practical preaching. He was presented to this benefice
when Colonel Hammond, his kinsman, was governor of die
island. But while Mr. Dingley was thus caressed and fol«
lowed by his own party, he was hated by the royalists, oa
account of his activity as assistant to the commissioners of
Hampshire, for ejecting ignorant and scandalous ministen
and schoolmasters.* This is the only crime alleged against
him, for which he was even hated by die contrary party. He
died at .Brightstone, in the year l659> and his remains werQ
interred in the chancel of hb own church. Over his grave
was .the following monumental inscription erected to hii
memory:
Here
lieth the body
of Mr. Robert Dingley,
Minister of thiai place ;
second sen of Sir John Dingley, Knighi,
who died on the twelfth day of January^
1669,
in the fortieth year
of his age.
1.5
His Works. — 1. The Spiritnal Taste described : or, a Glimpse of
Christ discovered, 1640. — ^2. The Disputation of Angels: or, ths
Ang^cl Guardian, 1654. — 3. Messiah's Spicndonr : or, the |^liiiipso4
Glory of a Beauteous Christian, 1654. — 4. Divine Optics: or, alVeft-
tise of the Eye, discovering the Vices and Virtues thereof, 1665.—
5. Philosophical, 1 historical, and Theological Observations ef
Thunder, with a more general view uf God's wonderful Woiki^
1658.—^ A Sermon on Job xxvL 14., 1658.
* Wood's Athene Oxon. vol. ii. p. 155.
DINGLi^T— ARROWSMITH. 315
John Arrowsmith, D. D. — This learned divine was
born at Gateshead, near Newcastle-upon-Tyne, March 9Q,
1602, educated in St. John's college, Cambridge, and after-
wards chosen fellow of Katharine-hall, in the same univer-
sity. He was elected one of the university preachers, was
beneficed at Lynn in Norfolk, afterwards preacher at St. Mar-
tin's, Ironmouger's-lane, London^ and chosen one of the
assembly of divines.* He constantly attended durii^ the
session ; he united with several of his brethren in drawing up
the assembly's catechism ; and was one of the divines approved
by the parliament to be consulted in ecclesiastical matters.
April 1 1, 1644, he was elected master of St. John's college^
when Dr. Beale was ejected, in the following manner:—
'^The Right Honourable Edward Earl of Manchester, in
pursuance of an ordinance of parliament, for regulating and
reforming the university of Cambridge, came in person into
the chapel of St. John's college, and, by the authority to him
committed, did, in the presence of all the fellows then resi-
dent, declare and publish Mr. John Arrowsmith to be con-
stituted master of the said college in room of Dr. Beale, late
master there, but now justly and lawfully ejected : requiring
him the said John Arrowsmith, then present, to take upon
him the said place, and did put him into the said master's
seat or stall, within the sud chapel : and did likewise straitly
charge all, and every of the fellows, &.c. to acknowledge him
to be actually master of the college, and sufficiently autho-
rized to execute the said office."
Upon his admission, he was required to make and subscribe
a solemn declaration, of which the following is a copy :t
** I, John Arrowsmith, being called and constituted by the
Right Honourable Edward Earl of Manchester, (who is
authorized thereto by an ordinance of parliament,) to be'
master of St. John's college, in the university of Cambridge,
with the approbation of the assembly of divines now sitting
at Westmmster, do solemnly and seriously promise, in the
presence of Almighty God, the searcher of ail hearts, that,
durii^ the time of my continuance in that charge, I shall
feithfully labour to promote piety and learning in myself, the
fellows, scholars, and students, that do or shall belong to the
said college, agreeably to the late solemn national league and
covenant by me sworn and subscribed, with respect to all
the good and wholesome statutes of the said college, and of the
university, correspondent to the said covenant; and by all
« Baker'i MS. Collec. vol. i. p. 865. f Ibid. vol. zii. p. 169, 170.
^ ^
316 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
means to procure the welfare and perfect reformation both
of that college and university, so far as to me appertains.
"John Arhowsmith."
During the above year he was one of the committee of
learned divines, which united with a committee of the lords
and commons, to treat with the conunissioners of the church
of Scotland, concerning an agreement in matters of religion.*
He took his doctor's degree in the year 16479 ^^^ ^^^ chosen
vice-chancellor of the university the same year. In the year
1651 he was elected regius professor of divinity, upon the
death of Dr. Collins, who had filled the chair marnr years ;
and was at the same time presented to the rectory of Scrmer-
sham.i In 1633, upon the death of Dr. Hill, he was chosen
master of Trinity college, Cambridge, when he was succeeded
at St. John's by Dr. Tuckney ; and, m 1655, he resigned his
professorship, in which office he was succeeded by me same
person.^ He was appointed one of the tryers, and one of the
preachers before the parliament. He was a man of unexcep-
tionable character, and of great learning and piety ; an acate
disputant, a judicious divine, and an excellent author, u
appears from the learned productions of his pen, ' which
gained him great reputation. He died in February, l6S9f
aged fifty-seven years, and his remains w^re interred m
*1 rinity college chapel, the 24th of the same mondi.j
Mr. Neal having observed that the leammg and J^ty of
our divine were unexceptionable. Dr. Grey adds, "And had
our learned historian added, that he was an eminent preacher*,
and famed for his flowers of rhetoric, I could have helped
him to passages in support of such an assertion." He men
enumerates the passages as follows: — '^ You have endea-
voured," says he, ^' to fence this vineyard vnth a settle(| mili-
tia, to gather out the malignants as stones, to plant it widl
men of piety and truth, as choice vines, to build the towers of
a poweiful ministry in the midst of it, and to make a win»>
press for the squeezing of malignants. — ^The main woiC of
the spirit of grace is to negociate the treaty of a match betwixt
the Lord Jesus and the coy souls of men. — It b a spiritiad
affection that hath the Holy Ghost for its father, feith for its
Aiother, prayer for its midwife, the word for its nurse, sin-
cerity for its keeper, and trembling for its handmaid. — ^After
some overtures of a match in the reign of king Henry VIIJ.,
* Pftpera of Accom. p. 13. + Baker'i MS. CoUec. yoL i. p. iMk
X Kennet's Chronicle, p. 601, 935.
S Wood*8 Athens, vo). ji. p. 371.— Calamy*! Accoiuty vol* ij. p« 78»
994.^Baker'8 MS. CoUec. toI. i. p, 8«5,
AEROWSMITH. 51T
die reformed church in this Idngdom was solemnly married ta
Jesus Christ, when the sceptre was swayed by Edward VI,
That godly young prince (as became the bridegroom's friend)
rejoicing greatly^ because of the brid^oom's voice. The
famous nine and thirty articles of her confession then framed,
were an evident sign of her being with child, and that a
thorough reformation viras then concevcedy though but con-"
ceived. Many and sore were the breeding fits she conflicted
with m Queen Mary's days, and such as gave occas^n to fear
she would have miscarried/'*
In another place, says Dr. Grey, ^* I shall take the liberty
of adding a character of the assembly of divines, from a right
' reverend bishop of those times ;" and then cites his lordship's
words as follows: — ^^^ You mayjud^e of them," says the
bishop, ^' by their compeers, Goodwm, Burroughs, Arrcwh
tmiihj and die rest of their ignorant, factious, and schismatical
ministers, that, together widb those intruding mechanics, (who
widiout any callmg from God or man, do step from their
batcher^* board, or horses' stable, into the preacher's pulpit,)
aie the bellows which blow up this fire, that threatened the
deatmction 'of this land."f
The reproachful insinuations of the doctor and the learned
prelate ace sufficiently refuted from the following account of
Dr* Arrowsmith, given by one who appears to have been well
acquainted with him :— -^^ He was a burning and a shining
lig$t; who, by his indefatigable study of the sublime m^ste-
fiei of the gospel, spent himself tp the utmost, to explicate
die daricest places of scripture. This he did with a view to
enli^len others in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. He was
m holy and learned divine ; firm and zealous in his attach-
ment to the cause of Christ, from which no worldly allure-
loent would shake his faith, or move his confidence. He was
% jnan of a thousand. Those who best knew him could
^ give testimony of his diligence, his zeal, his integrity. His
|tublic ministry discovered hb great dexterity, 'sound jud^*
menf^ admirable learning, and indefatigable labours. His
90ul aspired after more than his weak and sickly body was
aUe to perform. He put fordi his energy beyond his strjengtb
to do good."^
IBs Works.— 1. Tbe Covenant-avengiii^ Sword Brandished, in a
Sfltmon before the Honourable House of Commons, at their late
• Grey'i Examination, ▼ol. if. p. 156. f IWd. p. ^U
t Arrawimitb'f Qod-Mao, FM. Edit. 1660.
SIS LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
•olemn Fast, Jui. d5, 1649-^1643^-3. England's EbeB-«ser; or,
Stone of Help set up in thaokral acknowledgment of the Liord's
having helped ns hitherto, in a Sermon preached to both Houses of
Parliament at Christ's Chnrcb, London, March 12, 1645—1646.—
d. A Chain of Principles ; or, an Ordinary Concatenation of theolo-
gical Aphorisms and l.xercitafions, 1659.-^ €rod-Man^ 1660.^
6. A Great Wonder in Heaven. — 6. Tracta Sacra.
Peter Bulkly, B. D. — ^Thb excellent person was born
at Odell in Bedfordshire, January 31, 1582, and educated in
St. John's college^ Cambridge^ where he was chosen fdlow.
He had a considerable estate left him by bis fother. Dr. Ed-
ward Bulkly/ whom he succeeded in the ministry at the
place of his birth. By favour of the excellent Bishop Wit
liams, who connived at his nonconformity, as he had done
at the nonconformity of his venerable father, he continiied
unmolested upwards of twenty years. Towards the close of
this period, his ministry was attended with wonderful success
in the conversion of souls. But infonnation was no sooner
given to Archbishop Laud than he was immediately silenced
for nonconformity .t His mouth being stopped, and havmg
no further prospect of ministerial usefiilness in his own ooim-
try, he sold his estate, and, in 1635, went to New England.
He took with him a considerable number of planters, who^
upon their arrival, settled at a place which they cdled
Concord. 1 here he gathered a church, became its wortkj
pastor, and expended a large estate, while most of his
vants got estates under him. It was his custom, when any
had lived with him a certain number of years, to dismiss him
frpm his service, and fix him in a comfortable situation, and
so take another in his room.
Mr. Bulkly was author of '^ The Gospel Covenant opened,"
of which the pious Mr. Shepard has given the follownMf
account: ''The church of God,'* says he, ''is bound to bless God
for the holy, judicious, and learned labours of this aged, expe-
rienced, and precious servant of Jesus Christ; who hath taken
much pains to discover, in demonstration and evidence of the
Spirit, the great mystery of godliness wrapt up in the cove*
nant ; and hath now fully opened many knotty questions con-
cerning the same, which have not been brought so fully to
light until now."t T^^ ^oi'l^ passed through several editions,
* Dr. Bulkly was a faithful miDistpr of the gospH, and a person of dii-
tingoishf d eminence. He made additions to Foz^s " Acts and Moflnaieoli
of the Martyrs.**— See Fox't Martyrg, toI. iii. p. 861«-863.
t Mather*! Hist, of New Enj. b. ill. p. 98. t ^^^^» P* ^*
. BULKLT-*JACOMB. 319
WBB highly esteemed, and was one of die first books published
in New England.
Mr. Bulkly was twice nliarried. By his first wife he hadi
nine sons and two daughters ; and by his second wife, the
amiable daughter of Sir Richard Chitwood, he had three sons
and one daughter. Old age, and its numerous infirmities, at
length coming upon him, put an end to his zealous and useful
labours. He was afraid of out-living his work, and died
March 9, 1659> aged seventy-seven years. . He was an
excellent scholar, a thundering preacher, a judicious divine^
a strict observer of the sabbath, an exemplary christian, and
one who was esteemed as a father, a prophet, and a coun-
•ellor in the new commonwealth.* He had three sons employed
in the ministry, Gresham, Edward, and John. Edward suc«-
ceeded his father as pastor of the church at Concord, where
he died. John, his youngest son, was educated, and. took
iiis degrees, in Harvard college; and, coming to England,
flatted in the ministry in this country, but was ejected by tlw
act of uniformity in l662.t
Samubl Jacomb, B. D. — This learned divine was bora
«t Bnrton-Lazers in Leicestershire, and educated in Queen's
college, Cambridge; of which, in the year 1648, he was
chosen fellow. By the religious instruction of his pious
parents, together with his attendance upon the ministry of
Mr. Ludlam, he was brought under serious concern for his
tool at a very early period. Having resolved to employ him-
self in the mmistry, he became a hard student, a good scholar,
and an excellent divine. His preaching while at the univer-
•ity was much admired and followed by the collegians and
omtn. He was possessed of popular talents, and was
appointed one of the university preachers by the authority •of
me^mrliament.
; Mn Jacomb continued at Cambridge about twelve years.
Afterifards, he removed to London, and was chosen pastor
at StrMary Woolnoth, in Lombard-street. In this situation,
hit excellent endowments were much esteemed and admired,
as wdtt by his brethren in the ministry as by the people of
his charge. His sermons were so demonstrative, that tliej
were sufiicient to convince an atheist ; so clear, as to enlighten
the most ignorant; so awakening, as to rouse tlie most cam-
less; so persuasive, as to charm the most obdurate; so
• Mather's Hist, of New Sng . b. iH. p. 9t.
f Falner's Noncoo. Men. toI'. ii. p. fOO.
SSO LIViSS OF THE PURITANS.
fervent, as to awaken the most formal ; and so discreet^ as to
reduce the most fiery zealot to a proper temper. Incoih.
versation he was grave, humble, cheerful, amble, serious,
and affectionate.* However, with these exceUent quidifica-
tions, he did not live fou^ years after his removal to LondoiL
During his last sickness, he felt happily resigned to his
heavenly Father's will. ** God is wise," said he, ^ Aereibre
let him do with me as seemeth him good.*' His comfdaiirt
/beginning to affect his head, and to becloud his mind, he was
exercised with fears, and said, ^* This is the only ibiiig du^
troubles me, l^st I should lose my understanding ; but my
Savioiu- intercedes for me: he doth, he doth." His fean
were altogether groundless. He enjoyed the perfect nae of
his mental powers, with solid peace and comfort to the last
ilis last words were, There remaineth a rest for thepeopkcf
God, He died in the month of June, 1639- He lived and
died a nonconformist to the church of England.f And he
appears to have been brother to Dr. Thomas Jacomb, the
ejected nonconformist.^ Mr. Jacomb published, ^ Moses
his Death, a Sermon preached at Christ's Church in London,
at the funeral of Mr. Edward Bright, Minister there,** 1657-
He was author of two or three other Sermons. Mr. Pktridc
preached and published his funeral sermon, firom iriiidi
part of this brief memoir is collected.
«
Thomas Cawton, A. M. — ^This excellent divine wi»
bom at Rainham in Norfolk, in the year 1605, and educated
m Queen's college, Cambridge. lie was desirous of the
ministerial work from a child, and was patronized and snp^
ported at the university by Sir Roger Townshend.- He maoe
uncommon progress in the knowledge of the arts, the lai^
guages, and divinity ; and his piety was so remaricable, tint it
became a proverb in the university. The profiuie achelan
us^d to stigmatize those who were religiously inclined ^ as
poisoned by Cawton's faction, and as becoming Cawtooiats*''
Havii^ continued seven years at the university, he removed
to Ash well, about twelve miles from Cambridge, to live in die
house of Mr. Herbert Palmer, another celebrated puritui.
His principal object in this removal was the study of divinity,
in which he made a remarkable proficiency, and occasionally
assisted Mr. Palmer in the exercises of die pulpit. Affcer-
♦ Niphols's Hist, of Leicestershire, vol. ii. p. 2T0.
f Patrick's Funeral Sermon for Mr. Jacomb.
X Falmer's Noocon. Mem. vol. i. p. 160.
cAWTON. an
ivards; he became domestic chaplain to Sir William Annin*,
of Orton in Nothamptonshire ; where he was exceedii^ly
beloved for his piety, alnlities, and faithfulness. Having con-
tinued in this situation four years, he, in the year l6S7,
became rector of Wivenhoe in Essex,* being presented to the
living by Sir Roger Townshend. When he entered upon
his charge at Wivenhoe, it was a place remarkable for drunk-
enness, swearing, sabbath-breaking, stnd almost every other
scene of profaneness ; but, by the blessing of God upon hii
'faithful labours and exemplary deportment, it soon became
equally remarkable for sobrie^, the observation of the sab-*
bath, and unfeigned piety. The inhabitants of the town
usually brought their fish to sell on the sabbath day, when
they kept their market near the church-doors. Mr. Cawton's
righteous soul was sorely vexed with their ungodly ways ; and,
by his faithful and unwearied endeavours, the evil practice was
aboli^ed, and a happy reformation followed, it is further
added, that he was the means of bringing great numbers to
.the saving knowledge of the gospel ; and diat no minister was
ever more beloved by his people.f He married die daughter
of Mr. William Jenkin, the ejected nonconformist.
Mr. Cawton having continued his ministerial labours at the
mbove place about seven years, his healdi began visibly to
decline, when he was advised to remove to some other situa-
tion, particularly for a change of air ; and receiving, about
the same time, an invitation to Bartholomew's church, behind
the Exchange, London, he removed to the metropolis. The
chance proved happily instrumental in the restoration of his
healm, and the means of preventing the return of the ague.
In London, Sir Harbottle Grimstone, who lived in his parish,
was his constant hearer and his very good friend. In the
year 1648, he united with the London ministers in their
declaration against the king's death :t and, the same year, was
brought into trouble for his zeal in the royal cause. Being
invited by the lord mayor and aldermen, to preach at Mercer's
chapel, he prayed for the royal family, especially for king
Charles H., whom he considered as the legsu sovereign : but
delivered nothing offensive in his sermon. His prayer, how-
ever, proved offensive to the ruling party. The day follow-
ing, the council of state issued a warrant to apprehend jiim.(
* Newconrt*8 Repert. Eccl. vol. ii. p. 679.
t Life of Mr. Cawtoo, p. 1—^. Edit. 1602.
1 Calamy'i Contin. toI. ii.p. 743.
S The warrant, dated Arom Derby-hovse, February 96» 1648, wm tlMi
ffonowlns:— ^'Tliese are to will and require you forthwith, spM .light
^* hereof, to make speedy repair aato any tech place. fihtffft>.ys» m^l
VOL. III. V . .
928 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Upon bis appearance before bis judges, he was chained witb
having proclaimed the young kin^; and that, according to die
existing laws, he was guilty of high treason. He waa, dieie-
fore, required to* make his humble submission, and to retract
what he had uttered, as the indispensable condition of his
release. This Mr. Cawton refused to do, saying, '' If I have
done any thing not becoming a minister of the gospel^ I liope
I should be willing to recant." He was then sent prisoner ta
the Gatehouse, where he continued about six months. Bot
the parliaments forces in Ireland having obtained a signal
victoi^, the house of commons resolved that a certain number
. of prisoners, and Mr. Cawton among the rest, should be set
at liberty, as a testimony of thankfulness to God. He wai
accordingly released, August 14, 1649-*
Mr. Cawton having obtained his liberty, returned to Us
fiunily and his flock, and continued for some time in the
zealous and laborious observance of his ministerial duties.
But in the year 165 1, being deeply concerned in Love's plol^t
he fled to Holland, together with Mr. James Nalton. iJpoo
their arrival, the English church at Rotterdam being destitnte
of a pastor, they were chosen co-pastors to the society. Hr.
Nalton, afterwards one of the ejected nonconformists^ having
leave to come back, returned home ; but Mr. Cawton not
enjoying the same privilege, remained at Rotterdam to the
day of his death. His fame, both as a preacher and a
scholar, soon spread through the United Provinces. He shone
as a star of the lirst mi^nitude, and was highly esteemed by
die Dutch, French, and English ministers in those partSb
He presently became intimately acquainted with the leanied
Voetius, Leusden, Uchtman, Hulsius, . and others^ highly
celebrated for piety and literature. The publication of those '
famous works, ^< Walton's Polyglot Bible,'* and << Castell'i
Lexicon Heptaglotton," were greatly indebted to his cmcou-
ragement and exertions.^ In the year 1658, he received a
** vDdentaod Uie ptnon of Mr. Thomas Cawton to be, who pmcbci
** before the lord mayor yesterday | and him yon are to appnheod, anA
*' briof into safe custody, before (he council of sUte, for leditioat presd^
** inf( I hereof you are not to fail, and for ap doing this ibaU be year
" sofBcient warrant."— !:,//• •/ Mr. Catotoriy p. 87.
* Life of Mr. Cavi'ton, p. S8~4S.
f See Art. (hristopber Love.
t Palmer's Noncon. Mem. vol. i. p. 148.
V Ufe of Mr. Cawtoo, p. 48— 66.— The former of these learMd ivorks
was printed in six volumes folio, and was the first book pablltbed' ia
£ni;land by subscription. The latter cost the author the aisidaoat lidMrar
of seventeen years. His Obwcaried dilif^nce employed io this widtfrtiikl^f
mored his health, and impaired kit coostitatioai and tbe
DUNSTER.
• • r •
letter from Charies 11.,^ then at Brassels, in whicli bis inajeity
attempts to acquit himself of being at all inclined to popery^
and urges Mr. Cawton to use his utmost endeavours to sup^
press all such unworthy aspersions.*
At lewthy Mr. Cawton having served the Lord seveA
years at Cambridge^ seven years at Wivenhoe^ seven years in
London^ and seven years in Holland^ died at Rotterdam of a
fit of the palsy y August 7> lG5d, in the fifty-fourth year of
kb age. He was a laborious student^ ah excellent Ionian,
and an incomparable linguist. He had a most exact know*
ledge of the Greeks Hebrew, Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic:
and was (ieaniliar in the Dutch, Saxon, Italian, Spanish, and
French languages. But that which made his exceUent
abilities and literature appear to the greatest advantage, wiis
his. eminent piety and holy conversation. He was highly dis-
tinguished for his faith, patience, sincerity, self-denial, . and
hospitality. As a minister, he was laborious, affectionate^
and faithftil ; as a master, he was the teacher and governor
of his house ; as a husband, he was affectionate and tender-
hearted ; as a father, he was ever careful to promote the best
interests of his children ;t and, it is added, ** he was a great
hotnour to his profession, and a pattern of virtue in every
social relatioii. He had few equals in learning, and scarcdy
a supeiior in piety .''^ Wood says, ** he was a learned ana
fdigious puritan,'^ which is no mean character from his
unworthy pen. The learned Mr. Thomas Cawton, one of
die ejected nonconformists in 1662, ^as his son.|| He trod in
the footsteps of his father, whose life he published in 1662^
with the sermon annexed which his father preached at
Mercer's chapel, February 25, 1648, entitled, " God^s Rule
for a Godly Life; or, a Gospel-Conversation opened and
applied," from PhB. i. 27-
Henry Dunster. — ^This person was a pious and learned
divine, who, to escape the persecutions qf Archbishop Laud,
retired to New England in 1640. Upon his arrival, he was
chosen president of Harvard college, Cambridge; which
ezpene aitendiDf^ it entirely rained bin of bis fortane. He spent npott
U upward* of twelve ikoutamd poonds. Tbe anthor only received a Teiy
poor reward for his incredible and indeed Herculean labours.— Gran^crt
Biog. Hi$t, Tol. iii. p. fd.'—Biograpkia Britannicat foU ill. p. 310.
Edit. 1778.
• Ufb of Mr. Cawton. p. 78—80. t Ibid. p. 7, SI, ^
t Granger's Biog. Hist. toI. iii. p. 47. S Atbeast Ozoa. vol. 11. p.dftS.
t Palmer's Nqocou. Mem. toI. i. p. 85?.
3M LIVES OP THE PURITANS.
cAee be' held with great reputation and usefulneM for di^
Mwce of fourteen years. He is said to have been fitted hy
me Lord for this work, and to have been a most able profr-
cient in the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin languages, and an
orthodox and powerful preacher. He is denominated ** one
of the greatest masters of oriental learning that New Engr
land had ever known."* But having espoused the peculiar
sentiments of the baptists, the overseers of the college, in
Ae year 1654) procured his removal from the office of pre-
ndent ; when he was succeeded by the worthy Mr. Charles
Chauncey.-^ Upon Mr. Dunstcr's removal from the collci^
he retired to Scituate, where he died in the year 1659- ne
had a principal hand in publishing the Psalms in metre for
Ae use of public worship, among the churches of New
JBi^land ; and in his last will and testament he ordered his
body to be buried at Cambridge ; and, to the honour of his
memory, he bequeathed legacies to those veiy persons who
had been the authors of his removal from the places
Charles Heble, A.M.^^This excellentdivine was bom
of honourable parents at Prideaux-Herle, near Lystwithyd in
Cornwall, in the year 1598, and educated in Exeter c<meg^
Oxford. In the year 16 18, he took his degrees in arts; and,
having finished his studies at the university, he entered upon
the ministerial work. He first settled at some place in Devon-
ahire, where, being always accounted a puritan, he suffered
persecution on account of his nonconformity .$ Afterwards,
be became rector of Winwick in Lancashire, being one of
Ae richest livings in England. Upon the commencement of
die civil war, he took part with the parliament, was elected
one of the assembly of divines, and, upon the death of Or.
Twisse, in 1646, was chosen prolocutor to the assembly.
He was appointed one of the morning lecturers at the Abbey
church, Westminster, one of the licensers of the press, one
of the committee for the examination and ordination of
ministers, one of the committee of accommodation,! aod
one to assist in preparing materials for the confession of
faith. On the dissolution of the assembly, he spoke in die
name of his brethren, and *^ thanked the honourable and
reverend Scots commissioners for their ass stance ; excused^
• Bac)^at*8 Hist, of Baptists, toK i. p. S82.
-f Mather's IJist. of New E6g. b. iv. p. 127, 188. } Ibid. b. lii. p. 100.
iPrynoe's Breviate of lAsd, p. 6.
ltip«n Qf Accomaodatioa, p. 9.
HERLB. SSS
in die best manner he could, die directory's not being so weU
observed as it ought; and lamented that die assembly had not
e^wer to call offenders to an account"* In the year l647|
r. Herle and Mr. Stephen Marshall were appointed to attend
the commissioners of parliament to Scouandy to give ths
Scots a just account of the affiurs of England. Aifttr ths
king's death, Mr. Herle retired to his flook and stated min»^
terial exercise at Winwick, where he continued the rest of hit
days.
In the year 1651, the Earl of Derby havm^ raised a regi*
ment of soldiers for Charles II., then on his march finoin
Scodand, he sent Lieutenant Arundal, widi about forty horsey
to Mr. Herle^s house at Winwick, which filled the whole
family with the utmost constemaUon, expecting to be imm^
diately plundered and ruined. Arriving at his house, Arundal
said to Mr. Herle, ^^ My business is to tdl you, that the Earl
of Derby wishes you to come to him with all speed; and if
you will go, there shall be no further trouble to yon or youv
family J' Mr. Herle replied, ** I will go immediately, and
wait upon the right honom^able the Earl of Derby, my patron;"
and ordered his horse to be brought out. After some kind
entertsiinment of the lieutenant and his Soldiers, Mr. Herle
accompanied them to the earl's quarters, who receivM and
treated him with the utmost civility. After some friendly con-
▼ersaUon with him, his lordship sent him back, attended by a
guard of soldiers. It is also observed, that, after the battb
of Warrington-bridge, in this year, Arundal's forces being
routed, and himself wounded, he retired to Mr. Herle's house,
where he was treated with the utmost kindness.t
During the above year, Mr. Herle was appointed, together
with Mr. Isaac Ambrose, Mr. Edward Gee, and some others,
assistant to the commissioners for ejecting ignorant and scan-
dalous ministei-s and schoolmasters in Lancashire. Dr. Grqr
says," that, m this office, he acted " with great severity ; and
how well he was qualified for such dirty work, his public
sermons sufficiently testify." He then transcribes from those
sermons the following expressions, to prove the charge
allied against him '4 — ^* Do justice to the greatest. Saul's
sons are not spared ; no, nor Agag, nor Benhadad, though
diemselves kings. Zimri and Cosbi, though princes of the
people, must hd pursued to their tents. Wlmt an army of
martyrs has God given to die fire for our refbrmadon at
• Neal*t Pnritani, vol. ii. p. 556. lii. 46.
f MS. Chrooology, fol. ii. A. D. 1S5I.
t Qnj^M EzaminatioD, vol. ii. p. S16*
488 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
first ! Whtt a calendar of traitors has he given to the gallows,
for our prciserration since !"— Whether these expressions
afford sufiicient evidence of the doctor^s charge, or*whetber
he designed it only to repix>ach the memory of tliis celebrated
divine, every inteUigent reader will easily judge. The cha^
racter of Mr. Hene is too well established to be at all
unpaired by any such calumny. He was a moderate presby-
lenan, exceedingly beloved by his brethren in the miniatiy,
and the author of several practical and controversial writii^.
Fuller iustly denominates him ^' a good scholar and a deep
divine; and says, ^^ he was so much the christian, the
scholar, and the gentleman, that he could agree in affection
with those who differed from him in judgment."* He died
at Winwick, tovirards the end of September, 16599 ag^
sixty-one years; and his remains were interred in his own
church.f Mr. Herle, with the assistance of several other
wiinisters, ordained the famous Mr; John Howe, in his ovni
church at Winwick; on which account Mr. Howe would
iometioies say, ** that he thought few i^ modem times had
do primitive an ordination; for he considered Mr. Herle. as ^,
primitive bishop.''^
His Woaxs. — I. Microcosmo^aphy, in Essays and Chaiaotm,
1628. — % Contemplations and Devotions on all the Passages of oar
^Saviour's Passion, 1631. — 3. An Answer to misled Dr. Hen. Feam^
according to his own method of his Book, 1642. — 4. Seireral Sermons
before the Lords and Commons, 1642, &c. ; among which were 'the
following: — '' A Pa3Te of Compasses for Church and State, befoia
the Honourable House of Commons, at their monthly Fast, Nov. last^
1642.'' — <* David's Song of three Parts, a Sermon before the Honomw
able House of Lords, June 15, 1643.'' — ^' David's Reserve and Rescae,
a Sermon before the Honourable House of Commons, Nov. 6, leA."—
6. The Independency on Scriptures of the Independency of Chorebes,
wherein the Question of the -Independency of Church €rov«rnnMnt
is temperately stated and argued, 1643. — 6. Worldly Policy. an4
moral Prudence, the vanity and folly of the one, and the solidifjr and
usefulness of the other, in a moral discourse, 1654.
John Rogers. — This zealous man was first employed in
teaching school, then presented to the rectory of Purleigh in
Essex, vtrorth about two hundred po\inds a year. But it is
said he becano^e a nonresident ; ai^d, hiring another to supply
his place, he removed tq London, and became lecturer at
♦ Worthies, part i. p. <e5.''Cbarch Hist. b. xu p. SIS.
t Wood's Athenae Oxon. vol. ii. p. 151, IM.
t Palmer*! Noacon. Mem. toU ii, p. 81.
J« IIOGERS* 901
St. Thomas the Apostle's, but was soon after ejected. This
kind of usa^e very much troubled him, and he petitioned -the
lords commissioners for his restoration, but without success.*
He afterwards went to Ireland, most probably widi the
£nglish army, and was chosen minister of Christ's church,
Dublin. But the exact time of hi? return to England we
have not been able to learn. He was a zealous and active
man, and in his principles a fifth monarchy-man, and of the
baptist persuasion. About the year 1649^ he married the
daughter of Sir Robert Paine of Huntingdonshire. Wood
denominates him ** a notorious fffth monarchynnan And an
anabaptist, and a busy, pragmatical- fellow ;" and says, ^* he
Wais very zealous to promote a quarrel between his party wad
Oliver Cromwell, for seeming to unite with them till he had
got the reins of government into his own hands, and then
leaving them widi scorn. He, with Mr. Qiristopher Feake^
one as impudent and forward as himsdf, were the leaders of
their party, and not wanting on all occasions to raise a com-
motion."t
Mr. Rogers, as well as his brethren, was extremely hostile
U} Cromwell's government. He openly declared his tonti-
ments against it. In his prayer before the public congrega-
tion, he used many such expressions as these : '^ Hasten die
time, when aU' absolute power shall be devolved into the
hands of Christ ; when we shall have no lord protector, but
one Lord Jesus Christ, the only true protector and defender
of the faith. Look in mercy on thy saints at Windsor, who
are imprisoned for the truth and testimony of Jesu»: be tiiou
their freedom and enlargement."! Having repeatedly de-
clared against Cromwell's usurpation, both by preaching and
writing, he was apprehended and cast into prison^ This was
abont the year 1654. Mr. Rogers and several of his brethrm
were confined at Lambeth, when no one of dieir party was
allowed to have access to them. In the '^ Declaration of
several of the churches of Christ," subscribed and published
during this year, twenty-five of them are said to have sub-
scribed ^'in the name of the whole body that walks with
Mr. Rogers, now prisoner for this cause of Christ at Lambeth
prison."||
Mr. Rogers, after remaining in confinement some time, was
« Tburioe'8 State Pftpen, toI. iii. p. 485.
f Athens Oxon. toI. ii; p. 449.
1 Thurloe^s State Papers, yoI. iii. p. 483.
S Ludlow's Memoirs, vol. iii. p. 490. £;dit. 1699. . ^
I Declarattoo, p.21.
LIVES OJF THE PURITANS.
joined by his friends, who presented a petition to Cromwell
for his enlargement ; upon which he was brought before the
protector's council at Whitiehall. The council told him that
there were high charges gainst him, and that he was not a
prisoner in the cause of Christ, but suffered as a busy-bodj-
and an evil doer. His friends desiring that the cause might
be debated betwixt the protector and himself, their requett
was granted. The same evening, therefore, Mr. Rogers was
admitted into the presence of Cromwell ; and being reminded
of the high charge exhibited against him, it is said, he declared
that they who brought the charge were drunkards and
swearers. But when the protector asked him which of them
were, he could name none of them. Whea the protector
pressed him for scripture, in support of his principles and
conduct, he said the scripture was positive and privative ; and
beine asked which of the evil kings whom God destroyed, he
would compare with the present state, he gave no answer.
** Whereupon the protector," our author adds, ^^ shewed what
a disproportion there was : those being such as laboured to
destroy the people of God, but his work, (speaking of him-
self,) was to preserve them from destroying one another ; and
that if the sole power was in the hands of the presbyteriansy
the fifth monarchy-men, or the persons re-baptized, thcnr
would force all their own way : but his work was to keep.aU
the godly of several judgments in peace." When Mr. Ro^gen
spoke against a national ministry and a national church, ap«
plying it to what was done in die commonwealth, callmg.it
antichristian, the protector told him it was not so ; for a
national church endeavoured to force all into one form.*
Several persons of respectability and influence haviiq;
afterwards interceded with the protector for the release <tf
Mr. Risers, Mr. Feake, and others, or to have them brought
to trial ; the protector said, that out of mercy he kept them
ftom trial ; " because," said he, " if they were to be tried^
the law would take away their lives." They were, therefore,
sent back to prison. On March 31, 1655, Mr. Rogers, by
an order from Cromwell and his council, was removed from
his prison in the city to Windsor-castle.f Here it is previa*'
ble he remained a prisoner for some time. He was living in
the year 1659 ; but whether he survived the restoration we
have not been able to ascertain. Granger styles him '^ a
great fanatic/' adding, '^ that he was no less popular among
the anabaptists and fifth monarchy<-men, tp»n Love was
« Wood*8 Atbenae Oxon. vol. u. p. 442. •I' Ibid^
LLOYD. an
jHttong the presbyterians." After Cromwell had deserted
Iheie eectariesy he took umbrage at the great popularity and
^nterprizing spirit of Rogers ; and was little less apprdiensive
4tf Feake, nfho was also regarded as a leader of that party.
They were both imprisoned, and the protector was thought to
act widi extraordinary clemency in sparing their lives. Tins
WBS imputed to a secret r^ard that he retained for his old
friends, the independents.* Mr. Rogers's writings are very
aiiigular. One of his books is entitled, ^^ A Tabernacle for
die Sun, or Irenicum Evangelicum, an Idea of Church Dis- '
jcipline/' 1653. In the same year Mr. Crofton published a
vmart reply to this work, entided, " Bethshemesh Clouded,
or some Animadversions on the Rabbinical Talmud of Rabbi
John Rogers." Another of his pieces is entitled^ *^ A
Christian Concertation with Mr. Prynne, Mr. Baxter, and
Mr. James Harrington, for the true Cause of the Common-
wealth/' 1659.
Morgan Lloyd was born in Wales, and brought to the
knowledge of the gospel by the ministry of Mr. William
.Erbery. He afterwards entered upon the ministerial work,
and preached, during the commonwealth, at Wrexham,
where he is supposed to have been the immediate successor
of Mr. Walter Cradock. He was a person of great piety and
Siculiar ministerial talents, but rather inclining to mysticism,
e was fond of expressing himself in figurative and mysteri«
ous language ; yet what he delivered was often very striking.
Several of his letters, descriptive of his character and senti*
ments, are preserved among the writings of Mr. Erbery, to
whom they were addressed ; one of which we shall give as a
specimen. Though it is without date, it was written about
tne year 1652, and is as follows :t
" Sir,
" The sweetness of the Father's love in you is very
pleasant to my taste. Though you have particularly and
clearly written to me concerning the things I desired to know
of y<Ju ; yet your promise of more makes me now only mind
oU again. We never write, hear, or speak in the light of the
ather, but when our inner man is withdrawn from the spirit
of this world, which is the devil's street, in which his coachea
tnmdle;. which life and spirit of nature is a whirlwind that
£
* Onmf^efn Biog. Hist. vol. iil. p. 50.
i Srbery'i TettimoDy, p. 104, Ul, SS4.
8S0 LIVES OF THE TURITANS.
catcheth many into the fleshly pits and unprofitable fonm^
and keepeth ^e poor offspring of Adam in die outward couit
of this creation. I dare not belieye what I hear of you* It
is no matter what flesh without truth speaketh ; yet loVe would
be satisfied. I loi% to know the teachings of Grod widna,
more effectually concertiing the hypostasis of die Lord Jemsi
and in what spnit you leave off public teaching, and what the
witnesses are, and the olive trees. If men, and bookstand
letters, were my teachers, I should litde know myself ib him
who fashioned me; but the more spiritual any is, the mora
communicative, as the angels of the Father. Therefore I
enquire what Aat morning-star is that is risen ; what vial, or
seal, or trumpet are we ui^ler; and what manner of peopk
should we be in this ase. It will possibly be as a worn upon
the wheel, and as apples of gold m pictures of silver> if yoa
will let me hear further of truth from you, and of the wiadodi
of God, which, though it cannot be comprehended in nrf
words, b thereby hinted, and so commumcated. My true
love, widi my wive's, to yourself and to Mrs. Erbery. I add
diis truth, that I am
** YoUrs in the love, light, and peace of
^* the Comforter, though as nothing,
** Mob. Lloyd.''
Mr. Lloyd was well known and greatly esteemed in die
Principality. Some have supposed that he waa a baptist, bpt
this appears extremely doubtful. He was pastor of a church
formed upon the principles of the independents, which mqtt
probably held communion with certain persons of the liaptist
persuasion. He was author of several pieces, the ddes of
which w^ have not been able to collect. Having finished Mb
labours, be died at Wrexham in the year 1659,* and Mr.
Ambrose Mostyn, afterwards ejected in 1662, was hb suc-
cessor in the pastoral ofiice.f
Edward Barber was "a person of great learning, and
first a minister in the establbhed church, but long before the
commencement of the civil wars he embraced the prindples
of the baptists. He was die means, says Crosby, of coovmc-
ing many that in&nt-baptism has no foundation in scriptuia^
and soon gathered a numerous congregation. They' as*
sembled in the Spital in Bishopsgate-street, London; and
I
• Thomases MS. History, p. 169, liO. '
. -ii Palmer's Noncoo. Mem. toI. iii. p. 479*
E.BQiaBER. 991
diey appear to be the first ch^rch among the baptists that
practised the laying on of hancU upon persons when received
into the church. He was a man of considerable emin^ic^
but be felt tlie cruel oppres^ons of the times in whidi h«
Uvedi Previous to the year 1641> he was apprehended bj
his inhuman persecutors, and cast into prison, where he re*
mained eleven months. The particular crimes with which
he was charged, and for which he was thus punished, were»
bis disbelieving the baptism of infants, and denying that to
pay tithes to the clergy was a divine ordinance under the
^ospeL He endured thb persecution, dierefcM'e, for exercit*-
mg the right of private judgment, and believing accordii^ to
the convictions of his own mind. He died some time
previous to the restoration, but we cannot learn in what
year.*
■ Mr. Edwards, who has always something base to say ct
men of this description, gives the following curious account
cf a meeting, in which, if the account be true, Mr. Barber
was a principal person concerned. NoVenaber 1£, 1645, there
assembled about eighty anabaptists, many of whom were
members of Mr. Barber's church, in a hous^ in Bishopsgate*
•treet, and held a love-feast, at wUch five uqw members, lately
dipped, were present. The meeting was conducted in the
following manner : When the company were assembled, they
comdienced their exercise by prayer ; and after prayer, aU
the company being on their knees, Mr. Barber and another
person went to them one after another, and laid their hands
upon each of their heads, women as well as men, and either
. prayed that they might receive the Holy Ghost, or said, ^' Re-
ceive ye the Holy Ghost"* They afterwards sat down to
supper; and supper being ended, before the cloth was taken
away, they administered the Lord's supper. This finished^
the question was proposed for discussion. Whether Christ died
Jor all men or not^if They next entered upon a disputation,
which they continued to a late hour. It is also added, that
those persons, who, after the laying on of hands, should pos-
sess sufficient gifts, were sent forth to preach.f Mr. Barber
piddished a work entitled, " A Treatise of Bajptism or Dip*
piiq; ; whi^ein b clearly shewed, that our Lord Christ ordained
Dipping ; and the Sprinkling of Children is not according to
Christ's Institution ; and also the Invalidity of those Amiments
which are commonly brought to justify Aat Piractice, 1641.
• Crosby's Baptists, voL t p. 919. UL 3.
f Bdiwardi's Quicrnna, part i. p. 136, 13T. Secsnd edit
SSa LIVES OP THE PURITANS*
•John Canne« — ^This learned and zealous puritan wis
educated in the established churchy and he most probably
received episcopal ordination, but afterwards espoused tl^
cause of the separatists. According to Neal, he was chosen
pastor to Mr. Lathorp's separate congregation in London^
when he retired to New England ;* but, according to Crosby,
he was chosen pastor to Mr. Hubbard's people, upon their
return from Ireland. The latter of these historians certainly
appears more correct in his calculations.f Mr. Cannci
having laboured among his people, by preaching to them ill
private houses, for some time, was at length driven by the
cruel hand of persecution into Holland, where he was
chosen pastor of the Brownist congregation at Amsterdam.
He is denominated *^ a known separatist, and hitherto die
busiest disputcr for this opinion."^ He continued at Amster-
dam many years, and was greatly esteemed and followed by
the puritans who went to Holland. He was banished from
his native country, as appears from his own words. " Upon
my banishment from Hull," says he, '* for what cause I kn6w
not, there being nothing to this day (l657) made known to
me ; I went apart, as Elias did, into the wilderness. And as
I lay under hedges, and in holes, my soul in bitterness
breathed forth many sad complaints before the Lord. * It is
enough, O Lord, take away my life ; for I am not better than
my fathers.' Often and sore wrestlings I had with my G%iif
to know his meaning and teaching under this dispensation;
and what further work, whether doing or sufiering, he had for
me, his poor old servant."^ He is said to have succeeded
Mr. Aiusworth as pastor of his church ; but shortly after his
election to that office, he was censured and deposed by patt
of the people, who renounced communion wim him and die
other part of the congregation. || This may be true ; but it
does not appear that he was deserving of such treatment
The party rejecting him were most probably such as could
not endure his sound doctrine or his faithful discipline.
Mr. Canne was a person who rendered himself vciy
popular, particularly by his controversial writings. He
delivered his sentiments with great clearness and freedon^
especially upon the controverted points of church discipline.
• NcaTs PDritmM» toJ. ii. p. 374.
i CfMby's Baptiiti, vok i. p. 104, iii. 40,41.— Alnswortb'i Ufe,f.Wt*^
8te Art. Lathorp. ,'
t Paget*8 Defence, Pref.
S Canoe's Time of the End, p. SSft. Edit. ]tf7«
I Paset's Defence, p. 8S.
CANNE. '■ ■ ' m
^-NoM,^ tayi he^* '' may join in spiritual comiHiiAlM nijlli
that nmustry which hath not a true calling, electioff, and'
iqpprobation of the faithful {)eople to \«rhich he is minister.'
So necessary is a right election and calling to every eccle*
wastical office, that, without the same, it cannot possibly be
true, or lawfiil. If the ministers scandalously sin, the con-^
gragation that chose them freely, hath free power to depose
ttem, uid put others in their places.'' He also adds : ** And
it is sure that Christ hath not subjected any congregation of
his to any superior ecclesiastical jurisdiction than to that
which is within itself: so that if the whole congregation shall
err in a matter of fEUth or religion, no other church or church-^
officer hadi any warrant or power from the word of God to
censuray punish, or controul the same; but only to advise
diem ; and so to leave their souls to the immediate judgment
of Christ"
Mr. Canne, while in a state of banishment, published a
work entitled, '^ A Necessity of Separation from the Church
of England, proved from the Nonconformists' Principles,"
1634 ; in the preface to which he thus observes :— ^^ I know
what I say, and have good experience of this thing ; for there
b not ten of a hundred which separate from the church of
Engkod, but are first moved thereto by the doctrines of the
aonconformists, either in word or writing, taught to the
people. And, indeed, upon their grounds, how can any one
do less than separate, if his heart be tender against every sin,
seeing that they confidently affirm, that the muiistry, worships
and cuscipline are from antichrbt, and that in the church are
swarms of atheists, papists, adulterers, liars, 8cc. These are
^eir own testimonies, and we know they are true ; and, there-
fore, in obedience to God, and care of our precious souls^
we have left our unsanctified standing in their assemblies,
and^ through the Lord's mercy to us, do walk in the holy
ord«r of his gospel, although daily sufferers for it."t
Soon after the meeting of the«long parliament, Mr. Canne
returned to his native country. Writers are divided in their
opinions whether he espoused the peculiar sentiments of the
baptists. Crosby himself leaves the matter undetermined4
There is no doubt, however, that he belonged to this denomi*
nation. For it is observed, that, in the year 1640, the bap-
tist congregation in Broad-mead, Bristol, separated from the
established church ; soon after which, Mr. Canne was called
* BaUie's Dinoasive, p. 40— 4S. ,
f Gffey*t Ezamination, vol. i. p. 43, 44.
t Croibj't Baptists, vol. iii. p. 41. ^
S9t LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
U> pitedi among diem; when he settled tfacan in flie onler
of t christian churchf and declared himself to be ■ baptist;
but did not make adult baptism a necessary qualification to
church communion.* The particular circumstances ai Us
introduction to these people are preserved in die ancieni
records of the church m Broad-mead, from which my wordq^
and esteemed friend, Mr. Isaac James of Bristol, hM gcum
ously communicated to me the following curious extract^
beii^ the whole of what relates to Mr. Canne :
^ Shordy after, on a time called Easter, because Mr;
Hazard could not in conscience give the sacrament to die
people of the parish, he went out of town to visit his Idndred
at Larae.t At this juncture, the providence of Grod broi^il
to this city one Mr. Canne, a baptized man. It was that Mr^
Canne that made notes and references upon the Bible; He.
was a man very eminent in his day for godliness, and'fbr
reformation in religion, having .great understanding in die
way of the Lord. When Mrs. Hazard heard that be was
come to town, slie went to die Dolphin inn and fetched him
to her house, and entertained him all the time he stayed in Ab
city; who helped them much in the Lord. He bemg skiliiil
in gospel order, like Aquila, taught them the way of dit
Lord more perfecdy, and shewed them the difference betmuaa
die chui-ch of Christ and antichrist, and left widi dieai a
printed book treating of the same, and divers printed papal
to that purpose. So that by Mr. Canne the Lord did ton*
£rm and setde them, shewing them how they should join
together and take in members. He exhorted them to wail
upon God together, and expect the presence of Grod with
diose gifts they had ; and to depart from those ministers who
did not come out of antichristian worship. When he had
ftayed some time in the city, he departed, and, on a Lord's
day foUowuig, preached at a place called Westerleigh, aboot
aeven miles from this city ; and many of the professors from
hence ^ent thither to hear Mm, with Mrs. Hazard, willing to
enjoy such a light as long as thev could : where he had libei^
to preach in the public place (called a church) in the monmig;
but, in die afternoon could not have entrance. The obetrttC-
tioa was by a very godly great woman that dwelt in duit
place, who was somewhat severe in the profession of what
she Imew: hearing that he was a baptized man, by diem
«
• TbompsoD^f MS. Collections.
f This Mr. Ilaxard was mioister of Ratdiff pwisli and St Emetfh
Bristol, whence be was ejected at the restoimUoa.— JP«AiMr'« N^tu^^iuMtau
t»l. it p. 177.
. CANNE.
- <
called an anabaptisti which was to some tufficieiit cauae df
prejudice*
*^ This godly honourable woman, perceiving that Mr.
'Canne was a baptist, caused the public place to be made &st.
Then he drew forth with abundance of people into a green
thereby, and sent for Mr. Fowler, the minister that lived diere,
to speak with him, who viras^ a holy, good man, of great wordi
fptr his moderation, zeal, sincerity, and a sound preacher of the
gospel, as he approved himself since.* Who accordingly
came to Mr. Caniie on the green, where they debated the
business of reformation, and me duty of separation from die
worship of antichrist, cleaving close to the doctrine of our
Xiord Jesus and his instituted worship. Mr. Fowler agreed
there was great corruption in worsl^, and that it was the
duty of people to reform ; but at that season, as things stood,
it was not a proper time, because they should not be suffered,
and should be cast out of all public places. Mr. Canne
answered, * That mattered not, they- should have a bam to
mieet in, keeping the worshm and commands of the Lord as
they were delivered us.' llius Mr. Canne continued near
two hours on the green, asserting and proving the duty of
people in such a day ; after which they took leave of each
Qtbeat and departed. But the business of preachins in a bam
could hardly be received. The thing of relative holiness, and
tincture of consecrated places, was not off the people, having
been so long nursed up in ^norance and outward form."
These curious recoitls also add : — *^ Mr. Hazard being eome
home, and Mr. Fowler meeting with him, told him his wife
was quite gdhe, and would hear him no mote. But she, with
those few that had joined themselves together to Worship the
Lord more purely, after Mr. Canne had thus instructed diem,
and shewed them the order of God's house, stept further in
separation, and would not so much as hear any minister that
did read conmion prayer. Thus the Lord led them by
degrees, and brought them out of popish darkness into htt
auorvellous light of the gospel."
.After the above transactions we find no further account of
Mr. Canne for many years. In the mean time, however, bt
embraced the sentiments of the fifth monarchy-men, and is
classed among the dbtingui^ed leaders of this new sect4
He afterwards published his omnions to the world in a work
* * I, *^ The Time of the End: shewmg, firs^ until the
• Mr. Fowler was afterwards ijected from Uiis^ace at the mt0imti«««
FisbMi^f Nomfion, Mem. vol. ii. p. 254.
t ^aget'k Hererioffrnphj, p. W. JUit 1MB.
LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
■
Aree yean and an half are come^ the Prophecies of Scnpture
will not be understood concerning the duration and period of
the Fourth Monarchy and kingdom of the Beast. Then,
secondly^ when that Time shall come, before the expiratioo,
the Knowledge of the End will be revealed,"' 1657* To this
work are prdKxed two preiaces, one by Mr. Christopher
Feake, the other by Mr. John Rogers, both zealous fifth
monarchy-men. The latter styles him, an ''aged brother
and companion in tribulation/' and ''this old sulBerer and
standard against the prelates and tyrants, old and new." Also,
in this book, Mr. Canne gives some account of himself, which
it will be proper to notice in this place. After stating hil
deliverance from his seventeen years banishment, he makes
the followii^ observations :— '' Being brought thus at die feet
of God, and there waiting and hearkening what the Lord
would speak, I had the former things, for the substance of
them, given unto me. And I can speak it in trudi, I* under-
stood Uiem not till now; but thought The Time of the End
was to be found out and known some other way. Upon
many- considerations my soul was sore distressed, and I be-
sought the Lord with tears, day and night, that he would take
pity on me, and not leave me to a deceived heart
'' As often as I set my face unto the Lord by pnyer and
supplication, I found myself more encouraged, and had more
of the prophecies opened unto me. Yea, and the L<»d
knows i lie not, whensoever my heart hath been most mehed
and broken before him, and my soul swallowed up vndi the
greatest love and longing after his glory ; at such times I have
been most confirmed, and strengthened to believe, that it was
the spirit of truth which revealed these things to me, a worm.
Nevertheless, being yet unsatisfied in myself, and fearful lest
I should gq aside from the teachings of God, I acquainted
some of my christian fiiends with the thing, and how the case
stood with me, and desired that the same might be spread
before the Lord, which was done several times. Very ear*
nestly was the Lord sought for counsel and direction, diat
there might be no miscarriage on either hand ; and I found
die ftruit of their prayers a greater confirmation.
'' I have not published this treatise," says he, '' as I hsv^-
done things heretofore. For in humility and an awftil fear oF"
my God, here I can say, and that truly, This is a work offaiJth^
and prayer: not of my own labour and study, comparativel/jr
as former things have been ; for here I have been mord oti^
of the bo4y, and With the Lord on the moimt.. But, oh^
I would be humble in such expressions^ that the Lmd alone
CANNE. SS7
might be exalted ; and I remain still a worm in my hok, and
numbered among tbe dead. Neither have I rested in the
eznerience of God's inward workings upon my soul; but the
holy scriptures have been the man of my counsel. lusomocfa
that I have not hearkened any further to the persuasions and
operations of the Holy Spirit than what I might do, y^ and
ought, by faith grounded upon the blessed word. The scrip-
tures, through the free grace of a divine blessing, by a humble
application of thcjm, have sweetly supported me."*
In this work Mr. Canne gives his opinion of the timet,
which will undoubtedly afford the reader some anilisement.
He considered the state poUcy during the commonwealth as
the ^ond apostacy. '^ Are not the tryers,'' says he, ^ zealons
' men against the idolatry of the j^Wt apostacy i They will tell
jou, there must be no invention^ in God's worship ; but every
thing must be according to the pattern, as in Uie ininistiy,
worship, and government. But what say ye of the character
of the hiter apostacy f Are they not lovers of themselves,
covetous, proud i I wish for their own sakes it be not so.
The tryers are the great crackers^ and they think they deserve
to be named mend-all, as havii^ done a great piece of s^-
vice about church reformation. This, I think, I may safely
say, and that truly by experience: That the present national
clergy is more corrupt, and fEu- worse, dian it was in the
bishops' time. For^^ nrst, there were then no professors but
could have found, within a few miles of their dwellings, some
honest puritan, or nonconformist, to go to, whereby to be
refreshed and buiilt up in faith^ knowledge, and holiness:
whereas now, inen may travel twenty, thirty, forty miles, and
not find a parish priest that hath any gospel savour in his
ministry : no power, sweetness, or life ; but old, formal, fniit-
les8 sti^, sa&d over a hundred times. Secondly, though it be
tr.ue> the bishops took little care to reform the clergy, but
rather how to suspend and silence^ as some do know, such as
witnessed against their unsanctified callings and places ;
nevertheless, if the times be compared, the enormities of the
national clergy are less looked into ^nd reformed. I say less
now than in the prelates' times. I remember the old non-
conformists were wont to* call the bishops making of priests,
their licenses, and visitations, the pichns. of' men's pockets,
I wish it may not appear ^so in the day of Christ, that some of
ihfiae men have done little better." t
In srpeaking of tlie three horns plucked up by the roots, he
• Cume'ii Time of tbe End, p. S66-270. f Ibid. p. 49, 57, 58.
VOL. III. Z ^
338 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
says, ^^ I shall propound this to the reader^ to be eonridered
and weighed by him, whether Eofiand^ Scotland, and Ire*
land are not three kingdoms; and these three at one time,
as to their privilq^ laws, rights, freedoms, brtAen ! And
whether this be not done by men who have the characters
of the last apostacy upon them, and sadi as call therosdyes
a state and goyemment, but never could formally put them-
selves either into a kingdom or commonwealth ? I think this
certainly may be asserted, that if the present state apostacy
be not the little horn, it hath not yet risen. ^ This hom
takes two sorts of people for its greatest enemies, the fifth
monarchy«men, and the commonwealth men/'*
We make no comment on these opinions, but leave the
leader to exercise his own judgment Mr. Canne aflerwards
published a piece entitled, << A Query to William Prynne^"
1659, urinteid with << An Indictment against Tythes,'* bj
John Osborne. The curious reader will doubtless be gia-
tified with the following extracts from this work, which we
give in the author's own words : — ^ A few months befine
the sitting of this present parliament,'' says Mr. Caiine,
^' I declared my opinion concerning the late govemiiient by
a single person, or the second state apostacy, how it shopld
be pluckt up, root and branch, by the representatives of
the people. These representatives of the people, Whoever
they should be, (for I jMsitively pitched upon none,) ItoA
to be die earthquake in Rev. xi. 13« Now so it is, and
blessed be the Lord for it, we see the same is come to pasBi
to the great joy and comfort of all upright ones eveij
where.
<< This blessed work of the Lord, which is marvdloosin
our eyes, not only strengthens me in my former opinioB,
that the earthquake is begun; but likewise what I haiv
there spoken concerning the effects of that earthquake, as to
tithes, the carnal church, ministry, worship, and ^oven-
ment, with all the corrupt laws of the nation, will, in some
short time, be utterly overthrown. The sun may shine, vet
not be seen, because it is under a cloud. I am petsuaoed
the great works of the last day are upon us, and the spirit
is moving on the face of the waters, howbeit darbictf
covereth the earth. That I may not be mistaken wko
I speak of the earthquake, I would not be understood ss
fixing either persons or time. For, as I said before, the
earthquake, I think, is begun among us ; yet, for the instia*
* CaDDe*s Time of the £iid| p. 141, 146, 1S6.
CANNE. 339
ments Vfhom the Lord will make use of to cany on this
work, it is known only to himself. So the time, though
, I humbly conceive it shall gradually go forward, and have
no more such a death upon it as it had before ; notwith-
standing, like the hand of a watch, the motion may not
easily bs discoyered/'
Alfr. Ganne next considers some of the glaring evils which
. arise from paying tithes, which he expected would soon be
abolished, and which he thought would be the fii it effect of
the earthquake. <^ There hath been of late discovered,'*
says he, <^ such horrid oppression and cruelty in tithe-
takers, as, I think, the like was never heard of io any
former generation. It is almost incredible what inhutaian
and most unchristian crbelty hath been lately exercised
. upon many poor people, for refusing, of conscience, to pay
tithes. There seems to be a great desire among the goaly,
on all sides, to have all ignorant and scandalous ministers
rejected. I think, by this time, it doth appear to every one
1? no understands the present state of the nation, how im-
possible it is, that such unsavoury salt should be cast put
upon the dunghill, while tithes do stand. Those who get
lid of rooks, as an annoyance to them, destroy their nests.
If £ngland be ever freed from such unclean birds, viz.
u^norant and scandalous priests, tithes must be taken away.
This is that which keeps them in their places, as the nests
do the rooks. So long as such a way of maintenance
stands, the most unworthy wretches will creep into public
places, whatever care be taken to prevent them.
^< By wishing to have tithes put down, we are so far,*'
says he^ <^ from seeking to stop the progress of the gospel,
that one main end why we desire the removal of them, b to
have the gospel thereby advanced, and ignorant and carnal
K>p]e the sooner turned from the error of their ways,
ubtless, whensoever this shall come to pass, the truth of
Gfod, and the power of it, will more increase and spread
abroad than ever it hath done since the rise of the beast.
Though we are against tithes, we are not against a godly
gospel ministry ; but would have it in all places encou-
laged^ and care taken that the people every wherethrough
the nation may be instructed in a way agreeable to ue
gospel."
Mr. Canne dates the above piece from his own house
without Bishopsgate, London, the Idth of the 5th month,
1659. Kennet confounds him with one John Camm, a
quaker, and says, he was sent to prison, in 1658, from the
SM LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
famous fifth monarchy meeting in Coleman-street* ^ Wood
observes that when Needhain, the fdrioiis satirist, was
tamed out of his place of writing the weekly newi^ in tfie
time of Richard Cromwell, one Johii Can was mpomtedio
succeed him in the same office ; but it is very difficalt io
ascertiin whether this was the same person.f Mr. Camie
was certainly a man of considerable learning ibd piety j and
of unshaken constancy and 2eal in the cause heespousiki;
though for want of more light, he appears to have been too
.rigicTaiid enthusiastic. We iiavc not bednaUe to' leani
when he dii'd.
That which made this learned person most known to Ac
world, and for which his name will be transmitted to'i>6s«
' terity, was the publication of his mar^nal references in tlie
Bible. He was author of three sets c? notes, whidh acobnd-
panied three difierent editions of the Bible. One of these
was printed at Amsterdam in 1647; the 'title of wUiHh
refers to a former one. " Here are added," observes' iSie
title, ^< to the former notes in the maigirL many Hebrai8I^
diversity of readings, with consonancy of parallel scripftniaL
taken out of the last annotations^ and all set in due order aiia
place." This is followed by a dedication «< To the'&l^t
Honourable Lords and Commons assembled in the Hi^
Court of Parliament." Another is commonly known and
has been often reprinted. There was an edition of it piA-
li^ed at Amsterdam, in the year 1664. To the title'onbis
edition is added, <^ With marginal notes, shewing scUptnie
to be the best interpreter of scripture." In iheprdSu:e he
makes mention of another edition, with larger annbtatioiis,
which he desigivcd to publish: ^^ A work," says he, <^ in
which he had spent many years; and which wduld stOl
require time and care." We have not, however, been abfe
. to learn whether this was ever published. And it is grieatlv
' to be regretted that the later editions of that in 1664, tnoiij^
printed m the name of Canne^^ have the mar^n so laMifit'
ously crowded with references, in addition to those ori^li^
done by Mr. Canne, that the reader is perplexed inlmaid w
being instructed. His references are exceedingly ap^jpOilte
and judicious. A new edition of the Bible of 1664, i^^fact*
tainly a desideratum; the printing of which, says ^nlj
author, would, I am persuaded, reward aiiy corrtet^m
elegant workman.}
Dr. Grey, endeavouring to depreciate the chart^ter of
* Kennel's Chronicle, p. 73, 363. ■^-
f AtbeuaB Oiloo. vol. ii. p. 469. % Life of Ainiwortfa, p. 15, 58«
£. ROGERS. Ml
r ■
mur divine, relates the followinff anecdote of .hw : — ^^^ Tti|ft .
Ganne,^' says he, ^^ because no human inventions were tol)e
idlowed about the worship of God, cut out of his Bible the
contents of the chapters, and the titles of tl^e leaves, and so
left the bare text without binding or covers. "« Admitting
this to be the fiict, surely it. was not in the power of bigotrjf
itself to account what he did a very great' crime. It was no .
violation of any. existing canons, consUti^ns, or act of.,
parliaipent ; nor could it be follow^ , by '.any very evil.
consf^quences, so long as he preserved, the whole o^ the^
sacr^text unadulterated. ""
His Works, in addition to those already noticed.— 1. The Way
of Peace, or good Connsel for it : Preached upon the 5th day of the
second month, 1632, at the Reconciliation of certain Brethren,
between whom there had been former DLGferences, 1632. — % Syon's
Prerogative Royal; or, a Treatise tending to prove, that every parti-
oolar Congregation hath, from Christ, alraolate and entire PoweV to
exercise in and of herself every Ordinance of God, 1641. — 3. A^tay
agQainst Striding: wherein, in opposition to Mr. John Robinson^he
nil^ertakes to prove the unlawfulness of hearing the Ministers of the
Church of England, 1642.-^. TVuth with Time^ 1659.— 6. A' twofold '.
ffiakiiig of the Barth.-^. T|?e Churches Pfea.
fSzEkiBL Rogers, A. M. — ^This pious minister of Christ
was bom at Wethersfield in Essex, in the year 1590 ; at the
age of thirteen he was sent to the university, and, at twenty,
took his degrees in arts. He was son to the venerable IMur.
fiiohard Rc^rs, and brother to Mr. Daniel Ro^rs, both
&mou9 for tneir ministrv and nonconformity at the above
Sliace. Having finished his academical pursuits, he became
omestic chaplain to Sir Francis Barrington, whose family
wiis celebrated for religion and hospitality. Here he was
conversant with persons of the first rank, and was greatly
admired for his devout prayers, his judicious sermons, ana
his excellent strains of oratory. After he had remained about
six years in this worthy family, Sir Francis presented him to
the benefice of Rowley in Yorkshire. This he did, in
hopes that his evangelical and zealous preaching would
awaken the people in that part of the country to a serious
concern for their souls. His church was situated in the
centre of many villages, whence a numerous assembly
attended on his ministry.
Though great numbers at this place were enlightened and
eomfortra by his preaching, he enjoyed but little comfort
* Examination of Ncal, yol. i. p. 231*
348 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
himself. He laboured under many fears and great distress^
lest he did not experience the influence of those truths .
on his own heart which he zealously enforced upon others*
He trembled to think of his own heart remaining unim«
pressed with those important doctrines and pathetic expies- .
sions, by which others were moved and affected. It yeiy
much increased his affliction, that he had not one serious
friend in that part of the kingdom, to whom he could
communicate the trouble^ of his mind. His wounded spirit
^as so deeply afflicted, that he resolved to take a journey
into Eissex to obtain the advice of his brother at Wethers- '
field, or his cousin, Mr. John Rogers of Dedham. Upoa
his arrival at the lattiT place, it was the lecture day ; and,
instead of consulting his kinsman, as he intended, he went
to hear him preach, entering the assembly just before the
sermon. To his great surprise, the subject was perfectly
suited to the state of his afflicted spirit ; and, before the
close of the sermon, all his perplexing doubts and fean
were fiillv resolved. Having obtained the desired peace
and comfort, he returned to hb stated ministerial exercise ;
with fresh courage, and a remarkable success attended his
future labours.* Being naturally of a lively spirit, and
having a feeble body, his animated discourses often ex-
haustra his strength. This induced him to study phydc^
in which he obtained considerable skill.
By the encouragement or connivance of Archbishop
Matthews of York, the lectures or prophes3rings, put down
in the days of Queen Elizabeth, were again revivra. These
lectures were the means of difiusing the li^ht of the gospd
into many dark comers of the land, particularly in York-
shire. The ministers within a certain district held their
fnonthly assemblies, when one or two of them preached, and
others prayed, before a numerous and attentive congrega*
tion.f Mr. Roi^ers took an active part in these exercises as
long as the archbishop lived. From one of these public
lectures, a vile accuser waited upon the archbishop, an<L
charged one of the ministers with having prayed, ^^ that Grbd
wouM shut the archbishop out of heaven.'* The worthy
prelate, instead of being ofi'erided, as the slanderer expected^
only smiled and said, ^^ Those good men know well enough
• Mather^ Hist, of New Eng. b. iii. p. 101, lOS.
-f T^rre are monthly lectares, when two miniiteri mvany prtacli. ttfll
field by the independent ministers in the West- Rid log of Yorkshire. 1
periodical associations, which are often very niuneroofly atteoded,
probably originaled in the above exercises.
E. ROGERS. 343
that if I were gone to heavoi, their exercises would soon be
put down."* The words of the good archbishop wei^
indeed, found true ; for his head was no sooner laid in the
dust than thev were put down. Mr. Rogers, having
preached at Rowley about thirty years, was silenced for
nonconformity ; but, as some kind of recompence^ he was
allowed the proiSts of his living for two years, and permitted
to put another in his place. He made choice of one Mr.
Bishop for his successor; who, for refusing to read pub^
licly the censure passed upon Mr. Rogers, was himself
presently silenced.f
^ In the year 1638, our pious divine, not allowed to open
his mouth for the good of souls, in his own country, retired
from the cruel oppression with many of his Yorkshire
friends, and went to New England. They took shipping
at Hull, and on their arrival procured land, and formed a
new plantation, which they called Rowley. Here he dwelt
near his kinsman, the worthy Mr. Nathaniel Rogers of
Ipswich ; and continued about the same period that ne had
done at Rowley in Yorkshire. Some time after his settle-
ment in the new colony, he was appointed to preach the
sermon at ^ public election, which is said to have rendered
his name fiimous throughout the commonwealtli. While he
was praised abroad, he was venerated at home. His ministry
was highly esteemed and extensively useful among the
people of his charge. The principal topics on which he
insisted were, regeneration and union to Christ by faith ;
and when addressing his people on these subjects, he had
the remarkable talent of penetrating their feelings, and
unvailing the secrets oi their hearts. His sermons and his
prayers e^cpressed the very feelings and exercises of their
souk. They often stood amazed to hear their minister so
e^^actly describe their thoughts, their desires, their motives^
* This ezcellent prelate, who bad been an ornament to the university of
Oxford, wai no less an orqament to hii high station in the church. He was
noted for his ready wit $ i^od was equal, if not superior to Bishop Andrews,
in the faculty of ponaiof . He liad an admirable talent for preachiof,
which he never suffered to lie idle; but used to go from one town to another
to pvieach to crowded congregations. He Jcept an exact account of th«
nambcr of sermons which he preached after his preferment; by which it
appears, that he preached, when Dean of Durham, 781 ; when Bishop of
that diocese, 550; and when Archbishop of York, 781 ; in aij, 199&
He died March 89, 1088; when his wife, a person of most exemplary
ulsdom, gravity, and piety, generously gave his library, consisting of SOOO
volumes, to the library of the cathedral of York.— Ae N§V€'3 Liv$s, vol. i.
part ii. p. 114.--0rafif«r*« Biog. HUU vol. i. p. S4S.
t Mather^ Hist, of New England, b. iii. p^ 108.
344 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
and their whole characters. They were sometimes ready
to exclaim, <^ Who bath told him all this ?*' His conver-
satioD among his people was serious and instructive. He
took great pains in the religious instruction of the youth^
especially those who had been recommended to him by
their dying parents. He was a tree of kuo\i ledge richly
laden with fruit, from which even children could pluck
and eat. He was remarkable for healing breaches, and
making peace among contending parties ; and so great wae
his ability and influence, that, when any contentions arose
among his people, he sent for the parties, examined the
grounds of their complaints, and commonly quenched the
sparks of discord before they burst into an open flame.
His labours proving emiiK^ntfy useful, it was thought im-
proper, after some years, that a minister of his splendid
talents should confine his efforts to one small congregation.
He was, therefore, induced to commence public lectui^
particularly for the benefit of the adjaci^nt towns, upon
which the people attended with great satisfnction. On
account of the increase of his labours, an excellent young,
man was obtained as his assistant. This, howeveri proved
the means of exciting an unhappy jealousy among the
people, that Mr. Rogers was not sufficiently zealous for his
settlement; and, at length, produced that aUenatioq c(
affection which was never entirely healed.*
The latter part of tliis worthy man's life was a dreary
wi'itcr of Jjrials and sufferings. It was during this period
that he buried his wife and all his children. A second wilGs,
tf^thcr with her little one, was soon snatched from his arms.
The very night of his third marriiige, his house was burnt
down, with all his furniture, and his excellent library which
he took with him from England. After having rebuilt his
house, he had a fall from his horse, which so bruised hii
right arm that it became entirely useless, and he afterwards
wrote with his leit. Under these painful trials, he was
choerftilly resigned to the will of God, and enabled to
reioice amidst all his tribulations. Writing to a minister at
Charlestown, a short time before his d^th, he very inucli
lamented that the younger part of his people were so little-
affected with the things of God, and that many of them
strengthened each otlier in the ways of sin. In this letter
he says, <^ I tremble to think what will become of thia
glorious work which we have begun, when the ancients
* Matber's New Bngland, b. iii. p. 109.
STYLES. 3(5
shall be gathered to their fathers. I fear grace and blessings
VfilT die with them. All is hurry for the world : every one
is for himself, and not foi* the public good. It hath beea
God^s wny not to send sweeping judgments, when the chief
magistrates are godly. I beseech all the Bay ministers to
c&li earnestly upon the magistrates, and tell them their
godliness is our protection. I am hastening home. Oh I
that I might see some signs of good in the generation follow-
ing, to send me away rejoicinfi^. I thank God I am near
home ; and you, too, are not rar off. Oh ! the weight of
glory that is ready waiting for us, God's poor exiles*
We shall sit next to the mai^rs and confessors. Cheer up
your spirits with these thoughts; and let us be zealous forj
God and for Christ, and make a good conclusion.'**
Mr. RcM;ers closed his labours and his lif^ January SS.
1660, agedseventjr years. He gave his new librair to Harvaid
college, and his house and Ismds to the town of Rowley for
the support of the eospel. A part of the land is said to
haye been bequeathed on consideration of the people's sup-
porting a pastor and teacher, according to the principles of
the original settlers in the country ; but this bavins beea
long since neglected, the corporation of Hanrard coltege, to
whom the land was rorfeited, made their rightful claim and
obtained it; so that Mr. Rogers is numbered amon^ the
distinguished benefactors of Siat university. But still, in
the first parish of Rowley, the rent of the lands left them
b^ Mr, Rogers amounts to more than the salary of their
nunister>
WiLLtAM Styles, A. M.-— This divine was bom at
Doncaster ia Yorkshire, and educated in Trinity college,
Qmibridge. On his entrance upon the work of tne
ministry, he was ordained both deacon and priest in the
year 16S0, when he was presented by Richard Harebread,
esq. to the yicar^^ of Ledsham or Ledston, to the par**
sonage-house of which he was a considerable benefactor ;
and, March 3, 1624, he was presented by the lung to the
vicarage of Pontefract. He was a divine of puritan prin-
ciples, was disaffected to ecclesiastical ceremonies, and
wa$ prosecuted by the high commission of York for the
enormous crime of baptizing a child without the si^ of
the cross; but Alexander Cooke, by his powerful mediatkm
• Matber*8 New England, b. iii. p. 103, 104.
f Mont and Parish's Hist, of New Eng. p. 106.
34C LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
i¥ith the archbishop, cot the prosecution to be withdra^m.
About the year 1642 he succeeded the famous Mr. Manrel
in the vicarage of Hessel cum Hull, whence he was after-
wards ejected for refusing the engagement.*
Dr. Walker says Mr. Styles was turned out about the
year 1647, for preaching against the intended murder of
the king; and was succeed^ by one Hibbert^wbo, itwai
thought, was not in orders till alter the restoration. ^< I am
further informed," says he, ^^ that Mr. Styles was once of
tiie parliament's party, and was in Hull when Sir John
Hotnam excluded the king, and was present wheu, upon his
majesty's demand of his town and garrison of Hull, Sir John
denied him admittance : at which, as I was told by a drum-
major who stood by, Mr. Styles clapped Sir John upon his
shoulder, and said, ^ Honour should sit upon his shoulders
*for that day's work.' I am also informed," says he, << that
he never appeared in the commission against scandalous
ministers, but for the safety and deliverance of some peisoDS
that were loyal and episcopal ; and this I am sure of, that
he died a very great penitent, and openly declared, in his
last sermon, in favour of loyalty and conformity ."f But
this account, transmitted in the ^^ Sufferings of the parochial
Clei^," says Mr. Thoresby, is full of mistakes4
Mr. Styles having refused the engagement, as intimated
above. President JBradshaw wrote to Licutenant-colond
Salmon, deputy-govemor of Hull, to turn him by force out
of the church and secure his person. Upon this a petition
and testimonial was subscribed by the inhabitants, certify-
ing— « That he was a very orthodox and laborious preacher,
ofa most blameless conversation ; and, by his constant and
unwearied pains in the gospel, he had won many souls to
God ; and consequently their loss of him would be exceed-
ing great ; that ne was a verv old man, unfit to trayd,
and had not a house in the world to put his head in, offering
to be bound for his peaceable demeanour ; and that if he
could not in conscience comply, before the latter end of
March, he should then yield to the law." The president
was by this means prevailed upon to allow his continuance
till the winter was over, when he was finally turned out and
driven from the place. Upon his ejectment he removed to
London, and preached nearly a year in Iropmonser's-
}ane; but his health very much declining, he retumecT into
• Thoresby 's Vicaria Leodiensji, p. 95.
+ Walker's Attempt, pi^rt ii. pi 3TS.
i Tbpre^by*s Vicaria LeodiemU, p. 98.
STERRT. 347
■
his natiye county, and was preferred to the vicarage of
Leeds, with the nee consent of Mr. Robinson, the legal
vicar, who had been driven away during the national con-
fusions. . Here he met with kind reception, and was highly ..
honoured by the magistrates and people, for his excellent
practical preaching. Though he was a puritan, he was a
person of great loyalty, and had the courage to pray pub-
licly for the king, then in a state of exile. He died a little
before the restoration, andj March 16, 1660, his remains
"weTe interred in his own church. Mr. Christopher Nesse^
afterwards one of the ejected ministers, was his lecturer ;
and Dr. Lake, ailterwards bishop of Chichester, was his suc-
cessor.* Mr. Thoresby says, he had in MS. his ^^ Catechism
preparatory to receiving tiie Lord's Supper,'* which he
styles, << solid and judicious." He had also some of his
sermons in MS. and had seen several volumes of them,
written by the aldermen and others, his devout hearers.
He bad likewise in his possession his judgment concerning
several matters in religion, attested by Mr. Hill of Kother-
ham, who, in the presence of Mr. Wales and Alderman ,
Maxon,. wrote it from his own mouth a little before his
death.f
Peter StBRRT, B. D. — ^This zealous minister was bom
in the county of Surrey, and educated in Emanuel college^
Gambrif!^, where, in the year 1636, he was chosen fellow.
In 1643 be was appointed one of the assembly of divines for
the city of London, and gave constant attendance during
the session. He was afterwards one of Cromweirs chaplains,
and is styled <^ a hiffh-jQown mystical divine." He lived
till affer the restoration of King Charles, when he is said to
have held a conventicle in London. It is further observed,
that he and one Sadler were the first who were observed to
make a public profession of Platonism in the university of
Cambriage.:^
During the national confusions Mr. Sterry appears to-
have been a zealous and firm advocate in the cause of the
parliament. He frequently preached at Whitehall^ and
before the parliament, on which occasions he declared his
sentiments without the least reserve. As these sentiments
* Pftlmer^ Noncon. Mem. vol. iii. p. 441.
•f Thoresby's Vicaria Leodiensii, p. 96—98.
± Baker*8 MS. CoHec. vol. vi. p. 84.
\ Edwards's €luigreiia» part ii. p. 119.
MS LIVES OF THE PURItANS.
arc selected and transcribed, (oo evidently with a view to
reproach his memory, we shall give them in the words of
our author. In his sermon before the house of coipinoiUy
November S6, 1645, speaking of the discomfiture c^ the
fpyal forces, he adds, <^ What ailed you, ye mighty armies
at Keinton, Newbury, York, Naseby, tl^t ye fled, ap4 were
driven backwards ? What ailed you, ye strong ttea&ons,
close conspiracies, that ye trembled and fell, aijid j^our
foundations were discovered before you could take effect f .
They saw thee, O Jesus ! They saw thee opening in tbe,,
midst of us; so they fled before us. You sit at we rigbt
hand of the I<ord Jesus in this commonwealth ; as the Lord.
Jesus sjts at the riglit hand of his Father, in that. kingdom,
which is over all. The Lord Jesus hath his coBcubinesi
his queens, his virgins ; saiiits in remoter forms ; saiints in
higher forms; samts unmarried to any forms^ who keep
themselves single for the immediate embraces of tbeir
Lord."* The mipartial reader is left to judge for himadf
wliat d^ree of reproach is attached to these sen{iineD|a|«
Mr. I^rry was tothor of a number of tracts, the titljesof •
which have not reached us. He appears to have been
diseply tinctured with mysticism. Mr. Baxter otamei
that he was intimate with Sir Henry Vane, and thouciit to
have been of his opinion in matters of religion; and that
'< tamiy and sterilitj/ were never more happuy coi\]Qiaed«''f
He was so famous ror obscurity in preaching, that Sir B^*
jamin Uudyard said, he was '< too high for tins wor)d, and
too low for the other.*']: Mr. Erbery includes him in the
list of divines <^ who had the knowledge of Christ in tl^fli
* L*Estrange'B Dissenters* 8ajiii|p. part ii. p. 10—13.
+ Sir Henry Vaoe, a principal leailcr in the bouse of commoM, W8f Ol^
of those siDgolar characters that are seen but once in an age,' and such' an
age as that of Charles I. It is hard to Ray whether he was a more fmitasiAc''
vv«ionary or profound politician. He did not, like the gienerality of
enthusiaKts, rely supinely on heaven, as if he expected every thlnf frua
thence; but exerted himself as if be entirely depended on his own activity.
H)b enthuKiasm seems never to have precipitated him into iigndlclow
measures, but to have added new powers to his natural Biigacity. Be
mistook his deep penetration for a prophetic spirit, and the light of his ■
genius for divine irradiation. The solemn league and covenant was the„
fmit of his prolific brain, which teemed with new systems of pdliticis and
religion. He deserves to be ranked in the first class of myilics ; yet he kid
a genius far above the level of mankind $ and he spoke like a pkiloioiiker
B]^on every sohje'ct except religion. He preserved a uniformity of cbarae-
ter to the last, and died in cxpeciacion of the crown of martyrdom. He was
beheaded June 14, 1662,— Su!»ester ^ Life of Baxter, part I. p. WA
Granger'9 Biog. Hist, vol. ii. p. 2)3. iii. 109.
X Sylvester's Life of Baxter, part i. p. 75,
E.GEE. U»
] Spirii, sgad held forth Christ iii the Spint These men,**
1 flays he,^ ** are nearest to Zion, vet are they i^ot come info it
For as eyisry prophet shall ope day be ashamed of his vision ;
jea prophesy itself shall fail; so it is manifest these men
are of a dark and deeper 'speech than can be easily uhder-
Blaod ; therefore it is not Zion."*
It IS (related by Ludlow, that -when news was brought of
Cromwell's death, Mr. Sterry stood up, and desired those
abqut him not to be troubled. << For," said he, << this is
^pod hews : because, if he was of great use to the people of
God when he was amongst us, now he will be much more
so, being ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand ot
Jesus Christ, there to intercede for us, and to be mindful of
iis dn all occasions.^f This, if true, was flattery or phrenzy
^ in perfection.
!
t •
'!E!i)yARD Gee, A. M. — This pious man was bom at
Ban1niJ7 in Oxfordshire, in the year 1613, and educated
firal'kt Newton school, near Manchester^ then in JBrazen-nose
' ooffi^, Oxford. About the year 1636 he became chaplab
to 'fjt. P^urr, 'bishop of Soder and Man, and minister at
Sine ' j^lace In Lancashire. Upon tlie commencement of
e citil war, he espoused the cause of the parliament, took
fhe Covenant, and, for his ^reat activity in promoting the
Tuiy cause, as Wood in derision calls it, he became rector of
therichi living of Eccleston, in the same county.} He was
flssistdnt to the commissioners of Lancashire for ejecting
ignorant aind scandalous ministers and schoolmasters.
This worthy puritan, during his last sickness, laboured
finder the painful assaults of Satan. After enjoying the
'iW'eetGst consolations, the enemy was suffered to come
^ij^funst him like an armed man, grievously tempting him to
despair of his own salvation. But, by the help of God, he
was enabled to resist the enemy, and to say imto him, <* A way
with thee, away with thee, thou accuser of the brethren :
God confound thee." On one of these occasions, observes
;1lf r.' Gee, " I was in a most woeful condition ; and it was
jmnqh worse with my soiil than any pangs of death. I w^s
•o full of horror that I was ready to tumble off my bed into
'QiejprtLYe, yea, into the pit of hell. And I was the rtio^c
full of horror, becadse I had before spoken so much of my
• 'Brbcry*8 testiosooy, p.*fl9.. f . Ncaft Parltaw, toL It.' p. 198,
t W4o4*t AtbeiMi Oxoo. toI'. I!.' p. 168.
550 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
assurance and comforts. I was ready to cry out. Oh,
damned wretch that I am ! But my most merciful Father,
at length restoring unto me the joys of his salyation, en-
abled me to say unto the tempter, ^ Thou implacable and
irreconciieablo enemy of my soul, away with thee, away
with thee.' "• This holy, tempted servant of Christ, died
May 2by IGGO, aged forty-seven years ; when hia mortal
part was interred in the church at £ccleston. He published
" A Treatise of' Prayer and Divine Providf^nce,*' Ui5S ; and
^< The Divine right and original of the Civil Blaffirtiate,"
1658.
Hugh Peters, A. M . — This unhappy man was bom at
Fowey in Cornwall, in the year 1599. His &fher was a
respectable merchant, and his mother of the ancient family of
the TrefTys, of Place in that town. At fourteen years of age
he was sent to Cambridge, where he became a member fint
of Jesus college, then of Trinity collq;e. During hia re-
sidence at the university, he was greatly addidra to the
follies and vain delights of youth; but afterwards, by at-
tending the preaching of Dr. Sibbs, Mr. John Davenport,
Mr. Thomas Hooker, and others, he was awakened to a
sense of his sins, and turned from the error of his wav. It
is indeed observed, that when he was at Cambridge, he was
so lewd and insolent, as to be whipt in the RegentVwalk,
a punishment scarcely ever inflicted upon any sinoe^ or
perhaps a long time before, and so expelled for ever nom
the university.f It is further added, that after this. he
betook himself to the stage, where he acquired that gesticu-
lation and buffoonery miich he practised in the pulpit.t
He was admitted into holv orders by Bishop Montaigne of
London ;$ and he preached for a considerable time^ and wif
• Ambrose*! Works, p. 764. Edit. 1701.
f KrnDet's Cbronicle, p. 877.
1 Granger's Biog. Hist. vol. iil. p. 54.
\ Bishop Montaigne was ^equally zealous for tlie confomlty of hit
clergy as the rest of his brethren. It is related that, in the yemr IMs be
tent bis servant on a Saturday to the minister who was to preach before hlB
on the following Lord'b day, desiring a sight of hit sermon. Tlie aUairter,
not coming as was expected, greatly increased the prelate^ jealovy, who
tent for him on the sabbath morning al)ont an boar before divine tervice«
"When the preacher came bis lordship began to give blni advice* etpeciaUy
that he should take heed and say nothing unfit for tbe ptetettt' timet. He
inquired what was his text) and being told Gal. I. 6—8., / eiertel tUi
ffou art $0 ioon removed^ jfc, tbe bishop struck bis hand «pon hb brfatC,
and swore the text was not allowable for thqte timei. •* No, My lofd/* nid
PETERS. 8§1
ysat acceptance and success, at St. Sepolchre's in the city,
certain scnrrilous writer says, << he set up the trade of
an itinerary preacher, never being constant or fixed to any
one place or benefice ; and he roved about the world like
universal churchmen, called Jesuits.'"* Mr. Peters, speaking
of his labours at Sepulchre's, says, ^^ there were six or seven
thousand hearers ;'' and adds, << I believe above one hundred
every week were persuaded from sin to Christ. ''t His great
popularity and usefulness, together with his nonconformity,
at length awakened the envy and malice of his enemies.
He was noticed by the ruling prelates ; and having prayed
for the queen in Sepulchred church, <^ That as she came
into the Goshen of safety, so the light of Goshen mislit
shine into her soul, and that she might not perish in the Say
of Christ;'' he was apprehended by Archbishop Laua,
silenced from his ministry, and committed close prisoner to
New Prison, where he remained for some time before any
articles were exhibited against him: and though certain
noblemen interceded and offered bail for him,it was refused *4
and at length, after obtaining his release, he was obliged to
flee to New England.^
We are aware that several writers of the adverse party
have assigned a very different reason for his goin^ into
exile. Langbaine insinuates something of ^< an affair that
' he had with a butcher's wife of Sepulchre's ;" and^Gran^r
says, ^< That bein^ prosecuted for criminal conversation
with another mans wife, he fled to Rotterdam."] Mr.
Peters himself appears not to have been insensible of his ill
character among his enemies ; but he terms it altogether a
reproach, and attributes it to his zeal in the cause he
espoused. ^< By my zeal," says he to his daughter, << it
seems I have exposal myself to all manner of reproach : but
one of bis cbaplaim, who stood by, '' the very meotioii of the text is not
^aUowable for tbe present times.** The bishop Miid, ** Look to thyself;
for if thoa spealLest any thing that shall not please, I vow to break thy
neck and thy back too.*' The preacher replied, that he l|ad nothiog to
' ipeak bnt the truth, and so was dismissed. Thoogb his lordship was ex-
ceedingly displeased with the sermon, it contained a faithful account of the
awfbl condition of thote who forsake the faith they once received : only he
' observed, that they might expect some application, but he was not ambitl-
^ ovs of lying in prison ; and thai closed the ttrmon.-^Baker^s US. CqIUC'
• Yd. xxi. p. 104.
• Bate»*8 Lives of the Klng*s Murderrts, p. 40. Edit. 1661.
f Peters*8 Dying Legacy, p. 100. Edit. 1680.
± Hantley** Prelates* Usurpations, p. 102.
^ Prynne's Cant. Doome, p. 419.
I Historical and CHtical Account of Hugh Peten, p. Si. Edit. ITil.*-'
Granger's Biog. Hiit. toL ilL p. 54.
S53 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. .
I wish you to know, that, besides jour mother, I have had
no fellowship that way with any woman since I knew her,
baying a godhr wife before also, I bl^ss God/** It may not
be improper further to obseire, that when he was afterwaids
nnder sentence of death, and only a short time before his'
execution, an intimate friend waiting upon him, put the
question seriously and directly to him, whether he was
guilty of the above accusation. To whom he replied, ^^ I
bless the Lord, I am wholly clear in that matter, and I never
knew any woman but my own wife/'f A man is not,
indeed, allowed to be witness in his own cau;se ; nor should
the testimony of his adversaries be deemed a full, proof. A
person loaded with so vile an accusation as Mr. Peters was,
and suSbring as a traitor in the way that he did, when
jparty spirit ran high, and revenge actuated those whoboie
rule; for such a one to be. traduced and blackened beyond
his deserts, is only what might be naturally exp^ed.
What reproacli is not envy, malice, and a bigoted party
spirit, able to cast upon men of the worthiest character ?
Mr. Peters's future popularity, and his high esteem among
persons of the first rank in the nation, as will appear pi the
present narrative, certainly render the truth of the above
charge .at least extremely doubtful.
Mr. Peters having fled to Rotterdam, there gathered a
congregation, and formed a church upon the plan of the
independents, to which he was chosen pastor. He had the
celebrated Dr. William Ames for his colleague in the same
thurch ; but this excellent divine did not long survive his
removal from Francker to tliis place. Mr. Peters continued
five or six years, not without the blessing of God upon his
ministry, and was succeeded in the pastoral charge oy Mir*
William Bridge, Mr. Sydrach Sympson, and Mr. Samud
Ward, all famous in their day, and all driven from their
Jiative country for nonconformity.^ Mr. Peters, during hii
stay in Holland, appears to have behaved himself so well
as to procure great interest and a high decree of reputation
in the country: ^For, being aflerwarcS in Ireland, and
seeing the great distress of the poor protestants, who had
been plundered by the Irish rebels, he went into Holland,
and procured about thirtu thousand pounds to be sent from
thence into Irehmd for {neir relief."^ We hence see how
X
• Peten'a "Dying Legacy, p. 106. ,
f Speeches and Prayers of the KiD£*s Jadges, p. 61. Edit 1660.
1 Ballie'a Dissuasive, p. 75.
{ Ludlow's Memoirs, vol. iii. p. 75. ' Edit. 1099,
PETERS. S65
little credit is^ due io Dr. Nichols, that bold champion for
faigh^chnrch principles, who says, that Mr. Peters, growing
nUo contempt among the' people at Rotterdam, lyas obliged
in a little while to leave the place.*
On the resignation of his charge at Rotterdam, in the
year 1635, he went to New England, and was chosen pastor
of the church at Salem.f There he obtained a high repu-
tation,, and was greally esteemed in the new colony. By an
order from the general court of government, dated Boston,
March 3, 1636, Mr. Peters, Mr. John Cotton, and Mr.
Thomas Shepard, were appointed to assist the goveniot,
deputy-governors, and others, " to niake a draught of laws
agreeable to the word of Grod, which might be fundamentals
of the commonwealth, and to present the same to the next
general court."t Mr. Peters, after residing there sevea
years, was sent to England by the government of the new
commonwealth to mediate for ease in customs and excise.
Upon his arrival in his native country, he found the nation
deeply involved in the horrors of civil war; and being
obliged to remain in England, he was not able for some
time to accomplish the object of his mission.^ He always
intended returning to Nfew England, but one thing or
another occurred, in those unsettled times, to prevent
him.g
Mr. Peters had not been long arrived in England, before
iie became a zealous preacher in the parliamenrs army. In
the year 1644, he was with the Earl of Warwick at the
siege of Lime, a particular account of which he gave to the
house of commons. In r645, he attended Sir Thomas
Fairfax at the taking of Bridgwater ; and, bringing letters
from the general, he was called before the house, and gave
a circumstanti&l account of the siege; when the house
voted him to receive one hundred pounds, as a reward for
his bnwearied services. As a preacher he was undoubtedly
veiy serviceable to the cause of the parliament. When it
was determined io storm Bridgwater, " Mr. Peters, in his
I
• l/ichols's Defence of (he Cbnrch, p. 50. Edit. 1740.
+ History t>f New Eng. p. 79.
1 Backas's New Eng. Baptists, vol. I. p. 76—70.
S Peters's Dying Legacy; p. 97—103.
jj Mr. Thomas Peters, a minister of puritan principles, Went to New
Bngland during the civil war ; and after staying atKint three years, be
Hetumed to bis native country. He was a worthy man, and author of
• several excellent pieces; but whether he was any relation to Mr. Hugh
Peters, we have not been able to learn.— JfatAer's Hiat, of Nem Eng.
. V iU. p. 214.
TOL. III. S A
354 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
aemum on the Lord's day before, encouraged the soldierfli
to the work."* It would certainly have lool^ed ipuch
better, and have been mucl^ more consistent with hU office
as a minister of the gospel of peace and Ipv^ if) initeiad of
this, he had excited theip as much as possible to spare the
effusion of human blood. His conduct in thisj^ boweveri
was not singular. This wai» too much the spirit imd infatu-
ation of the times.
During the above year, Mr. Peters was called b^fpre the
house of commons ; when he gave a particular acGount of
the si^;e of Bristol, and the cause ot sitting down h^fbie
it, to prevent the plunder and cruelties of Pnnce Rupert in
that part of the country. On this occasion, h^ prei»0d the
desire of Sir Thomas FairfsuL to have more recruits seat
him. He afterwards brought letters from liieutenaint-
general Cromwell, concerning the taking of Winchei^*
castle; after which, being called before the house^ he gave
a circumstantial account of it, when the bouse voted him to
receive fifty pounds. In this year he returned fron^ the arn^^,
and gave an account to the house of the stormipg and f^kii^
of Dartmouth ; when he spoke of the valour, unity, and aflfoo
tion of the army, and presented letters, papers, and cruci-
fixes, with oHier popish relics taken in the place^ piling
his stay on this occasion in London, says Mr. Edwards,
^^ he improved the whole of his time in preaching against
the presbyterian government, the assembly, uniformity,
common council, and the city of London, and fob a tole-
BATioN OF ALL SECTS !"t About the samc time^ having
preached in the market-place at Torrinffton, and coo-
yinced many, it is said, of their errors m adhering to.
the kinfi^'s party, he was sent, with Lieutenant-ooloiid
Berry, to Plymouth, to treat with the governor. Towards
the close of this year, he was again called before the
house of commons, and, after giving a particular relatioB
of the proceedings of Sir Thomas Fairfax, he signified, that
Lord Hopton's army of five thousand men wajs disbanded;
that Hopton was not gone to Oxford, but had taken shipfung
for France ; that many of the commanders had accompanied
him, and others were gone to their own homes ; tiiat Pen-
dennis-castle was closely besieged; and that the general in-
tended to return towards Exeter. An order, at the same tim^
passed the house, for one hundred pounds a year to be
settled upon Mr.* Peters and his heirs, out of the Earl of.
* Whitlorke*8 Memorials, p. 88, 156.
t Edwards's Gangrasna, part i. p. 814. Second edit.
PETERS. S5S
Worcester's estates. And shortly after, an ordinance passed
for settling upon him two hundk'ed pounds a year.*
Mr. Peters, about this time, became a kind intercessor in
behalf of a lady of quality who was under confinement
This appears from a letter written with his own hand, dated
June, 1646, and now before me. It begins as follows : —
" To my worthy friend Mr. Uushwortb, secretaiy to the
general.
'' Honoured friend, I understand th&t the Lady Harlaw is
^ out, and the Lady , You may remember that I had
'^ a promise for my Lady Newport, when you know my
'^ Lord Newport is here with you, I pray therefore let me
" entreat you in favour of her enlargement," &c.f
In the year 1649, Mr. Peters accompanied the parlia^
mentis army to Ireland, when he is said to have had the
command of a brigade against the rebels, and came off with
honour and victory. In a letter dated Dublin, September
15, 1649, he gives an account of the bloody slaughter in
the. taking of Drogheda, which was as follows :{ —
« Sir,
" The truth is, Drogheda . is taken : 3552 of the
** enemy slain, and sixty-four of ours. Colonel Castles and
^^ Colonel Symonds of note. Ashton the governor killed :
<* none spared. We have also proceeded to Trym and
<^ Dundalk, and are marching to Kilkenny. I come now
" from giving thanks in the great church. We have all
*^ our army well landed.
" I am yours,
" Hugh Peters."
It wag the common expression in those days, " that the saints
^should have the praises of God in their mouths, and a two-
edged sword in their hands."§ This was a principle evidently
too prominent in the life of Mr. Peters. However, from the
above detail, it appears how much he was in favour with the
generals and the parliament, and that he must have made a
distinguished figure in the transactions of those times. Nor is
it improbable that the distinction with which he was treated
by them, attached him so firmly to their interest, that in the
end it cost him his life.|| From Ireland, says Dr. Walker,
he was sent into Wales, with the commission of a colonel,
• WbUlocke's Memorials, p. 157, 165, 169, 195, 800, 203, 804, 883,
988, 410.
+ Sloane'6 MSB. No. 1519. t WhiUdcke'f Memorial!, p. 411.
S Memoirs of Col. Ilatcbinsoo, vol. i. p. 314. Edit. 1810.
I Hbtorical Account, p. U.
856 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
to raise a regiment : but having misspent his time, and raised
only three companies, CromweH's ivife drew up articles
against him. Mr. Peters, hearing of this, contrived, with
Ck>lonel Philip Jones and one Mr. Sampson Lort, " to
settle a congregational church of their own invention |^
hoping by this means to make it appear, that, instead of
being idle, he had been all the time very' well employed.
Afterwards he went to London ; anil, says our author, being
asked his advice, ^^'How to drive on the great design of
propagating the fifospel in Wales," he briefly delivered it
to this effect : ^^ That they must sequester all ministers
without exception, and bring the revenues of the church into
the' public treasury; out of which must be allowed one
hundred pounds si year to six itinerant ministers to preach
in every county."*
During the wars he had several interviews and conferences
with the king ; when, says Mr. Peters, " He used me civilly;
and I offered my poor thoughts three times for his saf^y.'V
Mr. Peters assistecl Mr. Challoner in his last moments, "beiiiff.
executed for his concern in Waller's plot. J He also assisted
Sir John Hothiim, whom he attended upon the scaffold, and
from whom he received public thanks. §
When Archbishop Laud was under confinement, it was.
moved in the house of commons to send him to New
England ; but the motion was rejected. '' The plot," says
Land, " was laid by Peters, and others of that crew, that
they might insult over me."|| The archbishop, at the copi-
mencement of his trial, delivered a speech in his own
defence, in the conclusion of which, he challenged any
clergyman to come forth, and give a better account of his
zeal for the church, and his conversion of papists to the
{)rotestant religion ; when Mr. Peters, standing near his
ordship, asked him whether he was not ashamed of making
so bold a challenge in so honourable an assembly ? adding,
that he himsdf, the unworthiest of many hundred minister
in England, was ready to answer his challenge; and io^
♦ Walker's Attempt, part i. p. 147.
+ Wbitlocke's Memorials, p. 257» 364.— Peters'sDyinfr Legacy, p. lOS. ;
X This was a plot of considerable magnitude, with Mr. Waller, a member^
of the house of commons, at the head. It was the dest;!;n of the kiDg«.4iid
those concerned tn this conspiracy, to compel the parliament toap^Ace;;
but the confederacy was soon discovered, and several leading persons wcjre
apprehended. Cballoner and three others were executed : but Waller
saved his life by paying a tine of ten thousand pounds, and wai banlgM?
from the kingdom.— iZapin*s Hist, of Eng. vol. ii. p. 467, 488.
§ Whitlocke's Memorials^ p.. 117.
g Wharton's Troubles of Laud, vol. i. p. SOS.
PETERS.
S57
produce a catalogue, not of iwentv-two papists, but of
above one hundred and iweniVj Whom he, through the
blessing of God, had converted and bf-ought home to God,
making them other kind of converts than any he had recited,
who were made neither good protestants nor good christians.
He further added, that he, and many other ministers in
England, were able to produce hundreds of true converts
to Christ, for every one of his pretended ones; some of
whom, by his own confession, soon turned apostates, and
the rest were little better.* Whatever truth there might
be in this reply, it certainly discovered Mn Peters's too
great forwardness, while it very much offended the arch-
bishop.
During the archbishop's trial, his library at Lambeth, it .
is said, was given to Mr. Peters, as a reward for his remark-
able services.t The truth of this, however, is rendered
rather doubtful, and appears, even from the very words cS '
Laud himself, to have been founded merely on report. " All
my books at Lambeth," says he, " were, by order of the
bouse of commons, taken away, and carried I know not
whither ; but arc, as it is commonly said, for the use of
Mr. Peters.' Before this time," his lordship adds, <* some
good number of my books were delivered to the use of the
synod," meaning the assembly of divines.t ,
• In the year 1651, Mr. Peters was one of the committee
appointed by the parliament to take into consideration
wnat inconveniencies were in the law, and how the mischiefs
"that arose from delays, and other irre^larities in the pro-
ceedings of the law, might be best and soonest prevented^
In this committee were Mr. Rushworth and Sir Anthony
Ashly Cooper, afterwards the Earl of Shaftsbury and lord
chancellor ; besides many others of high rank. " But none
of them," says Whitlocke, " was more active in this busi-
ness than Mr. Hugh Peters, who understood little of the
law, and was very opinionativ(!."^ Mr, Peters, speaking 6f
these transactions, says, " When I was called about mending
laws, I was there to pray, rather than to mend laws. But
in this, I confess, I might as well have been spared, "J
Here, in his own words, his ignorance and inability, in
things of this nature, #are as frankly acknowledged as they
are plainly described by the learned historian. But it is
• Prynnc's Cant. Doome, p. 56. -
f Walton's Life of Hooker, Prcf,— Wood's Athenie, vol. i. p. 263.
i Wharton's Troubles of I^aud, vol. i. p. 365.
S Whitlocke's Memorials, p. 496, 497. U Peters's Dying Legacy, p. 109.
.:. ;%.-
S58 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
difficult to reconcile his being Tery opinhnaiive and his
. activity in the cause^ -with his attending the committee to
prm/^ rather than to mend laws,
tt is observed of Mr. Peters, that in the year 1653, he
prayed and preached for peace, and exhorted the people to
peace, and zealously warned them against the sins of the
times.* The year following, he was appointed one of the
iryers of ministers. Dr. Walker intimates that he and
Mr. Philip Nye were tlie most active and busy among
them. He brings a foul accusation against Mr. Peters, as
if, he were guilty of simony. The charge is foundt*d <m
no other evidence than that one Mr. Camplin, a clergyman
in Somersetshire, applied to Mr. Peters, by means of some
other person, to obtain a settlement in the rector/ of King-
ston in that county ; when Mr. Peters said to him, *^ Hath
thy friend any money ?"+ A slender proof is this of so severe
an accusation ! They who are acquainted with the jocose
temper and conversation of Mr. Peters, will not in the least
wonder at such an expression from his mouth. Mr. Peter%
speaking of himself in the above capacity, makes use of very
modest and humble language. " When I was a tryer «
others," says he, <^ I went to hear and gain experience^
lather than to judge."t
In the year 1658, Mr. Peters went to Dunkirk, where ke
laboured in the capacity of preacher to the English garri-
8on.§ In a letter from Colonel Lockhart to Secretary Thar-»
loe, dated from Dunkirk, July 18, 1658, we have the
foll6wing account of him : " I' could not suffer our worthy
" friend, Mr. Peters, to come away from DuYikirk withont
** a testimony of the great benefits we have all received from
"him in this place, where he hath laid himself forth, in
<^ great charity and goodness, in sermons, prayers, and
*' exhortations, in Visiting and relieving the sick and
" wounded ; and, in all these, profitably applying the sin«
** gular talent God hath bestowed upon him to the chief
" ends proper for our auditory. For he hath not only
" j$hewed the soldiers their duty to God, and pressed it
<< home upon them, I hope to good advantage, but hath
^' likewise acquainted them with their obligations of obedi-
'^ ence to his highnesses government, and affection to his
^ person. He hath laboured amongst us here with much
♦ Thurloe's State Papers, vol. i. p. 380.
+^ Walker's Attempt, part i. p.' 172, 174.
± Peters's Dying Legacy, p. 109.
( Wbitlocke'8 Mem. p. 674. Edit. 17S2.
€6
PETERS. aSO
^< good will, and seems to enlarge his heatt towards us, and
<^ care of us for many othier things. — Mr. Peters hath been
twice at Berglu and hath spoke with the cardinal (Maxa-
rin) three or four times. I kept myself by, and had a
^^ care that he did not importune him with too king speeches.
<^ He returns loaden with an account of ail things here, ifnd
** hath undertaken every man's business.''*
Mr. Peters returned to England at the aboye period,
bringing an abundant store of intelligence to the govemitient.
January 29, 1660, when General Monk was on his march
from Scotland towards London, he was appointed to preach
before him on a fast-day at St Albania; when, it ig said,
^^ he troubled the general with a long fast sermon ; and at
night too he superero^ted, and prayed a long prayer in
the general's quarters. Our author gires the following
account of the sermon on this occasion : — ^< As to the ser^
mon, he managed it with some dexterity at the first, allow-
ing the cantings of his expressions. His text was Psalm
Cvii. 7. Ife led them forth by the right waj/y thai they
ndffht go to a cUy of habitation. With his fingers on the
-cushion he measured the right way from tiie Red 8ea^
through the wilderness to Canaan ; said it was not forty
days march, but God led Israel forty years through the
-wilderness, before they came thither ; yet this Was still the
Lord's right way, who led his people crincledum cum
crancledum. He particularly descended into the lives i£
the patriarchs, how they journeyed up and down, though
blessings and rest were promised them. Then he reviewed
our civil wars, our intervals of peace, and fresh distractions,
and hopes of rest. But though the Lord's people," he
said, ^^ were not yet come to a city of habitation, he was
-still leading them on the right wtw^ how dark soever his
dispensations might appear to men. 'f
May the 16th, in the above year, an order passed tlie
liouse of commons, now modelled in favour of loyalty^
^< That the books and papers in the hands of John Thurloe
and Hugh Peters, heretofore belonging to the library of the
late Archbishop of Canterbury, be forthwith secured.'*
But it does not appear from our author whether any such
books were found in their possession.^ After the king's
restoration, Mr. Peters being apprehended and comniitted
io prison, his majesty sent a warrant to Sir John Robin*
son, lieutenant of the Tower, to obtain informatioii of his
« Tharloe*8 State Papers, Yol. Tii. p. 8S3, 849. ,
f KeoBet*8 CbroDkle, p. 36. t l^'^- p. 150.
560 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
royal father's library; ivhen Mr. Peters underwent an
examination, and declared upon his oath, ^^ That, in the
•year 1()48, he presi'rved (he library in St. James's against
the violence and rapine of the soldiers ; that the same con-
tinued three or four months in his custody ; that he did not
take any thinff away, but left it unviolated as he found it ;
and that he delivered up the key and custody of all to
Major General Ireton.''*
Mr. Peters was thought to have been deeply concerned in
the king's death, on which account his name has been
treated with much severity. It wns supposed that the war-
rant for the king's -execution was directed to him and Colo-
nel Hacker, and that they were the two persons who were
in mnsk upon the scaffold when his majesty was beheaded.
There was some demur in tlie house of commons whether
he should be excepted from the act of oblivion.f But, in
the conclusion, it was declared against him, and he was
apprehended, committed to the Tower, and tried with the
rest of the regicides, in all twenty-nine, fitishop Kennet
in one place says, that for a while he had been sculking up
and down in secret, but was at length apprehended in South-
wark; and in another, that he was discovered by one of
those confidents whom he brought from New England,
and seized upon in bed with another man's wife.^ This
vile calumny is cast upon him on the slender evidence of a
bigoted and abusive piece, entitled, '' Regicides no Saints^
nor MaHyrs."
Mr. Peters was brought to the bar, October 13, 1660;
when he was indicted for high treason, to which he pleaded
-^fwi gui/fy. '^ After the indictment was read," says Bishop
Kennet, <^ he saw a whole congregation of witnesses again^
him, who upon their oaths testified him guilty of the most
horrid crimes that any man could be gililty of." These crimes
are next enumerated as follows : — " That he not only took
arms, but was himself actually a colonel, and gave out com-
inissions. — That he met in private consultation, near the
time of the king's trial, at the Star in Coleman-street, with
Cromwell, Pride, and others of the bloody plot — That in
December, 1648, the head-quarters were at Windsor, where
Cromwell, Ireton, Rich and Peters, usually sat in consulta-
tion, till two or three o'clock in the morning, with strict
guard about them ; soon after which the king was brought
to trial. — That during this consultation at Windsor, Peton
♦ Biog. Britan. vol. i. p. 230. Edit. 1747,
t Ludlow 8 Mob. p.S94. Edit. 1771. i Kennet*! Cbron. p. I9i, W.
PETERS. 3fil
commonly called his majesty tyrant and fool, saying, < he
\¥as unfit to be a king, and that tlie kingly office itself was
dangerous, chargeable, and useless.' — That an aged gentle-
man haying said, ' Gpd save the king, and preserve him out
of the hands of his enemies,' he was ofTended, and said, ^ Old
gentleman, your idol will not stand long.' — Tha^t at Marga-
ret's, Westminster, he preached upon these words, Not this
man^ but' Barahbas^ comparing all along his- majesty to
Barabbas, and bloodily inciting his auditoiy to kill the
king; intimating that God would bring every tyrant io
justice, signifying that there was no exception for king, or
prince, or any of that rabble. — That he rode next before the
king when he was brought from Windsor to his trials—
That in the painted chamber, the first day the high court
of justice sat, Hugh Peters and John Goodwin were with
them, when all others, except the judges and officers of the
couft, were kept out. That he was. present at making pro*
clamation in Westminster-hall for the high court of justicei
and did there openly say to Sergeant Dendy, ^ All this you
have done is worth nothing, unless you proclaim it ia
Cheapside and the Old Exchange.'
'' That the said Hugh Peters was marshalling and en-
couraging the soldiers ^ho guarded thesking in St. James's
Park, a little Ix^fore his trial. — That he was constantly in
private consultations at Bradshaw's house during the trial,
with them who sat upon the king. — That h6 bid Stubbs
command his soldiers, when the king came near the high
court, to cry out justice! justice! — That being at the high
court of justice on the twentieth of January, he was heard
to say, ' This is a most glorious beginning of the work.'—
That on Sunday the twenty -first of January, he preached at
Whitehall, from Psalm clix. 8., To bind their kings with
chainSj Sft,^ applying his text and sermon to the late king,
and highly applauding the proceedings of tlie army, saying,
* This is a joyful day, and I hope to see such another day
to-morrow.' — That the Sunday after his majesty was sen-
tenced to die, he preached again upon the same text at
St. James's, saying, ' He intended to have preached upon
another text before the poor wretch; but that the poor
wretch refused to hear him.'— That in the afternoon of the
same day, he preached at Sepulchre's, and repeated all his
parallel between his late majesty and, Barabbas, crying out,
that none but Jews would let Barabbas go. — That in this
sermpn, he said, ^ Those soldiers who assisted in this great
work had £manuel written on their bridlds.*
MS LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
<^ That in the painted chamber, on one of the days of the
kiug*s trial, Peters kneeled down and prayed for a bleieing;
and amongst other thin^, he said, ^ O Lord, what a mercy
is it to see this great city fall down before us !*— ^That he
was upon the scaffold a little before the execution, and then
whispered to Tench, the carpenter, who thereupon did there
knock and fasten four staples, pulling a cord out of his
pocket. — That after the kmg was murdered, Peters said,
^ Jjoid, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for
mine eyes have seen thy salvation/ — That a while after the
execution, he said, < I rejoice to think of that day ; for to
me it seemed like the great and last day of judgment, when
the saints shall judge the world/ '*«
This is a full account of all the charges which even his
enemies bring against him ; but whether these things prove
*' him guilty of the most horrid crimes that any man could
be guilty ot," is left with the reader to judge. Most of the
foregoing particulars, as every reader will easily perceive^
fell far short of high treason. Though it is said, tnat to all
these particulars he made not one word of answer, except in
cant and impertinence ;f yet. when the witnesses were pro-
duced to find him guilty of iiaving been one of the king's
judges, their evidence completely fail(*d, and they coiud
only prove that he was present on the occasion, when he
used some indiscreet language. When the court attempted
to prove that he was upon the scaffold the day on which
the king suffen^d, lie i)ro(luced witness depofling that he was
sick on that day, and confined to his own house. What
Mr, Potcrs observed in his own defence, was little more
than a protestation of his own innocence, fie said that the
war comm(;nced l)eforc he cm me to I'Jn^land ; that since his
arrival, he had endeavourcHl to promote sound religion,
gocMl learning, and the employment of the poor; and that,
for the l)etter attainment of thc!S(5 ends, he had espoused the
interest of the pariiametit. He then added, << I had neither
malice nor mischief in my heart Ui^iiinst the king. I had so
much respect to his majesty, pariieularly at Windsor, that
I propoun(hHl to him my tlionghts thnvt ways, to pn^serve
him from danger, which were i^ood, as he was pIcMised to
signify, though they di<l not siieeced. As for malice, I had
none m me."t W hitlocke r)bs rves, that, " upon a con-
ference between the king and Vfr. P(»ters, the king d(*siring
one of his own chaplains might be i)ermitted to come to
• Kmiiefi Chronicle, p. 277, «T8. + Ibid,
t Trial of Regicidei, p. 30, 153—183. Edit. 1660.
PETERS. ass
him, for his satisfaction in some scruples of conscience. Dr.
Juxton, bishop of London, was ordered to go to his
majesty."* " And Sir John Denham being entrusted hy
the qiieen to deliver a message to his majesty, who at thitf
time wks in the hands of the army, by the assistance of
Hugh Peters he got admittance to the king."f
These were certainly very considerable services, and
could hprdly haye been expected from a man, who, accord-*
ing to Burnet, '^ was outrageous in pressing the king's
death, with the cruelty and rudeness of an inquisitor."^
As to the vile insinuation of many writers, that he was sup-
posed to have been one of the masked executioners, besides
thetleposition at his trial, that he was then confined by sick-
ness, no stress was laid by the king^s counsel on any sus-
Eicions or reports on this head. So that in all good reason,
^r. Barwick, Mr. Granger, and others, should have fore-
borne saying, ^' that he was upon no slight grounds accused
to have been one of the king's murderers. "§
Mr. Peters, in further protestation of his own innocence,
says, ^^ I thought the act of indemnity would have included
me; but the hard character upon me excluded me. I have
not had my hand in any man's blood, but saved many in
life and estate. ''|| All that was proved against him con-
sisted merely in words ; but words, it must be acknowledged.
Unfit to be uttered. Yet, when it is recollected that many
greater offenders than Mr. Peters escaped capital punish-
ment, we shall be led to suspect that he met with some
unkind and hard usage. When he was asked why sentence
should not be passed upon him, to die according to law, he
only said, ^' I will submit myself to Grod ; and if I have
spoken any thing against the gospel of Christ, I am heartily
sorry for it."i[ The sentence of death was then passed upon
him; when he was confined in Newgate only three clayg
and then executed. According to Ludlow, it was of no use
to plead in his own defence: the court was fully resolved
on his execution. **It was not expected," observes this
author, " that any thing he could say should save him from
the revenge of the court ; and, therefore, he was without
hesitation brought in guilty. "♦♦
Mr. Peters, the day after his condemnation, preached to
* Wbit1ocke*8 Memorials, p. 364. + Hibtorlcal Account, p. 84.
f Hist, of his Time, vol. i. p. 162.
^ Historical Account, p. 25.-<^Granger*s Biog. Hist. vol. iii. p. 65.
II Peters's Dying Legacy, p. 104, 106. . .
1 Tfial of Regicides, p. 182^184. *• Lvdiow's Memoira, p. 407.
364 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
bis friends and fellow-prisoners in Newgate. His text was
Psalm xlii. II. Whj/ art thou cast downy O my sotdf
And why art thou disquieted within me? HopeAhou in
God; for I shall yet praise him, who is the healih of my
countenance and my God, The subject was particularly
appropriate. For, during his imprisonment, he was exer-
cised with a painful conflict in his own spirit, fearing, as he
often said, that he should not go through his sufferings with
courage and comfort. To his friends he said he was
somewhat unprepared for death ; and therefore he felt in
some degree unwilling to die. Some things, he observed,
he had conmiitted, and others he had omitted, which
troubled him ; but he believed the light of God's counten-
ance would at last break forth. And the favour of God did
at length appear. For a little time before he went to the
place of execution, his mind became perfectly composed;
and with the utmost cheerfulness he said, '^ I thank God,
now I can die. I can look death in the face, and not be
afraid." To the truth of this many could bear witness.*
Bishop Kennet observes, that ^^ alter the trial and coo-
denmation of the regicides, Dr. Barwick and Dr. Dolben
were sent to persuade tliem to repentance, and to confess
their impious deeds." It is also added, '^ that they might
employ their pious endeavours to better purpose with
others, their first care was to solicit Hui;h Peters, the prin-
cipal and rin^-leader of all the rest. The\dld prophecies
uttered by his impure mouth were still reoeived by the
people with the same veneration as if they had been oracles,
though he was known to be infamous for more than (Hie
kind of wickedness. He was accused, upon no slight
grounds, to have been one of (he masked executioners faired
to murder the king, but it could not be sufficiently proved
against him." To all that these divines could say to him,
says our author, " Peters answered with much surliness,
negligence, and stupidity, and stopped his ears against all
admonitions. He had so perfectly shook off all sense of
piety and religion, if ever he had any, that his accomplices
earnestly requested these divines to intercede with his
majesty that a person so deaf to advice, and so impeoe*
trable to their sacred ministrations, might not be hurried
into another world till he were brought, if possible, to a
better sense of his condition. "t
To this account, too evidently designed to reproach his
* Speeches and Prayeri of the King's Jadges, p. 68.
f Kcpnet's Chronicle, p. 284, SS5*
PETERS. S66
Memory, we shall only observe, from other authority, fhat
the two doctors used their- utmost endeavours to persuade
him to a recantation of his former activity in the cause of
the parliament, with promises of pardon from the king if
he would comply. Though he was then much afflicted in
q)irit, he was enabled to resist their insinuations. He told
them, " he had not the leasf cause to repent of his adherence
to the parliament ; but only that, in the prosecution of that
cause, he had done no'more for God and his people." And
thus, with civility, he dismissed his visitants.
The day on which he suffered he was carried on a sledge
from Newgate to Charing-cross, the place of execution ;
where he was made to behold the execution of Mr. Cook,
another of the regicides. Here a person came to him, and
upbraided him with the death of the king, bidding him now
TOpent : to whom Mr. Peters said, " Friend, you do not
well to trample upon the feelings of a dying man. You are
greatly mistaken. I had nothing to do in the death of the
J"**?'" When Mr. Cook was cut down, and brought to be
Juartered, the hangman was commanded to bring Mr.
'eters near, that he might behold the mangled remains of
his fellow-sufferer. As the hangman approached him, being
^U over besmeared with blood, and rubbing his bloody hands
together, he said, "How do you like this, Mr. Peters?
how do you like this Work ?" To whom Mr. Peters re-
plied, ^^ I thank God, I am not terrified at it. You may do
your worst." As he was going to be executed, he gave a
piece of gold to a friend, requesting him to carry it to bis
daughter as a token of respect trom her dying father ; and
to let her know, " That bis heart was as full of comfort as
it could be ; and that before that piece should come into her
hands, he should be with God in glory." When he was
upon the ladder, he said to the sheriff^ " Sir, you have
here slain one of the servants of God before mine eyes, and
have made me behold it, on purpose to terrify and discou-
rage me ; but^ God hath ordered it for my strengthening
and encouragement." " If Peters said this," a learned
doctor observes, '.' it is plain he died as he lived, and went
out of tHe world with a notorious He in his mouth;" then
insinuates, that he had taken a large potion ; that he behaved
himself like an idiot; that he was stupidly drunk, and there-^
fore was not in a condition to make such a reflection. This
surely needs no* comment.* When he was going off, he
« Grey's Ezftmioatioto^ vol. iii.p. 888.
966 UVES OF THE PURITANS.
iftid, ^< Whaiy Jlesh ! art thou unwiUing to go to God
through thejire and jaws of dejath ? OA, said fie, « this is
m good day. He is come whom I have long looked foTy axd
I shall be with him in glory i'* and went off with a smile on
bis countenance.* He suffered October 16, 1660, -i^ed
tixty-one years; and his head was set upon a pole on Iion-
don-bridge.
Mr. Peters, it is allowed by all, intermeddled too much in
state matters, and wns too much the tool of the ruling porty,
which evidently brought him to this disgraceful end. Few
men have suffcn d greater infamy and reproach. He is
accused of many enormous crimes, but whether justly or not,
we leave it with God to judge. Bishop Burnet, speaking i^
the triumphant death of the regicides, says, ^^ It was indeed
remarkable that Peters, a sort of enthusiastical buffoon
preacher, though a very vicious many who had been c^ great
use to Cromwell, and had been outrageous in pressing the
king's death with the cruelty and rudeness of an inquisitor,
was the man of them all that was the most sunk in his spirit,
and could not in any sort bear his punishment. He had neither
the honesty to repent of it, nor the strength of mind to suffer
'for it as all the rest of them did. He," our author adds^
^ was observed all the while to be drinking some cordial
liquors to keep him from fainting. 'V ^
Kennet styles him a virulent incendiary in the king's
death, and says he was not fit to die, and was unable to bm
up under the prospect of it. "And," he adds, " without
any reflection on the wickedness of the man, there never Inis
a person suffered death so unpitied ; and, which is more,
whose execution was the delight of the people, which thef
■ expressed by several shouts and acclamations, when they
saw him go up the ladder, and again when the halter was
putting about his neck ; but when nis head was cut off, amd
hdd up aloft on the end of a spear, there was such a shout
as if the people of England had acquired a victory, "t Suck
was their loyal infatuation, brutality, and outrage !
Grander says that Mr. Peters, together with his brethrat,
went to his execution with an air of triumph^ rejoicing that
he was to suffer in so good a cause. But, he adds, it a{^)eara
from this mstance, and many others, that the presumption
of an enthusiast is much greater than that cf a saint. He
♦ Speeches and Prayew, p. 59— 6«.
+ Burnet*s Hist, of bis Time, vol. i. p, 16?.
t Kenaet's Cbrooicle, p. 109, 888.
PETERS. 967
was a great pretender to the saintl v character, a yehemcat
declaimer against Charles I., and one of the foremost to
encourage and justify the rebellion.* Dr. Barwick sayv,
^< he was known to be infamous for more kinds of wicked-
ness than one.' V Wood denominates him ^' a theological
and pulpit buffoon, and a diabolical yillain.'^^ Dr. &rey
says, <^ he was a juggling, scandalous, and infamous
villain, and that be got the mother and daughter with
child." He styles him, ^^tbe gingerbread prophet, the
lato pastor of a hunger-served flock at Salem iu New £ng«
land, that mongrel minister, that military priest, that mo-
dern Simon Magus, that disguised executioner, that bloody
butcher of the king.''$
These are, indeed, very heavy charges. They require
good evidence for their support. On the one hiuid, it u
easy for an historian to assert what he wishes to be true,
though he cannot prove it ; and on the other, it is oftea
extremely difficult to disprove what is asserted, though it
may in fact rest on no good evidence. Though we would
by no means connive at sin, or attempt to lessen the guilt of
any man, the truth of the above charges appears extremely
doubtful. Some of these accusations are unquestionably
the language of scurrility, misrepresentation, and abuse.;
and they aU come from known enemies, those who hated
the cause in which he was engaged, and looked upon it as
detestable. We do not find, that they knew of any of those
things of Mr. Peters themselves ; and, therefore, what they
have published must be considered only as common fame,
which in' those times, when malice, bigotry, and revenge
ran so high, might easily have been propagated without
even the shadow of proof. Mr. Peters suffering as a
traitor, they were probably too forward to believe those
reports ; the truth of which was at best extremely uncertain.
Indeed, the times in which Mr. Peters was on the stage,
were far enough from favouring sucli vices in the ministe*
rial character. He must be a novice in the history of those
times, who knows not what a precise and demure kind of
men were the preachers among the parliamentarians. They
were careful, not only of their actions, but of their wprds,
and even their looks and gestures. Drunkennc^ whoie.
dom, swearing, and such like vices, were quite out of
* Granger's Biog. Hist. vol. iii. p. 65, 339.
f Historical Account, p. S3.
f Wood's Athense Ozon. vol. ii. p. 113, 739.
Gre>*t ExamioatioD, ▼ol. ii. p. 358. Hi. 887.
368 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
To^ue among them. It was their sobriety and strictnois of
behaviour, joined with their popular talents in the pulpit,
which caused them to be so much revered and esteemed.-
If Mr. Peters had been so vicious, so infamous for wicked*
ness, and so scandalous and diabolicil a villain, as he is
represented, he could certainly have had no influence over
the people, nor would he huve been treated io the manner
that he was by some of the principal men in the nation.
They must )iave parted with him even for their own sakes,
unless they wished to have been looked upon as enemies to
religion.
, Besides, if it be recollected who were the patrons of
Mr. Peters, the truth of his accusations will appear veiy.
doubtful. We have seen how he was entertained by the
Earl ot Warwick, Sir Thomas Fairfax, and Oliver CJrom-^
well, and how much he was caressed and rewarded by the
parliament. Ilow improbable then is it that he was infii-
mous for wickedness! His patrons, it is observed, weie-
never accused of personal vices. Tliey were men who at
least made high pretensions io religion ; and the cause i^
which they fought, they avowed to be the cause of God.
With what face could they have done this, if their chaplain,
their confident, their tool, had been known to be so* vicious',
so infamous ibr wickedness, and so scandalous and diabo*
lical a villain ? Or,' how could they have said and done so
much against scandalous ministers, who employed one of
the most scandalous ? In short, how could they ptAlidjf
reward Mr. Peters, when they always professed great acpl
for godliness, and cn(1eavoure<l to promote it in the highest
degree? Men of their wisdom, courage, and zeal, can
hardly be thought to have actc*d so inconsistent a part.*
Mr. Edwards observes of Mr. Peters, that he was a great
agent for the sectaries ; and that by preaching, writing, and
conference, he greatly promoted the cause of independ-
ency .f In addition to the thirty thousand pounds which
he collected for the persecuted protestants m Ireland, as
already noticed, he was a diligent and earnest solicitor for
the distressed protestants in the vallies of Piedmont, who,
by the tyrannical oppressions of the Duke of Savoy, bad
been most inhumanly persecuted and reduced to the utmost
extremity. « Also, in gratitude to the Hollanders for. tliM
sanctuary he had found among them, during his persecu-
tions under Archbishop Laud, he was of signal service ifs^
• Historical Accoont, p. 85 — ^89.
t £d wards*! Gaograeoa, part Hi* p. 190.
DURY. SB»
them in. composing thdr differences with England, in the
time of Cromwell.*
Mr.Peters^ durii^ his imprisonment, wrote certain papen^
as a legacy to his daughter, ^hich were afterwards pub-
lished, from which some parts of this memoir have be^
extracted. Though a comfortable annual maintenance was
conferred upon him by the parliament, he was deprived of
all at the restoration; and Mrs. Peters, who lived manr
years after his death, was wholly dependent upon her friendg
lorsupport.t
His Works. — 1. God's DoiDgs, and Man's Duty, opened in a
Sermon preached before the House of Commons, the Lord Mayor,
and the Assembly of Divines, 1646. — 2, Petcrs's Last Report of the
English Wars, occasioned by the Importunity of a Friend, pressing
an Answer to some Queries, 1646.— -3. A Word for the Army, and
two Words for the Kingdom, to clear the one and cure the other,
forced in much Plainness and Brevity from their faithful Servant,
'Ebagtk Peters, 1647. — 4. Good WorK for a Good Magistrate, or a
short Cut to a great Quiet, 1651 — 5. Some Notes of a Sermon
preached the 14th of October, 1660, in the Prison of Newgate, after
his Condemnation, 1660. — 6. A Dying Father's Last liCgacy to an
only Child; or,. Mr. Hugh Peters's Advice to his Daughter, written
by his own hand, during his late imprisonment in the Tower of
Ijondon, and given her a little before his death, 1660. — The portrait
of Mr. Peters is prefixed to this little work.
John Dury . — Thi^ zealous divine was bom in Scotland,
but sojourned some time in 4he university of Oxford, par*
ticularlj for the benefit of the public library. He was
there in the year 1624, but it does not appear how long he
continued. Afterwards, he travelled into various foreign
countries, particularly through most parts of Germany,
where he visited the recesses of the muses. By long con-
tinuance in foreign parts, he spoke the German language so
fluently, that, upon his return to England, he was taken for
a native German. Our- author ad(£, that he was by pro<-
• Lodlow's Memoirs, p. 407.
+ Mr. John Knovvles, in a letter to the governor of New England, dated
July 6^-1677, thug observes: — V* There isacother trouble which I presume
'* to piit npon you, that is, to speak to the Reverend Mr. Higgioson, pastor
*' of Salem, to move that congregation to do something for the maintenance
"of Mrs. Peters; who, since her husband suffered here, hath depended
*' wholly upon Mr. Cockquaine, and tlmt church whereof he is pastor.
^ I fear the will be forced to seek her living in the streets if some course
*■ be not taken for her relief, either by Mr. Higginson, Mr. Oxenbridge, or
" some other sympatbiziog miaiiter." — Mas»uehuHt$ Pap$r$f p. 514.
YOJJ. III. Q, B
370 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
fession a divine and a preai;hcr, but whether be took oideiff
according to the church of England, which he alwayi
scrupled, doth not appear.* However, these scruples, by
some m(*an8 or other, he overcame. For, though he had
been ordained in one of the foreign reformed churches, he
was required to be rc-ordained be^ure he could be admitted
to a benrfice in England ; and, accordingly, submitted to
the renewal of this ceremony under the nands of Bishop
Hall of Exeter, t
Mr. Dury was for many years employed in a design of j
promoting a reconciliation between the Calvinists and •
Lutherans abroad ; or, as he used to express it, ^< for makfiig
and settling a protestant union and peace in the chuiche^
beyond the seas.'' We shall give an account of this object^
in the words of oile who warmly censures both Mr. uuxj
and his undertaking. << He made a remarkable figure m
liis time, by running with an enthusiastic zeal for unitfatf
the Lutherans and Calvinists. He was so stron^l^ poasean
with the hopes of success, that he applied to Ins supofaa
for a dispensation of nonresidence upon his living, in oidci
to travel through the christian world to accomplish fte
design. And he not only procured a license for the pur*
pose, but obtained the approbation and reconmiendatioa of
the Archbishop of Canterbury ,t and was assisted by Bishop
Hall, and the Bishop of Kilraore in Ireland.^ He b^an
by publishing his plan of an union in 16^; and, the
same year, appeared at a famous assembly of Lutherans at
Frankfort in Germany. The churches also of TransyNaais
sent him tlieir advice and counsel the same year; andlif '
afterwards negociated with the divines of Sweden aad
Denmark. He directed his attention to every quaiter.
He consulted the universities, communicated their answai^
and was not discouraged by the ill success which he wd
with. He conferred with the learned divines in most of tk
places on the continent, and obtained their approbatioii of
his design. His project, however, was much ridioahd:
• Wood's Athenae Oxen. vol. I. p. 849, 860.
•f Prynne*s Cant. Doome, p. 390.
X Archbishop Laud made meotioo of this circumataBce at his CriaL ^
although he at firsi espoused Mr. Beryls oudcrtakiDg, he appears aftmni*
to have thrown «ome difficolties io the way. — Ikjid. p. 639, 641.
^ Bishop Bfdell of Kilnore, who loved to bring mea iaia tbt 00^
manion of the church of England, bat did not like compelling tbea, ail
of opinion, that protestants would agree well enoagh. if they caahA bi '
brought to understand each other. He was therefore iodacad to pnmt^
Mr Dnry*8 design, and, towards defiaying the expenies of which, Ik mK*
•cribed twenty pounds a year.— J9<0f . iirttaa. toI. iU p. ISA. Bdit. 11Y9^
DURY. 371
But this only served to inflame his zeal. He afterwards
endeayoaredto nnite, not only the Lutherans and Calvinists.,
bat even the whole christian world. To this end, he
trayelled through many parts of Germany, where he was
cordially received and liberally entertained. He seems to
have b^n an honest man, but enthusiastical. His notions
were but idle f mcies, and his scheme was equally wild and
impracticable/'*
Notwithstanding the censures of the above writer, it is
manifest that Mr. Duty's undertaking received the warmest
patronage and encouragement of many celebrated divines.
In the year 1635 he exchanged several letters upon the'
subject with the learned Mr. Joseph Mede. He first sdi-
cited this celebrated scholar to give his thoughts upon the
best method of pursuing the design ; and then stated the
method in which he had addressed tbe Batavian churches,
dfuring his remarks upon it. Mr. Mede most cordially
^iqpftproved of his endeavour to promote a pacification, but
was doubtful of its success. He commenaed Mr. Dury's
method of addressing tbe foreign churches ; owned his
good intentions ; and spoke of bis abilities in terms of tiie
Sigbest approbation. '' From his wisdom and abilities
therein,*' says he, " I am fitter to receive knowh^dge and
instraction than to censure or give direction."f Mr. Dury
communicated his design to the most celebrated divines of
New England, who signified their hearty concurrence in the
generous undertaking.^ And Mr. Baxter observes, that
*^ Mr. Dury having spent thirty years in his endeavours to
reconcile the Lutherans and Caivinists, was again going
abroad upon that work, and desired the judgment of our
association how it might be most successfully accomplished;
upon which, at their desire, 1 drew up a letter more largely
in Latin, and more briefly in English. "§
Upon the comnieiicement of the civil wars, Mr. Dury
espoused the cause of the parliament, and was chosen one
or the superadded members to the assembly of divines. He
took the covenant with the rest of his brethren, and was
appointed one of the committee of accommodation.|| It is
said, that he afterwards joined the independents, took the
engagement, and all other oaths that followed to the restora-
tfon.! He was certainly a man of a most worthy chanu^r,
• Biog. Britan. vol. vii. p. 4383. Edit. 1747.
' ^ Mede's Works, p. 804, 863—866.
{Mather's Hist, of New Eng. b. iii. p. 3fl, 40.
Sy Westerns Life of Baxter, part i. p. 117.
I Pfipers of Accom. p. 13. f Wood's Albensi Ozoo. fol. U p. MO.
»7f LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
and was exceedingly revered and beloved by numerous per*
sons highly distinguished for learning and piety ; among
whom, it would be a great omission not to mention Che
famous Sir Robert Boyle, who was his kind friend.* In
the great design of promoting concord among christians, be
discovered a most excellent spirit, and was indefatigsJbly
laborious. Though he was not so successful as the best of
christians desired, his endeavours were certainly us^ul.
Through the whole, he acted upon the most generous and
worthy principles. This will appear from his letter, dated
July, 1660, addressed to the Lord Chancellor Hide ; which
was as follows:
<<MyLord,
<^ In the application which I made to yoor ho*
nour when you were at the Hague, I offered the fruit of my
thirty years labours towards healing the breaches of protest*
ants ; and this I did as one who never had served the tim
of any party, or have been biassed by particular intererfi
for any advantage to myself; but walking in the light by,
rules and principles, have stood free from all in matters of
strife, to be able to serve through love. My way hath beeoj
and is, to solicit the means of peace and truth amongst the
dissenting parties, to do good of&ces, and to quiet their d»-
contents, and I must still continue in this way if I should
be useful. But not being rightly understood in my aims
and principles, I liave been constrained to give this brief
account thereof, as well to rectify the misconstruction d
ibrmer actings, as to pievent further mistakes concerning my
way : that such as love not to foment prejudices may be
clear in their thoughts concerning me; and may know when
to find me, if they would discern me or any of the talei^
which God hath bestowed upon me for the public welfare of
his churches, m Iiich is my whole aim ; and wherein I hope
to persevere unto the end, as the Lord shall enable me, to
be without offence unto all, witii a sincere purpose ta
approve myself to his majesty in ail faithfulness.
^^ Your lordship's most humble servant in Christ,
« John Dury."
During the same month he sent another letter, ^ving aa
account of certain proceedings relative to the universal
pacification among christians. It was addressed to tht
Earl of Manchester, lord chamberlain of his majestyV
* Bioj;. Britao. Tol. ii. p. 497. Edit. UTS.
WHITFIELD. 975
t
honsebold.* The author now cited denomiaates Mr. Oary
^^ the Lithuanian scholar/' and observes that in December^
1660, he was presented, hj favour of the Earl of Man«
Chester, with so much of the l^ithuanian Bible as was
then printed, which was down to the Chronicle8.+ Thus,
Mr. Dury lived till after the restoration, but does not appear
to have conformed, nor yet to have been ejected. Eveiy
thing seems to have giv<*n way to his favourite object;
therefore he most probably discontinued his stated minis-
terial exercises some time before this period.
His Works. — 1. Consultatio Tbeologica snper ne^otio pAcit
Ecelesiast. 1641. — 2, Epistolary Discourse to Tho. Goodwin, Ph. Njc,
and Sam. Hartlib, 1642. — 3. Of Presbytery aod Indepeodency, 1646.
•—4. Model of Church GovemmeDt, 1647. — 6. Peace-fuaker the
Gospel way, 1648. — 6. Seasonable Discourse for Reformation, 1649.-^
7. The reformed School, 1650. — 8. The reformed Library-Keeper,
1050; — 9. Bibliotheca Augosfa sereniss. Princ. D. Augnsti Ducia
BhinoTlcensis etc., 1650. — 10. The unchang^ed, constaot, and single*
bearted Peace-maker drawn forth into the World : or, a Vindicatum
of John Dury from the Aspersions cast upon him in a oameleM
Pamphlet, called,* The time-serrin^ Proteus, and ambidexter Divine,
uncased to the World,' 1650. — 11. Supplement to the reformed School,
1651. — 12. Earnest Plea for Gospel Communion, 1654. — 13- A Sum-
muy Platform of Divinity, 1654.— 14. A Declaration of John Dury
to make known the Truth of his Way and Deportment in all these
Times of Trouble, 1660. — 15. Irenicorum Tractatuum Prudromusy
1662. — ^And some others.
Henry Whitfield was the son of an eminent lawyer;
and, his &ther designing him for the law, he wait educated
first in one of the universities, then at the inns of court.
He was inclined to religion from a child ; and as he grew
up to years of maturity, being desirous to he employ<^ in
preaching the gospel, he gave up all thoughts of the law^
and entered upon the ministerial function. He became
minister of Ockham in Surrey ; at which place, as also in
the adjacent country, his labours were wonderfully blesf^cd
in the conversion of souls. During the period of twenty
years he remained a conformist, but was highly ifstcemr^d l)y
all pious nonconformists, many of whom, under the molcfsta*
tions and persecutions of the bishops, were shelti'red under his
Toof. At length, however, upon mature investigation and
thorough conviction, he could no longer conform to tlio
church of En^and. This soon brought him into thost
« Kennet'i CbroDiclc, p. 197, 198. + Ibid. p. 808.
974 LIVES OF THE' PURITANS.
•
troubles from which he bad protected others. He was pro*
secuted b^ Archbishop Laud, particularlv for refusing to
read the Book of Sports.* Mr. Whitfield, beiug a man of
Sreat moderation and self-denial, would not contend with
le metropolitical power of the archbishop ; but peaceably
resigned his benefice and the public charge of nis flock.
As there was no prospect of any reformation of the church,
nor of his further employ in the ministry in his native
country, he sold his estate, and, in the year 1639, retired to
New England. Many cf his religious friends and ao«
quaintances accompanied him; who, upon their arriyal,
began a new plantation, and called the place of their st^ttle-
ment Guildford. There they formed themselves into 9
christian society, choosing Mr. Whitfield to the office of
pastor. Atier sojourning at Guildford eleven years, pa-
tiently enduring the hardships of the new colony; and
having a pressing invitation to his native country, 1m
returned to England in 1650. On his arrival, he was mat
cordially received by his old friends, and highly respecird
by some of the first persons in the nation. He settled in the
ministry at Winchester, where he probably continued th^
rest of his days. He was an excellent preacher, eminent
for liberality and self-denial, and appears to have died
about the restoration. f He was author of a work entitkdi
<^ Some Help to stir up to Christian Duties," 1636.
Adoniram Btfirld, a. M. — This pious divine was the
son of Mr. Nicholas Byfield, another worthy puritan, and
educated in Emanuel college, Cambridge, in the year
164!s{ he became chaplain to Sir Henry Colmly^s regiment^
in the parliament's army; and the year following was
appointed scribe to the assembly of divines, being, accord-
ing to Wood, '^ a iTiOst zealous covenanter. "j Upon the
first publication of the Directory, by order of the parlia-
ment, the profits arising from the sale of it were bestowed
upon Mr. Byfield and Mr. Henry Roborough, the other
scribe, who sold the copy, it is said, for several hundred
pounds.^ In the year 1646, when the " Confession of
Faith" was drawn up by the assembly of divines, Mr.
Byfield, Mr. Thomas Wilson, and Mr. Stanley Gower, wera
• Prvnne's Cant. Doome, p. 131.
f Matter*! flist. of New Knf:land, b. iii. p. 817, 918./
t Athpnw Oxon. vol. ii. p. 229.
i Fuller's X:hurch Hist. b.xi. p. 222. . .
A. etfieldl-jessop. ms
appointed to collect proofe of the various artickf from
fcripture; all of which, upon the examination of the
assembly, were inserted in the mai^in ; and the year fol-
lowing, when it was printed, Mr. &p^field, by order of the
house of commons, delivered a copy to each membarof the
house.*
He was rector of Fulham in Middlesex ; and after the
wars, he became rector of CoUingbom-Ducis in Wilt,
shire. Upon his removal to the latter situation, he wat
nominated assistant to the commissioners in that county
for ejecting ignorant and scandalous ministers. In this
capacity he was not likely to escape the bitter censures of
Dr. Walker ; who endeavours to prove, that in the exami-
nation of Mr. Bushnell, he was not only too (Scions, but
guilty of some illegal proceeding. Th(5 charges are sup-
ported, however, by very slender evidence, or rather no
evidence at all.t Mr. Bytield is one of those few writers^
•ays Granger, who have, by name, been stigmatized by Butler^
in his ^^ Hudibras.'^ This may be true, and he might be*'
as he was in truth, a very pious, excellent, and useful
divine. He observes, that Mr. Byfield was said to have
been a broken apothecary; that he was of special note;
and a very active zealot in the busy and boisterous reign of
Charies I. ; and then adds, that his portrait was published^
" with a windmill on his bead, and the devil blowing the
sails/'t The best of men have, in all ages, suflS^reu the
vile reproaches of the wicked, who frequently account them
^' the offiscouring of all things.'' Mr. ByfieLd, witli two or
three others, assisted Dr. Chambers in compiling his
^ Apology for the Ministers of the CounU^ of WiltHhire,*'
1654. He died in the year 1660.^ Mr. Isaac Knight, his
successor at Fulham, and Mr. Daniel BurgciM, Ims i»uc«
eessor at Collingbom, were both ejected noucoiifbnuisti
CoNSTAHTiNE Jessop, A.M.— This person was the son
rf Mr. John Jessop, minister of Pembroke, born in tli«
year 1602, and educated in Jesus rollege, Oxford. Having
passed through a regular c<»urse of study in tliat university^
he went into Irelanc^ and entered Trinity college*, Dublin ;
* Neal's Puritani, yoI. iii. p. 361.
. + Walker'u Attempt, part i. p. 182—194.
X Granger's Biog. Hist. toI. ii. p. 187. S Wood'i Atbenae, foF. 11. p. tSO.
fl Palmer's Noncoii. Mem. fol.ii. p* 447. ill. Stfl*
S76 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
but afler some time returned to Oxford. About tbe yeur
1632 he eutcred into the ministerial office; arid, upon the
commei)« emcut t>f the civil war, he espoused the cause of
the parliament, took the covenant, and succeeded the cele-
brated f)r John Owen, as minister of CoirgeshaU in Elssex.
Having continued his ministerial labours for some time at
this place, he removed to Wimborn-Minster in Dorsetshire;
in which county he was appointed assistant to the conunis*
sion( rs for ejecting ignorant and scandalous ministers and
schoolmasters. He did not, however, continue in this
situation many years, but became rector of Tyfield in Essex^
vh^re he died about the year 16f)0, aged fifty-eiffht years*
The Oxford historian diiiominates iiim " a U^arned, faithful,
and suffering minister of Jesus Christ."* He was author of
<* The Angel of the Church. of Ephesus, no Bishop of
^jSphesus," J 644; and a piece " Conceniing the Nature
of the Covenants of Grace ; wherein is a Discovery of thd
Judgment of Dr. Twisse in the point of JustificatioBi
clearing him therein from Antinomianism," 1655* -
Henry Denne. — This zealous person was educated is
the university of Cambridge, and ordained by the Bishop of
St. David's about (he year 1630. Afterwards he signalued
himself by his preaching and writings, his disputing and
sufferir>gs. He entered upon his ministerial labours at
Pirton in Hertfordshire, where he remained about ten yeany
and was much beloved and respected by his pari8hi(Mie0»
In the year 1641 he was appointed to preach at a visitatioQ
held at Baldock in the same county. This occasioned him
to be more publicly known, and made him many friends
and enemies. He had always been sus|)ected of puritanisnu
'fhe difference now subsisting betwixt the king and parlia^
ment gave many ministers an opportunity of declarinfp
their sentiments more openly,' and of endeavouring to pro-
mote the desired reformation of the church. Among these
"was Mr. Dt'nne, who embraced this opportunity of exposing
the sin of persecution, the vices of the clergy, and tte
numerous corruptions in the worship and discipline of the
established church. The introduction to his sermon- was
extremely singul ir, but discovered considerable ingenuity.
His text was John v. 35. He was a burmns and a shining
Ughty and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his Ughi.
« Wood's Athena Oson. vol. ii. p. 175^ 176.
^DENNE. 37T
In the sennon he freely censured the principal evils of the
time, and laid open the numerous vices of the clergy ; par-
ticularly their pride, their covetousness, their pluralities,
and nonresidence. His applications were close and search-
ing ; one instance of which it may not be improper to give*
The court for receiving presentments against nonconformists
being held at those visitations, after having enumerated and
exposed some of the most flagrant crimes of the clergy with
great freedom, he said, ^^ I must call upon those in autho-
rity, that they would make diligent search after these ^/ixrcf*
If the courts had been as diligent to find out these^ as non*-
conformable ministers ; surely by this time the church would
have be^i as free from themy as the land is from wolves.
But they have preferred the traditions of men before the
commandments of Grod. I tell you, that conformity hath
ever fared the worse for their sakes, who, breaking the com-
mandments of God, think to make amends by conformity to
the traditions of men." *
During the delivery of the sermon, some of the clergy
^ could hardly exercise patience to hear it out ; and after-
wards there was so great a noise in the country, and so many
false reports were propagated against both the preacher and
the sermon, that he was obliged to publish it in his own
defence. From this time he began to be much noticed, not
only as a man of considerable parts, but as one suitable to
help forwards the reformation of the church. The revolu-
tion which soon after took place in the state occasioned a
material alteration in the affairs of religion. Many learned
men were led to a closer study of the sacred scriptures, as
well as a more accurate investigation of some doctrines, then
generally received as true. Of this number was Mr. Denne,
who, judging that the baptism of infants had no foundation
in scripture, or in the purest ages of the church, publicly
professed himself a baptist, and, about the year 1643, was
baptized by imme^rsion. He immediately joined himself to
Mr. Lanib's chur(^h, meeting in Bell-alley, Coleman-street,
London ; where he still continued to preach, as well as in
different parts of the country.*
This change in Mr. Denne*s sentiments exposed him io
the resentment of the ruling powers, who put frequent ob-
structions in the way of his preaching and public useful-
n^. In the year 1644 he was apprehended in Cambridge-
shire, by the committee of that county, and sent to prison
« Crosby'i Hitt. of Baptists, toI, I. p. SS1-*90S.
378 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
for preacbir^ against in&nt baptism. Haying suffered
coonnement for some time, his case, through the interoessioii
of friends, "was referred to a committee of parliament. He
was accordingly sent up to London, where he was kept
pri^ner in Lord Pctre's house in Aldcrsgate-street, till the
committee heard bis case and released bin!.*
At this time there was confined in tbe same prison, the
learned Dr. Daniel Featly, famous for bis opposition to
the baptists. The doctor baying just published bis book,
entitled, ^' The Dippers Dipt ; or, the Anabaptists Ducked
an4 Plunged oyer Head and Ears, at a Disputation in
Southwark,'' it was laid in the way of Mr. Denne, who
haying read it, thought himself called upon to defend hii
principles. He therefore challenged tbe doctor to a dispiH
tation, which being accepted, Mr. Denne is reported to bayc
had the best of tbe argument, and that the doctor declined
proceeding further, under pretence that it was dangerous so
to do without a license from goyemment. Mr. Denm^
upon the inyitation of the doctor, immediately set about
answering the book, and in the course of a few weeks pnn-
duced a yery learned and ingenious reply.
After his release, notwithstanding the obnoxious nature of
his opinions, Mr. Denne obtained, by some means, the;
yicarage of Eltisley in Cambridgeshire, where he preached
publicly in the church, and was much followed. But this
excited the jealousy and op)X)sition of the prcsbyteriaos.
Haying, on a certain occai>iO!i, \o preach a lecture at St
Ives in Huntingdonshire, X'-v committee of the county
issued an order to pn^vent hi-. ; upon wtiich he went intO;
a neighbouring church-yaid, uiul [.reached under a tree to a
great numberot' people, and tj the great mortification ofhii
opponents. In June, l(>4f3, he was again committed to
prison, for preaching his own sciiliments and baptizing by
inunersion, at Spahiihg in Liricohishire. Here his cbi^
persecutors were < wo justices, wiio sent the constable on the
Lord^s day morning to apprehend him. Their object was
to prevent him preaching ; for, to their great morlilicatUHi,
multitudes flocked to hear him. Uprm the examination oC
his case, the on'y crime broui^ 'i against him was that ci
dippings and only one person couid be produced in evidence^
or the charge. When first called U^fore his spiritual,
judges he was urged to accuse l/imselt*; but this he utterly
refused. The single witness produced in proof of the
* Edwards's Gangraena, part i. p. 77.
DEXNE. S79
cbarge was one Anne. Jarrat, who, June S3, 1646, made
the following depositioD: ^^ This examinate sailh, on Wed-
nesday last, in the ni^ht, about eleven or twelve o'clock,
Atine Steunet and Anne Smith, the servants of Joha
Mackernesse, did call out this examinate to go with them
to the little (Tott, with whom this examinate did go; and
coming thithei. Master Denne, and John Mackemesse^
and a stranger or two, did toUow after. Ahd being
come to the river-side, Master Denne >^ent into the watery
and there did baptize Anne Stennet, Anne Smith, Godfrey
Roote<^ and John Sowter, in this examinate's presence."*
It wris accounted a sad crime to perform this ceremony in
the rtigkt. The oppressions of the times not suflerinaf it to
be observed in open day, ought, however, to bear all the
blame. Though his persecutors discovered a m^ st intole-
rant spirit, anii by their extreme bigotry, exposed them-
selves to the reproach of all unbiassed minds, th< y succeeded
in one thing according to their wishes. For, through their
repeated oppressive proceedings, Mr. Denne was at length
obIig( d to quit his living ; and seeing no prospect of useful-
ness in the church, he went into the army. As he was a
man of great courage and zeal for the liberties of his
country, he behaved himself so well in the character of a
soldier, as to gain a reputation not inferior to many who had
made it the profession of their lives. At the conclusion- of
the war he returned to his tbrmer exercise of preaching, and,
took every opportunity of defending his principles.
In the year 1658 Mr. Denne was engaged in a dispute
concerning baptism with Dr. Gunning, in St. Clement's
church, near Temple-bar, London. The disputation lasted
two days ; and he is said to have afforded strong proofs of
his abilities and learning, as a good scholar and a complete
disputant. Indeed, he was accounted by one who had a
considerable hand in the public affairs of the nation, " the
ablest man in the kins^dom for prayer, expounding, and
preaching." In his views of the doctrines of the gospel he
took the middle way, with Bishop Usher, Bishop Da venant,
Mr. Baxter, and others. + Mr. Edwards, who was never
suspected of partiality to those called sectarians j acknow-
ledges <' that he had a very affectionate way of preaching,
and was much esteemed among the people;" yet he deno-
minates him a great antinomicmy and a desperate arnumanT^^
Another writer observes, that he was formerly " a high altar-
* Edward8*8 Ganii^raena, part iii. p. 86, 87.
+ Crosby's Baptists, vol. i. p. 221— 224, 308— SOT.
f £dwards's (^ogrena, part i. p. 76, 77*.
3S» LIVES OP THE PURITANS.
man, a bower at the name of Jesus, and a conformist to the
abominable innovations introduced by Canterbury ; that be
opposed the remonstrance and the petition of the weil-
affccted, pleading for a riddance of episcopacy, the cere-
moni^, and other corruptions; and that he was a rigid
arminian, an enemy to free grace, and an antinomian."*
Mr. Denne united with his brethren, the baptist ministers in
London, in their protestation against Yenner's insurrection^
and in avowing their unshaken loyalty to the king.f His
death is supposed to have taken place towards the close of
the year 1660. After his interment the following lines
were put upon his grave-stone :
To tell his wisdom, learning, goodness, unto men,
I heed to say no more, but here lies Henry Dennb.
His Works. — 1. The Doctrine and Conversion of John the Bap-
tist: a Visitation Sermon, 1642. — 2. Antichrist Unmasked, 1644^—
3. The Foandation of Children's Baptism Discovered and Raised,
1645. — 4. The Man of Sin discovered, whom the Lord will destroy
with the Brightness of his coming, 1645. — 5. The Drag-Net of the
Kingdom of Heaven ; or, Christ drawing all Men, 1646. — 6. The
licvellers Design discovered, 1649. — 7. A Contention for the Troth ;
in two Public Disputations between Dr. Gunning and Henry Denne,
concerning Iniant-Baptism, 1658. — 8. Grace, Mercy, and Peace.
Francis Taylor, A. M.— iThis excellent divine was fx
some time rector of Clapham in Surrey, and afterward^, rector
of Yaldiflg in Kent, to one of which places he was presented
by Archbishop Laud.t In the year 1643 he was ^^hosen
one of the assembly of divines, and paid constant attendance.
In tiie assembly he discovered great learning and modera-
tion. His distinguished abilities and erudition were, how-
ever, most richly displayed in his writings. He wrote the
Annotations upon Proverbs, in the Assembly's Annotations,
as they are commonly called. He was most famous in all
kinds of Hebrew learning and Jewish antiquities. He held
a correspondence with Boctius, Archbishop Usher, and the
most celebrated scholars of his time. Among the letters to
the archbishop, still preserved, there is one from Mr. Taylor,
dated from Clapham, in 1635.§ Upon his removal from
Yalding, he became preacher at Christ's church in the city
of Canterbuiy, where he appears to have died about the
restoration. He left behind him the character of an able
• Rutherford's Survey of Antichrist, part i. p. 193. Edit, 1641.
-^ Kennet's Chronicle, p. 358.
i Wharton's Troubles of Laud, yol. i. p. 369.
S r^n'i Life of Vsher, p. 475.
F. TAYLOR— BOWEN. . 981
critic and a most celebrated divine.* He had a son of
the same name, i¥ho, .though he lost his sight by the small-
{>ox, ^hile a student in Cimibridge, was a minister of good
earning, genuine piety, and great usefulness; but wdi
silenced and imprisoned in 1663.f
^ His Works. — 1. The Danger of Vowes Neglected, and the Ncccs-
sitie of Reformation, a Sermon before the House of Liords, at the lat»
solemn Fast in the Abbey-church, Westminster, May 27, 1646 — 1646.
— 2. God's Glory in Man's Happiness, 1654. — 3. Opuscula Rabbinica»
1654.^-4. Examen Prefationis Morini in Biblia Grseca de Textns
£braici Corruptione, 1660.— 6. Tractatus de Patribus Rabbi Nathan.
•^6. Capitula Patrum.— And most probably some others.
Evan Bowen appears to have been bom in Wales, where
he laboured in the work of the ministry. He was employed
for some time in the Principality as one of the itinerant
preachers, whom Dr. Walker promnely denominates gospel' ,
posiiUions.t Afterwards he obtained a settled ministry. Mr.
iVilliam Williams being ejected for some delinquency, he
was appointed by the commissioners to be his successor at
Uanaian. Dr. Walker mentions this affair more than once.
He observes that there were four th&usand souls in the
parish; and brin^ four separate charges against Mr.
Bowen : as, ^' That he had been an itinerant, and had received
a salary for his labours, as appeared from the account of the
seques^tion/' We may, therefore, suppose he was a man of
approved labilities for so laborious an office ; and he migEt -
have been many years employed in the ministry. After he
had proved liimself to be an able minister of the gospel, he
would be accounted no unfit person for the charge of so
large a parish.
'* He was fifty -five years of age." This is a heavy charge,
indeed ! if such a number of years necessarily disqualiiy a
man for the ministerial work. This, surely, could be no great
blemish in his character. Bv the experience of many years,
and a long acquaintance with the world, he would not be less
qualified for the numerous duties of so populous a parish.
But ^^ he was a mason by occupation." The charge
may be true, and be no greater blemish in his character
than his vears. Dr. Walker himself mentions several cler-
gymen who kept tippling-houses, and, surely, the occupation
of a mason will ncStJbe accounted less honourable. But the
' • Ncal's Paritans, vol. !▼. p. 971.
f Palmer's Noocon. Mem. vol. ii. p. SSS.
% Walker's Attempt^ part i. p. IM*
SBS LIVES OF THte 1»URITANS.
fiu;t most probably was, that Mr. Bowen, when a yobtli, or
during the former part of bis life, ha^t been employed in
this business ; and what disgrace was there iii this ? If the
doctor h!id sHid, that he foiiowed his trade even while he
was an itinevan', it would have shewn him to be a miln of
most extraordinnry abilities, and the charge would have
been no great crime*
" Hr w-s untaught in the Ens^lish tongue, and confessed
he had never read the Primer in blnglish."* Had he been
welt taught in the English tongue, it would have been no
very important qualification for preaching among the moan-
tains of fValttt. Then'' were thousands of excellent scholan
who never read the Primer. The puritans were not very
partial to that book. The truth is, Mr. Bowen was a most
laborious, acceptable and useful preacher. He was a noncon-
formist to the ( stablished church, and supposed to have been
of the biiptisi denomination. He died abont the year 1660.t
Walter Cradock was descended from a reputable
family, born*at Tre*ela, near Llangeven in Monmrnithshire^
and educated at Oxford, most probably with a design i6 Acf
christian ministry. Upon his return from the univcreitjr,
. having heard of the fame of Mr. Wroth, a zealous puritani
minister in Wal -s, and of his singular way of preaching,
he had the curiosity to go and hear him. The happy con-
sequence was, that he believed Mr. Wroth was a. tmt
minister of Christ; was fully convinced of the truth and
importaitce of his doctrine; and began himself not long
after to pre^ich the same gospel, with much concern for the
salvation of his countrymen. Afterwards he became curate
- to Mr. William Erbery, another Zf^alous puritan, who was
vicar of St. Mary^s church, CardiiBT, in Glamorganshire.
Mr. Cradock was remarkably ze;dous and courageous in the
cause of Christ ; on which account the Bishop of Landaflf
calls him " a bold ignorant young fellow ;" and says, *' he
was very disobedient to his majesty's instructions," most*
Erobably by refusing to read the Book of Sports, and that
e preached very scuismatical and dangerous doctrine; for
vrhich he suspended him and deprived him of his curacy.
For proof of his disobedience, and of his schismatic^l
tnd dangerous doctrine, his lordship observes, ^ that
he used this base and unchristian passage in the pulpit:
• Walkfr*s Attempt, part i. p. 161. ii. 409.
t Thomas's MS. Hist. p» 189.
CRADOCK. - iSS
That Godso hoed the worlds that he seni hi$ San to Ikt Uk^ a
^Urocy and die tike a heasV^* These to>ubles came upon faioi
in the year 1634.
Mr. Cradock having received the episcopal censure, and
being driven from his stated ministerial exercises, he preached
up and down the country as he found an opportunity,
sometimes in the churches and sometimes out of them. In
imitation of his Master, << he went about doing good,*' an^
wherever he could procurer hearers, there he preached. He
was unconunonly zealous and laborious, and preached in
most places throughout north and south Wales, with great
acceptance and usefulness.f His fame spread through the
country, and his labours were made a blessing to the p^ple.
This gave him comfort and encouragement in his work. His
miiiistry was instrumental in the conversion of Mr. Vavasor
Powell, who became his zealous fellow-labourer in the vine«
yar4 of the Lord.t
Ip the year* 1639, Mr. Cradock, with the assistance of
Mr, Wroth, formed a church according to the model of the
independents, at Llanfaches.^ About the same time he
settled at Wrexham, where he preached in the church. Hitf
constant and laborious preaching made him many enemies \
and his name is said to have made so deep an impression on
their minds, that they denominated all persons eminent Ibf
piety, Cradockims. It was accounted a sufficient reproach
to call them by his name ; which, in fact, was conferring
no small honour upon him, and was no leal disgrace to
them. This term of supposed reproach continued in prac*.
ticc above a hundred ycars.|| By Mr. Cradock's ministry at
Wrexham many sinners were called '' firom darkness to light,
and from the power of Satait to God ;" among whom were
Mr. Morgan Lloyd and Mr. David ab Hugh, who afterwards
became eminent ministers of the gospel.f
During the confusion of the civil wars^ this pious divine
mas obliged to leave Wrexham; and being driven out of
Wales, he fled to London, where he became pastor of
* The king, in his remark on this expression, obsenres, that this was not
■inch unlike that not long since uttered : ** That the Jews crucified Christ
Hke a damned rogue between two thieves.** Then, surely, the royat
mmimeiit was equally schismatical as the text! ! — fFhartorCs Troubles •(
IfCiui, vol. i. p. oSS.
f Cradock^s Works, Pref. Edit. 1800.
t Ufe of Vavasor PoweU, p. 106. Edit. 1671.
y Tkomas's MS. Materials, p. ISl.
V I Thomas's MS. Hist, of Baptists, p. 169.
% TiMmias's MS. Eccl. Hist p. 899.
884 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Alhallows the Great. In this situation he continued tiO
things became more settled in the nation, and then^ with
several^otbers, resumed his labours in his native country. It
does not appear, however/ that he returned to his former
charse at Wrexham, or to any other stated ministry, but was*
employed, with many others, as an itinerant, under die direc-
tion of the parliament, for propagating the gospel in Wales.
He was a leading man among the travelling go^llers^ as Dr.
Walker is pleased to call them ;* and went from place to
place preaching the word of God with great popularity and
success. 'Willis incurred the displeasure and roused the malice
of his enemies. The writer just mentioned cannot 'speak of
him without misrepresentation and abuse. He observes that
Mr. Cradock, Mr. Powell, and other enthusiasts, represented
their countrymen to the parliament '^ as pagans and infidels,
and a people that understood nothing of God, or of the
power of godliness; and so had need be converted to the
faith." From the deplorable darkness which at this time
overspread the whole of the Principality, there was certainly
too much truth in this representation. But he adds, ** that
they made it their business, by aU possible methods of
calumny and reproach, to decry not only the old ministers,
but the ministry itself, and the tithes and revenues, as Babr-
lonish and antichristian ; and this they did from die pulpit,
with all the bitter railings and invectives that can be imagmed.^f
They undoubtedly disapproved of the ceremonies, ^vero-
ment, and persecution* of the church of England, as savouring
too much of the church of Rome. Tliey might also endea-
vour to instil the same sentiment in the minds of the people.
This was certainly the practice among all parties. In thoA
distracted times, all ministers, whether friends or enemies to
the estabUshed church, laboured to propagate their own
opinions. And, surely, if they believed their opinions to be
die truth, they were sufficiendy authorized so to do, provided
they proceeded with chrisUan moderation. That Mr. Cradock^^
or his brethren, acted at all inconsistent with sound chri»-
tianity, could appear only to Dr. Walker and writers of a
similar spuit, whose pens ^re always dipped in gall.
It was impossible for him to escape the bitter censures of
Mr. Edwards's presbyterian bigotry. This intolerant writer
says, " Tliere is one Master Cradock, who came out of
Wales, and is going thither again to be an itinerary preacher,
who declined coming to the assembly ; biit now lately, seeing
* Walker's Attempt, part i. p. 158. f Ibid. p. 147, 159. .
CRADOCK. ass
ttie f0j fioiild nat be had without the concurrence of Ae
lords, and having made some leading men his friends^ he
•came to t>e .examinedy and is passed. Besides that he hath
^diered a church, and administered the Lord's supper in a
bouse At Aveningy be hath preached many odd things in the
city, strains tending to antinomianism and libertinism, speak-
ii^ jigainst men of an Old Testament spirit, and how pocnr
drunkards and adulterers could not look into one of our
churches but hell fire must be flashed in their faces. Hiat,
if a saiot should commit a gross sin, and, upon die commission
of it, shoidd be starded at it, that would be a great sin in
Ura." This heavy charge appears, however, to be -without
tbe least foundation, and stands directly opposed to Mr.
i/radock's clear and consistent views of the gospel, and his
vniform christian character.
The bigoted historian also observes of our pious divine :
*^ That lately he preached on that text in Thames-street,
fVe are not of' the night, but of t-he day ; when he delivered
matfer to this effect ; that since the apostles' times, or pre-
sendy after, there had been a great night, but now the day
was breaking out after a long night, and light was 4:oming
eveij day more than other; and there were many gospel
privileges, and of the new Jerusalem that we should then
enjoy. In that day there should be nov ordinances to punish
men for holding opinions ; there should be no confessions of
fiudi ; there every one should have the liberty of their con-
sciences, as. in Micah it is prophesied of those gospel times:
All people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we
tsnil wcuk in the name of the Lord our God, for ever and ever ;
which place was brought by him for liberty of conscience ; '
and in that day neither episcopacy, nor presbytery, nor any
others should intermeddle or invade the rights of the saints.
Many such flings he had ; and this sermon was preached just
ut the time when the ordinance against heresies was taken
into debate, and the confession of faith to be brought into the
iiouse of commons : so that by these and many more par-
ticulars, his firequent hints about dipping, and suffering such,
shews what ace the iirst fruits of these itinerary preachers^ and
vhat a sad thing it is, that men so principled should go among
such people as the Welsh, with so large a power of preaching
as he and his fellows have."* Mr. Cradock was a zealous
^vocate for religious liberty and universal toleration, as the
• Edwards's Gangraena, part iii, p. IdS.
TOL. III. 2c
98& LIVES OF TBE PURITANS.
•
birthrigbt of man^ which awakened the intolerance of this
furious presbyterian.
He was a man of an excellent character and of high repu-
tation; therefore, in the year 1653, he was appointed by the
parliament to be one of the committee for the approbation
of public preachers, commonly called tryers. Here his
name is classed with those of Dr. Owen, Dr. Goodwin,
Dr. Manton, and many other celebrated divines.* This
probably called him out of Wales, and brought him back to
Liondon. He died about the year I66O. Mr^ Cradock was
an independent in his views of church government ; but he
could atree in the important doctrines of the gospel, with
those who differed from him in matters of discipline. He
had a low opinion of himself, and a very high esteem for his
Lord and Master. He excelled in clear views of the doctrine
of justification by the imputed righteousness of Christ, and in
the great simpucity of his manner of preaching.f Hb
^' Works,*' consisting of sermons, expositions, and observa-
tions, were collected and published in one volume octavo in
the year 1800* By his zealous endeavours he procured
the New Testament to be printed in Welsh, for the use of
the coDUBon people.^
William Jeffbuy was the son of pious parents, born at
Penhurst in Kent, about the year 16 16, and afterwards lived
at Seven-oaks in die same county ; where he and his brodier
David were the chief supporters, if not the founders, of a
congregation of baptists. He was chosen pastor to this con-
gregation, which greatly increased under his zealous and labo-
rious ministry. At the time of his ordination to the pastoral
office, it was denominated the church of Bradbnm; and
afterwards that which, assembled at Bedsell's-green. He did
not confine his labours to any one place ; but, while he ixxk
particular care of his own flock, he extended his labourfrto
distant places in the country. By his unwearied assiditttjr,
many separate congregations were raised, and a church wss
formed about Speldhurst and Pembury, over which Mr. Jote
Care was ordained elder. This church afterwards removed
to Tmibridge-wells. By the united labours of Mr. Jeffiny
and several others, it is said there were more than tweabf
particular congregations gathered in the county of Kept;
♦ Scobell's Collpc. part if. p. 279. + Cradock's Workf, PTef.
X Parliameot Explained, p. 89. Edit. 1646.
JEFFERT.
'which, with very litde variation^ continaed maov yean,
some of them were very i expectable interests. The gratt
object of this constant and faithful labourer was to
and establish the fundamental truths of the gospel,
entering upon points of controversy and matters of
speculation. He was very zealous in maintaining the love of
God ; a vigorous and successful promoter of the intcresu of
the baptists ; and one who suffered much with grea:
and pleasure m his Master's cause. He bad several
tions with the episcopalians, the indepenfienls, and
With the last, he and Mr. Mattliew Caffiu had «eTenl coo-
tests. He was author of a piece entitled, " The whole Faith
of Man; being the Gospel declared in plainiie««, aa it is in
Jesus, and the way thereof, of old confirmed b\ divers
wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Gho-t,"
edition, printed in 1659.
The following anecdote is related of Mr. J^ffE-r^-'- con^^t-
fation : — The magistrates of Seven-oaLs sent their officers to
is congregation, dien meeting at Bradbum : uLo took ai! the
men into custody, and carritrd them up to the to\%n, where
they were kept prisoners during tlie night. Tlie f-^lk>vio;
day, when the justices were assembled, tlie ^tis^fiMtn «ere
brought before them, and they underwent an exainimtjoo :
after which they were dismissed. They all, with one heart,
full of wonder and joy, returned to the mcetin^-hoaM: mhei*c«'
they were carried, to return their united thank « u* GrA ua
this unexpected deliverance. When they entered the plar.e,
to their great surprize and inexpreasible joy, they found tiw^
women there, who had not departed from the bouse of God,
but spent the whole night, and following morning, in izxao^
and prayer to. God in their behalf.*
Mr. Jeffery survived die restoration, and bore hL^ «hare o#
persecution with the rest of his brethren; on acconat *A
which, they unitedly published an address to the kia^ dbe
BLrliament, and the people, entided, ^ SionS Groam for her
iatressed : or, sober endeavours to prevent innocent bkiod,"
Sec. This is dated March 8, I66I, and is signed hy TVions
Monck, William Jeffery, William Reynold*, Joseph Wrigb,
Francis Stanley, Francis Smith, and George Hammoo.
Many pious and worthy persons were now pri^ofien iii
Maidstone jail, amons whom were Mr. Jeffer%, Mr. Joka
Reeve his colleague, Mr. George Hammoo % mmm
Canterbury, and Mr. James Bhckmore, minirtcr aC
• CroOiy*! B^liilf, vol. iiL f tX— IM'
S8S LIVES OF TBE PURITANS.
dfher place in Kent. These pereecnted Bemnto of Cbtiat,"
Vfhiie under the cniel rod of oppressioii, poblkhed a ^mkk
entitled, ** The humble Petition, tnd Representatioft of tiie
Sufferings of sevend peaceable and innocent subjects, tnUed
hj the name of Anabaptists, inhabitants of the county oi Kent ;
and prisoners in the tail of Maidstone for the testinKMy of a
mod conscience." It is addressed " To his Maieaty Charles
ll. IGm of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, and the
domimoaB thereunto belonging," and is as fc^ws:*
^ May it please your majesty,
^ For as much as by autliority derived from yourseIf|
aevtral of us your subjects, inhabitants in the county of Kent^
lire now imprisoned ; it therefore much concerns llhee;^ A
kiiig, to hear what account we give of our distressed contfition'.
Thou hast already seen our confession of faith, wherm our
peaceable resolutions were declared. We have not viofaOed
any part thereof, that shoald cause tliat Kberty promised
from Breda to t>e withdrawn. And now for our prindplei
diat most particidarly relatie to magistrates and govenuoden^
We have witb all clearness laid them before thee ; humbly
beseeching they may be read patienlly, and what we say
traghed in the balance of the sanctuary, atid then judgfe hoii
Worthy we are of bonds and imprisonment. And ws w^
the more eamesdy desire, because not only our own lives are
in danger, but also an irresistible deeftfuction cometh on our
wives and littlcf ones by that violence which is now exercised
on us. Disdain not our plainness in speaking, seeii^ the
Sreat God accepts of the like. And now, oh king, that all
ly proceedings, both towards us and sJl men, may be such as
may be pleasiug to the eternal God, in whose bands Hsy and
our breath are, who ere long shall judge both quick and desfd
IkCcording to their works, is the prayer of thy faithful subjects
imd servants.^
After stating their sentiments respectmg liis majesty's
authority, ffaey conclude with an earnest supplication to lit
released from their present bondage, and to enjoy die fvffl
liberty of worsbippiug God. It is signed in the name of ibe
baptists now prisoners in the jail of Maidstone, by
William Jeffery, John Reev^,
George Hammon, James Blackhohb*
It does not, however, appear what was the result of this
application to his majesty, nor when Mr. Jeffery and liis bi^
thren were released from prison. He was a person mudi
* Ivimey'tHi9t.^£spti8t9, p. 314,315.
BLACKWOOD. 960
esteemed for his steady piety and universal beneTolence.
When he had finished his labours and his sufferiiigSy he died
in a good old age, but at what period we cannot learn^ and
was succeeded in the pastoral office by his son Mr. John
Jefiery.*
Christopher Blackwood received a learned educa-
tion, and was probably trained up at one of our universities.
He was beneficed in Kent, and possessed of a parochial
charge in that county at the commencement of the civil wars.
In the year 1644, Mr. Francis Comwell, a zealous baptis^
having preached a visitation sermon at.Cranbrook in Kent;
and having openly declared his sentiments upon the subject
of baptism, Mr. Blackwood, who heard the sermon, and took it
down in short-hand, became a proselyte to his opinions*
Having changed his sentiments about baptism, he did not
long continue in die established church. He was equally
zealous agaiust national churches, as against infant baptism.
Upon his leaving the ecclesiastical establishment, he couected
a separate congregation %t Staplehurst in Kent; but his
sentiments being Calvinisticy and contrary to those of the
sodety, he afterwards left it to the pastoral care of Mn
Kii^north. He was a zealous advocate for liberty of cob»
science, and as much opposed to the establishment of pre&r
byterianism as episcopacy. In the first piece he published,
he joined together infant baptism and compulsion of con*
science, calling them ** The two last and strongest garrisons
of antichrist.'' He was accounted, by one who uved in those
times, *^ among those wordiy guides, in all respects well
qualified for the ministry, who voluntanly left their bene&;es
in tfab establishment.'' In the year 1653 he went into Ire-
land with the army under the command of General Fleetwood
and lieutenant Ludlow ; and preached to a congregation in
Dublin.t He lived till after the restoration, and signed die
apology of the baptists in 1660, declaring against V enner's
insnrrection.i
' His Works.— -1. The Storming of Antichrist in his two last a94
strongest Garrisons, Compalsioo of Conscience and Infaut-baptism,
1044.-2. A brief Catechism concerning Baptism, 1644,-3. Font
IVeatUes. Fhrst, the Excellency of Christ Second, a Preparatkm
• Crosby*8 Baptifli, toI. iti. p. 99.
f Hmrlof 's State Papers^ vol. iii. p. 90.
t Cro8by*8 Baptists, ^ol. i. p. 347—391.
390 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
for Demtli. Third, oar Lo^e to Christ Fourth, onr Loie to our
Neighbours, IQdS. — i. A l>eati>c conceruiiig Repcntaore, wbereio
the Doctrine of Restitution is largely haiidled, 1663. — 5. A Sool-
searching Catechism, 1653. — 6. An Exposition of the ten first
Chlipters of Matthew, delivered in Sermons, 1660. — 7. Apostolieal
Bi4;»tism ; or, a sober Rejoinder to a Treatise of ISlr. Blake's.
William Taylor, A. M. — ^This worthy person was bom
at Keighley in Yorluhire, September 30, l6l6, and educated
in Magdalen-hall^ Oxford. Having finished his studies at the
university, he was employed for some time in the capacity of
fchoolmaster, at Keniton in Herefoidshire, and afterwards at
Cirencester in Gloucestershire. At the latter place he suc-
ceeded one Mr. Henry Toppe, who b said to have been
cnected by the puritanical townsmen. In the year l64£ the
mace was stormed and taken by the royal forces, when
Taylor was ejected, and Toppe restored. Mr. Taylor
being driven from the place, retired to London, became
minister at Bow, near the city, and afterwards at St. Stephm's
church, Coleman-street, in the place of Mr. John Goodwin,
who was turned out by the parliament. Here he met widi
considerable opposition, and therefore resigned the pUice;
upon which he preached for some time in a church in Wood-
street, and delivered a lecture every Lord's day at St. Griles'i,
Cripplegate, and another on a week day at St. Peter's, Cofii*
hill. It is said, that he was afterwards called by the rump
parliament to his former charge in Coleman-street, which he
kept to the da^ of his death ;» but, from the register of Ac
place, this manifestly appears to be a mistake.t Dr. Cabimy
says he was ejected from St. Stephen's, Coleman-street, after
the restoration, but he afterwards corrected his improper
statement.! Mr. Taylor united with his brethren, the Loooon
ministers, in their declaration against the death of Kli^
Charles ; when, it appears, he was pastor at the above place.f
He published seversd sermons, one of which b in the '' McHii^
ins Exercise at St. Giles's," on Christ's Exaltation; and
collected and revised several of Mr. Christopher Love's ser-
mons, to which he prefixed recommendatory epistles. He
died September 5, l66l, and his remains were interred ii| the
chancel of the above church. Dr. Willkm Spur^w^,
preached and published his funeral sermon, giving a hwh
commendation of his character. Wood denominates him
• Wood's Athenae Ozon. yol. ii. p. 169. f Keonet's Chronicle, p. 798!.
1 Calamy's Account, vol. Ii, p. 89.— CoDtinoatioo, Tol. I, p. 56.
S Ibid. ?ol. ji. p. 744.
W. TArtLOR-JAMES. 991
^' a firdiqueut preacher, a laborious divine^ a learned man in
bU profiession, and a zealous and loyal presbyterian.'
»•
. John jAM£s.«^This unfortunate man was minister to
a baptist congregation which assembled in Bulstake-alley,
Whitechapely London, observing the seventh day as the
sabbath. October 19^ 1661, being assembled for public
worship, with the doors of their meeting-bouse open, they
were interrupted by Justice Chard and Wood the headborough,
as Mr. James was preaching, whom they commanded in the
king's name to be silent and come down, charging him with
treason against his m^esty. As Mr. James proce^ed in hia
discourse without noticing their sununons, die headborough'
approached him, and commanded him agab to come down,
QT he would pull him down. The disturbance then became
«o great th^t he could not proceed, but told the headborougfai
IiQ would i|ot come down except he was pulled down ; upon
If^hich h^ pulled him down and dragged him away. Mr. James
was ipharged by one Tipler, a man of base character, with
uttering certain treasonable words in his sermon. The men .
^nd the women who were at the meeting were carried at the
8ime time, by sevens, before four justices, then sitting at the
Half-moon tavern; to whom they tendered the oath of allegi-
ance, and committed those who refused, some to Newgate,
and some to other prisons.f
. Afterwards the justices assembled in the meeting-house,
and sent for Mr. James. In the mean time the lieutenant of
the Tower, pulling a paper out of his pocket, said, he would
iitform^them what doctrine had that day been preached in that
place* Upon the reading of this paper, certain women
lielpi^inff to the meeting, and still detained, were asked how
jkbey could hear such things delivered ; to which they, in the
fear of God, unanimously replied, ** That they never heard
auch words, as they should answer it before die Lord, and
diey durst not lie.'' Nevertheless, upon the evidence of this
Gper, taken from the mouth of Tipler, the prosecution of
r. James was founded. When he was brought before the
justices he underwent an examination; and among other
questions put to him were the following : When the lieute-
nant askea him whether he had not b^n before him before,
he answered, that he had. <' Apd,*' said the lieutenant
• Wood's AthensB, ^o1. ii. p. 169.
-PNarratiYe of the Coodeamatlon and Execution of Mr. Jamesi p* 7| 8.
Edit. 1662. '
an LIVBS OF THE PURITANS.
" wew you not civilly usedr" " Yes,". replied Mr. Jamefl,
** and I thank you for your civility." '^ And w ere you not
counselled;" said the lieutenant, <^ to take heed in future f"
'' YeSy" raid Mr. James, '^ I have taken heed, so for as I
couU with a good conscience.'* Upon this, the lieutenant
said, <' You shall stretch for it ; and if you be not hanged, I
will be hanged for you." To which Mr. James nieekiy re-
pliedy ^ I am not csureful in that matter : you can do no more
Aan the Lord shall pennit you to do." Then said the
lieutenant, *^ I think you are not careful; for you have a mind
to be hanged, as some at your holy brethren have before
y<ro«" Mr. James being asked whether he owned the^tA
migdoai, and signifying in the affirmative, they laughed at
hfan, and said, now th^ had it from his own mouth. He was
also charged with havmg learned to sound a trumpet, in order
to a risins with Vernier's party ; when he said, there v9mB %,
fiiend of his who lodged in his house, and who, designing tl^
go to sea, and wishing to learn the sound, desired Afat h^
mi|^t have liberty to be taught in his house : but he nevvS^
lenrned himself, neither vi^as he at all concerned in that rkh^
jndgiiq; it to be a rash act. The lieutenant of the ToUNn'
then called in Captain Hodgskin, who commanded the par1(f
of soldiers standii^ at the door, and said, ** Take this OMUiy Iw
careful of him, and commit him close prisoner to Newgatto>**
and save him a warrant for that purpose.*
November 14th, Mr. James was brought to the bar in Ae
Kin^*s-bench, Westminster, and was indicted, 1. *^ For eonn
Ipasamg and imagining the king^s death.-— 18. For endeavour-'
mg to levy war against the king. — 3. For endeavouring a
change of government." In compassing, imaginii^'-and
contnving d^e king's death, he was charged with havmg
maliciously, traiterously, and by instigation of the devil, not
having the fear of God before his eyes> declared these words:
*' That the king was a bloody ^rrant, a blood-sucker, and a
'' blood-thirsty man, and his nobles the same. — ^That the kii^
• This warraot was as foltowsi— *' Totbe keeper of the goal of Newgate,
<* or his depafy, Middlesex.
** These are in the kiog^s iiii^etty*8 name, to reqahne yoa to reccirelato
*' vourcastody, the body of John Jfunes, whom we send yon herewithi
** being taken this present day at a conventicU, or private meeting, ia tha
** parish of Whitecnapel ; and there speaking In the aodienceof the peopla
" present, treasonable words against his aiajeity^s royal person § yon iludf
'* therefore keep hiia close prisoner antil farther order, a&d thb sbi^l be
** your warrant. Given under oar hands this 19th day of October, 1661.
** John Robinson, lieutenant of the Tower, EdwanI €|mu>I,
Thomas Bide, Tkmam S#aUoir.*'
tfwrraiive^ p. 9, 10.
ft
JAMES. S»
*^ and his nobleA bad flbed the blood of die saints at.Cbariiig*
** crosS; and the Mood of the corenanters in Scotland^— -Tbal
the king was brought in to this end, to fill up the measure
of his iniquity; and that the kill's cup of iniquity had
** filled more within the last year than in many years beibre*
— That be did bemoan they had not improved their oppor-
tunity when they had power in their hands, and he said it
** would not be long before they had power i^n, and dies
" they would improve it better ; and tHat he md bewail Am
** apostacy of the people of God, and sav, they had not fought
^* the Lord's battles diorou^hly, hnt when me Lord should
^. cive power to them agani, and give his work into &eir
^ hands, diey would; do it better.— That the death and
^ destruction of the king drew very near/'
The indictment being read, and Mr* James required to
yiead gnilty or not guilty, he deisired a copy of hb charge^
wmi time to consider of it ; pleading, that he humbly con*
ceived it to be his privilege as an Englishman, and till men he
was unable to plead one way or the odier. He allied, thai
Qaef Justice Cook and Judge Heath had declared it good
hiWy^and that die latter gave John Lilbum a copy of hii
duvge, being anra^ned for high treason. His request, how^
e«er^ vras peremptorily denied ; and he was told, that if he
would not {dead, they would proceed against him for con-
lempt, and consider him as mute. Mr. James seeing he was
overruled, pleaded Notguiky either in matter or form. Upon
this he was sent to the Kis^s-bench prison in Southwark,
where he remained till November 19th, when he was again
brought to the bar.
Durii^ this mterval Mr. James received information from
a person of respectability, that there was a jury picked on
purpose to take away his life ; and that if he did not except -
af^ainst them, or most of them, he was a dead man. Upon
his appearance at the bar at Westminster before four judges,
and still pleading not guilty , four witnesses were produced
iq^ainst him. John Tipler, the first 'witness, said, that he was,
nt the time mentioned in the indictment, in a yard adjoining
the meeting-house, and, through a window, saw Mr. James
preaching, and heard him repeat those words mentioned in
die indictment. To this evidence Mr. James excepted, that
it waa difficult to swear that he was the person, when the
witness was not in the place, and only saw him throu^ the
window, which might intercept die light. The second witness
was Justice Chard, who said he could declare nothing of the
words spoken, only he found Mr. JaooieB preaching in me place
SM LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
alleged in the indictment, and ptdled him out of the pulpit,
llie next witness vfzs a Yorkshiremau, whose name doer
not appear, who said he was at Tipler's houae, and heajt^
one say, ^ lliat the Lord had a great work to do for hit
people, and that they were tibe people who must do it." The
judge asked him, if he heard nothing concerning the kingV
cup of iniquity, and he answered. No. When he was asked
whether the prisoner at the bar was the man, he said he could
not say that he was. The last witness was one Bernard
Osbum, who said he heard Mr. James say, *' That King
Charles was a blood-tliirst)', tyrannical king, and that the
nobles of England were blood-thirsty. That he had drunk
pretty deep of the blood of the saiuts already, in that he had
shed tlieir blood twelve months ago at Charing-cross, and
the blood of the covenanters in Scotland, and timt God had
t>rought him in to that end, to iill up the measure of hit
iniquity, and he had filled it up more in twelve months than
in many years before. That they should have power
in their hands, then they should fight the Lord's battles more
diorouffhly. That the ruin of the king was very near." Upod
this, ALr. James being allowed to call his witnesses, four were
produced in court, who gave evidence, ** That this Bernard
Osburn confessed to them, that upon a previous examinatioD,
he had sworn against Mr. James he knew not what : and one
of them, a person whom Osburn was about to marry, further
declared, that he told her, he did not only swear he kinew not
what, but that he was affrighted into what he swore." Osbam
repeatedly refused to swear at all; nor would he take the
oath as witness against Mr. James, till he was threatened to
be sent to prison for refusal, and rewards were offered him
for swearing against the prisoner.* Mr. Janies dien produced
four other witnesses, all of whom swore, ^^ That me words
charged against him were not spoken."
After the examination of all the witnesses, Mr. James wait
allowed to speak for himself, but did little more than make ^
declaration of his own innoc^irce. He denied the charge
both in matter and form, and declared he had not any
malicious thought against die king, but desired the salvadon
of his soul, as he did his own ; that he had never dealt maU-*
ciously against him ; but that what he had done, he had dooe
in the fear of God. He denied the various particulars of
the charge,' that he ever spoke any such things, and therefore
desired they would clear him of ail such evil things. He thea
• Ifarfatifc, p. 10— IS.
JAMES. 895
saici, " I have but' one word for the Lord^ and I have done;
The Lord Jesus Christ is kins of nations^ us well as of
Baints, and the government of all kingdoms of right belongs
to him. ' And the seventh angel sounded, and tlierc were
great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world
are' become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ, and
he shall reign for ever and ever.'" Havins spoken these
words, he was interrupted by Lord Chief Justice Foster, who
said, '^ Hold sirrah, sirrah, you think you are preachmg in the
conventicle in Whitechapel." Aftewards, when his judges
would not allow him to speak even to the jury, he replied,
'' If you will not suifer me to speak to the jury, you had as
good have hanged me in Bulstakc-alley, before 1 came here,
and not brought Hie hither to cover the matter over with the
pretence of law."
' The jury having brought in a verdict of guilty ^ judgment
was deferred till November £2d, and he was sent back to the
place of his confinement. During the interval, his wife, by
fke advice of some friends, endeavoured to address the king,
with the view of acquainting him with her husband's inno-
cency, and the condition of those loose persons who had
fidsely accused him. This she put in writing, lest she should
cidier want an opportunity, or not have courage enough to
speak to him. With some difficulty, however, she at last
met die king, and acquainting him who she was, presented
him with the paper. To whom his majesty held up his
finger and said, '' Oh ! Mr. James, he is a sweet gentleman ;"
bat lUlowing him for some further answer, the door was shut
against her. Not being discouraged, she attended again next
moffning; and an opportunity being soon presented, she
implored his majesty's answer to her request. His majesty
thai replied, He u a rogue, and nkall be futnged. One of
the lords, who attended him, asking her of whom she spake,
the kine immediately replied, *^ Of John James, ihat rogue:
ke Mhau be hanged ; yea, he xhall be hanged/'^
Mr. James was brooght to the bar on the above day, and
ffODg asked what he had to say why sentence of death should
■ot be passed upon him, he answered, that he had not much
to at^, only two or three scriptures he would leave with them*
A$ far wtty wood he, do a* seemeth good utUo you. But knew
jpTor ettimiHy that if you put me to death, you »haU turebf
mwg immxaU Uood mpon yourteken, and upon thin city, ami
the imkabitaats thereof'^ — Preciom in the $ight ef the
« Banatif e, p. If —94.
90ft LIVES OF TUB PURITANS.
Lord i$ the death of his 9aint$. — He that towAeih the LanT^
f€opk, toucheth the appk of his i^e.« He then toU thm
he had no more to say for himself; only one word for dw
Lord, and then he had done : *^ Jesus Christ the Son of Ood»
is King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and of all the
kingdoms of the world." He had no sooner spokett this^
than he was silenced, and die judge immediately psowoiced
upon him the following sentence >^^ Jckn Jamea, tlioii hast
** been here indicted, arraigned, and tried, as a false traitor of
** his majesty, hb crown and digni^, and hasi put thyself npon
^ the trial of God and thy comiti7, and the coimtiybalhfom
** thee gmlty; and therefore, John Jamea, thM art to be
** carried from hence to prison, and from thenoe to die pkM
^ of execution, and there to be hanged by the neck, and^ beiqg
'* yet alive, to be cut down, and thy bowels to be takein ont^
^ and to be burnt before thy Aice, (afirebcinff preMfedp)aml
^ thy head to be severed from thy body, and diy hodj to be
^ quartered, and diy head and body to be disposed of accord''
^ to the king's jdeasure." This being done, Mr. Jamoi had
only time to say, ** Blessed be God, that he whom man hath
condemned God hath justified," aind so was imnnediatdiy
carried to Newgate, where he was confined in a dungeon.
During his confinenlfent in die dungeon, one of hia
visiting him, and weeping over him, he, with a snulins com^
tenance, said, *^ I beseech you, let me not see any of Uiis, for
all is well. I beseech you forbear such carriage, which will
encourage the Lord's enemies. I pray you let me not sees
sad countenance from any of you." To odiers of hia fii^idt
he said, '^ This poor weak body has often been near the g^ei
of death, and now the Lord chooses to take it off in such s
way as this. Oh ! blessed be God ! let him take it." Hi
spoke much of the goodness of God, who supported mi
comforted him under so great a trial ; and added, ^ I havs
got the start of my brethren, and am going to the plaoi
' where the wicked cease from troubling, and where dtf
weary are at rest.' God hath delivered me from all mj
fears. My good Lord hath helped me over two of WKf
steps, and I have only one more to get over : I am f/oimg Is
a place where my sins will trouble me no more." Beiqg
asked how he did, he replied, '^ I bless Grod I am well; never
better in all my life. No poor creature ever dreaded dns
condition more than I have done. I have been so anick
afraid of a prison, that I have trembled to diink of i^
• Jer. xzfi. 14, 15.— Ftalia czvU Id.-^Zecb. It 8.
JAMBS. S97
would hKve tM. <mt of Ihe land to have escaped it; but now
my fears we all gonei every cloud is blown over. I bless
God, I no more feast this death, llian to Ke down upon this
bed. Ob ! how good die Lohl is.^' At anodier time, being
asked faowhe was, he answered, *^ Very well, I bless the Lord,
never beUtf m my life. My wife and I have had the best
monnng Aat we «ver enjoyed. We have been giving op one
MMMier to the Lord ; land, I Mess die Lord, he ha^ made ns
as willing to part ns ever we were to come together.^ To
bis firiends, wbo urged him to j^tion the kii^ for his life, he
moAf "^ I have discharged my duty and conscience in clearing
mjBeif 'AtaA^f and to the king I have done no wrong;
#iefefi9re I vnH sidmiit myBelf to the Lord, and rest satisfied
in his good i^easnre.'* Tne n^ht before he suffered, being at
nnpper widi some of his friends, he 6aid to Ihem, ^ I sup with
2pento>4iight,butyouvrotddbeglad to sap with me to-morrow
nigbt.'' When die messenger brought him tidings of the
timeiof his execution, he said, ^* Blessed be Grod, that is good
•ews.*^
Upon llie mornii^ of his execution, Mr. James was carried
Cnmb Newgate to Tyburn on adedge; send having leave <rom
Mr. SCerliw die sheriff, he delivered a speech of some lengdi
to (be peo^. In dii^ speech, after ^ving an account of his
parentase, clearing himself of some fovd aspersions, and
rebiting nis rel^tous sentiments, he said, ^ I am not come here
10 «ow iMdition : the Lord knowedi I have it not in my heart.
This hath not been my practice, though it be the pretended
eanse af bringing me hither; but the Lord knows, before
vrbom I now stand, and vrith whom I shall shortly be, that I
aem free from those diing^ of which I am accused ; and I desire
yon may hear and remember, that the things charged upon me
are neimiomiyjiike. I speak this as my last words ; and the
liMd, who 4uiow8 all hearts, and will call all men one day to
an necount, knows I speak the truth, both in respect of the
nunmer and matter of the things charged against me. I do,
in the fear of the Lord, also tdl yon, that I bless ftie Lord
I bare not the least haid thought t)f diose who swore against
tte, nor the least rising of spirit agunst the judge, 'die jmy, or
any other, the Lord knoweth : but have sougte their ywtdxmt
upon my bended knees, and I hope to do it 'again, if Grod
jMnnK.
^ fiftr. James having finished his speech, Ml upon his kne^,
ind oifered op a prayer to God ai considerable length, paift
• HanaliY«« f .m— 4T.
998 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
of which was as follows : — '' Glorious and holy majesty^ id
whose eyes all ihe nations of the world are only as the drop
of a bucket, or as the small dust of the balance ; and tfaeie-
fore, O Lord, this mighty concourse of people are as Dodmig
in tliy sight. 1 hy eyes are open to the ways of thy people^
and thy ears are open to their cries, and thou wilt one day
shew diyself strong in behalf of them that fear thee. Swe^
Father ! blessed be thy dear and holy name, that such a poor
worm as is now before thee can call thee Father, and come
and take hold of tliee through thy dear Son. O Lord, what
am I, or wLat was my father's house, that thou hast "brouf^
me hitherto: Ihis, O Lord, has been but a small thing m
thy sight, but thou hast spoken thy servants welfare, evea
to eternity. Dear Lord, m the audience of all this people,
thy poor worm cannot but bless thee that thou didst ever call
tiim, and wert ever pleased to engage his soul to walk in thine
own paths ; and, blessed be thy holy name, thy paths do not
seem lu the eyes of tliy servant ever the worse because of diis
thing : but he can bless thee ; he can rejoice before tbee ; he
can say, ^ Bless tlie Lord, O my soul, and ail that is wilbin
me bless his holy name.' Blessed be thy holy name^ that diou
hast hitherto been pleased to keep the soul of thy poor
servant, and that he does not suffer as an evil doer; yea,
blessed be thy name, thy poor worm can approve his heart
unto thee even now at the very giving up of' the ghost, that he
is not gnilty. Dear Father, thy poor worm can now wiA
much boldness lift up his jface unto thee, and is assured
that he whom man hath condemned God hath justified:
and now, for iliy dear name's sake, give thy poor worm leave,
in integrity and godl^ simplicity, to beg one request at diy
hands for the poor witnesses. O Lord, pardon tnem in diat
very thing they have done, and shew them as much grace as
thou hast done to thy poor worm. As they have done their
utmost to wash their hands in the blood of thy servant, 0
that thou wouldest thoroughly wash their souls in the blood
of Jesus Christ. Be pleased, for thy tender mercy's sake,
to deal graciously with every one, from the least to the
greatest, from the iirst to the last, that hath had any hand
against thy servant."*
Having finished his prayer, and being very much exhausted,
he said he had done. '^The hangman then said, ^' The Lord
receive your soul.^' Mr. James replied, I thank you. A
firiend saying, ** Thb is a happy day," he added, Jokss the
• Narrative, p. S8--44.
BAREBONlS. '^ 399
h&rd, it U indeed. His friend adding^ '^ The Lord nmke 3rour
pas^ge ^asy;'* he said, I trust he will. Being asked if he
had any thing to say to the sheriff^ he said. No, but only to
thank him for his civility'. The hangman then preparing him
for death> and drawing away the cart^ Mr. James cried aloud,
with his hands lifted up towards heaven. Father y into thy
hands I commit my spirit.
The sheriff and hangman \^ere so civil to him in the execu-
tion, that they suffered him to. be dead before his body was
cut down. The hangman then took out his heart and bowels,
and burned them in a fire prepared for die purpose. He
"dien cut off his head, and cat his body into four quarters;
'tod, by die appointment of the king, the quarters were fixed
upon die gates of the city, and his head first upon London-
bridge, then upon a pole opposite the meetingJiouse in
Bid^ake-alley.*
This tragic and brutal scene was transacted upon the
remains of this humble and holy man, November 26, l66l.
Bat if there were any undue combination against him ; and
if he suffered for some reason of state, rather than for any
• crime that he was guilty of, his blood will God require at the
iiaads of his enemies. Several remarkable judgments befell
^diose who were active instruments in promoting his suffer-
ings, or expressed their delight in them.t
, Praise-God Barebone was of the baptist persuasion,
« and pastor to a church of that denomination, meeting in Fleet-
street, London. This church was originally part of that
under die pastoral care of Mr. Stephen More ; wtiich, upon
liis death, divided by mutual consent^ just one half choosing
"'Mr. Henry Jessey for its pastor, the other half Mr. Barebone.
He was by trade a leather-seller, afterwards a very popular
preacher, and at last a member of parliament, and a man of
so much celebrity, that one of Cromwell's parliaments was,
out of contempt, called Barebone's parliament. In a
pamphlet entided, " New Preachers, New," is the following
scurrilous, but amusing account of him and several others:-—
" Greene, the felt-maker ; Spencer, the horse-rubber ; Quar-
termine, the brewer's clerk ; and some few others, who are
. mighty sticklers in this new kind of talking trade, which many
ignorant coxcombs call preaching. Whereunto is added the
iait tumult in Fleet-street, rais^ by die disorderly preach-
• Niurfadfe» p. 46. f U>id. p. 47.
ioo uvn or the puritans.
, pfiiBp, aad pntdiagt of Mr. Btrebomip tbe leatheiv
•dkr ; madib. GreoK^ the feb-naker^ <m SwiAkf bit, die
igdiofDecember.*'
Tbe iMBiiIt mlhded to it diiis curiously described^-
^ A brief touch in flwiBory of the fiery leal of Mr. Bwie-
bonet, a leverend anletmed kather-sdlery who, widi Mir.
Greene, die felt-maker, were both taiusa preaching or pnUtng
in a conreBticle, amongst a hundred persons, on Sunday,
*e 19di of December last, 1641.
'^ After my commendalions, Mr. Rawbones, (Bnrehones>
I ahonU have said,) in acknowledgment of vour too much
troubling yourself , and molestinff of others, I hai« mnde hold
to relate briefly your last Sunday's afternoon woifc, lest in
tisne your menlorious pmns-taking should be foigotten, <for
#ie which you and your associate Mr. Greene, do well
deserve to have your heads in the custody of young Grogoiy,
to make buttons for hempen loops:) you two having di^ apirit
ao fttU, dnt you must eidier vent, or burst, did on the aab-
fcadi ofioresaid, at your house near Fetter4ane end, in Fleu^
-alreet, at die sign of the Lock and Key, there and dien did
^u and jour consort (by turns) unlock most delicnie strange
doctrine, nrfiere were about thousands of people, of whiai
number the most ignorant applauded your pwaichtng, and
diose that understood any dung derided your inorant pratmg.
But after four hours long and tedious tattling, die house
where you were' beleaquered with multitudes that thought
A to TBOse you out of your bUnd devotion; so diet your
trails were battened, your windows all in fractions, torn into
MttHng .shivers, and worse the hurly4>urly might have been,
Imttliirt.snndry constables came in with strong guards of men
to iaeep the peace, in vi4uch conflict your sign was beaten
dmnn isad unhanged, to make room for the owner to supply
dtepboe; ail urhich she«vs had never been, had Mr. Greene
nod Mr. Barebones been content (as they should have hecn)
to base gone to their own paoish churches.''*
This account shews mat these new preachers excited
wncommon attention, and were so very popular as to draw
Aeusands after them. The tumult was occasioned, not by
ifaeir preadnng, but i>y the opposition that was raised against=:^
at, ^ hy certain lewd fellows of the baser sort." The preachers
and a hundred of the people were taken by the constables^
but it is not said whether they were taken to preserve then^
die fiiry of the mob or to bring lhem to justice.
• New Preacher*!, New.
BAREBONE. 401
\
the latter been the case, and they had suffered any thmg for
their .conduct, it is highly probable this writer would have -
transmitted some account of it to posterity. Mr. Barebone,
however, continued his ministerial labours for many years
among the people; and, in the year 1654, when the baptist
churches published their " Declaration,'' he was still pastor
of tliis church. Among those who subscribed it, *f twenty-
two were of ihe church that walks with Mr. Barebone."*
According to Rapin, he passed among his neighbours for
a notable speaker, and used to entertain them with long
harangues upon the times.f This undoubtedly pointed him
oat to the notice pf Cromwell, who, nominated him a membfsr
ef the legislative body that succeeded the long parliament in
1653. Thus he continued pastor of his church, even after
ke became member of parliament. In this, assembly, he was
80 greatly distii^uished for ability and activity, that the
members, who were but little skilled in politics, received
from him, in derision, the appellation of loarebone's parliar
mentt As a politician, he was constantly zealous m the
-cause of the commonwealth ; but upon the dissolution of the
mbove assembly, about five months afterwards, he appears to
have retired from any further concern in the government.
Upon the motion of inviting home the king, he took part with
the opposition, and presented a petition to the parliament
from the ^* well-affected persons, inhabitants of die cities of
London and Westminster," declaring their determination to
support the commonwealth. General Monk, being then in
London, with a view to restore the king, and intent upon the ,
re-admission of the secluded members, who knew Mr. Bare-
boners popularity, was obliged to make a general muster of .
his. army; when he wrote a letter to the parliament, expos-
tulating with them ** for giving too much countenance to that
ftuious zealot and his adherents." The petitioners, however,
received the thanks of the house for the expression of their
good affections to the parliament.^
Mr. Barebone was at this time concerned in the publica-
tion of a book against the court of Charles the Second,
entitled, '^ ]News from Brussels, in a. letter from a near
attendant on his majesty's person, to a person of honour here.
Dated March 10, 1659, O. S." A reverend prelate styles
llua ^ a rascally piece against the king, to expose him to the
hatred of his people ;''|| and it was designed, it is said, " to
« peclamUoo, p. 28. t Rapin's itist. of Bog. vol. ii. p. 59Q. .
\
Graofer's Bior. Hist. vol. in. p. 68.'
Ibid.— Kenoefs CbroDicle, p. M. | Ibid. p. 80.
VOL. III. ^ JE>
402 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
destroy the favourable impressions that many had receiired of
his natural inclination to mildness and clemena/.*'* It ought,
however, to be observed, that the reputed author of this
book vi^as Marchmont Needham, and Mr. Barebone was only
his agent in conveying it to the printer or bookseller .t
On the thirtieth of the foregoing month, Mx. Barebone
was summoned before the council of state, to answer such
matters as were objected against him ; but, on signing an
engagement not to act in opposition to the existing govern-
ment, or to disturb the same, he was discharged from any
•further attendances After the restoration of the kii^, he
was looked upon with a jealous eye, and on November S6y
\66l, was apprehended, together with Major John Wildman,
and James Harrington, esq., and committed prisoner to the
Tower, where he continued for some time.^ On the meeting
of parliament, early in the following year, Lord Clarendon,
then lord chancellor, thought fit to alarm the house wiA
the noise 'of plots and conspiracies, and enumerated the oam^
of several persons whom he reported to be enga^^ed in traitor-
ous designs against the government. Among these were.
Major Wildman, Major Hains, Alderman Ireton, and
Mr. Praise-God Barebone.H How far the charge against
these persons was substantiated, or whether it was only a
political engine of government to get rid of suspected indi-
viduals, we will not take upon us to affirm. Certain it is,
that Mr. Barebone had now to contend with the strong arm
of the civil power, which was directed with all the acnmooy
of party prejudice agamst persons of his stamp. Wood, ii)
contempt styles him " a notorious schismatic, and a grand
zealot in the good old cause.^'f
The time of Mr. Barebone's death is not mentioned by any
author we have seen, nor are we acquainted with any fiurdier
particulars of his history. It may be observed, however, for
the amusement of the reader, that there were three brothers
of this family^ each of whom had a sentence for his chriatiaia
name, viz. Praise-God Barebone; Christ-came-ipto^e-
world-to-save Barebone; aiid If-Christ-had-not-died-thou-
hadst-beeu-damned Barebone. In this last instance^ fomei
are said to have omitted the former part of the sentence, and
to have called him only *^ Damned Barebone."** Thift 9tjU
• Bio|:. Britan. ▼ol. y, p. 613.. Edit. 17T8.
+ Wood's AthPBae Oxon. vol. ii. p. 469.
t Kenneth Chronicle, p. 101. 4 Ibid. p. 667. I Ibid. a. (X».
1 Wood's Atbenae, vol. ii. p. 469. ■ •-
•• GniD|;er*8 Bio|;. Wui. vol. iii. |^. fig.
of nailing individuala 'was exceedingly common ha the time
of the civi) wars ; ye| the absurd practice was not peciiliar
to that period ; but was i^ use long before^ and continues, in
some mefisurej f ven to the presept day. It is said that die
genealogy of our Saviour might be learnt from the names
in Cromwell's regiments ; and that the muster-master used
no other list than th^ first chapter of Matthew.
John Ley, A. M.-^This laborious divine was born at
Warwick, February 4, 1 583, apd educsfted at Christ's Church,
Oxford. Having finished Iiis studies at the university
he was presented to the vicarage of Great Budworth m
Cbashire, where he continued a constant preacher for several
years- Afterwards, he was made prebendary and sub-dean of
Chester, where he had a weekly lecture at St. Peter's church,
end was once or twice elected member of the convocation.
But having always been puritanically inclined, he, upon the
commencement of the civil war, espoused the cause of the
parliament, took the covenant, was chosen one of the
assembly of divines, and appointed Latin examiner to the
assembly.
A certain writer has placed Mr. Ley at the head of those
divines who, he says, '^ encouraged tumults," and whom, in
derision, he styles* *^ able^ holy, faithful, laborious, apd truly
peaceable preachers of the gospel." The proof of his accusa-
tion is contained in Mr. Ley's own words, which are as follows:
•~^^ It is not unknown, nor unobserved by the wise, that the
ministers have been very serviceable to the civil state, and to
the military too ; not only by their supplications to God for
good success in all their undertakings, and their happy pro-
ceedings in all their warlike marches and motions, as at the
lemovd of the ark. Num. x. 35., Rise up, Lord, and let
thine enemies be scattered : Let them that hate thee,Jiee before
thee; but by their informations and solicitations of die people
to engage both their estates and persons in the cause of God
and £eir country." The author, having produced these, with
some other similar citations, triumphantly adds: ^' After these
proofs and declarations of the ministers' zeal and industry
for promoting, supporting, and carrying on the late bloody,
uppious, and unnatural war ; let any man take upon him any
Imger to acquit the nonconformist divines of the guilt and
consequence of that execrable rebellion."* These are certainly
• L*fiitraDget*t Dittenten* Sayiact, part ii. p. 61, 5S.
4M LIVES OF THE PURITAN^.
very heavy charges, and ought to be supported by very wk^
stantial evidence. Though some of the nonconfbnnist
divmes were zealous in the cause of die parliament, will av^ un-
prejudiced person affirm, that they ** encouraged tumults,''
any more than those who were conformable i No man yfAo
is conversant with the history 6f those distracted times, and is
uninfluenced by a bigoted party spirit, I am persuaded w9I
affirm any such thing. With respect to the ** execrable rebel-
lion," as it is called, it is well known to all parties to have
originated in the arbitrary and cruel proceedings of die king
and his tyrannical courtiers, which, after many years, led to
all the horrors of a civil war. If, therefore, there was any
rebellion, it is easy to see who was guilty.
Mr. Ley became rector of Ashfield in Cheshire, and for s
short time, rector of Astbury in the same county, chairraan.
of the committee for the examination and approbation of
ministers, one of the committee of printing, and one of die
committee for the ordination of ministers. About the year
1645 he was chosen president of Sion college, and about the
same time, inducted into the rich living of Br^twi^ in
Berkshire. In 1653 he was appointed one of the tryers of
ministers, and, the year following, assistant to the com-
missioners of Berkshire for ejecting ignorant and scandalous
ministers and schoolmasters. After some time he resigiied
the living of Brightwell, and was presented to that of Soimuli
in Warwickshire. But by too much exertion and constant
preaching, he broke a blood vessel ; and being disabled bw
attending to the duties of his office, he resigned Solihull, and
retired to Sutton Colfield in the same county, where he lived
privately the rest of his days. He died May I6, 1662, aged
seventy-nine years, and his remains were interred in die
church at Sutton Colfield. He was accounted " an ex-
cellent preacher, a person of great learning, deeply read
in the fathers aud councils, and one of the chief pillars of
presbyterianism."*
His Works. — 1. An Apology in Defence of the €reneva Ifelte
on the Bible, which were, in St. Mary's in Oxford, publicly ai}d
severely reflected on by Dr. John Howson. Written about 1612,
and examined and approved by Bishop Usher. — 2, A Pattern of
Piety; or, the religious Life and Death of Mrs. Jane Rafcliff of
Chester, 1640. — 3. Several otifeasional Sermons, 1640,. &c.,- one of
which is entitled, '' The Fury of Warre, and Folly of Sinne, a SerBM»
before the Conunons, April 26, 1643.^' — 4. Sunday a Sabbath: or, a
• Wood*8 Athene Oxon. vol. iL p« 100—194.
SIMPSON. 405
]>rei>aratlve Disconrse for discussion of Sabbatarian doubts, 1641. —
fie was assisted in this work, by the MSS. and advice of Archbishop
Usher. — 5. The Christian Sabl^th maintained, in Answer to a book
of Dr. Pocklington, styled, ' Sunday no Sabbath,' 1641.— 6. Defen^*
sive doubts, hopes, and reasons, for refusal of the Oath, imposed by
the sixth Canon of the Synod, 164L— 7. A Letter apiinst the Erection
of an Altar, written June 29, 1635, to John, Bishop of Chester,
1641. — 8. Case of Conscience concerning the Sacrament of the
liord's Supper, 1641. — 9. A Comparison of the Parliamentary Pro-
testation with the late canonical Oath, and the Difference between
them, 1641. — 10. A further Discussion of the Case' of Conscience
touching the receiving the Sa(»rament, 1641. — 11. Examinatfon of
John Saltmarsh's New Query, 1646. — 12. A Censure of what
Mr. Saltmarsh hath produced, 1646. — 13. Apologetical Narrative of
the late Petition of the Common Council and Ministers of London
to the Honourable Houses of Parliament, 1646. — 14. Light for
8moak; or, a clear and distinct Reply to a dark and confused
Answer, in a book made and entitled, ' The Smoak of the Temple,
by John Saltmarshj' 1646. — 15. An After-reckoning with Mr. Salt*
marsh ; or, an Appeal to the impartial and conscientious Reader,
1646.— -16. A learned Defence of llthes, 1651.— 17. General Reasons
ipronnded on Equity, Piety, Charity, and Justice, against the jpay-
nlent of a fifth part to sequestered Ministers, their Wives, and Chil-
dren, 1654. — 18. An Acquittance or Discharge firom Dr. E. H.
(Edward Hyde) his demand of the fifth part of the Rectory of Br.
fBrightweli) in Berks, pleaded as in the Court of Equity and Con-
•cience, 1654. — 19. A Letter to Dr. Edward Hyde, in Answer to one
of his, occasioned by the late Insurrection at Salisbury, 1655. — ^20. A
Debate concerning the English Liturgy, between Edward Hyde, D. D
and John Ley, 1656. — 21. A Discourse of Disputations chiefly con-
cerning Matters of Religion, 1658. — ^22. Animadversions on John
Onely, 1658. — 23. A Consolatory Letter to Dr. Bryan, upon the
Death of his worthily well-beloved and much bewuled Son, Mr.
Nathaniel Bryan, 1658. — 24. Equitable and necessary Considera^
tions for the Association of Arms throughout England and Wales. —
26. A Petition to the Lord Protector by divers, for the establishment
of themselves, and other their brethren, in the places to which they
are admitted to officiate as Ministers of the Gospel, without institu-
tion and induction by Bishops. — ^26.. A Comparison of the Oath of the
sixth Canon of the last Synod of Bishops, and the Protestation set
foi-tti by Parliament, in Answer to a Letter of Pedael Harlow, Gent.
-—27. Attestation of the Ministers of Cheshire, to the Testimony of
the Ministers of London, against errors, heresies, and blasphemies.
•>— 28. Exceptions many and just — 29. Annotations on tlie Pen-
tateuch, and the.four Evangelists, in the Assembly's Annotations.
John Simpson. — ^This person was a zealous fiffli
nnonarcby-man of the baptist ^nomination, and for some
time lecturer at St. Botolph's church, Bishopsgate, London.
One Mr. Simpson, and no doubt this person, was for a time
silenced from preaching, because he differed in certain points
from the assembly of divines ; but, October 28> 1646» he
406 LIVES OF tHE PURITANS.
was restored to his ministry.* He and Mr. Feake are styled
'' two of the chief captains of the anabaptists^ who preached
most scornfully agamst Cromwell's government, 't Mr.
Erbery, in his piece entitled ^^ The Bishop of London;
being a brief Narrative of what passed at London-house
among church Ministers, Mr. Simpson at Bishopsgate, and
others, on Monday night, November 22, l652," has given
us the following very curious information, which, because
Mr. Simpson took an active part on the occasion, and it may
afford the reader some amusement, we shall give in the
author's own words : — " The churches of lioudon,** says hcj
'^ both independent and baptized, having formerly associated
and girt tliemselves with a sword, or martial power ; I mean
some army preaching men, joined in a body at Great Aihal-
lows, to pray for a new representative, and to preach against
the old : for which they received no countenance, but rather
a check from those in authority. Having there * laboured in
vain, and spent their strength for nought,' not finding this
spirit in a presbyterial or parochial church, they ch^mged
their quarters, and came to seek it in the episcopal see at
London-house. There, as men who would again build op
Babylon, they founded a structure of two stories high : not a
pulpit and reading pew, but a stately frame of wood to
Each and pray in two distinct forms. The one being die
best, I conceive, is for the independent fellowship; the .
er is the baptized footstool.
'* The Lord brought me there to behold their order, but
seeing their confusion, I heard one praying below, afterwards
another above, Captain Spenser; at whose loud and long
prater, my spirit was stirred : I could scarcely refrain from
crying, * A noise and nothing else.' The first man that
I heard preaching was Mr. Feake, who, I thought, spake to
the purpose concerning prayer, even that the saints should
now return to their old spirit of prayer in gospel times, which
was not in loose requests, and long (confessions of isins, but
in short breatliings of their present desires to God, with
abundance of fe'rvency and faith to obtain a blessing.
Looking up on high, I spied Mr. Simpson, Mr. Cockayn
and others, preparing themselves to do something. The
first, instead of praying, began to preach, or proj^esy, as
he terms it. Before Mr. Simpson would name his text, he
opens himself in ^ large preface; and, as if he stood on the
stool of repentance, he confesseth his firalts before us all.
• Whitlockc'B Mem. p. 2S0. + Thwloe'i State Taperft, vol . il. p. *r.
SIMPSON. 401
First, he professeth himself a fool, for the rising of his heart
•against that Avhich another held forth not according to his
apprehension. Secondly, he said again that he was a fool,
for that rigidness of spirit to stick to his own opinion, or to
oppose the light that might shine in another. He diewed
further how God had judged that rigidness in prelacy and
presbytery, and would also in independency or dippers. But
4iee how the man doth judge and condemn himself, or back-
slide into the same sin or folly which just now he confessed.
For, as Mr. Feake had truly declared what was said before
concerning prayer, Mr. Simpson doth presendy censure,
and publicly condemn, what his brother had spoken in peace
and truth, and with much submission. I wondered at the
magisterial spirit and self-confidence in the honest man.
But he confessed himself before to be a fool, and, it may be,
fae had not thoroughly repented of it.
** My spirit, indeed," s^ys he, ** was exceedingly stirred %
and though I came thither to hear in silence, yet my spiiit
being hot, I spake at last with my tongue, saying, ' Mr. Simp*
aon, you have preached long. Will you suffer another fool
to speak a little concerning prayer?* There was much
reluctancy and murmuring in many, who bid me hold my
|>aace. Then said I, whether you will bear, or whether you
will forbear, I must speak a word to the churches. It is
this: Prelates had their common prayers, and your prayers
are common also. Presbyters had their directory, so hava
you this day, teaching one another how to pray. I oould
not be suffer^ to speak any more, only I told the churdieS|
saying. Sirs, your prayers are legal, and your preaching
legal ; I see you are all m the dark ; and so 1 bid you good
night"* Such is the curious account given by our author.
■. Mr. S^pson and Mr. Feake preached with great warmth
against the protectorship of Cromwell, for which, in the year
1653, they were both apprehended and sent |)risoners to
Windsor-castle, where they continued for some time.t But,
July 26, 1654, Mr. Simpson was released from confinement,
and allowed to preach at any place within ten miles of
London.^ This, however, was not the conclusion of his
troubles. He was again cast into prison, most probably
after the restoration, when many fifth monarchy-men were
Apprehended and committed tx) Newgate, where they con-
tinued several months.^ Upon Mr. Simpson's release firom
♦ Erber^^'s Testimony, p. 43—46.
f Tbarloe's State Fbpero, vol. iii. p. 485.
t WhiUocke'4 Mem. p. 664, 519. S Keanet*! Ghroiu p. 363.
106 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
1
I
prison, he took tlie oaths of alleginnce and supreouicyy for
which he was severely censured by many of his breUireo.
It is, indeed, observed, that, for some time previous to his
imprisoament, he had publicly declared his readiness to take
tfie oaths ; the same he also made known to his friends while
he was in confinement. When he was brought before the
court, he found that he must take them, or return to prison,
when he complied without hesitation. He was of opinion,
that, if he had refused, " he should have sinned against God,
against the flock over which tlie Holy Ghost had made him
overseer, against his family, and against himself.*
In the ^^Declaration of the several churches of Christ, and
godly people in and about tlie city of London," published k
me above year, nine of those who subscribed it are said to
be ** of the church that walks vrith Mr. Simpson."f Dr.
Calamy mentions one John Simpson as silenced from hii
lecture at Botolph's church, Bishopsgate or Aldgate, whom
he denominates ** a great antinomian." He afterwards
acknowledges, that he died previous to the black Bartbolo*
mew-day, in 1662, and so should not have been included: ki
ike list oi ejected ministers.^ This was undoubtedly the same
person.
Whether Mr. Simpson was, indeed, a great antimmnaa^'
we shall not attempt, because we are unable, to ascertain;
but, from the account given of him by tlie audior of lib
funeral sermon, he appt ars to have been a diligent, pious^
and useful minister of Christ. We will let the author speak
for himself. Addressing the bereaved congregation, be savs,
** Many of you lived for years under the ministry of tmi
faithfid sen^ant of Christ, and his ministry bath been to you
as a very lovely song of one tliat hath a pleasant voice, and
can play well on an instrument : you h^ve heard his words,
but you would not do them. There hath not bcnen a suit-
able conversation to such a ministry. A gospel, spiritual,
and heavenly ministry, calls for a gospel, spiritual, and hea*
venly conversation. Such was his nunistry, but such, I fear,
hath not been the conversation of many of his hearers.
Indeed, all of us who enjoyed more or less of his labours,
have cause to mourn before the Lord this day for pur mis-
improvement of his ministry, and for taking no more care
about hearing, receiving, and practbing what God was
pleased to reveal unto us by his servant. Thb faithful man,
according to the judgment of reason, might have lived
• Foneral Sermon for Mr. Simpsoo* f Declaration, p* 89.
} CaUmy'g Account, vol. i. p. 39.--Contin. vol. i. p. 58.
SIMPSON. 409
liiany years, and dooj^ much service : but for God to take
away his' iaithlul laboiirers in the midst of their days, and
cause their sun to set at noon, is a providence of a dreadful
aspect upon unfaithful and unfruitful hearers. Oh! what
would many a condemned wretdh give at the great day of
the Lord, to have Christ, and mercy, and pardon proilered
4iim, as they have been proffered by this glorified saint!
God took him away immediately upon his release from
prison, when you had some hopes of the further enjoyment
of his labours ; at a time when there is the greatest want of
such faithful and zealous labourers ; especially of such as are
enlightened in, and are zealous for church-work ; such as have
a heart and abilities to encourage the people of God in their
separation from the world and antichristian defilements.
" ^rhere was a near relation between this servant of the
Lord and many of you present. He was to many of you a
faithful pastor and teacher, labouring among you in word and
doctrine. If the Lord prevent not, now that the shepherd is
smitten, you will be scattered. It will be hard to find a
person so ready to venture life and liberty to serve you. To
many of you he might be a spiritual father, a means of your
conviction and conversion ; and oh ! what hard hearts must
you have, if you cannot mourn over a dead father, /a dead
shepherd, a faithful pastor, when taken from you. Consider
those blessed qualifications with which this servant of Christ
was endowed, and by which he was enabled to promote the
glory of God and the welfare of your souls. He had love
for all the saints. He had room in his heart to receive every
one whom Christ received. He held communion with the
saints,: not on account of their names, or forms of worship,
but on account of their union to Jesus Christ. He loved no
man on account of his opinions, but his union 4x) Christ, as he
often declared in his congregation. He made known to the
members of his church, to whom he gave the right hand of
fellowship, that their union to Christ was the ground of their
communion with saints ; and that the reason of their admis-
sion was not because* they were of this or that opinion, but
because they were looked upon as interested in Christ ; and
that they who were heirs of glory ought to receive all saints,
not as presbyterians, pr independents, or anabaptists, but as
saints.
" He had a great insight into the doctrines of grace. Having
cast anchor within the vail, he understood well the ^reat
mystery of the mercy-seat It was the glory of his ministry
to hold forth the- riches of the grace of God in Christ Jesus/
«10 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Id preaching this doctrine he was a mystery to a blind worid :
they could not understand him ; and, therefore, they hardly
knew by what name to call him. He was an offence to many
professors, who charged him with giving liberty to sin, not-
withstanding he often preached upon the apostolic cautions
against it. As at many other times, so a little before his
imprisonment, he so charged professors with their lukewarm-
iiess, their hypocrisy, dieu; neglect of closet devotion, family
relkion, and die duties of public worship, that he left a
sufficient testimony to stop the mouths of such for ever.
The doctrine of me covenant was, indeed, his great del^ht
When he spoke of the unsearchable riches of die grace ai
Christ, he was carried beyond himself: he had a flood <rf
words, yet seemed to want words to express whut he knew
and eiyoyed of divine grace.
** He was a faidiful sei-vant of Christ. Whatever the
Lord made known to him, he made known to his pecqde
without reserve, whether it pleased or dis[detised. He did
not shun to declare all the counsel of Ood, so fiur as it was
revealed to him. Also, if at any time he was convinced
that he had delivered any thing not consonant to scripture, he
would openly and publicly confess his error, and trample ,
upon his own name and honour, rather than deceive the
souls of his people by leading them to imbibe false doctrine.
While he thus ingenuously and openly confessed his mistakes,
it shews how eminently faithful he was to truth and to die
souls of his hearers.
** He was a zealous servant of Christ. He was willing to
spend and be spent, that he might fulfil his ministry, and do
good to souls. How laborious was he in preaching ; how
constant in attending the assemblies of the church ; and how
often did he blame his people for neglecting them ! He was
not one who did the work of the Lord negligently, but he
served his God with fervency of spirit. He did not stand
upon terms widi God, saying, Lord, I will serve thee, if my
name, and estate, and liberty may be secured : but whatever
he judged to be his duty he would be sure to attend to it, and
leave the event to the Lord. He enjoyed much communion
with God, and a rich experience of his goodness. Many '
a faithful minister of Christ lived hut low, compared vrith
what this blessed saint enjoyed. By this rich experience of
divine favour, he was enabled to admiiust^ comfort to
others.
" He was a' very humble and holy man. For the sake of
peace, he would condescend to the meanest member <^ his
BIDDLE. 4lt
church. He followed after those thitigs which mtide fbi*
peace, and laboured always to maintftiii the unity of the spint
m the bofid of peace. After the Lord was pkbsed to wor^
upon him by his mighty power, aud to reVc^ the grace df
Christ to his soul, he was of a heavenly cotiversatioti. H^
Walked closely willi God iu his iamily. He was a saint al
hotne as \i ell as abroad ; and he made it appear that he was
really and lielatively good, by being a good husband> a goo4
father^ &c. He lived loose tVom the worid, and made notldl
gain his godliiit;ss. He had no design to make tUerchandislft
of Christ and the gospel. He often rejpused money fot*
preaching, especially funeral sermons ; and if, on those occa-
sions, any Was forced upon him, pt sent after him, he s6on
disposed of it by giving it to the poor. His discourse was
mostly upott spiritual and heavenly sdbjects> in which he
always discovered great pleasure and fonvardneSs. In hia
youthftil days he was greatly addicted to vanity and utigodli-
lless, which, to his own shame, and to the praise cS tfiviAe
grace, he acknowledged to his dying day.
** His ministry was very successftil, and attended by the
.abundatit blessiug of God. He was instrumental in the cotK
version of many souls ; and he left behind him many setds to
his mimstry. Every feithful preacher was not so remarkably
blessed. God "blessed him above scores, nay, hundreds of
preachers, in the great work of conversion, by ' tumii^ sonla
from darkness to light> and from the power of Satan unto
God.' His happiness is unquestionable. Your loss is his
gain. He is taken up into glory, and there hath communion
widi God. He is out of the reach of all his enemies. They
Can now imprison him no more. He will never have dny
thing more Imposed upon him contrary to his conscience.
lie will never suffer there for nonconformity. There God
will be for ever served, adored, and glorified vrith one heart,
and with one/ consent."* Mr. Simpson's ftmeral sermon,
entitled, ^^ The Failing and Perishing of good Men a matter
-of great and sore Lamentation," was preached June 26, 1662,
the day of his interment.
.. John Biddle, A.M.- — ^This great suflferer Was born tk
Wotton-under-Edge in Gloucestershire, in the year 1615,
and educated in Magdalen-hall, Oxford, where be iDOk his
degtees in arts. Here he prosecuted his ^studies widi greal
* fVDieral denaaB^
412 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Msidnity and success, and became an ornament to his college.
In 1641 he was chosen master of the free-school of Crypt,* m
the city of Gloucester ; where^ for his excellent talents and
diligence in his profession, he was highly esteemed. Here
his freedom of inquiry in his academic^ studies was directed
« to the subjects of religion. His opinions concerning the
Trinity differed very soon from those commonly received;
and, having expressed his thoughts with much freedom, he
was presently accused of heresy. He was accordingly sum-
moned before the magistrates ; to whom he pKssented, on the
•point about which he was accused, the foUowing confessio9
of faith :
1. '^ I believe that there is but one infinite and almighty
essence, called God.
2. '' I believe, that, as there is but one infinite and alm%hty
' essence, so diere is but one person in that essence.
'3. "I believe that our Saviour Jesus Christ is truly God,
by b^ng truly, really, and properly united to' the only person
of the infinite and almighty essence."t
This confession, dated May 2, 1644, proved unsatisfactory
to the magistrates, who urged him to be more explicit con-
cerning a plurality of persons in the divine essence. Accord-
ingly, about four days after, he confessed, that there were
three in that divine essence, commonly called persons. This
appears to have given greater satisfaction.
Mr, Biddle, having made up his mind more fiiUy upon this
subject, drew up his iTioughts upon a paper entitled, '^ Twelve
Arguments, drawn out of Scripture, wherein the commonly
received opinion touching the Deity of the Holy Spirit is
clearly and fully refuted." lliis paper he shewed to one
whom he supposed to be his friend, but who was ungeneroils
enough to betray him to the magistrates of Gloucester, and
to the committee of parliament, tiien residing there. Upon
this information, he was committed to the common gaol,
December 2, 1645, being at the same time ill of a dangerous
fever. The design of his imprisonment was to secure his
person, till the parliament should take his case into con*
sideration. l.'he intolerance of this proceeding was, how-
ever, soon mitigaied by the interposiiion of a compassionate
friend, a person of eminence in Gloucester, who, by giving
bail for his appearance, procured his enlargement.
About June, 1646^ the famous Archbishop Usher, passing
through Gloucester on !us way to London, had a conference
♦ Biog. Britan. vol. ii. p. SC3. Edit. 177S.
t fonlmin's Life of Biddle, p, 18, £dit. 1791.
BIDDLG. 415
With Mr. Biddle, respecting his sentiments upon the Trinity,
and endeavoured to convince him of his dangerous error.
Mr* Biddlcy our author observes, had but little to say, and
was none moved by the zeal, piety, and learning of the arch-
bishop, but continued obstinate.* In about six months after
Mr. Biddle was set at liberty, he was summoned to appear at
Westminster, when the parliament appointed a committee, to
whom the consideration of his cause was referred. Upon his
examination he freely and candidly confessed, ^^ That he did
deny the commonly received opinion concerning the Dei^ of
die Holy Ghost, as he was accused : but that he was ready
'^to hear what could be opposed to him, and, if he could not
make out his opinion to be true, honesdy to acknowledge his
crror/'f However, at the distance of sixteen months from his
first imprisonment, being wearied by tedious and expensive
delays, he wrote a letter to Sir Henry Vane, a member of the
conmiittee, requesting him either to procure his discharge or
to report his case to the house of commons. This letter,
dated April 1, 1647^ answered the end proposed. Sir Henry
became a friend to Mn Biddle> and reported his case to the
house ; but the result was not favourable to Mr. Biddle's
comfort and liberty. Instead of obtaining his release, die
house committed him to the custody of one of its officers,
and he remained under diis restraint five years. In the mean
time the matter was referred to the assembly' of divines,
before some of whom, it is said, he often appeared, and gave
tSiem in writing, his ** Twelve Arguments against the Deii^ of
the Holy Spirit.'V
The answers which he received on these occasions not
producing sufficient conviction in his mind, he was induced,
during this year, to print this tract, with the above tide.
The piece was no sooner published than its author was
summoned to appear at the bar of the house gf commons,
when he owned the book, and the sentiments therein con-
tained, to be his. Upon this, he was sent back to prison ;
and by an order from the house, dated September 6, 1647>
die book was appointed to be called in and burnt by the
common hangman, and the author to be examined by the
comndttee of plundered ministers!,; Accordingly, he was
• Edwards's Gaograena, part iii. p. 87, 88.— Wood's Athene Oxoi.
^l..ii« p. 197.
t Ufe of Biddle, p« 88. % ^^^^' P* ^^B^^*
i Whitlocke's Memorials, p. 270, S71. ' "
414 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
I, and the book was burnt, on the dgbth of tho
nme month.*
Jn the year 1648 Mr. Biddle published '* A Co|ife8fio|i of
Faith touching the Holv Trinity , according to ScriptuFe;"
and another work, entitled, " Tne Testimonies of Irewmt
Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Novatianus, Theophiliis, Origep/'
&c. Upon the appearance of liis writings, the pr^sbyteriani^
having now the ecclesiastical government in their own h^ods^
aivl beuig altogether averse to a universal toleration, soliciled
the interference of the parliament, and obtained an ordipanee
for the punishment of all blasphemies and heresies. H^iico
Mr. Biddle's life was in dai^er. But the act was directed
to so many objects, and so various, and meeting with fump
siderable opposition from the army ; and because there wal
a dissention in the parliament itself, it lay unr^^rded £if
several years. ^Hiough the force of this severe ordinance
remained dormant, Mr. Biddle suffered, for several yeafP» the
miseries of a prison. His keeper, however, at length alfeved
him more liberty, and permitted himi upon security iMng
{ivep, even to go into Stafordshire. Here the oppresaioii
e bad suffered were, in some degree, coMnterbfuan^ed by
thfi patronage and kindness of a justice of the p^ace, who
received him into his house, courteously entertained hil^
made him his chaplain, and appointed him preacher ki out
of the churcbes in that county, and, at his deaths left him a
legacy.
Mr. Biddle was not long permitted to enjoy the comfort
of this friendly asylum. Sir John Bradshaw, presidefit of die
council of state, being informed of his retreat, issued orders
for him tp be recalled, and more strictly cop^ned* In this
confinement he continued in prison till February, 1651 ; and,
during the whole of his seven years' imprisonment, op divine,
it is said, ex<;ept Mr. Peter Uunning, afterwards bishop of
dy, ever paid him a visit, not even to attempt to convince him
of ms errors. In addition to his long confinement in prison, he
was rednced tp great poverty and want. After having endured
much fufl^ering for want pf die comforts ^nd iquepessarii^s pf life^
a dogr M^a^ ju^ea^pectedly opened for providing him a som-*
fortable supply. A printer in ]l«ondop, b^ing about to pub*
lish a Greek version of the Old Testament, Mr. Biddle,
having an exact knowledge of that language, was employed
* This pieoe was answered by the learned Mr. Matthew Poole, io •
work entitled, »' A Plea for the Godhead of tlit H^f 61i(ilt.*'-^9r#i#«
Mh§nm Oxon, vol. ii« p. 198.
BIDDLE. 41S
in correcting the press, by which means he obtained a tom^
fortable subsistence.*
In the year 165 1, such public measures were taken as
proved favourable to Mr. Biddle, and he again obtained hit
release. He improved his tiberty by meeting his friends in
London, every Lord's day, for the purpose of expounding
the scriptures, and discoursing upon them. In 1654 Dr.
Gunning, who had before visited him in prison, came to
their meeting on the Lord's day, accompanied by several of
his friends. His conduct soon explained his intentions ; that
he was not come to be a hearer of Mr. Biddle, but to con*
found and refute him publicly, and in the face of his own
' adherents. Therefore, he presently commenced a disputa^
tion with him, first concerning the Deity of the Holy Spirit ;
dien, on the next Lord's day, concerning the Deity of Christ.
His .biographer informs us, ^^ That Mr. Biddle acquitted
liimself with so much learning, ju(^ment, and knowledge in
the sense of the holy scriptures, that he gained much credit
by the contest."! The doctor, however, paid him another
visit, when they bad another disputation.
During this year, Mr. Biddle's life wasf distinguished more
by the publication of ^^ A Two-fold Catechism ; the one simply
called A Scripture Catechism, the other called A brief
Scripture Catechism for Children,^' than by his public dis^
putaUOQs with Dr. Gunning. The celebrated Dr. John
Owen published an answer to the '^ Two-fold Catechism,"
entitled, " Vindiciae Evangelicas ; or, the Mystery of the
Gospel Vindicated, and Socinianism examined." Also, for
this publication, he was brought to the bar of the house of
commons^ and, December 12&, was committed close prisoner
to the Gatehouse, and forbidden the use of pen, ink, and
paper, and denied the access of any visitant. On die 13th
of the same month, the parliament having voted that the book
contained many impious and blasphemous opinions against
the Deity of the Holy Ghost,{ it was called in, and burnt by the
common hangman. But the protector dissolving the parlia-
ment, he obtained his liberty, May 28, 1655.
This great sufferer did not, indeed, enjoy his liberty very
long. For July 3d, this year, he was, by an order from
Crcmiwell, apprehended and committed to the Compter, then
to Newgate ; and; at die next sessions, was tried for his life,
on the ordinance against blasphemy and heresy before men*
tioned. At his tried, when he requested diat counsel might
• Wood'9 Atheoa Ozon, vol. ii. p. 199.— Life of Biddle, p.34-'«48*
f Ibid. p. 70. X Whitlocke'a Mem. p. 691.
416 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
be allowed him to plead the illegality of the indictment, and-
it was denied him by the judges^ he gave in his exceptions,
and, by much struggling, at length had counsel allowed him;
but die trial was deferred to the next day* In this emei^enc^,
the principles and policy of Oliver Cromwell operated m
fiivour of Mr. Biddle.* He saw it would be against the in-
terest of his government to have Mr. Biddle either con-
demned or absolved. He, therefore, took him out of the
hands of the law, and detained him in prison. The protector,
at length being weary with receiving petitions for and against
him, to terminate the affair, and, in some degree, meet Ae
wishes of each party, banished Mr. Biddle to the island of
Scilly, whither he was sent October 5, 1655. After he liad
been some time in a state of exile, Cromwell, who could by
no means approve o£ his sentiments, allowed him a hundred*
cro^iis a year for his subsistence, lliis act of pure gene-
rosity, shewn to a persecuted man, reflects no small honour
on his name.t
In 1658, through the continued solicitations of fiienda, tiie
protector suffered a writ of habeas corpus to be granted wit
of the upper-bench court, by which Mr. Biddle was Iwtwight
back, and, nothing being laid to his charge, was by that comt
•et at liberty. Upon his return to London, he resumed hv
ministerial exercises among his friends, and became pastor of
a congregation in the city, formed on the principles of die
independents in matters of discipline. Here he did not
continue very long. For, upon the death of Cr6mwdl,in
about five months, and his son Richard calling a parliament
* The protector was an enemy to penecotion. Amonf the eapilal
articles on which bis i^vernnient was founded, was this : ** That sadi at
profess faith in God by Jesus Christ, though they differ in jadgmeat firwi
the doctrine, worship, or discipline publicly held forth, shall not be r^
■trained from, but shall be protected in the profession and exercise of their
religion; and that all laws, statutes, and ordinances against racli Hberty
ahall be esteemed null and void.*'
f The name of Cromwell was formidable abroad as weM as at hoae.
This will appear from the following anecdotes : *' A tumult having mrisea
at Nismes in France, in which some disorder had been coamitted by tha
Huguenots i and they, apprehending severe proceedings upon it, aent one
over with great expedition to Cromwell, who sent him back to Farit la aa
hour's time, with a most decisive letter to his ambassador at the court of
France,requiring him either to prevail that the matter might be oveiiookeif
or to come away immediately. Cardinal &lazarin coapl^ned of tiiii way eC
proceeding as too imperious ; but the state of their affairs made him yicUL*
It is also observed, that the cardinal woyld change his coantenaaod^
whenever he heard the name of Cromwell mentioned ; so that it beiian '
a proverb in France, **• That Mazario was not so much afraid of the d99&
as oC Oliver Grom well."— Hunter* Uitt, of hU Time^ vol. f. p. t7.—
Wtlmo^i^t Metnoirif p. 104.
cox. 417
* •
consisdifg chiefly of presbyterians^ whom of all men Mr.
Biddle most dreaded, he retired privately into die country.
On the dissolution of die parliament he returned to hit
former station^ But this peiiod of tranquillity ivas of very short
continuance. Upon die restoration of Charles II. all dis-;
senters from the ejHscopal vrorship were treated on the
same intolerant principles. Their liberty was taken awa<
and their assembli^ were punished as seditious. Mr. Biddl^
endeavoured; however, to avoid the threatening storm, bjf
restraining himself from publio to more private assemblies.
Neverthebss, June 1, 1662, he was dragged from bis lodgings,
where he and a few' of his friends were met for divine vror^
ship, and carried before Sir Richard Brown, a justice of the
peade> who committed diem all to prison, without admittii^
them to bail. Mr. Biddle was doomed for some tnne to
a .dungeon ; but the recorder afterwards released them on
giving security for their appearance. Accordingly, they were
tried at die following sessions, when his hearers were finedin
a penalty of tvoenty pounds a piece, and Mr. Biddle himself
in mt hundred; and they were ordered to lie in prison till
diefr several penalties were paid. But in less than nve weeks^
Mr* Biddle, through the noisomeness of the place and the
want of fresh ur, contracted a disease which presently cut
hkn off. He died September 22, 1662, aged forty-seven
yeanr.* His life was. irreproachable, and, according to Wood,
diere was litde or nothing blame-worthy in him, excepting his
opinions. He was a hard student, an exact Grecian, a ready
disputant, and had a prodigious memory .t It is, indeed, said,
that hb retained all the New Testament in his memory, and
could repeat it verbatim, both in English and in Greek, as frur
as tlie tourth chapter of Revelation.t In addition to the
artides already mentioned, Mr. Biddle published a piece
upon die Apocalypse, and several translations of other men's
productions.
Bknjam^in Cox, A. M.— This learned divine appearsjto
have received his education at Broadgates-hall, Oxford,
where he took his degree of master of arts in the year 16 17*$
He had a parochial charge in Devonshire, where, for some
daM;,iiewas particularly zealous for die superstitious rites and
ceremonies of die established church; but afterwards he
• life of Biddle, p. 70—100.
f Wood's Athene Oxoo. toI. ii. p. 197— SOS.
% Life of Biddle, p. 13. S Wood^s Athene Oxoo. roU i. p. 8S7.
▼OL. III. 2 E
418 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
found sufficient reason for alterinff his opinions. ^ In die year
1639 he was convened before Bishop Hall, his diocesan, who
sent him to Archbishop Laud, for preaching a sermon from
Hosea iv. 4., in which he proved that the church of England
did not mahitain die calling of bishops to be jure dtvino.
This sermon, it appears^ made a great noise in tne^ country.
** But when lie came to me/' says the archbishop, ^ it pleasdf
God so to bless me, that I gave him satisfaction, and he went
home very well contented, and made a handsome retraction.''*
Mr. Cox afterwards espousing the peculiar sentiments of
die baptists, and opposing the presbyterian establishmoit of
religion, die presbyterians upbraided him with his former
superstitions and innovations. Mr. Edwards, whose pen wis
mosdy dipped iu gall, says, '' he came out of Devondure,
was an innovator, and a time-server in the time of the bishops ;
and that against the will of Dr. Hall, bishop of Exeter, henad
brought innovations into the cburch."f Admitting diis ac- .
count to be correct, his change of sentiments was undoubtedly
on conviction, and therefore no disgrace to his character.
When die affairs of state led men to think and speak mors
freely upon religious subjects, Mr. Cox vi^as among the first
in promoting a further reformation, when he had flatlnipg
prospects of high preferment ; but his sentiments upon bap-
tism obstructed his advancement in the established dmrdi,
and prejudiced against him those divines who were at di«
head of ecclesiastical affairs. He preserved, however, the
character of a man eminendy furnished with abilities and
learning. After episcopacy and the common prayer wme
laid aside, he was, for some time, minister at Bedford* In
the year 1643, some pious persons in Coventry having
embraced the opinions of the baptists, invited Mr. Cox, beii^
an aged minister and of good reputation, to come to them,
and assist them in the formation of a distinct church, accoidnig
to the peculiar sentiments of the baptists. Several presby-
terian ministers, among whom was Mr. Baxter, had taken
refuge in that city. Mr. Baxter, being zealous in opposii^
the peculiar opinions of the baptists, therefore chdlenged
Mr. Cox to a disputation upon the points of difierence.
The challenge was accepted, and diey disputed both by con-
ference and by writing : but it was broken off by die in-
terference of the committee, who required Mr. Cox to
depart from the city, and to promise not to return. As h^
refused to obser^'e their tyrannical requisitions, he was imn^— '
*' Wharton's Troubles of Land, vol. i. p. 6SS.
f Edwards's Gani^rtena, part i. p. 92k
NORTON. 419
lUately cotaunittec) to ptisoiiy M^here he remained for some
dme ; till Mr. Pinson made application to Mr. Baxter, by
whom his release was procured. This was, indeed, com-
plained of as very hard and illegal usage, not without some
reflections upon Mr. Baxter himself, as having procured his
imprisonment. This, however, Mr. Baxter denied.*
Mr. Cox, after his departure from Coventry, went to
■London, and was one of the principal managers, on the part
of the baptists, of a public dispute concerning ini^nt baptism,
at Aldermanbury church, to which a stop was afterwsurds put
by the government. In the year 1644, when the seven
churches in London, called anabaptists, published a con-
fession of their faith, and presented it to die parliament^ his
name was subscribed to it, in behalf of one of those con-
^egations.t Though, when the act of uniformity came ou^
in. l6Q2, he at first conformed, yet his conscience soon after
«mote him for what he had done, when he threw up his living,
^md died a nonconformist and a baptist, at. a very advanc^
age. He was a divine of great abilities, learning, and piety,
and is said to have been the son of a bishop.^ It seems
more probable, however, that he was the grandson of one ; as
Dr. Richard Cox, upwards of twenty years bishop of Ely,
4ied in the year 1581.$
His Works. — 1. A Declaration concemiDg the public Dispute
wlueh should have been in the public MeetiDg-house qf Alderman-
bury, December 3, 1646, concerning Infant Baptism. — 2, God*8 Ordi-
nance the Saints Privilege, proved in two Treatises : viz. The Saints
Interest by Christ in all the Privileges of Grace cleared, and the
Objections against the Same answered. And the peculiar Interest
of the Elect in Christ, and his saving Graces : wherein is proved, that
Christ hath not satisfied for the Sins of all Men, but only for the Sins
of those that do or shall believe in Him ; and the Objections against
ithe Same answered.
John Norton, A. M.— :-This excellent divine was bom
lit Storford in Hertfordshire,. May 6, 1606, and educated in
Peter-house, Cambri(%e, where he became a celebrated
scholar. Having finished his studies at the university, he
became curate at Storford, the place of his nativity ; wheii
he formed an acquaintance with die excellent Mr. Jeremiah
Dyke of Epping, by whose ministry he was first awakened to
• Crosby's Baptists, vol. i. p. 220, 221.
f Featle/s Dippers Dipt, p. 177.
± Crosby's Baptists, vol. i. p. 35S, S54.
S Wood's Atheoss,OxoD. vol. i. p. ^62. \
480 LIVES OF TttE PURITANS.
a serious eoncern for his sodl. He now resolved to derolfr
himself wholly to the ministerial wot-k, and soon became a
most accomplished and popular preacher. He fireqaentljr
preached upon the necessity of faith, repenttmeei and h(As^
ness, which, by the elo(|uence of his language, acconajNOded
with a spirit of most senous devotion, he set forth in a mort
interestine and engaging light, lliough his prospect of
rising in me church was very flattering he refused "all prt$£ev-
ment, on account of the ecclesiastical imposidoiis. His aveiv
sion to arminianism and the superstitious cefreiMiiiea^ hin-
dered him from possessing a ricn benefice which hi» onda
designed to have conferred upon him. It is also obaerve^
Aat die pious Dr. Sibbs was so 'taken withF his es^d^klt
endowments, that he eamesdy solicited hi<ti to acceprA
fellowship at Cambridge; but he was so thorbughljr'diMitii^
fied with the terms of admission, that he could'not do it wiA
a good conscience. He was content with lesser things; aid
therefore became domestic chaplain to Sir William ' Msof^
sham, preaching as he found opportunity. Though n6
minister was more highly admired and esteeiUed for eveny
engaging and excellent accomplishment, he was utfiertf
silenced for nonconformity. Having no prOsp^t of Unv
further usefulness in his native country, he resolved to rtinidv^
to America, where he could worship God according to the
li^ht of scripture and his own conscience, without the impo^
sitions of men.* He accordingly sailed for New Engund,
where he arrived in October, 1635. During the voyage, die
ship, in a most dreadful storAi, was in die utmost danq^ cS
bemg lost Ibe storm is said to have been so tremendous^
that as it washed several of the seamen overboard On one
side of the ship, it threw them on board 'on the other side. .
After Mr. Norton^s alrival, he was chosen pastor of the
church at Ipswich, where he laboured with great zeal, assi-*
duity, and success about seventeen years. But upon th6
death of Mr. Cotton, pastor of the church at Bostod, ht
accepted an invitation to become his successor. . Upon the
restoration of Charles II., Mr. Norton and Simon BrftS^
street, esq. were sent to England, as agertts of the cohriiy,
with an address to his irfajesty, solicidng tlie c<HitimianK^ ^
their privileges. Tliis address contained, among otfael* thineB^
the following passages : — '* To enjoy our liberty and to walk
*^ according to the faith and order of the gospe), was tbs
'' cause of us transplanting ourselves, vrith our wives, ^ur
• Mather's Hist, of Xew Eof . b. Ui. p. 92, 99.
tfORTON. 4^1
^ litde.on^y find om sabstiuice ; ohoosing the pure BCii|Miire
** worship^ with a good ..coii3Qiencey. in this remote wilder-
'^ nessy rather thaa the pleasures of Englandy with submission
*^ to the impositions of ^e hierarohy^ to which we could not
'* yield without an evil consicience. We are not.seditiou&.to
^ the interests of Gaesar^ nOr schismatical in matters of reli-
'' g^on. We. distinguish between churches and their impu*
" rities. We CQuId npt live without .the pulilic worship of
*' God, but were not allowed to observe it without such a
** yoke of superstition and conformity as we could not con-
^* sent to without. sin.^»
. In the month of February, 166 1^ tbfy eate^ upon Muar
yoyi^e ; .and having ob^uned the kio|r!fi j^ter, coiifinnipff U>e
privileges of the colony, they returned in September £(^ow*
in^ Mr. Norton, however, did. not long survive his r^ocn.
JHis death was very sudden. .For he expected to have
l^ljeached in the afternoon of Uiie day .on which he died; but,
ttikead . of preaching, Jhis Jbeavenly J^^tbf r received hun to
:llim9elf. /He departed i^ready lamented, April ^,.1663,
nearly fif^r^seven yeiurs jof age. Mr. Richard Mather
lureached bis fimenJ .sermon to bis num^ous and mournful .
Ilock. ^ He was a man of great piety, an .excellent ac^hcjar,
Sfd:A good, divine, hut oertainlyof too/bvitable.a tamper,
e is said to have , been at the head of jill^the Jifurdsbips
which were faiflicted upon the quakers;in:New<£ngIand,.jfor
^ivluoh Ifaey afterwards reproached him^ .as dying under ;tbe
just ju(%ment of God. '^ John Nofton,'* said .they, '' chief
Diiest in JSostcm, Mras, snutten by Jhe immediate power ,of Ae
Ajojfd ; and as ,he was .sinking down by the .fire^side, being
iwderijust judgment, Jiexonfessed the hand of Uie.Locd^Rras
upon iiim, and so Jie died."f Though this reflection was
imdoubtedly unjust, it certainly would have be^ mudi
better, if neither be, nor any others, had, by .their unchristian
•everitses,^iven them occasion to make it.
. * Mr. Norton was audior of ;8everal ieasned and exceUent
works. His book^ entitled '' ilespodsio 4id Gal. Appol-
kmiiun," 1648, rendeced his name fiunous in the controversial
worid. Fuller observes, ^ ^h?^ of all ti» authoxs he had ^ever
jperuaed, concerning the opinions cf the dissentii^ brethren,
none gave him more infoonatiQa than Mr. John Norton,
§. man of no les^ learmng Ap^ jnodesty, in his answer to
• Mamchiisets Pftpen, p. S45-rS71 .«-:Hatlier> Jldt. h. lii. p. ST.
f Ncal's Hitt. of New If^. vol. ii. p. 34P.
4St LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
ApoUonius.'** This is supposed to have been the first
Latin book that was written m America.
Hi8 WoRK8.~-l. The Snfferinfpi of Christ, 1653.— 2. The Ortbo-
dox Ktangelist, 1664.-3. This Heart of New En^Und rent at the
BlMphemies of the present Generation ; or, a brief Tractate coo*
ceming the Doctrine of the Quakers, demonstrating the dcstmctive
Natare thereof to Religion, the Churches, and the State; xriih
Remedies against it^ 1660.-— 4. Several Sermons.
Samuel Newman. — ^This pious divine was bora at
Banbury in Oxfordshire, in Uie year 1600, and educated in
the university of Oxford. He imbibed the spirit of genuine
Christianity, became an able minister of the New Testament^
and shewed himself an avowed, but moderate, nonconformist
This, indeed, rendered him obnoxious to the ruling mrelatef,
by whom he was cruelly harassed and persecuted, ^rhrougii
the episcopal molestatioiAs he was silenced, and driven from
one place to another, no less than seven times.f But, agreed
ably to the advice of Christ, when he was persecuted, aid
not suffered to labour for the good of souls in one place, he fled
to ^nodier. This he did till he could find no place of rest;
and, at length, to avoid the fury of the persecuting bishopi^
he resolved to transport himself to New England, where he
should be out of tlieir reach. He arrived in the new plantSp
tion, with many other excellent christians, in the year 16S8 ;
and spent one year and a half at Dorchester, five years pt
Weymouth, and nineteen at Rehoboth, in Plymouth colony*
He gave the name to the town last mentioned, because^ upon
a removal to that place, his flock, which before had bieen
short of room, might then sny, ** The Lord hath made room
for us, and we shall be fruitfiil in the land."
Mr. Newman was particularly attentive to the state of
religion, both in his family and in the church of God. He
was in like manner exceedingly mindful over his own heart,
and most exactly attentive to the duty of self-examination.
This will appear from an account transcribed fit>m his own
papers. For his o^vn advantage, it was his daily practice to
examine himself, and make such memorials as the folio wii^:—
** I find, that Hove God, and desire to love him more.-— I find
a desire to requite evil with good.— -I find, that I am looking
up to God, to see him, and his hand, in all things.— p-I find 4
• FoUer^s Cborch Hist. b. xi. p. 813.
f Matber'8 Hist, of New England, b. iii. p. 114.
NEWMAN— STONE. 423
mater fear of displeasing God than all the world.^~I find a
love to such christians as I never saw, or received good'
fix>m. — I find a grief when I see the commands of God
broken. — I find a mourning when I do not enjoy the assu«
; nmce of God's love. — I find a vidllingness to give God the
glory of all my ability to do good. — I find a joy in the com-
rmy and conversation of the ^odly. — I find a grief when
perceive it goes ill with christians. — I find a constant love
to secret duties. — I find a bewailing of such sins as the
world ««annot ac^cuse me of. — I find I constantly choose
suffering to avoid sin."*
This method did Mr. Newman daily observe betwixt God
and his own heart. Towards the close of his life he became
more and more watchful. He became more fruitful towards
God) as he approached nearer his heavenly Father's kingdom.
His last. sermon was from Job xiv. 4. All the days of mu
t^fpointed time tsnlll wait^ until my change come. He fell-
nek immediately after his sermon, and in a few days closed
his eyes in peace^ saying, '^ Now, ye angels of the Lord Jesus
Christ, come, and do your office." He died July 5, 1663,
agad sixty-^ree years. He was a hard student, a lively
preaciher, remarkably charitable to the poor ; and a person
of invincible patience and constancy under numerous and
■ mdnfiil trials^f He was author of '^ A Concordance to tfaa
Bible,'^ a work well known at the present time.
Samuel Stone. — ^This very pious divine was bom at
Hertford, and educated in Emanuel college, Cambridge. Hav-
ing finished his studies at the university, he sojourned for some
time in die house of the excellent Mr. Richard Blackerby.
H^re, while he received useful instructions from his venerable
tutor, he imbibed his excellent spirit and principles. After-
wards, he became minister at Towcester in Northampton-
diire, where his superior accomplishments and great indus-
tnr were manifest to all. This, however, would not screen
hmi from the oppressions of the times. He was an avowed,
but modest nonconformist to the ecclesiastical impositions;
and having no prospect of enjoying his liberty in his native
country, he resolved to withdraw from the scenes of persecu-
tion, and retire to New England. He went in the same ship
with Mr. Cotton and Mr. Hooker, and arrived in the year
1633 ; when he was chosen colleague to Mr. Hooker over
• Ifatker'flfist. •f New Eng. b. iii. p. US, 116. f Ibid. p. lU.
tM LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Ibe church which they gathered in a new platitatioBy ivliich
they called Hartford. This church afterwards became
famous in the new commonwealth.
Dr. Mather gives the following account of this hclj and
excellent man. He was godly, sober, and righteous, and
could with truth appeal to God, and say, '^ Lord, ^kw
knowest all dungs, tnou knowest that I love thee.-' . He ww
remarkable for die observance of days of fasting and prayer,
by which his spirit was wonderfully ripened for the heavenly
inheritance. His conversation was grave, serious, and M^\
and he was a most exact observer of the sabbath. Tqe
sermons which he intended to deliver on the Lord's daj^ he
usually delivered in his own family on a Saturday evening.
In his sermons, which were rather doctrinal, he handled tpe
great points of divinity with admirable skill. He deliverM
them with an uncommonly nervous address, and coQcludid
mth a close and direct application to the hearts of die
people: by his fervent prayers, his sound doctrinf) ms
turned into devotion.
Towards the close of life Mr. Stone was exerciaed widi
much trouble. A misunderstanding arose betwixt biin:fg|^
one of the elders of the church, which could not biei rectJiM
without die dismission and removal of several pious jpaeaiiM
further up die country. It is not easy to conceive, hmr
extremely painful thb was to his humble and .h|>l7 4041
He, however, continued feeding the flock of God fouileeo
years with Mr. Hooker, and sixteen years after him. In dne
submission to God, he was desirous, to leave die world and
be with Christ. Expressing his longing desires fpr heaaYCO,
he used to say, ** Heaven b the more desirable fpr such, pop-
pany as Hooker, and Shepard, and Hains, who are p>t.dieip
before me."* He died July 20, 1663. Mr. Stone iins jk
pious, learned, and judicious divine, equaUy qualified fof d|S
confirmation of the truth and die refutation of error* His
ministry was attended with the powerful diemonstration i^
application of the truth. His views of church discipline
were congregadonal.f He published ** A Discourse ujkhi
the Logical Notion of a Congregational Church," of whid
Dr. Mather gives a very hi^ character.
• Mather's Hist, of New Bag. b. ill. p. 115—118.
f Manaa'k Memoffial, p. les.
PATIENT.
4S&
- Thomas Patient was some lime an indepcndcDt
jninisterm New England, where he embraced the s^tinients
oi Jthe baptists. This was probably the reason why he is not
mentioned by Dr.Cotton Malther, who seems to have possessed
k portion of thut bigotry which disgraced some of his country-
men. Mr. Patient not being suffered to live quiedy on the
pdier side the Atlantic, came over to England'about die coni-
jmencement of die cinl wars> ^nd was chosen colleague with
the excellent Mr. William Kiiiin/ pastor of the baptist
jchurch in Devonshire-square, London. Their names are
imited in the confession of faith published by the seven
^baptist churches in London, in l644.f After this, he
.traveled about the country, and was very industrious in pro-
pantting Ins opinions. Crosby informs us, that he went over
to Irelamd with General Fleetwood, lord-lieutenant of that
kingdom, who, having displaced Dr. Winter, appointed Mr.
Patient to preach in the cathedral of Dublin. He also
preached at other places dirough the country .$ In Dublin
lie became chaplain to Colonel John Jones, who married
4)ie sister of Oliver Cromwell, and was one of the lohis of
Ins house. Colonel Jones b described as a person lost in
ftnaticiism ;• which, it b said, led him to prefer his favourite
'chaplain Patient, before the regular clergy; Accordingly,-he
waa appomted to preach before Jones and the cotincil, in
Oiris^s-church, Dublin, every Lord's day. It appears, fro6i
JMyu>n-8 State Papers, that Mr. Patient tnwelled into
different parts of Ireland aTong with the English army : He
dates a letter ft-om the head-quarters, Kilkenny, April 15,
1650. Mr. Thomas h^s preserved the copy of a very
fiscellent letter^ dated Dublm, the 12th of the 4di month,
?1656, addressed to the churdies of Ilston and LllUitrisaiiit,
m Glamoiganshbe ; which b subscribed by Mr. Patient and
jnaiiy others, and contains much exceltent advice.$ Crosby
•sys, he was very instrumental in promoting die interesta of
the baptists in diat country ; and was {Mrobably die founder of
the bajptist church at Clough-Keating, which, at the time he
wrote, wab id a very flourishing state.||
We do not find in what year Mr. Padent returned to
England, but it was, most probably, after the restoration.
Af^ hb return, being chosen to the office of joint-elder with
" - • A yet J iiiteresting aeeount of Mr. Kifin has been lately pniibllriMd.—
Bee WUson's Hist, and ADtiqaities of DisscBten, ? cU. i. p* 400. r
f FeaUey's Dippers Dipt, p. 177.
i Tharloe's State Papers, irol. iii. p. 90.--Crosby*8 Baptists, voL Iti. p. 49.
( Thomas's MS. History, p. 14^ 15.
I Crosby*! Baptists, toI. Hi, p. 43. v
496 LIVES OF THE PI^RITANS.
Mr. Kiffin, he M-as set apart in Devonshire-square, June 28,
1666; Mr. Harrison and Mr. KncJljs assisting on die occa-
sion. In this office, however, he was not simered to con-
tinue long, by reason of death ; as appears from the following
memorandum in the church-books belonging to that society :—
'' Jtdy 30, 1666: Thomas Patient was, on the 29th instant^
discharged by deadi from his work and office, he being dien
taken from the evil to come ; and having rested frx>m all his
labours, leaving a blessed savour behind him of his great
usefulness and sober conversation. This his sudden removal
being looked upon to be his own great advantage, but die
church's sore loss. On this day he was carried to his grave,
accompanied by the members of this and other congregations,
in a christian, comely, and decent manner."* Mr. Patient
published nothing besides ** The Doctrine of Baptisme/
1654.
William Thompson was a lively, powerful, and usefol
preacher, but much persecuted for nonconformity. He wai
preacher at some place in Lancashire ; where, through a
divine blessii^ upon his zealous and affectionate labours,
* many souls were converted to God. This worthy servant of
Christ having endured manifold interruptions, he, to avoid
the furious proceedings of the prelates, retired from the
scenes of oppression and persecution ; and, in the year l6S7f
he went to New England.f
Upon his arrival in the new plantation, he was chosen
pastor of the church at Braintree, where he continued for
many years in the faithful and successful discharge of his
numerous ministerial duties. Some time after his setdement
at Braintree, he was sent, by die churches of New England,
with the glad tidings of the gospel, to Vii^nia. But the
good effects of his mission became no sooner manifest dian
persecution was raised against him, and he was driven from
the place by those who called theiiiselves The Church:^
England.t The good man, therefore, returned to his stated
charge at Braintree, where he continued the rest of his
days.
Towards die close of life Mr. Thompson was deeply
afflicted with melancholy ; and was obliged, several of his last
years, to relinquish aU public ministerial exercises. It pleased
• Wilson*! Hist, and Antiq. of Dissenting Cfaarches, Tol. i. p. 432, 4SI.
+ Morton's Memorial, p. 181.
t Mather's Hist, of New England, b. ill. p. 119.
THOMPSON— GATES. 427
God, however, in his last sickness, to remove the elouds of
darkness from his mind, and to administer sweet consofation
to bis sdul. He fell asleep in the Lord, December 10, 1666,
in the enjoyment of great peace and comfort. ^^ Mark the
perfect man, and behold the upright; for the end of that
man is peace." Mr. Thompson had so warm an affection
for the welfare of his people, and was so ardently zealous in
the propagation of the gospel among them, that he laid aside
his oVvn ease and worldly advantage, and wholly employed
himself in promoting the salvation of their souls.*
Samuel Oates, father to the infamous Titus Oates,+ was
a popular preacher among the baptists, and a fellow-labourer
with Mr. lliomas Lamb, at the meeting-house -in Bell-allej,
Coleman-street, London. Edwards, who is mostly angry
with separatists from the established church, denominates
him a weaver, and endeavours to place him in the most
odious light. It appears, from this author, that he spent
much tiqie in traveling through different parts of the country,
with the view of disseminating his opinions. Speaking of
tbe county of Essex, he says, ^' Oates hath been sowing his
tares and wild Oates in those parts these five weeks, without
uny controul, and hath seduced and dipped many in Booking
river; and when that is done, he hath a feast in th^ nighf,
and dien the Lord's supper. All these are the works of
darkness.*' If Mr. Oates observed these things in the night,
the faulty if there were any, was none of his. The intolerance
of the times would not allow such exercises to be observed
• Hist, of New England, p. 161.
f The following account is given of this man : He was restrained by no
principle, human or divine : like Judas, be would have done any thing for
ikirty shiUingif and Was one of the most accomplished villains that we read
of in history. He was successively an anabaptist, a conformist, and a
papist; and then again a conformist. He had been chaplain on board the
fleet, whence he was dismissed for an nnnatura) crime. He was a man of
nmt cwming, more effrontery, and the most consummate fklsehood. Soon
after, the accession of James II., he was convicted of perjury, upon the
evidence of above sixty reputable witnesses. He was sentenced to pay a
fine of two /Aotwofid marks ; to be stripped of his canonical habit « to be
whipped twice in three days by the common hangman ; and to stand in tha
pillory at Westminster-hall gate, and at the Royal Exchange. He was,
moreover, to be pilloried five times every year, and to be imprisoned dnriiy
Sfe. The liangman performed his office with uncommon rigour. The best
log J'mmesever did was punishing Oates for his perjury ; and the greatest
thing Oafes e^er did was supporting himself under the most afllictive part
of his punishment with the resolution and constancy of a martyr. The
ana of Oites't plot was the grand aera of Whig aiod Tory. — Oraugtr's
Biog. Mist, Tol. iv. p. SOI, 902, 348.
40 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
in the light of day. Crosby, alluding to the abofe cir*
cumstance, observes that, in the year 1646, Mr. Omtes took
a journey into Essex, preached in several parta of that
country and baptised by immersion great numbers of People,
especially about Bocking, Braintree, and Terling. This
made the presbyterians in diose parts very uneasy ; especiallj
the ministers, who complained bitterly that such things ahooU
be permitted, and would have urged the magistrates to suppress
them. ^' No magistrate in the country, however, dare meddle
with him ; for they say diey have hunted such persons out of
the country into ueir dens in London, and imprisoned soma
of them, but they have been released."*
If any credit may be given to Mr. Edwards, the condnct
of Mr. Oates and some others, in one of their excvraion^
was highly censurable. He says, ** I was infbimed tat
jcertain, that, not lone ago, Oates, an anabaptist, and some
of his fellows, went meir progress into Essex to preach and
dip, and among other places they came to BiUericay. On a
Tuesday at a lecture kept there, Oates and his company, widi
some of the town, when the mmister had done preachings
went up in a body, about twenty of them,.(diyen of diea
having swords,) into the upper part of the church, and dmo
quarrelled with the minister that preached, pretending Aef
would be satisfied about some things he had delivered, saymg
to him, he had not preached free grace. But the mimster,
one Mr. Smith, rephed, if they would come to a place where
he dined he would satisfy tliem ; but it was not a time now
to speak. Whereupon these anabaptists turned to die people,
and said to them, they were under antichrist, and in anttchnsf s
way," and more to the same purpose. After this they conn
mitted a riot in the town.f
The same author relates a circumstance in the life qf Mr.
Oates, diat was attended with more serious consequences.
'' Last summer," says he, ^* I heard he went his progress mto
Surrey and Sussex, but now this year he is sent out into
Essex. This Oates is a young lusty fellow, and hath traded
chiefly with young women and young maids, dipping many
of them, though all is fish that comes to his net. A godly
mimster of Essex, coming out of those parts, related, that
he hath baptized a great number of women, and' that dtey
were called out of their beds to go a dippfajj; in' pnean^
dipping many of them in the night, so that their hiybandi
and mastera could not keep them in their houses; and k if
* Edwards's Gangnena, p«rt ii. p. S, S.—Craiby't BaptMiy val. I. p%2S^
-^ Edwardi'i Gang raoa, part i. p. 106. HUrd edit.
GATES. 421
C^nuiidnly reported, that tbis Oates had for his pains taqt
shillings a piece for dipping the richer, and two shiUings and
«x-pience for the poorer. He came very bare and mean into
£ss€^x, but, before he had done his work, was well lined, imd
grown pursy. In the cold weather in. March he dipped a
yomig womany one Ann Martin, whom he held so long in th^
water that she fell presently sick^ and her belly swelled with
the abundance of water she took in ; .and widiin a fortnight or
three weeks died, and upon her deadi-bed expressed her di^
ping to be the cause of her death."* The enemies of the baptists
considered this as a fEur opportunity for exiercising their power
to oppress diem. Accordingly, for this, '^ and other misde-
meanbrs, he was committed to Colchester jail, made fast in
irdns^ and 'bound over to the next sessions 'at Chelmsford.
The od»6r crimes laid to his charge were these : ' That he
kild' preached against the assessments of die parliament and
the taxes laid upon the people, teachii^ them that the saints
were a free people, and should contribute not by compulsion,
but voluntarily; but now, contrary to this, they had assess^
mtei' upon assesisn^ent, and rate upon rate.' That in his
pnrycts ne made use of this petition : * That the parliament
nu^t not meddle indth making laws for the saints, which
Jesiks Christmas to do alone.' Since his commitment," out*
waAxif adds, " there hath been great and mighty resort to hini
in"d»e prison. Many have come down from London in
coltiAes to visit him ; and I have a letter by me," says he,
" from a minister in Colchester, wherein he writes dius :
' Oates,' the anabaptist, hath had great resort to him iii the
castle, both of town and country; but the committee ordered
the contrary last Saturday.' "
Mr. Oates was brought to trial April 7, 1646, and acquitted
of the charse of murder ; but the judge bound him to hid
good behaviour that for the future he should neither preach
nOr dip. This, however, had very little effect upon him ; for,
OQ' the following .Lord's day, he returned to his work as usual.
Thqugb Mr. Oates escaped ynAi his life, the presbyterians
were determined he should not go unpunished. '' The
people at Wethersfield," says Edwsuds, '^ hearing that 'Oates
and some of his companions were come to the town, seized on
^MB^ (oidy Oates was not in the company) and pumped them
soinidly. And Oates coming lately to Dunmow m Essex^.
B0aU6f&[ the! town hearing where he was, fetched him out of
• fidvmrds'i GaDfrana, part ii. p. ISl. f lUd. p. 1ft.
490 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
the house, and threw him into the river, thoroughly dipping
him."*
Dr. Calamy gives an account of a public disputation, in
liv'hich Mr. Oatcs was engaged with Mr. William Shefiield, t
minister afterwards ejected. He says, '^ Mr. Oates, an ant-
baptist, coming into the country, disturbed several coiucregi-
tions, and dispersed public challenges to dispute with any
minister or nunistcrs upon the point of baptism. Several
justices of the peace sent to Mr. Sheffield, desiring him to
accept the challenee, and dispute the point with him in
Leicester-castle. He yielded to their desire, and, by agree-
ment, Sir Thomas Beaumont was moderator. At the
entrance of the dispute, Mr. Sheffield openly protested that
it was truth, and not victory, he was aimmg at and pursuing;
and that, therefore, if he could not answer the argupients
that should be brought against him, or maintain the points he
pretended to defend, against the opposition of his opponent,
he would frankly acknowledge before them. He d^ired die
same of Mr. Oates, who also agreed. The dispute continaed
three hours, and was managed with great fairness and tamper.
At length, Mr. Oates was gravelled with an argument^ and
yet loudly called on by the people present either to answor,
or, according to promise, to confess he could not. Wheie-
upon he frankly confessed that he could not at present answer
it. Tlie justices, at the breaking up o£ the meetings obliged
Mr. Oates to give his promise tliat he would no more dislUrb
the congregations in that county."f
Mr. Oates lived till after the restoration, when a place of
considerable importance was offered him by the Duke of
York. This temptation prevailed with him at &'st to confona^
and he was presented to the living of Hastings in the county
of Sussex. Afterwards, according to Crosby, his conscience
smote him, and he left his living. Coming again among the
nonconformists, he returned to Mr. Lamb's congregation,
M here he continued about five or six years, and died about the
year 1666. The same author, who styles him '^ a popuhr
preacher and a great disputant," says he was minister to a bap-
tist church in Lmcolnshire.t Edwards charges Mr. Oates with
* £dwards*s Gangraena, part iii. p. 105, 106.
f Calamy's Account, vol. ii. p. 421, 482. — Such dispafationiutlMtiiiV
related, and many others mentioned in this work^ are to ht regained oily
as a sort of religions duels, which can no more decide the eqaitj of aif
cause than an appeal to the sword or pistol, and ought to be ai wnA
discountenanced among all denominations of christiaoi.
t Crosb/s Baptists, vol. iii. p. 60, 61.
J. WILSON. 4S1
^ tenets of arminianism ; and with having* publicly declared
in his sermon in Bell-aliey, *^ That the doctrine of God's
eternal election and predestination was a damnable doctrine."*
Bailie, on the other hand, charges him with propagating
antinomianismA These contradictory charges we shall not,
however^ attempt to reconcile. There is probably no more
truth in either of them than there was in similar charges
which they brought against his fellow-labourer, Mr. Lamb.t <
John Wilson, A. M. — ^This excellent divine was bom
at Windsor, in the year 1588, and educated first at Eton
school, then in King's college, Cambridge, where he was
chosen fellow. While at Eton, he twice narrowly escaped
bein^ drowned. He was a youth of considerable talents,
apphcation, and improvement ; and when the Duke of Biron^
ambassador from the court of France, visited the school, he
was appointed to deliver a Latin omtion in his presence, of
which diis honourable person manifested his high approba-
tion by making him a very handsome present. During his
dbode at Cambridge he became seriously concerned about
his soul. This soon awakened in his breast the warmest
desires for the welfare of others, especially the malefactors
in prison, whom he assiduously visited and instructed. He*
remained for some time exceedingly bigoted to the estsfblished
churchy and decidedly averse to die puritans, as if they held
many strange and erroneous opinions. He utteriy declined
their acquaintance ; yet, on account of his precise deportment,
he was denominated one of them. Afterwards, by reading
some of their works, he saw cause for altering his opinion,
and for thinking more favourably of them, when he forme^
sin ' intimate acquaintance with Mr. Richard Rogers, Mr.
Greenham, Mr. Dod, and others. He now saw, as our
author- observes, that they who were stigmatized by the name
of puritans were die most suitable companions for one
seriously concerned about hb own salvation. He, therefore,
embarked with them, though accounted the offscouring of
all things, and united with several of his brethren in tho
university in keeping private meetings for prayer, fasting,
and religious conversation.^
Hitherto he remained jel conformist, but determined to
lexamine the subject for himself. To this end he procured all
• Edwards's Gangrsna, part i« p. 196. Sfcood edit.
f BaUie*s Aoabaptism, p. 95. t See Art. Tbojaai tanb.
§ Mather's Hist, of New Eof . b. iii. p. 41, 4g.
4S2 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
the books in his power, both for and against eonformitj,
and entered upon a minute and impartial examinatioo of
the ar;guments ou both sides ; tlie result of which was, that
he cordiallj espoused the principles of the nonooofornustBi^
Mr. Wilson having, upon conviction, imbibed those aetati*.
ments, acted upon Uiem, and omitted certain human impo-'
sitions in the worship of (jod ; for which the Bishop of
Lincoln pronouhced his expulsion from the university
within fifteen days, if he did not a>nform. His father, Dr.
William Wilson, rector of Cliff, and prebciidaiy of St Paul's,
Hochester, and Windsor, u^ all the means in his power to
bring him back to conformity, and interceded with th^
bishop to have a longer time allowed him. He sent histoid
to several learned doctors, with a view to have his scmplfi-
and objections removed; but this, instead of reclaimjty
him, only served to confirm him the more in his principles.*
His lather then diverted hb atteotiou from the ministry^and
directed him to the study of the law. He accordingly want
to London, and spent about three years at one of thi^inittof'
court. AU his father's efforts, nevertheless, proved in-
effectual. He was still bent upon the ministry, and he
could be satisfied with no other employment. Therefinei.:
with the consent of his father, he returned to Cambridge)
and, by the favour of the Earl of Northampton, obtai^d
admission into £manuel college witliout subscriptiaii.
Mr. Wilson, having finislied his studies at the imivent;^)
became chaplain in several respectable families ; and after
preaching about three years at Bumsted, Stoke, Clare, and
Cavendi^y in Sufiblk, he was cliosen to sucoxxl old Mr.
Jenkin, minister at Sudbury in that county. Here be
preached with great acceptance and applause for several
years ; but was at length suspended by the Bishop of Lon-
don; and after being restorecl, he was again silenced by the
Bishop of Norwich • Afterwards, by the fevour and media-
tion of the E^rl of Warwick, he again obtained his
ministerial exercise. But, as he found himself constantly
exposed to fresh troubles, he resolved to withdraw from thei
scenes of persecution, and retire into a foreign land.
Previous to his departure, visiting his father on his death-
bed, the old gentleman thus addressed him : — <' I have
taken much care of thee," said he, ^' while thou wast at the
university, because thou wouldst not conform. I fiun would
have brought thee-to some higher preferment ; but I see thy
conscience is very scrupulous about some things imposed in
the church. Nevertheless, I have rejoiced to see the grace
J. WILSON. 48S
and fear of God in thj heart ; and seeing thon hart hitheito
maintained a good conscience, and walked according to thy
light, do so still. Go by the rule of God's holy word,' and
the Lord bless thee."* Previous to his departure from his
native country, he married the pious daughter of Lady
Mansfield. .
^ In the year 16S0, Mr. Wilson, together with a number of
his friends, embarked for New England, where they arrived
in the month of July. As the great object of these chris-
tian pilgrims, in leaving their native country and settling in
this wilderness, was '' to enjoy the ordinances of the ffospel^
and worship the Lord Jesu9 Christ according to his own
institutions;" so they were no sooner arrived than Mr*
Wilson, Governor Winthrop, and some others, entered into
a fornial and solemn covenant with each other, to walk
together in the fellowship of the gospel. This covenant
"was as follows : — ^^ In the name of our Lord Jesus Christy
^ and in obedience to his holy will and divine ordinance,
^< we whose names are here underwritten, being, by his most
<< wise and good providence, brought together to this part of
^^ America, in the Bay of Massachusets, and desirous to
^, unite ourselves in one congregation or church, under the
^^ Lord Jesus Christ our head, in such sort as becometh all
^ those whom he hath redeemed and sanctifi^ to himself,
<^ do, hereby solemnly and religiously (as in his most holy
<^ presence) promise and bind ourselves to walk in all our
^^ ways according to the rule of the gospel, and in all
^^ sincere conformity to his holy ordinances, and in mutual'
^ love and respect to each other, so near as God shall give
"usgrace.^
" John Winthrop, Isaac Johnson,
Thomas Dudley, John Wilson, &c."t
A foundation was thus laid of the church at Charlestown,
in the Massachusets colony. This was in July, im-
mediately on their arrival ; and in the month of August the
court of government ordered, that a dwelling-bouse should
be built for Mr. Wilson at the public expense, and the
^vehior and Sir Richard Saltonstall were appointed to put
uke same into effect. By the same authority it was also
ordered, that Mr. Wilson's salary, till the arrival of his wi%
should be twenty pounds a ' year. However, before the
fbUowing winter, he, with the greater part of the church,
lemoved from Charlestown and settled at Trimountaip,
♦ Mather's Hist, of New Eng. p. 42—44.
f Backas'i Hist, of Baptists, vol. i. p. 46.
YOJL. III. 8 F
4St LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
unerwards called Boston. This they found a more hcalthj
and agitH^able situation.*
Some time nAer Mr. Wilson's srttlcment at Boston, he
came over to England, when his wife, with many oihem,
returned with him to the new plantation. He afterwards
came to England a second time, and, upon his return, four
ministers and nearly two hundred passengers accompanied
him. He continued pastor of the church at Bostoii to the
day of his death, and was greatly admired and bdoved.
Tlie celebrated Dr. Ames used to say, " If I might baye my
choice of the best situ;ition on this side heaven, I would be
teacher to a congregational church of whidi Mr. Wilson
was pastor." This happiness enjoyed Mr. Cotton, and after
him Mr. Norton, in the church ot Boston. He was a most
exact and judicious preacher, especially in his ^ounffer
years, and wns greatly admired by Dr. Goodwin, Mr.
Burroughs, and other celebrated divines. During the latter
part of his life ho t(M)k ^rrenter liberties ; when his sermons
chiefly consisted of exhortations, admonitions, andcovnsels,
delivered with much warmth and afl'ection.
He was a niiin of great piety, and uncommon charity and
liljerality, employing all his estate to supply the wants of
the necessitous. Being of a sweet natural disposition, he
was univ(TsaUy beloved, and accounted the ^^ery father of
the new plantation. All the inhabitants of the town being
once upon a general mnsler oallc*d together, a gentleman
present thus observed to Mr. Wilson : " Sir,*' said tie, " here
18 a mighty body of p(»ople, and there are not seven of them
all who do not love Mr. Wilson." To which he replied,
" Sir, I will tell ycui something as strange : There is not
one amon^thcm all but Mr. Wilson loves."
Mr. Wdson was a man of a meek and quiet spirit, and
always discovered a becoming resignation to the wiH of
Crod. When at any time he sustained any outward losses,
he quietly submitted himself to his heavenly Father's will.
Having been once on a journey, a person /}( his acquaint-^
ancemet him on the road' and told him, saying, "Sir, I
have bad news for you. While you have been abroad,
your house is burnt down." To wliich he meekly replied,
^^ Blessed be God : he has burnt down this house, b€M»nse
be intends io give me another." He vigorously opposM
the antinomian and familistic errors in the synod of 1637,
bnt too much favoun^ the ])rosecutions of the quakers and
* Morse and Parishes Hist. p. 39. 40.
t
CHEARE.
4S5
baptists, by encouraging the magistrates to put ihe penal
laws in execution a^inst them. Ind^d, this .was the
common error of those times.*
Mr. Wilson, during his last sickiiess, was visited 67 all
the neighhomring ministers, who took their final farewell
with many tears. The elders of his own church also came
' to see hini, when the. venerable old man, after offering up a.
«hort prayqr) lifted up both his hands, and blessed them^
saying, ^^I.am not likely to be long with you. The Lord
pardon and heal us, and make us nK>re hea^venly^ and take
us. off from the world, and make us burning lights by our
doctrine and example, t beseech the Lord, with all my heart,
to bless you, and to bless all his churches, to ble^^js all bis
people, all your families, all your wives, and all your chil-
dren, and your.children's children, and make us all more 'md
W^XP nieet for our inheritance^ and in good time bring us to
eojoy it." As the hour of his departure approached, he lifted
^np his hands towards heaven and said, " I iihall now soon be
with my old friends. Dr. Preston, Dr. Gouge, Dr. Sibbs, Dr.
Taylor, Dr. Ames, Mr. Cotton, Mr. No: ton, and my children
and grandchildren in the kingdom of my God." Andatier
Q^ering a short and affectionate prayer, htt died, August 7,
1667, in the seventy-ninth year of his age, having been pastor
, of the church at Boston thirty-seven years. + During all the
changes through, which he lived, " he continued unmoved '
in his principles, full of faith and prayer, eminent for
sincerity and humility, and highly distinguished for love
and acts of kindness. H^ was eminently charitable in his
deportment, orthodox in. judgment, and holy in conversa-
tion^ and few ever left the world so universally reverenced,
beloved, and lamented."^
Abraham Cheare was born at Plymouth; and being
favoured with religious parents, he enjoyed a pious and
useful' education. He knew the scriptures from a child,
and found constant delight in searching them. Having
espoused the p(»culiar sentiments of the baptists, he was bap-
iized by immersion, and, about the year 1648, admitted a
member of the baptist church at Plymouth. He was soon
after called by the church to the office of pastor. Hfe
possessed eminent giffs and graces, and preached the gospel
with great success. The Lord having owned and blessed
his labours, the church, by its united efforts, purchased
• Mather's Hist. b. iii. p. 44~'4d.
i Morton's Memoriali p. ISS.
+ Ibid. p. 46-49
4S6 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
certain premises within the borough of Flymontb, nev
Fntnkford^gate, about the year Irol, and after makiiig
fuitable alterations for their own convenience^ tbejr used the
same for a phice of public worship. Here they continued
to assemble in peace and comfort till the fiital jeai 1668;
when Mr. Cheare was apprehended, and cast into prison^
for holding an unlawful conventicle. The cburcn now
became as uieep without a shepherd, surrounded with crod
and hungry wolves. The worthy pastor endured five vean'
confinement in six difiiermit prisons, and was at last bamshed,
for a testimony of his lova to Christ, to the island o£ St
Nicholas, near Plymouth; where he died a most happjr
death, March 5, 1668. The church, at the time of his death,
consisted of one hundred and fifty members.*
Crosby, by mistake, says he was ^ecied fixMn Flymovtt,
and was afterwards minister to a numerous conmmtion at
Looe in Cornwall. He was a very pious, labonoos, and
useful preacher ; he took great pains in his ministry, and
wrote many seasonable lessons to youth while he was in
bonds for Christ. In the year 1665 be was imprisoned in the
Guildhall, Plymouth ; from whence, after a month's detention,
he was sent to the above island. Previous to this removal he
aflbied the fcAlowing lines to the wall of the pris(m :f ^
Nigb fonr years since, sent out from hence
Te Exon goal wa» I ;
Bat special ^nce, in three months' space^
Wrought out my liberty.
Till Bartholomew, in sixty-two.
That freedom did remain :
When, without bail, to Exon goal
I hurried was again.
Where ha% ing lain, as do all the slain,
'Mong dead men, wholly free ;
Full three years' space, my native place
By leave I come to see.
And th()iin;ht not then, I here again
A nw7ith*s restnlint should find :
Since to my den, cast out from men,
Vm during life designed.
But since my lines, the Lord assigns r
In such a lot to be ;
I kiss the rod, confess my God
Deals faithfully with me.
My charged crime, in his due time
He fully will decide ;
And until then, forgiving men,
In peace with him 1 'bide.
* Mcen^s MS. Collec, r. 494, 495. + Crosby's fiaptUU, vol. iii. p. 12.
, CHEARE. 497
This excellent person, after suffering the most cruel
usage, and endurins numerous inhumanities irom merciless
jailers, for more than three years, was continued a pri-
soner und^. military guard upon the foregoing island. On
the Lord's day precraing his death, he addressed a chris-
tian lady, then all the Ifamily, in the following manner :
^^Akl sister,^ said he, ^' the Lord gave you a heart to
own and profess hin, his name, and ways early, when
they were ways every where spoken against; and you have
held up, and out, the profession thereof ia a flourishing day,
and now are concerned in, and with the same, in this hour
of temptation, at which I beseech you be not affrighted or,
offendra. You know how it fared with our Lord and
Master, whom die religious, as well as the profisme world,
persecuted and expelled their coasts. The sercani is not
choree his master. It is true, you have had the name 6f a gen-
tlewoman, and <^ being descended of great parentage, and
laisMl to great things on a worldly account { but keep these
all under foot as you ought, and let that still be the song,
Worthy is the Lamb to receive power and riekfSy vrisdom
end strength^ honour and glory , and blessing. Oh ! give up
all to him, as Araunah of md, as a king to a king, so let
the offering be given yp cheerfully^ and resignedly, entirely
to him.
<< I Uess God, I have learned something of this in con-
versing with you, of your readiness and fieeness heretofore
and now to fay out for the Lord. Thou^ I now go the
way of all flesh ; yet you know in all your hearts, and in
all your souls, that we have none <rf us cause to be sorry or
fepent for what we have laid out for the Lord. And you,
for your part, have heretofore entertained saints, yea, it
mav be angds, unawares. The Lord reward you for it ;
ana the God^ under whose wings you trust, be your great
reward. But, oh ! take heed your good be not evil spoken
of; and that your table become not a trap, nor what was
Srovided for good, turn to your huit. I desire the Lord
esus may teach you to look carefully about you^ that you
lose not the things you have wrought, but receive a fiill
reward. I remember it is said of Abel, that though dead,
he yet speaketh; and have thought that word, in a bad
sense, locked at me and many oUiers, who, while. livings
have been but dead speakers: but I am now hastening to
another kind of death, where, after worms have consumed
this flesh and bones, I may be brought forth as a living,
438 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Bpeakiiicc wiiiiess in those wonis of mine, against such as
slight the instruction of thein.'"
He thei\ gave tlisinks to G(k1 for the hope he possessed of
eternal life through Jesus Christ, and warned bis friends to
improve the present dispemation, and the religious oppor*
f unities now afibnUril. He spoke, with the deepest cofncem,
of the national guilt in pers(.*cuting (jO(i's faithful servants;
and, with the strongest assurance* and joy of the delight
which God takes in his suffering saints, and the am|de
recompence with which he will crown their present soi^
rows. He then addresseil his friends as follows:
<^ I charge .you,'' said lu% ^' in the name of the Locd
Jesus, and as you will ever answer it at the great daV) that
jou make n4i£:ion your business, and that you make not
godliness a shghi thing, nor walking with God a small
matter, as ev^r you hope to stand with boldness before
Go<l in judgment. God, indeed, hath taken strpngth
from these arms of mine. I sfM^ak it not as if I murmiued
at it, or by way of discouragement, as if he could not, if it
pleased him, raise dead boues, and of stones make childliSQ
to Abraham."*
This pious servant of God, having thus addressed those
about him^ desired them to lift up his arms, when he
solemnly char<re(l tht m, that they would, by lifiing and
holding up his Lands, bear witness to it as his dying charge
to ibem all. He pressi*d them to make it their grnt
business the remainder of their d»ys, to live. to the praise
and glory of the Lord Jesus, and in true obedience to his
will. Durmg nearly the whole of his illness, he continued
glorifying God, and exhorted all who visited him to-stead-
fastness and perseverance, notwithstanding the perils of the
times. About three hours previous to his dissolution, a
friend perceiving him under great pressures, said to him,
^^ They looked unto the Lord, and were lightened : a light
look will bring down reli f under all diihculties/' " Yea,"
n |:lied he, with great eaniestnc^ss, '^ and their faces were not
ashnmed ;" after which he spoke no more, but fell asleep in
the Lo»d.
Mr. Cbea*'e, durnig his imprisonment, wrote many
ex( client lett' rs to his friends, in which he warmly and
affect'oiiately exhorted them to holy constancy and stead-
fastness. One of these epistles was occasioned bj certain
• Crosby 'i Baptists, vol. iii. p^lS— IS.
CHEARE. ' 439
provisions sent to him and his felloW'^prisoiiers ; and is
dat^ the 22nd of (he 9th month, 1667, and addressed,
^^ Unto our brethren and friends, in the bonds and bowels
of the gospel, whose hands have made them willing, under
the bounteous influences of the God of Israel, to eomfbrt
the hearts of the unworthy prisone.rs of the Lord in Ply«
mouth Island by a costly present ; and to every one wnp
hath contributed or helped therein to a tender groan, or tbe
value of a cup of cold water, be a large recorapence of
reward given in grace, and ascertained in glory, by him
who is not unfaithful to forget such labour of love shewed
to his name." This letter, containing many pious and
generous sentiments, is still preserved.*
This holy man wrote several religious tracts, some of
vhich were published after his d^th, entitled^ " Words in
Season;" to which was annexed the following account of
the author: — "If any inquire," says the writer, "what
Sdi^ht occasion so much severi^ as to detain the author a
pnsoner so many years, and till death ? It niay suffice to
insert here, that he left the state of his case, under his (land,
setting forth the illegality and unrighteousness of the pro-
ceedings against him. He never, in the former war^ was
enlisted in any troop or company under pay; and in the
trained-bands of the town where be serv^, never wts«
^accounted worthy of promotion ; nor in the corporation,
whereof he was a nntember, ever advanced so high as a
constable ; and never bettered hi;s estate one fartbiiig by all
Uie propitious advantages that might have gi veu him opjpor-
timity of so doing : nor was he conscious to himself 01 the
least desire of adding to ^hat he possessed, by any present
or future advantages, to which any favourable overtures of
the times might tempt him. He never improved his own
interest in any place or office of trust or profit, civil, mili-
te^yj or ecclesiastical ; save only for a few weeks, unknown
to hina, and against his will, he was made a chaplain to the
fort, but quickly got himself discharged from it. Nev^er
was he concerned in, or truly charged with any plot,
mutiny, or tumult, giving the least disturbance, occasion, of
fear, or jealousy. This wen was the only thing that could
give colour to sucih proceedings ; that he, being convinced
of his duty to his Lord, by the light of scripture, joinefl
himself in a holy covenant, to walk in all the ordinances of
the Lord blameless^ to the best of his light and power, in
fellowship with a poor ainl despised people."f
• Crosby's Baptists, vol. iii. p. 17->24. f Ibid. p. S4-r2&
440 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Richard Mather. — This excellent divine wai boin at
Lowton in Lancashire, in the year 1596, and educated firrt
at Winwick school in that county, then at Brasen-nose
college, Oxford. ARenvards he uras chosen minister and
schoolmaster at Toxteth-park, near Liverpool. His lint
sennon was preached November 13, 1618, to a croifded
assembly, and with great acceptance. He was ordained
by Bishop Morton of Chester, wlio, at the close of Ae
service, selected him from the rest who had been ordainfdi
intimating that he wbhed to speak to him alone. Mr.
Mather was afraid of soqic information on account of his
pnritanism ; yet, when the bishop had called him from the
rest of the company, he said, *' I have an earnest request to
make of you, sir, and you must not deny me. I know the
rrayers of men who fear God will avail much ; and you
believe to be such a one. I therefore request that you
would pray for me."
Mr. Mather entered upon his sacred charge with gieat
zeal and fidelity. He preached twice every Lord's day
at Toxteth, and delivered a lecture regularly at Prespot
This he did without interruption for fifteen years, until the
month of August, 1633 ; when complaints were brou|^
against him, and he was suspended for nonconfoimi^.
His suspension did not, however, continue very long ; m
in November following, by the kind intercession of several
worthy friends, he was again restored. This awakened him
to a close examination of the controversy about ecclesiastical
matters, the result of which was, that he became more than
ever dissatisfied with the established church, and fully
persuaded that the principles and government of congren*
tional churches was the model utid down in the New
Testament.
This worthy divine did not, indeed, long ^oy his
liberty. For, the next summer. Archbishop Neile of x oik,»
sending his visitors into Lancashire, he was again bronebt
under the ecclesiastical censure. During his examination
-before his unmerciful judges, they would not suffer him
to speak for himself; but proceeded to suspend him, with-
out hearing what he had to say in his own defence.
While his persecutors treated him with so much rashness
and severity, he was enabled to exercise much vfiBdqi%
* It is obftprred that Archbishop Keile taught the people to pimy for hij|
predeceiisor after he was dead, on which account the king very seasonably
admoniiihed him for his inclinations to popery. — Mather't Hist of Ntm
Ettg, b. iii. p. 1^5. — Clark's Lives annexed t9 his Martyrologie^ p. ISO.
MATHER. 441
prudence, and submission to the will of Grod. This appears
from his own private memorial following: — '^ I have this to
bless Grod for," says he, " that the terror of their threaten-
ings, their pursuivants, and the rest of their pomp, did not
terryy my mind : but I stood before them without being in
the least daimted ; and answered for myself, when per-
mitted to speak, with that truth and soberness which the
Lord put into my mouth, not fearing their faces. This
supporting presence of the Lord I count not a much less
mercy than if I had been altogether preserved out of their
hands." When the pious ecclesiastics inquired how long
he had been a minister, and being told fifteen years ; they
asked how long he had wore the surplice, and being
-informed that he had never wore it, " What," said one of
them, with an oath, '^ preach fifteen years and never wear
^^ a surplice! It had been better for him if he had gotten
^^ seven bastards ! ! !"•
Mr. Mather being again deprived of his liberty, and all
means of obtaining his restoration proving ineffectual ; and
having no prospect of deliverance irom the tyrannical
sentence in niture, he resolved to remove with his family to
New £n£land. He accordingly drew up his reasons, and
presented them to his friends, who justified his conduct;
and even his friends at Toxteth, who dearly loved and
. valued him, could not oppose the design. By transporting
himself to the new continent, he said, " He should remove
from a corrupt to a purer church : — from a place where the
truth, and the professors of it, are persecuted, to a place of
greater quiet and safety: — From a place where all the
curdinances of God cannot be enjoyed, to a place where
they may be enjoyed : — From a place where the discipline
of the Lord Jesus Christ is wanting, to a place where it
may be practised : — From a place where the ministers of
God are unjustly prohibited from the exercise of their
functions, to a place where they may freely execute the
same : — ^And from a place where there are fearful signs of
desolation, to a place where oiie may have a well-grounded
hope of God's protection. "t
He was further encouraged in the undertaking by letters
which he received from Mr. Hooker and others, already
settled in the new colony. In one of these letters, Mr.
Hooker gave him the most flattering account, saying, <^ If
I speak my own thoughts freely and fully, though there
« Clark's Lives, p. 130.<-Ma(her's Hist. b. iii. p. 189--125. f Ibid.
448 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
arc many places wbcre men may expect and obtain greater
urorldly advantigc; yet, I do believe, there isaot a place
on the face of the earth where a person of a judicuoiu
bead and a gracious heiirt may receive greater qpiritual
good to Iiimself, and do more temporal and spiritual good
to others." Tiicrcfore, after taking leave of nis numerous
friends, he travollcil to Bristol in. disguise, to escape the
hunt^ry pursuivants, viho sought to apprehend him ; and
sailed from thence May 23, 1633, and arrived at Boston die
17th of August following. Thus he wan deliyered from the
persecution with which he was exercised while in his native
country.
When the ship in which he sailed arrived on the coast
of New EnglanrJ, they were involved in a most tremendous
hurricane, and in the utmost danger of being lost. Mr*
Mather, in his journal of the 15th of August, after giving
a circumstantial and very aflectinf^ account of the danger,
observes : '' In this extremity and appearance of death, we
cried unto the Lord, and he was pleased to have mercy
uiM)n us. By his overruling-providence, he guided the
ship, and assuaged the violence of the sea and the wind.
The Lord on that day granted us as wonderful a deliver-
ance, I think, as ever any people enjoyed ; and the seamen
confessed they never knew the like. I hope we shall not
forget it to our dying day. During the whole of the storm
my fear was the less when I considered the clearness of my
call from God. In some measure, the Lord gave us hearts
to be content and willing that he should do with us and
ours as he please d, and as might be most for his glory :
and here we rested. But when the news was twonght
that. the danger was over, oh! how our hearts did melt
within us. We burst into tears of joy and love to our
gracious God, and in admiration of his marvellous de-
liverance."*
The year after his arrival, Mr. Mather was chosen [xistor
of the ctiurch newly formed at Dorchester, where he con-
tinued all the rest of his days. He was a man oi most
exemplary piety and diligence. His excellent spirit and
character may be seen from the following instrument,
which, about this time, he flrew up or renewed for his own
private use :t
^' Promises made to God, by me, Richard Mather.
1. ^' Touching my ministry. — That I will be more painful
• CUrk*« Lirei, p. ISO.— Mather's Hiit. b. iii. p. 12S. f lUd« p. 187*
MATHER. 443
aud diligent in private preparation, by reading', nuediiation^
and prayer: — That in and after preaching I ^ill earnestlj
strive against inward pride and vaia-glory.-r-Tli«'tt before
and. atter preaching I will se^^k unto the Lord for his
blessing upon his word, more carefully than in time past.
• 1^. ** Touching my family. — That t will be more frequent
in religious discoiirse with thos(* in my house, and be more
careful in catechizing my children.
3.^ '^ Touching myself. — That I will strive more against
worldly cares and fears, and the inordinate love of worldly
things. — That I will be more frequent and regular in private
|Mrayer. — That I will practise more seriously and fntjuently
the duty of self-examination. — That 1 wUl strive against
carnal security and (*xcessive sleeping^ — That I will strive
against vain jangling and the misspending of time.
4. " Touching others. — That I will be more careful and
sealous (o do good to their souls by private instruction^,
exhortations, and reproofs. — That I will be ready to do
oflioes of kindness and love, not for the praise of men, or to
purchase commendation, but out of conscience to the com**
mand of God.
*' Renewed with a profession of my own inability,
and a desire that I may tetch power from Christ, to live
upon him, and act from him in all spiritual duties. June
16, 1656.
" HicHARD Mather."
Such were the promises and engagements into which this
pious divine entered. He was resolved, by the help of the
Liord, to devote his time, his^ialents, and his all, to the
honour of his God and the welfare of immortal souls. Mr.
Mather preached his last sermon from 2 Tim. iv. 6 — 8.
The time of my departure is at hand. 1 have fought
a good fight. I have finished mv course^ &;c. He was pre-
sently after seized with a total obsttuction of urine. Though
he laboured under extreme pain, he was a pattern of pati-
ence to all beholders. He never tnurraured, and seldom
groaned, but resigned himself to the will of God. Beinff
asked hov\' he did, he meekly answered, " Far from well,
yet better than mine iniquities deserve." When his son
TemiYided him of the Lord's goodness and faithfulness!
towards him all his days, he immediately' reiplied, "" Y^, 1
mtist acfcribwledge'-the riiercy of God hath been vei'y great
towards me all my life ; but J must also acknowledge, that
I have had many failings, and the thoughts of them abaseth
444 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
mc, and worketh patience in me/* Being desirous to be car-
ried into his studv, where^ he obtenred, ^ his books wanted
him/' his friends mdeavonrtd to help him: but finding
himself unaUe to bear the fatigue, he said, << I see I am not
able. I have not been in my study for several daya^ Is it not
a lamentable thing that I should lose so much tune V* His
son, perceiving tte svmptoms of death upon him, said, ^If
there be any thing which you would have me to do^ .in case
the Lord should spare me, and take you to heaven, I wish
you to mention it'* After pausing a little, with his eyes
and hands lifted up to heaven, he said, <^ That which I
would commend to you is, the care of the rising generation, •
that they may be brought under the government of Christ;
and that, when grown up and qualified, they and their
children be baptiaeed. i must confess I have been defective
in practice; yet I have publicly declared my judgment, and
manifested mv desires to practise that which I think ought
to be attended to ; but the dissenting of some in our churai
discoursed me. I have thought tnat perscms might have
a right to baptism, and not to tne Lord s supper ; and I see
no cause to alter my judgment." His extreme pain con*
tinned to the last; and lie died April 8?, 1669, aged
seventy-three years. According to our histonan, ^ he was
a man of most exemplary piety, an excellent schdar, and a
plain, judicious, and majestic preacher, shooting the arrows
of divine truth into the hearts of his hearers."* Wood
denominates him ^ a pious man, and a zealous and laborious
preacher;" and adds, ^< that he was much follow^ bj the
precise party," as he in contempt stales them ; buf '^ that he
was a seveins Calvinist, and no mend to tiie church of
England."f
A copy of Mr. Mather's last will and testament, dated
October 16, 1661, is still preserved ; the conclusion, which
is an address to his children, is worthy of being transmitted
to posterity. — ^^ I think it not amiss," says he^ <^ for the
spiritual good of my children, to lay upon them the solemn
charge of a dying father ; that none of them, after my
decease, may presume tp walk in any way of sin, or in a
careless neglect of God, aqd the things of Grod, and their
own salvation by Christ. For if tbey shall do so, (whichu^
God forbid,) then, and in such case, I do hereby testigr npto^
them, ttiat their &ther who begat tbem^ and their mp^jfi^
* Mather's Hist. b. iii. p. 187, IS9.
f AthensB Ozon, toI. ii. p. 305, 906.
MATHER. 445
who bore them, with all the prayers which they have offered
up, and tears which they have shed for them; their ex-
ample, their admonitions, and their exhortations, which
th(»r have delivered to them, together with this my last will
and solemn char^ ; all these will rise up against them, as
so many testimonies for their condemnation at the last d^y.
But I hope better things of them ; and do hereby declare
unto them, that if they shall seriously repent of their sins,
belieye in the Lord Jesus, and by his grace walk in all the
ways of God, as this will be to the honour and glory of him
who made them, so it will redound to their own unspeakable
Qomfort and benefit, both in this and another world : and
their father who jiow speaketh to them, with their dear
mother, now with Grod, shall exceedingly rejoice in the day
of Christ, when we shall receiye our children into those
everlasting habitations; and shall, not ourselves only, but
those who came out of our bowek, enjoy their portion in
that eternal glory. I desire and hope it may be so. I
commend tiiem all to the Lord's gracious blessing ; and let
the blessing of God in Jesus Christ be poured out and
lemain upon them all for evermore, amen.''*
. Mr. Mather was twice married. His first wife was the
pious ^ daughter of Edward Holt, esq. of Bury in Lan-
oashire, and his second wife the widow of Mr. John Cotton.
He bad four sons employed in the ministry, all eminent in
Uidr day. Nathaniel, Samuel, and Increase were preachers
in Eingland, and all ejected by the fatal Act of Uniformity,
in IGoS.f His son Eleazer was pastor of the church at
Northampton in New England, where he died a few months
after his father. The celebrated Dr. Cotton Mather, well
known by his historical and other writings, was his grandson.
His Works. — 1. A Discourse on the Church Covenant, 1643.- "
^ An Answer to Thirty-two Questions, 1643. — 3. Answer to Mr.
Charles Herle and to Mr. Samuel Rutherford, wherein is defended
the Congregational Way of Church Grovemment, and how it differs
liom the Presbyterian, ' 1646.— 4. An Heart-melting Exhortation,
together with a Cordial of Consolation, presented in a Letter fiom
New England to his Countrymen in Lancashire, 1650. — 5. A
Catechism, 1650.-~6. A Treatise of Justification, 1652.— 7. A Defence
of the Churches of New England. — 8. A Farewell Exhortation to
' the Church and People at Dorchester, consisting of seven Directions.
"^He had a principal hand in drawing up '* The Platform of Church
Discipline, s^tC^cd unto by the Elders and Messengers of the Churches
assembled in the Synod at Cambridge in New England, in the year
1648."
• Clark's Lives, p. IS7.
f Palmer's Noacon. Mem. vol. ii. p. 4,1245, 355.
446 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
ZecHARiAH SvMBfl was born at Canterbury} A|iril 5,
1599, and received iiis education at Cambrid/y^. He
defended from worthy and pioufi ancestors, who opposed
the; progress ot idolatry, ami favoured thr gospel, during
tlie persecutions oi Queen Mary. He (rod in the steps of
bis tbrefatiiers ; wa» pious from a child, averse to supersti-
tious novelties in divine worship, and a sufferer for noncon-
formity. After finishing his studie> at the university, he
was employed by sc'veral persons of quality as tutor to
their childreii ; yet not without molestation from the prelates.
In the vear W^i he was chosen lecturer at St Aniholin*s
church, London ; where he met with many troubles from
the ecclesiastical courts, for refusing to observe certain rites
and ceremonies contrtry to tlie convictions of his conscience.
He was, at length, ol>liged to leave the place, when he
removed, in 162'^, to Dunstable; but there his persecuton
followed him. tie wiis often summoned to appear in the
bishops' courts, and interrupted in his ministry ; and seeiiig
nti pros|)ect of better days in his own country, he withdrew
from the crurl persecution, in tin* year i()S5, and fled to
New England. U|K)n his arrival in the new colony he was
chosen tcitcher to the church at Cluirlestown, of which Ifr.
James was jiastor, where he continued the remainder of his
days. 'H(' wis a man of excellent abilities, integrity, and
«eal, and a reverend and laborious preacher.* He died
February 4, 1()70, in the seventy -firsi year of his age. -Mr.
Synies being invited to assist in the formation of a christian
church at Woburn in New England, it is said, ^ he
continued in pn aching and prayer about four or Jhe
hours.^^f He appears, how( ver, to have exercised some
degree of severity against the baptists.^
John Davenport, B. D. — This learned divine was bom
at Cov'Mitry, in the y«*ar 1397, and educated first in Mertgo
college, then in Mag4taien-hali, Oxford. Having finic^ed
his studies at the university, he was called to preach in
London, where his rare ministerial endowments, and his
pious courage in visiting the sick during tlie raging of
the plague, soon brought him info public notice. His
sermons were (listin<ruished by the labour with which they
were prepared, and by the gravity, the eneigy, the plea-
• Hist, of New Eng. p. 70.- Mather's Hist. b. iii. p. 131, 132.
+ Morse and Parisirs Hist. p. 110.
X Backus's Hist, of Uaptists, vol. i. p. 362.
SYMES— DAVENPORT. 44T
Mntness, and the engaging elocution with which tliey were
deliveted. His very enemies allowed him to be an excel-
lent preacher ; and by his midnight studies, and his un«
cominon industry, he obtained the just reputation of a
universial scholar.
' About the year 1626 Mr. Davenport was choseri one of the
.fepfiees for buying impropriations ; but Bishop Laud, looking
' with great jealousy upon the undertaking, leht it should
become the nursery of puritanism, put an effectual stop to
it. This he did, to the great grief of all good people, and
the lasting reproach of his own character. About the same
titne Mr. Davenport, by a conference with Mr. Cotton,
became an avowed, but a peaceable nonconformist* Soon
after his removal to London he became vicar of St.
Stephen's church, Coleman-street, where he continued some
years. Here his preaching, with that of Mr. Norton's, was
instrumental in the conversion of the excellent Mr. Kilfen.*
In the year 1631 lie was convened before Bishop Laud, by
whose arbitrary proceedings he was afterwards driven into
Holland. + He was also convened before the high commis-
sion as a notorious delinquent, only for uniting with some
otker worthy persons in promoting a private subscription
fqr thepoor distressed ministers of the Palatinate, even after
public collections failed 4 Previous, however, to his depar-
ture for Holland, finding himself in danger, he called
together the principal people of his charge, desiring their
opinion and advice; when he acknowledged their right to
mm as their pastor, and declared that no danger should
drive him from any service which they required or expected
from him. But with a noble disinterestedness or soul,
' which reflected (ijreat honour upon them, and demonstrated
their tender affection, they relieved him from his scruples of
conscience; and, though aware of their own loss, they
ndvised him to resign his office for his own safety. Having
mmi in his resignation, instead of enjoying the peace and
quietness which he expected, he found himself more offici-
ously watched than ever, being continually hunted by
bungiy pursuivants. Therefore, in the year 1633, he fled
from the storm and retired to Holland, where he was imme-
diately chosen co-pastor with Mr. John Paget to the English
church at Amstoraam.^
• WUson's Hist, and Aotiq. of Disieoters, yol. i. p* 404, 403.
+ Wharton's Troubles of Laud, vol. i. p. 526.
{ Huntley *s Prelates' Usurpations, p. 104.
K M|ither*s Hist, of New hog, b. iii. p. -61—53.
448 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Mr. Davenport did not, however, enjoy much oomfini io
this new situation. His objections against the pronuBCUoiu
admission oFchildren to the ordinance of baptism excited cod*
sidcrable opposition ; and he soon found that he must baptise
children whrn there was no charitable evidence of their be-
longing to christian parents, or give up his pastoral lelatioQ
to the church. Therefore, in the vear 16S5, he resigned his
charge, and opened a catechetical exercise at his own
lodgings every Lord's day evening, after the public ser-
vices of the city were over. But the popularity of his
talents soon collecting great numbers, increased the jealousy
and opposition of the contrary party. He then returned
to England, saying, ^< that he thought God had carried Urn
to Hcnland on purpose to bear witness against that promis-
cuous baptism, which bordered on a profanation of the
holy ordinance.*' He used to observe, that when the
reformation of the church had been effected in any age or
country, it was seldom advanced beyond the improvements
of the first reformers ; and that it was as easy io remove
Noah's ark from Ararat, as to persuade people to proceed
beyond the first remove of their leaders.* This coincides
with the just observation of the celebrated Mr. John
Robinson. ^' The Calvinists," said he, << stick just where
John Cnlvin left them/'
Mr. Davenport had long been a warm friend to New
England. He took an active part with some otben in
obtaining the patent of Massachusets colony. His purse
and his time had been employed to promote the advantage
of the new plantation, even bdfore his departure to Holland.
This now seemed to be the only field in whiich he could
carry his ideas of ecclesiastical reformation to their loll
extent. About the same time Mr. Cotton, of Boston in New
JCngland, wrote to him, saying, ^^ that the order of the
churches and conunonwealth was now so settled in that ooun-
try, that it reminded him of the new heaven and new eaithy
wherein dwelleth righteousness,'' which led him to determinir
to cross the Atlantic. Therefore, in the year 1637, ilbm^
Davenport, with several eminent christians and their familiea^
went over to New England. Amon? these adventurers we
Mr. Eaton and Mr. Hopkins, two London merchantSy m<
of good estates, and highly celebrated for wisdom
piety. The Oxford historian, by mistake, therefore observess^
that Mr. Davenport did not return from Holland till aft^'V
*. iMather\ Hist, of New £ng. b. Ui. p. 51r-«3.
DAVENPORT* 440
thi6 cotttoehoement of the civil wars, when he came to
finglaiicl, aiMl obtained a benefice in the church ; but after^
warns went to New England.*
When this learned OLyine fled to NeW England, with a
view to escape the storm of persecution in his own country.
Archbishop I^aud said, ^< My arm shall reach him there $"
but whether the cruel oppressions of this arbitrary prete^
were, in this instance, equally exten3ivc a» his wishes,
Speiuv extremely doubtful.t Upon the arrival of Mr.
lyenport and his friends, tbey found the colony deeply
agitated by the antinomian and familistic errors, which, by
the influence of a bold woman, had shaken the pillars of
the government, and threatened the existence of the churches.
She neld public assemblies in her own house, and expounded
tlie Bcriptnres to all who came. Mr. Davenport arrived just
before the famous synod at Cambridge, appointed to con-
rider the errors that were then propagated. His assistance
nad inflaence on tiiis occasion wore peculiarly seasonable.
In the conclusion, he was appointed to announce <he result
of the synod, when he preacned a sermon from Phil. iii. 15.,
in which, it is said, ^< he shewed the occasion of differences
among christians, and, with much wisdom and sound argu-
ment, persuaded the people to unity."^
In the month of March, 1638, Mr. Davenport, Mr.
Prbdden, and Mr. Eaton, brother to the above person of
thif name, removed, with many families, from Massachusets,
intending to form a new settlement at Quinipioke. They
had formed a high opinion of the situation, and expected
there to escape the power of a g^eral governor, whom they
ftared would soon be sent over. The good people of
Massachusets parted very reluctantly with these valuable
biethren. Charlestown made them large ofiers to induce
them to settle there. Newbury generously oflered them their
whole town, and the legislature kindly offered them any
jj^aoe they should choose, which had not been already
ajianted. But Quinipioke, which they now called New
Haven, was the spot on which they resolved to fix their
station, and no allurements could divert their attention from
it The first public service observed in this tiew plantation
was on Lord's day, April 18, 1638, under a large spreading
aak. Mr. Davenport preached from Matt. iii. 1. on the
temptations of the wilderness. Here he endeavoured to
• Wood*8 Athense, toI. if. p. SS4.
f Wharton's Troubles of Laud, vol. i. p. S46.
% Morse and Pariih's Hist. p. 71.
VOL. III. 2 O
450 * LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
establish a civil and rdigious order more strictly according
to the word of Grody than te had seen exhibited in any other
part of the world. He was an original genius, and the phin he
adopted was his own ;' and, our author adds, ^^if success be
any evidence of merit, he certainly has high daims to the
veneration and gratitude of nations."* There the famoos
church of New Haven, as also the neighbouring towns,
enjoyed his^niniiitry, his discipline, his government, and his
unhersal direction for many years. The holiness,' the
watchfulness, and the usefulness of his ministry, are worthy
of the remembrance of all who would set belbre tliiem an
ezjimple of ministerial excellence. His attention and in-
fluence extended to aU the churches. He was a man of
much devotion ; and he used to say, <^ ejaculatory prayer
is like arrows in the hands of the mightv ; and happy is the
man who hath his quiver full of them.
Mr. Davenport was scrupulously careful in the adknissimt
of persons to the Lord's table. To promote church*purity
was one important object of his life. It was a fixed prin-
ciple with him, that no person should be admitted a
member of a church who does not make such a professiim
of faith as the church may in discretion conduoe he is in
a state of salvation. He was persuaded that t^ere aie
many rules in the word of God, by which it wiU appear
who are saints, and by which Uiose who admit others to
gospel ordinances are to be guided; so as to sqKurate
between the- precious and the vile. This, indeed, i9 -no
more than all sects and even individuals claim for them-
selves. The only difierence is, they do not aU fix on the
same standard for the admission.of members* Mr. Daven-
port had the'^arae right, to his terms of communion that
other men have to theirs. He thought too much caution
could not be used, where some persons might think very
little to be necessary. His own words are these : '^ .The
officers and brethren of churches are but men, who judge
by outward appearance ; therefore, their judgment is £u-
lible, and hath been deceived, as in the reception of Anauas, '
Sapphira, and Simon Magus. Their duty is to proceed as
far 98 possible by rule, with due moderation and ffentleness^
to try those who offer themselves to church rellowship,
whedber they be true believers. And when they have dow
all, hypocrites will creep in."f
Mr. Davenport continued at New Haven till the year
• Morse and Parish's Hist. p. 09, 71.
^^ Mather's Hist. b. iii« p. 64, S5. .
' CHAUNCEY. 461
1667, when his fame was so great in all the churchoB, that
he was invited to^ Boston, even in the sixty-ninth year of
his a^, to succeed a Cotton, a Norton, and a Wilson. He
femained in this new situation only till Mardh 15, 1670,
when, by a fit of apoplexy, he was called to his everlasting
rest. He was seventy-two years old, and his remains were
interred in the same tomb with those of Mr. Cotton. He
was a great scholar, an admirable preacher, and a man of
exem[^ry piety. He was so remarkably diligent in his
^dies, that the Indians used to call him. The big studt/
man.* And even Archbishop Laud denominates him ^' a
most religious man, who fled to New England for the sake
of a good conscience.^- He was a millenarian in sentiment,
beiiijg fully persuaded of Christ's personal reign upon the
earth for a thousand years. He was, nevertheless, one of the
greatest men that New England ever enjoyed.t Mr.
Oxenbridffe, ejected in 1662, succeeddd him as pastor of
the church at Boston.^
ffis Works. — 1. A Letter to *the Datch Classis, containing^ a just
CkMoplaint ag^ainst an unjust Doer, 1634. — % Certain Instructions
delivered to the Elders of the English Church deputed, which are to
be propoonded to the Pastors of the Dutch Church in Amsterdam^
lfi34.--d. A Report of some Passages or Proceedings aboi^t his Calling
to the English Church in Amsterdam, against John Paget, 1634. —
4. Allegations of Scripture against the Baptizing of some kind of
In&nti^ 1634. — 6. Protestation about the Publishing of his Writings,
1034.-6. An Apologetical Reply to the Answer of W. B., (William
Bradshaw,) 1636.r~7. The Profession of the Faith of the Reverend
and Wortiiy Divine Mr. John Davenport, sometimes Preacher at
Stephen's, Coleman-Street, London : made publicly before the Con-
gregation at his Admission into one of the Churches of God in New
En^andy 1642. — 8. A Catechism containing the chief Heads of the
Christian Religion, 1659.--^. The Saints Anchor-hold in all Storms
and Tempests, 1661. — 10. The Power of Congregational Churches
asserted and vindicated, 1672. — 11. An Essay for Investigation of the
'nrath.^^12. Several Sermons apd some other articles.
Charles Chauncet, B, D. — This learned divine was
Hie fifth and youngest son of George Chauncey, esq. ; bom
at Yardley-tiury in Hertfordshire, in the year 1589,|| and
. • lfatber'8 Hist. p. 56. f Laud's Aos. to Lord Say*g Speech, p. 47.
fNeal*8 Hist, of New Eng. vol. ii. p. 370.
Fslmer'g Noncon. Mem. vol. i. p. 299.
I He it said to have been born in the year 1599. He was great ancle to
Sir Henry Channcey, aaihor of *' I'he Historical Antiquities of Hertford-
shire;" and descended from a family which came to England with William
the Conqueror.-^ JBioirapAta BritanfOc^^ vol. iii. p. 4S2— 484. Edit. 1719.
45fl LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
educated at Wcshninster school, tliea in Trinity coTlege^
Cambrtdge ; vhere he ipok his degrees, was chosen (jrreek
lecturer, and feUow of the coDege. In the year 1697 he
became vicar of Ware, in his native county, and afterwaida
miiiister at Mar8toii*i.iawrence in Northamptonshiie.* At
each of these places his labours wore made a blessing to
many soub ; ^^ for the hand of the Lord was with him, and
a great naniljer believed and turned unto the Lord.'' Upon
the publication of the Book of Sports, under the direction
of L^ud, Mr. Chauncev was prohibited preaching on the
liord's day afternoon, that the people might have di6 better
3)portuDily lor their profane sporls. He then catecbiied
1^ both old and young, wlio would come to hira» <^ This,"
said the bishop, *^ teas as bad as preaching ir*'^
Most of the puritan divines were now treated with the
utmost cruelty. Bisliop Laud was determined to bring
fhem to an exact conformity, or stop their mouths, or cast
them into prison, or drive them out of the land* Mr.
Chauncey did not escape the vengeance of this tyrannical
prelate. In January, 16S9, he was questioned ia the high
commission court for having used the following expressiiMia
in his sermon : — '< That idolatry was admitted into the
church; that not only the prophets of Baal, bul Baal
himsdf, was received, and houses multiplied for their en-
tertainhient ; and that the preaching of the gospd would
be suppressed. That there wanted men of conn^ to
remind their superiors of tlieir neglect, and that there was
a great increase of atheism, heresy, popery, and arminianism
in the church.'* To the cliarges rounded upon tbeae ex-
pressions, Mr. Chauncey gave his answer upon oath in the
nigh commission, in the month of April following. The
next day, the cause, by order of tlie court; was referred
to the (decision of Bishop Laud. This was on condition^
that, if Mr. Chaunoey dul not submit to observe wliat the
bishop should appoint, his lordship might, if he pleased,
refer nim buck to be censured in the high commission. But
lie is said to have made his submission to die bishop.^
This, however, was not the end of his troubles. • For in
1635 he was a^in prosecuted in the hi^h commission for
opposing the railing in of the communion table at Ware ;
when he was suspended, cast into prison, condenmed in costs^.
and obliged to make the following degrading recantations
• Newconrt*s Report. Eccl. vol. i. p.904.—- Prynoe'sCuit. DoASt, p. M«»
f Mather's HUt. of New hag. b. Hi. p. 134, IS6.
i PryoM's Cut. Doome, p. 368.— AvdIworUi's C«Ucc. ¥•!• ti. p. Ui
CHAUNCEY. 459
^' Wheteas I^ Charles Channoey, cldrk, late vicar 0f
*^ Ware, in the county of Hertfora, stand, by sentence of
^ this honourable couit, legally convicted for opposing the
^^ setting of a rail about the conmiunion table in the chancel
'* of the parish chnix^h of Ware, ^itb a behch thereunto
*^ affixed, for the communicants to resort unto, antt to
'< receive the blessed sacrament there, kneeling upon thdr
'^ knees, saying it was an innovation, a snare to vaen's CCMi<
^sciences and a bitoch of the second connnandnicnt, an
<^ addition 1o the Lord's worriiip, and that 'which haUi
<' driven me out of the town. I, the said Charles Chaoncey^
^ do here, before this bcmourable Cfmri^ acknowledge my
^ erced offbice in using the said invective words, aiid am
'< heartily sorry for them. I protest, and am feiidy ix^
^ declare' by virtue of mine oath, that I now hold, and am
** piersuadeu in my conscience, that kneeling at the feceiving
^ of the holy communion is a lawful and commendable
^gesture; and that a rail set up in the chancel of any
** church by the authority of the wdinary, with a bendh
^ thereunto affixed for the eommnnicants io repair wnto^ to
^< receive the holy communion kneeling, is a decent and
'^ convenient ornament for that purpose, and this eo«rt
'^ eottceivetb, that the rail set up lately in the parish dhmrdl
<* of Ware, with the bench affixed, is such a tme^ And t
^ dofiirther confess, that I was much to blame for opporing
^ the same, and do promise, from henceforth, never, by
*^ word or deed, to oppose either that or any other tM
'^ laudahte ritet and ceremome^rescribed and commanded
^ to be used in tlie church of England.
" Charles Ch AeupcEY."**
This submission is said to have been forced from Mr.
Chaunccy, and designed only to deter others from opposing
the archbishop's innovations. After he had made this dis«
i^raceful recantation in the open court, the archbishop
judicially admonished him " to carry himself peaceably
and conformably to the doctrine, tlie discipline, and ritei
and ceremonies of the church of England ; and that, in case
he should be brought before them again for any similar
* TMt preMeutioQ was proovred chiefly by tlie tyraimical pewor mnA
isfloeoce of Laid; and when Ihr. Merrick, counsel to Mr. Chaunccy,
•ndfeairoared to vhidicate his cTienf, because the'settloff up of tife rail wvs
done by a few parishioners, and without any warrant from those in autho-
rity, the archbishop, in a rage, threatened to suspend the doctor ,firom hit
practice, for pleading thus in his favour. — Prynni^s Cant, JhwrnCf p. 03>
9b, 9^.^Ru$hworHe§ CwlU^U Tol. ii. p. 316.
45^ LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
oflfence, the court intended to proceed against him with all
severity ;" and so dismissed him.*
Though Mr. Chauncey was overcome in the hour of,
temptation ; and enforced, by tlie terrors and censure of
his cruel oppressors, to make the above recantation, he afler-
vrards felt the bitterness of it, and deeply bewailed his
sinful compliance. Though he obtained forgiveness of
God, he never forgave himself as long as he Uved. He
often expressed a holy indignation against himself, as well as
the superstitious innovations in the church. He was a most
exemplaiy man, and lived a most holy life ; yet, at the time
of his death, nearly forty-years after, he made the f<dlow-
ing humiliating declaratioA in his last will and testamtet:-—
'^ I do acknowledge myself to be a child of wrath, and sold
under sin, and one wlio hath been polluted with innumerable
transgressions and mighty sins ; which, as far as I know and
can <^l to remembrance, I keep still fresh before ipe, and
desire, with mourning and self-abhorrence, still to do, as
long as life shall last ; and especially my so many sinfid
compliances with, and conformity unto, vile human invra-
lions, and will- worship, and hell-bred superstitions, and
other evil things patclied to the service of God, with
which the EngUsh mass'book^ I mean the Book of Common
Prayer, is so fully fraught."f Our author further observes^
that there were very few who sufiered more for noncon-
formity, by fines, by jails, by necessities to abscond, and at
last by an exile from his native country.
At length he withdrew from these perils and tribulations
and went to New England, where he arrived January 1,
1638. There he preached for some time, and with great
applause, at Plymouth ; and would have been chosen pastor
of tlie church, had not his peculiar sentiments hindered his
settlement. He was of opinion, ^' that the Lord's supper
ought to be admiiiistered m the evening, and every Lord^s
day ; and that baptism ought only to be by dipping or
plunging the whole body under water, whether in the case
of children or adults.''^ Afterwards, he became pastor of
the church at Scituate, where he continued twelve years a
zealous and faithful labourer in the vineyard of the Lord.
At the time of his settlement, in his discourse to the con-
gre^tion, reflecting upon his sinful compliance with tte
arbitrary and superstitious demands of the high cpnunissioDy
* Prynne*8 Cant. Doome, p. 90, 494. *
f Mather's Hist, of New Eng. b. iii. p. IS5.
X Backus's Hist, of New £n|;. Bap. toI. i. p. 115, 145.
CHAUNCEY. 455
be said, viih tears in his eyes, << Alas ! my soul bath been
defiled with false worship ; and how wonderful is the free
grace of the Lord Jesus Chriit, that I am still employed to
labour in his vineyard."*
When the episcopal power was' destroyed in England,
and his friends at Ware invited him to return, he came as
fiur as Boston with a view of returning to England. There
he was interrupted by the overseers of Harvard college^
who, being very unwilling that the country should lose so
▼aliuible a person, pressed him to accqH the office of presi-
dent of the college, in the room of Af r. Henry Dunster,
ranoved for his antipaedobaptist sentiments. Mr. Chauncey
yielded to their earnest and repeated importunities, and
rit the rest of his days in the education of the youth of
country. He continued his labours to the very last,
even when his years and infirmities required a recess.
When he was desired to spare himself, he replied, << It
behoyeth a general to die on the field ; and I should be glad
ijo die in the pulpit?' Howevei^ finding himself at last
aknOfit worn out, he delivered a farewell oration in the
college, in which he took his solemn leave of his friends,
and died February 19, 1671, aged seventy-two years, hav-
ing been president seventeen years. In his last sickness he
was speechlQBs ; but as the hour of his departure approached,
Ifr.Urian Oakes, who had been praying with hmi, desired
Um to give some sign of his assurance of future glory ;
whep the speechless old man lifted up both his hands as high
as he could towards heaven, and then expired, ^e was a man
of most exemplary piety, an admirable preacher, an ex-
cellent scholar, and an indefiitigable student, even in old
age. He- rose at four o'clock in the morning, winter and
oimmer ; and after spending about an hour in his closet, he
iisited the college, prayed with the students, expounded a
chapter out of the original Hebrew, and, in the evening,
prayed and expounded a chapter out of the Greek. His
natural temper was rather hasty and passionate, but, by
watchfulness and prayer, he was^iiabled to bring it into the
obedience of Christ. He had six sons, Isaac, Ichabod,
Barnabas, Nathaniel, Elnathan, and Israel, all ministers.f
His son Isaac was ejected by the Act of Uniformity, in 166S.t
Mr. Chauncey was author of ^^ Sermons on Justification;'*
and << Antisynodalia Americana."
• Math^r*8 Hist. p. 1S6. * Ibid. p. ISd— 140.
X Palmer's Noncon. Mem. toU iii. p. 380.
456 LIVES OF TUB PURITANS.
John Allen. — ^This yieiy pious divine was bom in the
yef^r 1396, and educated, probably, in tbe unirersity of
Cambridge. He was a hard student, a good scholar, an
excellent preacher, a ^rave and pious divine, and a man of
n, most humble, lieaveniy, and courteous behaviour, full of
sweet christian love to all ; earnestly, and with much meek-i
ness of spirit, contending for the faith and peace of Christ.
All these excellencies, however, were insijifficient to screen
hivi from the persecuti(ms of the times. Though it does
not with certainty appear at what place he was settksd.
after his removal from the university, he bore his share of
sufferings with the holy and xeolous puritans of those times.
A divine of his name, and probably the same person, wat*
minister at Ipswich, who^ during the oppressions of Bishop
Wren, voluntarily departed from his cure, and went to
liondon.* Having no prospect of better days, or of enjoy-^
ing rest from persecution, he went, with many others, to
New England, where he arrived about the year 1097.
Soon after his arrival he was chosen pastor of the churd*
of I)edham, where he continued, much beloved and vmr
useful, all the rest of his days. He died greatly lam^teiii'
August S6, 167 1> aged seventy-five years. His flock pnb-*
lished his last two sermons; the one from Cant. viii. 5.,
Who iff this thai comeih up from the wUdemesSy leamng on
her beloved: and the otner from John xiv. S2., Peac^
I kaoe wUhyou. In their prdace to these sermons, written
with tears oi^grief, they denominate him ^< a constant, faithv
ful, diligent steward in the house of God, a man of peace
and truth, and a burning and shining light." He published
<< A Defence of the Nine Positions ; and << A Discourse in-
Defence of the Synod held at Boston in the year 16SZ.'*
He, with the assistance of Mr. Thomas Sbepard, 'snopd upon
*^ Church-reformation/'t
Thomas Grantham was a faithful and laborious mini«-.
ter of Christ, born in the year 1634. He feared the Lordt
from his youth, and, about the age of nineteen, he joined
the baptist church at Boston in Lincolnshire. Haying
obtained favour of the Lord, he had a good repotation ia
the church of God, and soon discovered his abilities for
makbg known the gospel to others. In the prosecution of
♦ WreD's Pbrentalfa, p. 96.
-I-Hist. of New £iig. p. 115, 18S.— Mather^ Hist, of New £nr. b. ifi.
p. ISS, 13S.
J. ALLEN— GRANTHAM. 43T
his work be had the boncmr to be classed among the
sfifierers for Christ and his cause ; for he soon became the
object of cruel persecution, and was cast into Lincoln jail,
where he continued some time, during which period he
wrote his first piece, entitled, " Tlie Prisoner against the
Prelate.'* This book contains the reasons of his separation
IVom the church of £ngland ; and, though it is written in
•verse, th^ argument is said to be close and nervous.
Crosby says, there is extant a manuscript of Mr. Gran-
tham's, entitled, ^* Christianitas restaurata, or Christianitv
restored ;'' from which it appears, tli.it, about the year 1644,
thete was ft reformed christian church gathered in the south
itmrshes of Lincolnshire, the members of which endured
great persecution, in their names and substance, by slanders
and confiscations; because they could not in conscience
confoTm in all points to the national establishment. These
pious and holy people, being zealous in the service of God,
firmly adhered to the holy scriptures, and readily carried
ibrirards the work of reformation. At length a separation
took place in the society, when four of the members, who
had espoused the sentiments of the baptists, formed them-
selves into a distinct society. Among these Mr. Grantham
exercised his gifts privately, and procured ministers to dis-
pense the word to them publicly. By the blessing of God
fipon their co-operation, the society soon increa^d in
number ; and, in the year 1656, Mr. Grantham was chosen
to the pastoral ofiice, though he was only twenty-two year^
jrfage.
Tnis christian society, being settled in the order of the
gospel, like a fruitful vineyard, grew and multiplied, and
sent forth several ministers to preach the gospel. While
these zealous christians were respected by the friends of
true piety, they met with uncivil and unkind usage from
others, particularly the bigoted clergy ; who, by warrants,
carried Mr. Grantham and several others before the magis-
tmtes ; but having only falsehood to support their accusa-
tions, the wisdom of the magistrates soon perceived their
innocence, as well as the malice of their persecutors, and
immediately set them at liberty. Their release was no
small reproach to their adversaries, and comfort to them-
selves. They went on cheerfully and prosperously, not
only at Halton, but at many other places, though they
received much rude treatment from those of the baser soit,
wl^o sometimes dragged them out of doors, and stoned them
If tth stones ; all of which they jeoeived with patience and
458 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
meekness. At length tliey obtained the use of Nortbolin
chapel, where they remained some years, enduring the
scofis and' frowns of their enemies. In this utuatioa
Mr. Grantham and his brethren had many seak to their
ministry, among whom waft Mr. John Watts, a person of
' great repute, who had been educated at the university ; but
who could not conform to the national establiabment, and
therefore became pastor of a baptist church which assem-
bled in his own house.
Soon after the restoration of Charles II. Mr. Granthani
experienced the revival of persecution. He was appie-^
bended and carried before a magistrate, who bound mni
over to the ^izes held at Lincoln ; and others of the bap-
tists were cruelly harassed, being constrained to pay fii^
of twaity pounds a month, for not going to the established
church. Under these barbarities, Mr. Grantham and hi&
people resolved to present a petition to his majesty, humUy
miploring his favour, and to be relieved fircon these cruel
oppressions. Agreeably to this resolution, Mr. Graatham
and Mr. Joseph Wright were chosen the two messengeis ;
who, in the year 1661, were admitted into the kin^^s pre-
sence;, when th^ declared their grievances to hu% and
_ delivered into his hands, '^ Their brief confession, or
declaration of faith, set forth by the baptized churches, ta
inform all men of their innocent belief and practice.'^*-
The king received their petition and the declaration of
their faith, treated them very courteously, protested against
the cruelty of their adversaries, and promised them their
liberties. Accordingly, he set forth his declaration in their
fevour, December S6th following; when they who had
be^i indicted for religion, were, at the next sessions or
assizes, acquitted in open court, to the shame and vexatioD
of their persecutors, who were then sitting on the bench.
Upon the ps^ssing of the <^ Conventicle Act,'' another
persecution was raised agauist these pious christians, and
soldiers were sent to disarm them, on account of their
separation from the established church. Though they
could not find any arras in their possession, they rifled theur
houses, took away their goods, and forced Mr. Grantham^
Mr. John Gree, and several others, from their wives and
families, making them rui) along like lackeys by the. sides
of their horses ; nor would they tell them wnither they,
designed to lead them, nor whether they should be pio-'
secuted by law, or punished by force of arms. They wer&
constrained, however, to go where the soldiers pleaseq, wh»
GRANTHAM. , 459
dragged them from town to town; but, night coming on,
they put up at an inn, where the prisoners were confined in
a room not fit for -entertainment, and so tied up all night
that they could enjoy no rest. Also the soldiers sat near
them, cursing and swearing, drinking and singing through
t(ie night, by which they made the place a kind of hell to
these devout and pious souls. When the morning arrived,
they were carried to Louth, committed to the house of
correction, and afterwards convened before a committee;
when, instead of being charged with any crimes, their per-
secutors, sought, by ensnaring questions, to pick up some
accusation against them; then tendered oaths to them, and
inquired whether they would conform to the established
-iTorship of the church of England. In the conclusion,
Mr. Grantham, Mr. John Gree, and Mr. John Green, were, ^
by strict command, sent io jail, where they remained half
a year. During this period were the assizes, at which tinde
their unfeeling persecutors prevented them from being
heard; and anier wards, when they were brought before the
justices at the quarter sessions, the bench refused \xy own
them, or proceed to hear their cause. Upon which the
sheriff said, that, as he had shewed them in open court,
he was released from his charge, and so they were all set
at liberty. \ ^
Notwithstanding Mr. Grantham^s release, his troubles
were not over. Soon after the above, his enemies attempted
to ruin him, by bringing an action against him of one
hundred pounds, upon a pretence that he, with force of
arms, did beat and uncivilly use the wife of a certain^
person, only because he had baptized her. But, U^ the
shame and reproach of his prosecutors, the cause at next
assizes was cast out of court as a malicious prosecution.
Great, indeed, was the opposition of the bishop and clergy,
against the baptists in Lincolnshire. They were exposed
to public contempt; on which account they invited one
Mr. Robert Wright, who had renounced their sentiments,
to a friendl V conference. Though the bishop was greatly .
moved by this bold adventure of the baptists, only an angry
paper was sent them, drawn up by Mr. William Silverton,
the •bishop's chaplain, who stigmatized them ^^ erroneous,
ai^tick baptists." To this paper Mr. Grantham replied,
promising Mr. Silverton either to hear and discuss his
arguments in a free audience, if he would fix a convenient
time and place; or reply to him, if he would defend his
sentiments from the press. But Mr. Silverton thought
460 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
proper to dccluie the proposal; and here the affiur
ended.'
Upon his majesty's declaration of indulgence, in 167L
granting libnly to the dissenters to meet and worship God
according to the light of their consciences, without re-
straint or disturbance, provided their teachers were' licensed,
their doors set open, and they refrained from all sedition ;
Mr. Grantham and another person were appointed by the
baptists in Lincolnshire to wait upon the king with their
humble address to his majesty. In this address, after offer-*
ing praise to Almighty God, with thanks to his majesty for
his late indulgence, they set forth wherein they thought hlq
ipyal cl< claration infriii^ed upon that liberty which they
deciuccl the birtliright ofall christians : they beseeched him
to leave them to the light of scripture, in all the exercises of
clirii)tian worship; and they signified that they should
continue in this practice till they should obtain his per-
mission, assuring his majesty that no less liberty than the
scriptures expressed would satisfy the church of Qod^
'They then concluded with thanks to his majesty for all
his lenity ; praying that God would magnify his grace in
his princely soul, that, while he reigned here on «iith, be
might excel in all true honour ; "^nc^ after this life; enjoy u
crown of immortality, and a throne of glory in the kingdom
of heaven.
It does not appear what effect this bold address prodaced
upon the mind of the king. Mr. Grantham and his
brethren had many enemies, who endeavoured to oppress
theiTi to the uttermost. He therefore wrote a vindicfttian
pf them, in a piece that was never published, entitled,
" The Baptists' Complaint against the Irrsecutinff Priests;**
in the introduction to which he thus expressed himsdf r
" AlfJiough we acknowledge ourselves sundir ways obliged
to honour many of the learned of the church of ESngland;
yet, seeing some of them arc so evidently of a persecuting
spirit as that they daily seek our utter ruin, both by per-
secuting us themselves, and b^ stirring up those that are
in authority to trouble us, by imprisonment and seizmre of
our goods, we are therefore constrained to exhibit this our
just complaint ; and the rather, becau^ wc have faithfhllv
endeavoured to obtain peace and brotherly concord witn
them, both by our friendly deportment and by proposine^
iu a more public manner, sucn things in our * FrieiiC^
* Crosby's Baptists, yoI. ii. p. 84l*-iN4.
Lamb. 461
Epistle to the Bishops cind Minigten of the Church of
Enghind,' as also in our < Apology for tlie baptized Be-
lievers,' as do, we trust, sufficieutly evidence that there
is nothing more dear to vs than irvAh^ and ptace with all
that call ou the name of our Lord Jesus Christ/'
He furllier observes, in the name of himself and his
brethren : << We have borne the unkind usage of many of
our countrymen, and of persecuting priests in particular,
for more tJian thirty years. . For, in the time of Cromwell's
usurpation, they did then hale us before tlie judgement-
aeats, because we could not worship God after the will of
their lord protector; for so they styled him in their
articles against us. We liad then our roods taken away,
and never restored to this day.'* In the enumeration of
their multiplied sufferings, he says, ^^ We have sustained
the imprisonment of not less than one hundred persons.
We have borne the trial of no less than ihrtt hundred levies,
of sixty, forty, twenty, or ten pounds. Indictments at the
assizes and sessions, for two-pence per week and twenty
pounds per month, we have had not less than a thousand.
PreseatBoents and exconununications in the commissary
courts we have had some hundreds^ witii many other
vexatious not here inserted."
Mr* Grantham, who bore his share in these oppressions,
greatly encouraged and comforted his brethren under all
uieir ui&rings. He seems to have been an eminent person
ia his day, but it does not appear when he died. In addi«
tion to the article alreitdy mentioned, he was author of
^^ Christianismus Primitivus ;'' also, ^' Si^h for Peace ; or,
the Cause of Division discovered f and '^ The Paadobaptists
KjpfAogy for the baptized Churches."* He is classed
tfuong the principal advocates for the practice of laying on
4^ hands upon persons newly baptized; and he united
with his brethren in publishing a treatise in defence of it,
^ntiUed, ^ A Search for Schism."f
Thomas Lamb was a native of Colchester ; aind, during
tlie reign of Charles I., a zealous and popular preacher
among the baptists. At the instigation of Archbishop
Laud, he was brought from Colchester to London, and pro*
aecuted for noaconformity to the established church, and
for preaching to a separate congregation. Being brought
• CrMby'8 Baptists, vol. iH. p. 7ft-90. i Ibid. vol. 1?. p. 99S.
462 UVES OF THE PURITANS.
I
I
before the star-diamber, he was commanded to edilfew
that be had administered the Lord's supper ; which, if be
had done, he would have been banished from his countrj :
but, without giving a positive answer^ be pleaded that a
« subject of England was under no obligation to bear witness
against liimseTf. He was, therefore, sent to prison, where
he remained a long time. During his confinement, his
wifc oArn went to the star-chamber, and, in behalf of
herself and eight children, earnestly solicited the arch-
bishop to procure the liberty of her husband, which it ,was
in his power to do; but the relentless prelate; instead of
listening to her tender supplications, called to the people
about him to take away that <^ troublesome woman!" '
Mr. liamb was often in bonds for his nonconformity, an4
was confined in almost all the jails in and about London ;
always returning to his delightful work of preaching as
soon as he had regained his liberty. He was of so coura-
geous a resolution as often to say, " That the mi*»» was
not fit to preach who would not preach for CrodTs sake,
though he were sure to die for it as soon as he had^done/'*
A minister of the same name was made vicar of South
Benfleet in Essex, July 23, 1641; but it does not appear
how long be held the benefice, nor whether he was the
. same person.f Not lon^ after this period, Mr. Lamb was
chosen pastor of a baptist church in Bell-alley, Cdleman-
street, London,^ but did not confine his labours wholly to
his own particular charge. He visited various parts of
the kingdom to confirm and strengthen the brethren, and
plant churches agreeiibly to his own sentiments. However,
m the year 1645, he was brou|;ht into fresh troubles; for,
upon the publication of the ordmance of parliament against
imordained preachers, in that year, the lord mayor sent
his officers to the baptist meeting in Coleman-street, upon
an information that certain laymen preached there. On
their arrival, they found two ministers engaged, Mr* Lamb
ibe elder, and a young man, a teacher in the church, whom
Edwards calls ^< a weaver." The congregation vras so
greatly provoked, by being thus .disturbed in the midst of
public worship, that some c^ them treated the officers with
very rough language, calling them << persecutors,^* and
^ persecuting rogues." But Mr. Lamb treated thcsn with
greater civility, and having passed his word for their
* Crosby's Baptists, voL iii. p. 54, 55.
-f Newconrt*s Repert. Eccl. vol. ii. p. 48*
} Edwards*! Gangreoa, part i. p. 1S4 — ISO.
LAMB. 46S
•ppeannoe be£Ne the lord mayor at six o'clock, they
iveie wifleied to proceed in fheir woiship. Appearimiat
the aj^poinled time, the lord mayor asked them by w|hiI
-antfaori^ they took upon themsdves to pieach; and fold
ttcm, they luid tran^ressed an ordinance of parliament*
The young man being interrogated, gave several whimsical
answen, apparently the ofl&pring of enthusiasm, and de-
aerying of censure. Mr. Lamb was more rational in his
replies: he said, << he was called and appointed to the
oflice of preaching by as reformed a church as any in the
world 1" aUuding to the words of the ordinance. He also
acknoiHedged his rejection of the baptism of infants as
invalid. After examination, the lord mayor bound them
over to answer for their conduct before a committee of par-
liament; and, upon their appearance before the committee,
they were sent to prison, where they continued a short
linie, and then, by the intercession of friends, they were
- Mr. Lamb was no sooner delivered out of prison than he
went on preaching as usual, and, as formerly, made his
excursions to disUiit places in the country. On one of
.these joomies, he had a narrow escape from the violence of
his enemies. Having to baptize a woman in Oldford river,
a place then much frequented for the purpose, the husband
or the woman, a bitter enemy to the baptists, carried a great
stone under his coat, designing, as he afterwards confessed^*
to have thrown it at Mr. Lamb, while he stood in the river.
Bat he was so much affected with the prayer at the com-
menoement of the service, that he dropt the stone, tell into
tears, and was himself the next person baptized.^ Mr. Lamb
was made chaplain to a regiment in Cromwell^s army ;
and many other persons o£ the same stamp being appointed
to similar situations, the sectarian principles, as they were
called, made rapid pn^ress among the soldiers.
During this period, a spirit for public disputation, espe-
cially upon points of religion, very much prevailed among
all parties; and the most important doctrines of the gospd
ware finequently risked upon the strength or weakness of
the parties engaged. A dispute of this nature, in which
Mr. Lamb was engaged, took place at the Spital, on the
day of public thanksgivii^ for the taking of Dartmouth by
the paiuament's forces, ft respected tfe immortality ami
• Edwmrds*8 Gu^rais, part i. p. 194—197. Second edit.«-Cnisby%
VnfMh Tol. i. p. 890, 996. i Crosby *t BoptitU, Yol. lii. p. Si. v
464 LIVES OF THE tURITANS.
immateriality of the human soul. A very curious Hccolint
'of this meeting is preserved by Mr. Ed wards; and as it
will serve for a sp«*cimen of tiie mnniier in which puUic
disputes were then conducted, as well as afford someamlufr-
ment to Uie reader, it shall be inserted. The lord mayor,
it appears, had private notice of tiie mcetine, and sent bis
officers to prevent it. Upon their arrival, tliej acquainted
Mr. Lamb with their errand, llv. told tlietn he would go
up and acquaint the brethren ; wiiicli he did, staadiii|f in a
desk above the people, at one end of the room, and one
Batty, a teacher in the same church, at the other. Mr.
Lamb told them that the lord mayor had scut to forbid
their mcctinir, or rather to rcqurst them not to dispute on
that day. Batty then stood up and said, <^ That Mr. Mayor
was a lirab of antichrist, and a persecutor of the brethren ;
and ho quf%<ioned what power or authority he had to
forbid thoni: he was sure the parliament ^avc him no jsuch
])Ow<T, but gave tliom liberty to use their consciences ; and,
for his part, he durst undertake to make it good to Master
Mayor, calling my Lord Mayor," soys Edwards, << in a
nlost base and scornful manner, Master Mayor.^* Ovisvtoir,
the nioderaior on Batty^s side, next stood up and said,
<^ Brother Lamb, had Paul done well, if he had desistecl
from preaching in the name of Jesus, when commanded b^
the high-priest to forbear ?*' To this Mr. Lamb answered
in the ne^tive. Upon which Overton replied, in ft
most scornful manner, ^^ Nor ought we to obey Mast^
Mayor." '' And thus did these men argue the power of my
Lord Mayor for an hours space, till they came to state
the question and fall to their dispute. The question was,
That God made man, and etery part ofmanj of the 4u$t 6f
the earth ; and therefore man, and every part of man, $mtH
return to the dust a^ain, which Batty could not prove;
nor could Lamb tdl well how to answer : but they both
ran off from scripture to scripture, never clearing any 'one
thing to the people. When they bad rambled a long time,
so that neither of them could tell what to say, then another
stood up and said, < Brother Lamb, or Brother Batty, leave
this point to tlie consideration of tlie brethren, and take vp
some other.' After these two had spent four or five hours
in this confusion, they sat down and rested ; and then stood
up one Mellisb, a cdiibler, and Lawson, a sciioobkisstc^r,
both anabaptists, and to work they went. Lawson calls
io Mellish, and saiili to him, ' Brother MeUish, speak
either categorically or hy][>otlieticalIy.' Mulish answered
LAMB. 465
Jjawwm, that he ipake now to him in an unknown tonguei
and prayed him to explain himself. Lawson told Meuish
that he was not fit to dispute, if he knew not the meaointf
of. these words. Mellish replied, that if he should stami
m and tell the people that the moon was made of ereea
cneese, he did not question but some would be of hii
mind.^'*
. Mr. Lamb lived till after the restomtion, and was one of
the ministers who, on the part of the baptists, signed a
rainnciation of Venner's insurrection.f It is probable that
lie continued preaching at bis meeting-house in Bell-alley
till the time of his death. He died, it is said, about the
year 1672.^ Mr. Eklwards, speaking of him and his church,
says, ^ This man, who was a soap-boiler, and his church
are very erroneous, strange doctrines being vented there
owtinually, both in preaching and discoursing, and strange
things are done by them, both in their church-meetings and
oat of them. Many used to resort thither, and all preach
univenal redemption. Lamb preaches universal grace and
the arminian tenets.^% Mr. Bailie says, that Mr. Lamb's
eoogre^ffation was by far the largest and most fruitful of the
Jlisven baptist ccmgr^ations in London, but that it was
pestered with the gangrene of arminianism; then, in the
very next page, charges him with preaching the various
opinions of 3ie antinomians.) These writers, who were
oqdallv indignant against all who presumed to oppose the
jmpdBitions of the national church, wrote under toe influ-
ence of a spirit of bigotry, or they received very incorrect
information.
There are, at least, three publications extant by Mr.
Lamb, from which his real sentiments may be colleded
with much greater accuracy than from any party •historian
whatever. The first is a small octavo pamphl^ entitled,
*^ The Fountain of Free Grace opened.'^ The second is a
larger mmphlet, in quarto, entitled, ^< A Treatise of par-
ticular rreoestination, wherein are answered three Letters ;
die first tending to disprove particular Predestination : the
second to show ibe contradiction between Christ's dying for
lill, and God's election of some: the third to prove, that the
flool doth not come from the parent, and consequently that
Itliere ia i^ original sin," 1612. The title of Mr. Lamb's third
«
* £4ward8*B Gangrena, part ii. p. li, 15.
•I- Keiwefs Cbron. p. 358. t Crotby'i Baptifts, vol. ill. p. 55.
V Bdwards*! Gaogrsna, part I. p. IH, Secondi edit.
I Bftilie'i AnabaptiuDy p. 94, 95.
VOL. III. 2 H
466 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
piece^ published in 1666, and dedicated to tha loid protoeCiiri
was, (< Absolute Fieedom from Sin, by Chrirt^s Death finr Oie
World, as the Object of Faith, in Opporition to oonditioBal,r'
set forth bv Mr. John Goodwin, in nia book entitled, < Re^
demption Redeemed ;' and the final FerBeverance of the Saii^
proceeding from Election, by the Grace of God alone, main-'
tained and sweetly reconciled with the aforesaid Doctrine.
And the great Question, of God's eternal Decree of repro*
bating tlu; unbelieving World, cleared from that Odium
cast upon it by Mr. (^xNlwin."* From these pablioatidns,,
it is evident now grossly both Edwards and Bailie have
misrepresented the fact, in stating^ that Mr. Lamb roam-
tamed and taught either the arminian or antinomian tenets..
On the contrary, it is extremely obvious, that, upon tto
disDUted points, he was a strict dalvinist.
During the protectorate of Oliver Cromwell, one Bfr.
Thomas Xiamb was pastor of a baptist church which met hi
Lothbury, London, naving one Mr. William Allen to his odv
league in the pastoral office. After the lestoration, the two
past<MrB conformed to the church of England, and wrote
with neat zeal against separation. Notwith^Umdingf tht
imprcMbability of there being two persons of the same nan^-
boch inreachers among the baptists at the same time^ and hi
the same neighbourhood, it is evident that this Mr. Lamb
was a different person from the former.f Our author had a
■on caUed Isaac, who was a zealous and useful pieacher
among the baptists, but, like his fiither, he endiued the
amd penecution of his enemies.)
Olivsr Bowles, B. D. — This venemUe divine
fellow of Qneen^s college^ Cambrklge, wheire he mesir
probably received his educatiim. He was a man of gfjfft
piety, an excellent schcdar, and a celebrated tutor. /Hie
nmous Dr. Preston was one of his pupils.s Upon hb
removal from the university, he became rectcHr of Sutton In
Bedfordshire, about the banning of the year 1607, wham
be continuea upwards or fifty years. He was chosen one
of the assembly of divines ; when he constantly attended^
and was^ very useful in that learned compainr. The as*
sembly luiving petitioned the pariiament fmr a rast, pnevim^'
to its entering upon business, Mr. Bowles and Mr. Matthew
• Crad>y*8 BaptiBtf, toL Hi. p. 55, 56.
f SyWctter*! Life of Butrr, part ii. p. 180. iii. ISO. ApptB. p.ftl.
" Crosby's Baptists, toI. iii. p. 101—108.
Clark's Liv«t annexed to Mmrtyrolosie, p. 7S.
?
BaWLES. 467
Ne^com^ yrete appointed to preaob before both houses and
the anemblj) and Wh sermons were ordered to bcjpnb-
ibhed. Mr. Bowks's sermon is entitled, << Zeale for God*8
Hoaflfe Quickened; or, a Sermon preached before the
Assembly of Liords, Commons, and Divines, at their solemn
Fast, July 7, 1643, in Abbey Church, Westminster : express-
ing the Eminency of Zeale required in Church-Reformers,"
164i3» Mr. Bowles was author of a work entitled, " De
Fwtore Evangdico," 1649. Dr. Calamy denominates this
an excellent book. It was published by his son, and dedi-
cated to thie Earl of Manchester. He adds, that it was << a
book not sufiered to creep out in the time of the rampant
episcopacy, not for any eyil there is in it, but because some
men do not care to be put upon too much work.*
Thbngh Mr. Bowles survived the restoration many yba^n,
he does not appear either to have conformed or to have
been ejected; but, on account of his great age, and for
aeverai other reasons, there is the strongest probability to
MJipoee that he gave over preaching about the year J659
<tf 1660. f He calmly resign^ his soul into the hands of hit
dear Redeemer, September 5, 1674, supposed to be upwards
oTilinety years of age. He had twelve sons. His son
JEMward, a celebrated divine, was an ejected nonconformist
in 1662.} The excellent Mr. Timothy Cruso was favoured
'With the friendship and counsel of Mr. Bowles. He attendied
him daring his last illness, and received the following
laflSectionate advice from him the day before his death : —
** Have a care of yourself, Timothy, in this evil world ; and
be not so entangled with the vanities of it as to lose the
substance for the shadow. Seeing you design yourself for the
winrk and office of the ministry, I would advise you never
to trouble your hearers with useless or contending notions;
but rather preach all in practicals, that you may set them
tipon doing, and more advance a holy life. I would not
any longer li ve that idle and unserviceable life which I have
lately Sme; and therefore if 6od have some work for nie
yet to do here, he will continue me yet here : but if not, I
' am sure there is better work for me in heaven, whereby I
•hall act for his praise and glory moire." When I took my
last leave of him, says Mr. Cruso, he said, " Farewell,
Timothy; and if I see thee not any more in this world, (as
indeed he did not,) I hope I shall in the next, which is
• Calamy*! Acconnt, ¥ol. ii. p. 779.
f Theolog. and Bib. Ma^ . vol. it. p. S07>
t Palmer's Nodcou. Mes. vol. ili. p* 455.
488 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
betterT* and so I hope abo, replied BIr. Cnuo* ^' Qnljr
remember/' continued Mr. Bowles, << to keep a good oon-
flcience, and walk closely with Grod." These last wolds he
twice repealed with considerable emphasis, thai it might
make a deeper impression upon his mind.*
John Fisk, A. M. — This wortbj minister waa bom ia
St. James's parish, Suffolk, in the year IWl, and educated
in Emanuel coU^, Cambridge. His ancestors were eminent
for aeal in the cause of Christ, several of whom were aoralY
persecuted in (he sanguinary days of Queen Mair.t He
was the eldest of four children, all of whom aftennadi
went to New England. He was blessed with pioua pann<%
who devoted him to the Lord from a child; and afier
finishing his academical pursuits at Cambridge, be entered
into the ministry. But the persecution of all who could
not conform, being at that time extremely hot, he was
presently silenced ror nonconformity. He aiierwarda pno-
physic; but at length removed to New Engumdy
where he had an opportunity of preaching without the
impositions and oppressions of men. He took shippini;: in
disguise, with the excellent Mr. John AUin, to avoid the
fury of their persecutors. Having passed the Iand*a end^
they made themselves known, and entertained the pasaengtSB
witn two sermons every day, besides other devotional exer-
cises. Indeed, the wlu)Ie voyage was so much devoted to
the exercises of religicm, thii when one of the pnssingcw
• Tbeotog. and Bib. lUg. toI. It. p. 138, ISQ.
f Among tiMte ucetton there were fix brothen, tbree of whoa wen
mpbtf, Kod three were proteitaBtii but the popiid dhowned their
brethreot Two of the protettaot brothen were lOrelT perweBtody of
whoa the fellow iof anecdote* are related;— Oae of them heUig ia tfao
BtoMMt daa^r^ and the panaivant having great reipect for him, teat him
prhfate Information of alt coming to apprehend himi npon wblcli the
Kod man immediately called hit flunlly together for prajer, and thea
iteaed to hide himeelf la a diteb, to^pr with hii ploni wife with a
•acklag child at the breast Here they were apon the point of belaf
diieoTered. For the panaiTant wai near at hand, and, by leapii^ into the
ditch, a thorn in the hedge lo deeply marlLed the child*i fece, that it aeter
wore oat { at which the child b^ian to cry aload, when Uw BMthor pre-
lently dapc it to the breast, whereby it immediately became ^ aiat, and so
they remained andiscovered. — Anotiwr of these brethren, at tbe tame time,
to a?oid bamiag, bid himself many months in a pile of woodf thea, for
half a year, ia a ecllar, where he was diligenUy employed la hit woatad
■lanafactory, by candle light, so as to remain in like manner aadiwovared.
Bat his oameroos hardships shortened his days, pat an end to hit life, and
added to the nomber of those whose blood cried aload for Tfrarfsatt. —
JMAfr'f But. of Ntw Eng. b. iii. p. 141.
riSK~^T. PARKER. 46f
exammed about divertiiig himself with the hook and
Mne on the Loid^s day, he protested, sajring, << I da not
kaoiir which is the Lard's day. I think every day is a
■d)bath' day ; for you do nothing but preach and pray all
flie wedL long."*
Bb. Fisk married a lady of piety and of a good fortune^
several hundred pounds of which was denied her, throng
die diroleasure of her father, upon accompanying her
hudMUia to New EIngland. On their arrival, in the year
IfiST, he preached for several years at Salem, and became
tator to a number of gentlemen's sons. In the month c^
October, 1644, he was chosen pastor of the church at
l¥cnham, where he abode twelve years. He was content
with a small salary, while he spent a considerable estate in
nonoiuig the welfare of the new colony. About the year
M66, he removed, with the greater part of the church, to
Chelnisfbid; wh^e he spent the remainder of his days.
Theie his greatest trial was the loss of his pious wife ; whow
llKviiig so extensive a knowledge of the scriptures^ served
huDy says our author, instead of a concordance. Mr. Fisls,
mpoa las death-bed, said to his children, << You have the
SDie mercies of David. Study to emulate one another, and
pmvoke one another to love.** He died January 4, 1676.
wed fifiy-five years. He was a most able, faithful, and
wefUpreachent He puUished <' The OUve Plant Watered."
Tbouas Parker, A. M. — ^This excellent divine, the son
of Mr. Robert P^ker, the ftmous old puritan, was bom in
die year 1595, and admitted into Magdalai college, Oxford, •
Jbdbre his father's exile. His father being driven out of the
land for nonconformity, he removed to Ireland, where he
nsnned his studies under the famous Dr. Usher. Thence
M went to Leyden in HcAland, where he enjoyed the assist-
ance of the learned Dr. Ames. His labours were inde«
fiitmble, and his progress answerable to his exertions.
Bmie the age of twenty-two he received the d^ree of
naaler of arts with universal admiration and applause. He
was gimtly beloved and admired by the renowned Mac*
covins. Afterwards he r^umed to Eifdand to pursue his
theological studies; and he setded at Newbury in. Bark*
shire, where, for some time, he preached and kept a school.
Here he appears to have been assistant to the celebrated
^ IfatlMr'f Hitt. of Ntw Eof. p. US. f Ibid. p. 143« 14S.
47a LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Dr. Twisse. Bciiiff, howerer, dissatisfied with the'aiUtmjr
and cruel proceec&D^ of the ruling prelates^ he removed
to New England, with a nnmbcr df christians from Wih«
shire, in the jear 1634. He went in the same ship witk
Mr. James Noyes, another puritan minister, with whom the
ereatest intimacy and affection subsisted as long as they
liyed.
Mr. P^ker, and about one hundred of his friends, upon
their arrival in the new plantation, sat down at Ipswich*
In this situation they continued about a year, then removed
to Quafcacunquen, which they now called Newburju The
beautiful river, on whose banks they settled, was, in hononr
to their revered pastor, called Parker's river : tradition sayi^
^< because he was the first who ascended it in a boat.*'* Hr.
Parker was chosen pastor of the church, and Mr. Noyes
teacher. There Mr. Parker, by the holiness and humiUty.
of his life, for many years, gave his people a lively com-
mentary of his doctrine. But, by his incessant appucatioo
to study, he became blind several years before his ^ath ;
yet, even then, he taught Latin, Greek, and Hebrew. The
loss of both his eyes was certainly very painful ; yet he bom-
the cross with becoming submission to tlic will of God, aid
would sometimes pleasantly say, '^ Well, they wfll be m*
stored shortly, in the day of the resurrection." He departsA
to the world of light in the month of April, 1677, in ihm
eighty-second year of his age, and the fifty-second of his
ministry. He was exceedingly charitable, a hard studenL
an excellent preacher, and one of the best scholan ma
divines of the age. He considered the sabbath as beginning
on the Saturday evening, yet kept the sabbath eveutig as hm
people did. When he was asked why he adopted'a map-
tice difierent from his opinion, he replied, ^< Because 1 daie
not depart from the footsteps of the flock for my aim
private opiiiion.'' When he kept a school he leftist ny
reward, saying, << he lived fimr the sake of the church ;
therefore he was unwUlinff to receive any scholars, besides
those who were designed for the ministry." His whole life
was employed in prayer, study, preadung, and teaching
sebool.f He published << Meditaticms on the PropheBy
of Daniel ;" and <' De Tractatione Peccatoris ;'' and left
behind him many volumes of manuscripts.
• Mene and BBrisb^ Hist. p. 43, 44.
+ Mather's Hist, of New Eng. b. iii. p. 143, 144.^Mone Sfld FnhhU
Jliit. of New Eng. p. 46.
HOBART. «71
.. PiTEft HoBART, A. M.— -This pious penon was bom at
Higiiam in Norfolk, in the year 1604, and received his
cdaeation at Cambridge, where he discovered much graritj^
sobriety, and hatred of all vice. By his pious parents ho
was dedicated to the Lord from his earliest in&ncy. After
he had finished his studies at the university, he taught
ichool, and preached occasionally for a conformist minister.
at whose house he lodged. This minist^ beinff requested
to give his opinion of young Hobart, said, << I do highly
aupruve of his abilities. He will be an able preacher; but
I Mar he will be too precise.*' He was afterwards exceed*
ingly fiarassed and persecuted from one place to another, on
account of his nonconformity ; ^et the good providence of
Gkid took care of him ana his family, ana they never
■uffeied want. His last place of abode was Haverhil ia
Siiffidk, where his labours were rendered a blessing to many
SMds. The arbitrary proceedings of the prelates became^
at length, so intolerant, that he resolved to retire to New
England, where he should be free from all episcopal moles*
tMioB, obtain a settled place of abode, and be constanfly
iniployed in the work of the Lord. Accordingly, in the
j«ar 16S6, he anbaiked with his wife and four cMldien ;
and, after a lone and sickly voyage, arrived at Charlestown^
wlMne ht found his parents, brethren, and sisters, got s^
brfove him. He received invitations from several churches,
Imt settled, with his friends, upon a new plantation, which
he called Higham. There he gathered a church, and con*
tinued its able and useful pastor many years.
. Mr. Hobart was a hard student and always studied
rfwwfiVfg, which practice he recommeiided to others. He
was a man of exemplary piety, and loved good people of
aH persuasions. He used pleasantly to say, that tliose who
wen furiously hot about church discipline and cold about
Aa life and power of godliness, were all church and no
Ckriti. He was pastor of tibe church at Higham about
fofty-fliree years ; after which, old age and its infirmities
poming upon him, he was obliged, during the last year, to
nsign his charge. A few we^ before his death, having
assiitfd at the ordination of his successor, he exclaimeo,
^ Now kttest thou thy servant depart in peace ;*' and, soon
after, he resigned his soul into the hands of God, on
Jaauaiy SO, 1678, in the seventy^fourth year of his age.*
* Mather^ Hist, of New Ed|;. b. Hi. p. IftS— 155.
47f LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
SamueIi Whiting, A. M.— This worthy divine wai bora
at Boston in Lincolnshire, November SO, 1597, and edit-
cated in £nianuel coU^, Cambridge. He was awakened
to a serious concern ror his soul by attending uptm the
ministnr of the excellent Dr. Sibbs and Dr. Proton. Afier
he had finished his studies at the university, he became
domestic chaplain to Sir Nathaniel Bacon and Sir Aogor
Townsend, in whose families, 'by his wise and serioos
instructions, the interests of religion were fp^Hy promoted/
He was next chosen colleague in the mmistry with lfr«
Price of Lvan in Norfolk, where he continued three yens, .
During this period he was interrupted by the fiisliop of
Norwich, and prosecuted in the high commission courts
where, for the single sin of nonconformity, he ^xpedted to
lose a considerable estate ; but, happily for him, while (he
cause was pending. King James died, and so for the present
the prosecution was dropped. The £arl of Lincdn intei^
cedmg for him, the bishop promised to mdest him no morei
if be would remove out of bis diocese.*
Mr. Whiting afterwards settled at Shiibick, near Bestun
where he remained for some time unmolested, the Lom
blessing his labours. In this situation he was among his okl
friends, and near Mr. Cotton and Mr. Tuckney, by whom Imi
was highly esteemed. He found, however,' that (hen was no
continued rest under the government of persecuting ecdflSH
astics. He was again prosecuted and silenced for lejectiiig
the traditions of the popish fathers. He considered the im*
position of human rites and ceremonies in divine worship
as involving the very spirit and conduct of the church m
Rome. The gospel he thought was insecure, while such '
rites and ceremonies were imposed; therefore oondnded
that the parade of human ceremonies, and the preaching of
the word of God, had a direct tendency to drive eac^oUMr
out of the church. Having no prospect of being ever
restored to his ministry, he resolved to withdraw from the
cruel oppressions, when he found an asylum in New England.
On leaving his native country, and expecting never to
return, he sold all his estates, saying, << I am ^ing to sacri-
fice unto the Lord in the wilderness, and will not leave a-
hoof behind." He embarked in the b^inning of Aprily
1636, and arrived in New ESn^land towaids the end of
May, belnff so sick during the wnole voyage that he could
preach on^ one sermon. Upon his safe arrival he mado^
• MAther't Hbt. of New Bag. b. Ui. p. 110. 15T. ^
WHITING— WHEELWRIGHT.
473
Uie following pious reflection : ^^ We have left our friends
who were near and dear unto us ; but if we can get nearer to
Grod, he will be unto us more than all. In him there is a
fulness of all the sweetest relations. We may find in God
whatsoever we have forsaken, whether fathers, or mothers,
or brethren, or sisters, or friends, who have been near and
dear to our souls^^'*
. He had no sooner arrived in the new colony than he was
chosen pastor of the church at Lynn, where he spent the
remainder of his* days. The following year Mr. Thomas
Cobbet, another puritan minister, going to New England,
became his colleague in the pastoral office. They lived
leather in mutual love and attachment twenty years, until
w. Cobbet removed to Ipswich. Towards the close of
life, Mt. Whiting's youngest son became his assistant ; and
during the last twenty years he was much afflicted with the
stone in the bladder, which he bore with exemplary pati*
ence. Though he enjoyed scarcely one day of perfect eas»
through the whole of this period, he was never hindered
one day from attending upon his public ministerial exer-
dses. He died December 11, 1679, aged eighty-two years.
He was a person of exemplary meekness, holiness, and
peace ; a hard student, and an excellent scholar, especially
u Latin and Hebrew.f He was author of <' A Discourse
on the last Judgment," 1664; and ^' Sermons on the
prayer of Abraham."
. John Wheelwright was minister at some place ia
Ifincolnshire, where he was instrumental in the conversion
pt many souls, and highly esteemed among serious chris-
tians, but was silenced for his nonconformity • After he was
sileDced, he lived privately, for some time, near Lincoln.
but, on account of the oppressions of the times, was obliged
to remove from one place to another.^ Finding no rest for
the £oIe of his foot, he withdrew from the scenes of persecu*
tion, and retired to New England. We do not, indeed,
find in wliat particular year he crossed the Atlantic, but it
is certain he was among some of the first settlers in the new
colony. In the year 1629, part of the present state of New
Hampshire in New England was purchased of the Indians,
when a deed was obtained from them by Mr. Wheelwright
imd others from Massachusets. Before the year 1637,
• Mather*! Hist of New Eng. b. iii. p. 157, 168. f Ibid. p. 158—160.
t Ufe ef Mr. Hanaard Kaolins, p. 11. Edit. 1602*
474 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Mr. Wheelwright changed his religious sentimgnti»
appears to have become too much tinged with anlinowianiiim,
14ever were any communities, it is said, in more alamiinig
danger than die churches of Massachusets about this time;
and seldom have any measures, to allay a public fittniy»
been nuH^e successful than those now adopted. The cause
of these evils was as singular as the effects were alaiming.
^ Mrs. Hutchinson, a member of the church. at Boston^ a
woman of ready wit and a bold spirit, had adopted two remark-
able opinions :— 1. That the person of the Holy Ghost dwells in
those who are justified^ — 2. That sanctification is no evidence
of justification. From these two sentiments spread numeroue
bnmches : as, that our union with the Holy Ghost is tuch^
that we are dead to every spiritual action, having no fpAm
nor graces more than hypocrites, nor sanctificatioi^ but the
Holy Ghost himself, 8Cc. Mr. Wheelwright, who waa her
brother, joined with her.''
The news of these things soon spread abroad ; and iim
ministers who attended the general court in October, 1(S36^
made it an object of their attention to converse wiltfa Mr^
Wheelwright and others, who had adopted these opinionsj^
when they appeared to discover an accommodatiiig spirit.
Soon after, certain of the members of the church at BQMon,who
adopted the new opinions, publicly moved that Mr. WheeU
wright should be cdled to be their teacher. This fumed the
flame of opposition. ^Flie new opinions still rapidly spread:*
ing, the general court, in December, called together the
ministers of the churchc; to advise with them respectii^ the
existing divisions. As their passions grew warmer by con«-
stsnt disputation, they became more sanguine in tftdnr belief^
bold in tneir expressions, and multiplied in dietr novelties.
On public occasions it was now said, that the Holy Qhost
dwelt in believers, as he is in heaven ; that a man is justified
before he believes; that the letter of scripture holds ferdi
nothing but a covenant of works ; that the covenant of
grace was the spirit of tibe scripture, which was known on^
to believers ; and that the ground of all relq;ioii vras an
assurance by immediate revelation.
These, and many other ihings, being so complete it hmUe
of nonsense and impiety, as appears sumost too t^ous to be
read, were accounted of the very firdt importance ; and all
the co^egation of Boston, except four or five, espoused
most ottfaese new opinions. At the next dectipn it. waS
agreed to put off all lectures for three weeks, tibet tik^ might
bring these dissentions to an issue. P^^ocm te ll^s^ e g^MW
WHEELWRIGHT. 47ft
^uifc'Was appCHBted to be kepi in all the churdies ; the occa*
sion of which, beside other things, was/^' the disseations ia
ti^ diiirches."* On the day of public £i»tiiig, Mr» Cotton,
it it said, preached a very healing sermon from Isa. Iviii. 4. ;
but Mr. Wheelwright, the other preacher at Boston^f filled
hiB sermon with Intter invectives against the magistrates and
ministers of the country, telling the people, ** that thej
walked in such a way <^ salvation as was no better dian a
covenant of works/' Under his third use, he said, ** The
aecond sort of people that are to be coedemfted, are all suck
ai» do set themselves against the Locd Jestt3 Christ : such are
t)ie greatest enemies to the state that can be. If they can
have their wills, you will see what a lamentable state both
ehurch and commonwealth will be in : then we shall have
need of mourning. The Lord canopt endure those that are
enemies to himself, and kingdcnn, and people, and hit
<jhurch." He compared diem to Jews, Herods, Philistines,
and eihorted such as were under a covenant of grace to
4)ombf|^them as their greatest enemies. The above fastvrat
held January 19, 1637-
March 9di following, being the next court^ay, Mr. Wheel-
wright was brought before the magistrates, who, after hearing
what he could say in defence of his sermon, condemned it
98 seditious, and tending to disturb the public peace. Thej
endeavoured to convince him of his cmence, but vrithout
eflfect; and allowed him till the next session to consider
whether he would make his submission or abide the sentence
of the court. In the mean time, neaiiy all the church of
Boston presented a petition to the court, declaring, ** That'
Mr. Wheelwright had not been guilty of any sedition ; that
his doctrine was not seditious, being no o^er than the ex-
pressions of scripture; that it had produced* no seditious
effiscts, for his followers had not dnwn iheir swords, nor
endeavoured to rescue dieir innocent brother : diey desired
the court, therefore, to consider the danger of med(Uing
mik Ae prophets of God, and to remember, that even the
Apostle Pan! himself had been caUed ' a pestilent fellow, a
mover of sedition, and the ringleader of a sect.'" This
petition was presented in the court presendy after Mr. Wheels
wdght^s censure, signed by above sixty hands, some of iriiom
were members of the court; but it was rejected by the
• Ifene and FSsHsli's Hist, of New Bag. «. 41, 141^
^ ISr, WlMelwriskt was pfeacber to a branch af the Bailsa ehanh,
which aneaiMed at Braiotvee, a plaee near Botloa.— ^sdNi^ Bki. #f
Nnf Eng, Bajf, vol. i. p. 81.
476 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
•
majority^ and the chief petitioners were severely pnnishajl
for it the next session.*
In the above petition two things were requested : ^ That t#
firee men they might be present in cases of judicature, and
that the court would declare^ whether they m^ht deal in casea
of conscience before die church/' The members of die comrt
considered this as a reflection upon them^ and replied, diat
their proceedings had been always open. Mr. Wheelwfi|^t
was accused of calling those by the name of antichrist, who
believed sanctification to be an evidence of justification^
and of stirring up the people widi bitterness and veh^nence.
He endeavoured to justify himself; but the court adjudged
him guilty of sedition and contempt. Many pamphlets were
publuhed on both sides of the question. Mr. Wheelwmht
publbhed a ** Treatise in Defence of his Sermon/* to whidi
the ministers answered, and Mr. Cotton replied. Mr, Whe^
' Wright appeared before the court to hear his sentence ; but
they gave nim respite till the next session, in August, that he
m^ht have time, it is said, for cool reflection. But he
appeared bold and confident; and to the court he said, tfaat^
if he had been guilty of sedition, he ought to die; tlwt be
should retract nothing, but should appeal to die king; addioK^
that he had been guilty neither of sedition n<Mr contempt;
that be had delivered nothing but die truth of Chiist, andl
die application of his doctrine was made by odiers, and not
by himself." At length, in October, l6d7, die court
sentenced him to be dbfranchised, to be banished from
die colony, and to be taken into immediate custody, unless he
would give security for his departure. He was, therefore,
banished, with several others, and he continued in a state of
banishment seven years.t
Mr. Wheelwright afterwards growing vnser, r^ioiniced '
his errors, begged pardon of God and the country, was
restored to his people, and lived liiany years a usefol minister
of Christ, at Hampton, in New Hampshire. '^ He was
literally a wandering star. At Boston, at Quincjry at £a^^«r,
at Salisbury, and at Wells, difficulties pursued him." From
this last place he wrote to the government of MassachuseCs,
whence he had been banished, a very humble confeanon,
which was accepted, and he had the liberty to letiihu la
• Backai*! Hiit. of New Eag. Bap. vol. i. p. 81.— -Keal^t Hist, of New
£og. vol. i. p. 169,170.
f Mone and Pkrith'i HM. of New EBg- P* 87, 14S-^ltf .-^Ncal^ Hiit.
of New Bog. vol. I. p. 174* Bin. Hatchinsoii, his ilitcrf wm seat iato
baoithneBt aboat the auae time, and wai afterwards auirdered iy tha
iDdiant.— Sjf/oeWtr't Lif§ of Bagiw^ part u p. 75.
WILLIAMS. 47T
tfiis confessioiii he said, '' It is the grief of mj soul, diat I
iiiedi sucti vehement and censorious speeches. I repent me
that I did adhere to persons of corrupt judgments, to the
countmancing and encouraging of them in any of their errors
or evil practices." The order of the court for taking off the
•entence of his banishment, and receiving him as a member
of the commonwealth, is dated Boston, May 29, 1644.* Hb
/difficulties taueht him wisdom. After his confession and
restoratioa he uved nearly forty years ** a valued servant of
1^ church ;"t and he died about die year 1680, being an old
and full of years.
IloosB Williams. — ^This remarkable person was bom in
Wales, in the year 1599> and educated in the university of
Oxford. He becdme a subject of divine grace at ten or
twd^pe years of age. In eariy youth he attracted die attention^
and obtained the patronage, of Lord Chief Justice Coke ;
whOf seeing him at some jSace of public worship, viras struck
with the attentive bdiaviour of one so ^oung, and his taking
DCrtes of die sermon. When the service was over, he sent
fiir young Williams, and desired to see his notes, and, finding
tbem . very judic^usly taken, took him under his patronage,
and sent him to Oxford. Having finished his studies at die
ittiversity, he entered into the ministerial office, and viras some
jears minister in die established .church. He afterwards
joiaed the puritans, and beca9ie a zealous nonconformist ; but
the intolerable oppressions of Bishop Laud forced him from
his native; country, when he fled to New England.^ Mr.
Neal says he was a r^id Brovmist, precise, uncharitable, and
of most turbulent and boisterous passions.^ But Mr.
JELubbaid, who lived in those times, denominates him ** a
godhr and zealous preacher.'^l
lub*. Williams arrived in New England February 5, 1631,
and was immed&itely called by the church at Salem to be
assistant to Mr. Samuel Skelton. His setdement was,
however, opposed by the magistrates, ** because he refused to
eommunicate with die churdi at Boston, unless they would
make a public declaration of their repentance, for havinjg
hdUl . communion with the church of England when in their
laitive country; and because he declared it as bis opinion,
• Backusy Hilt, of B^tiits, vol. i. p. 164*
* f MorteaiidFkrish*iHist. p. 101.'
i MS. Account. S ^«al's Hist, of New Boff. toI. i. p. 140, 141.
I BkckM*! Hist, of Baptitti, YOU i. |>. ftS, KM.
478 LIVES OP THE PURITANS.
that the civil magistrate might not pumsh any branch of ih€
first table." In cpnsequence of this, he was called by the
church of Plymouth to assist Mr. Ralph Smith ; where^ tayt
Governor Bradford^ ^ he was freely entertained, acconling ta
our poor ability, and exercised his gifts among ns ; and, aAsr
some time, was admitted a member of die chunch, and \m
teaching well approved ; for the benefit whereof I still bless
God ; and am thankful to him even for his sharpest admoni^
tions and reproofs." He continued assistant to Mr. Smidi
two or three years ; but finding some of the leading members
of the church to be of different sentiments from himself^' and
having received an invitation to succeed Mr. Skelton as pastor
of the church at Salem, he requested his dismission to that
church. After some demur, his request was granted. • He
preached at Salem, it is said, all Ae time of Mr. Skelton'a mA-
ness, and insinuated himself so far into the affections of the
people, by his vehement manner of delivery, that he was chosen
pastor after the odier's death.* His request was gnmted by
the particular persuasion of Mr. Brewster, the venrntUer elder,
who signified his fears ** that Mr. Williams would mn tfatt
same course of rigid separation and anabaptistry, wbich Mirv*'
John Smydi had done at Amsterdam." Those who adhef>ed
to him were also dismissed and removed to the chnreil nt
Salem. Though his settlement was still opposed by the nw
gistrates, he became their pastor, and laboured amonr them
about two years. We are, indeed, informed, ^ That m one
year's time he filled that place with the principles of rigid
separation, tending to anabaptism."-**
Mr. WUliams never withheld his opinions, bnt openly and
publicly declared whatever appeared to him to be the tnilh»
This exposed him to the censure of his enemies, and infcdved
him in troublea even soon after his settlement at Salem* At
length, July 8, 1635, he was summoned befbre die general
court, and was charged with maintaining, ** That it ia not
lawful for godly men to have communion in flunily m^
with such as they judge um^enerate ; that it is not mwfU
for an onregeneFate man to pray; that the nm^istiratia baa
notUng to do m matters of the first taUe, only m easea of
disitmbance to die civil peace ; that he ought not to tiadv
an oath to an unregenerate man; that a man ought nottog^
thanks after the sacrament, nor after meals ; diat dia<e oMt
to be an unlimited toleration of all religions ; that to punisn a
man for following the dictates of his conscience is peraecutioii ^
• V9tAH K«w Eds. ^* >• P- HI.
f Backai's Hist. vol. i. p. M— iT^
WILLIAMS. 479
mA diat the patent which ms granted by King Charles
WB$ invatidy and an instrument of injustiGe, being injurious
to the natives^ the king of England having no power to
Aflpoae of their lands to his own subjects."*
In the month of October following he appeared again
before tfie court, and received the sentence of banishment
fiM' his dangerous opinions, as thej are called ; the ministers,
as well as the magistrates, approvuig of the sentence. The
sentence of the court was as follows : " Whereas Mr. Roger
** Williams, one of the elders of the church of Salem, hath
^ broached and divulged divers new and dangerous opinions
^' i^ainst the authority of magistrates ; has also vn-itten
^' letters of defamation, bodi of the magistrates and churches
^' here, and that before any conviction, and yet maintaineth
•' the same vrithout retraction. It is therefore ordered, that
•* the said Mr. Williams shall depart out of this jurisdiction,
^ within six weeks now next ensuing, which if he neglect to
^ peHbrm, it shall be lawful for the governor and two of the '
'' magistrates to send him to some place out of this juris^
^ diction, not to return any more without license from the
«t50ttrt."+
Having received die barbarous sentence, be left his house,
fak wife, and his children at Salem, in the depth of a most
severe winter, and was driven among the vrild Indians,
where, for fourteen weeks, as he himself observes, " he
knew not what bread or bed did mean.'' But he found
^ more fovour among those blind pagans than among the
protestants of New England. They allowed him to settle
among them, and ever after treated him with kindness and
fieapect He there laid the foundation of the colony of
Providence and Rhode-Island, and is supposed to
have been the founder of the first free government the world
ever knew, at least since the rise of antichrist; effectually
ieewring to all subjects free and full liberty of
CONSCIENCE. The principle of his government was adopted
by fcmrteen out of the seventeen United States, at the time of
me American revolution. The grand principle of this govern-
mttott was, " That no man, or company of men, ought to be
moltBSted by the ruling powers, on account of their religion,
or for any opinion received or practised in any matter of that
nature ; accounting it no small part of their happiness that
fliey may therein be left to their own liberty.'* Whedier
Mr. Williams, indeed, espoused all those sentiments with
• BackWs Hist. vol. i. p. 68.— Morse and Parish*^ Hist, of 'N«w fiap.
p. M. f Ibid. p. 156.
480 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
which he was charged, we do not attempt to deterndioe ; bat
he appears to have been the first of our coimtiTiiien who
thoroughly understood the grounds of civil and religious
liberty. The fieunous BIr. John Cotton, and the rest of the
ministers of New Enghind, were so fkr concerned in his
(prosecution and banishn^ent as to shew, that while they mad^
oud outcries against popery, they themselves retained, and
cherisiied the very worst part of it, even its intolerant and
persecuting spirit. This will be a reproach to them, even
to the latest posterity.* Mr. Williams called the place to
which he was banished Providence, **hom a sense of
God*s merciful providence to him in bb distress ; and diough,
for a considerable time, he sufiiered much fatigue and wan^
he provided a refuge for persons persecuted for conscience'
sake."t
About the year 1639 he embraced the sentiments of the
baptists; and being in want of one to administer the ordi-
nance of baptism, ** he was baptized by one of his community,
then Mr. Williams baptized him and the rest of the sod^/'
This appears to have been the first baptist church in Aine-
rica.t In the year 1644 Mr. Williams came to England,
with the view of procuring a charter ; and though, upoa his
arrival, he found the nation deeply involved in civil vnur, ]|e
succeeded in obtaining it of the parliament, under the name
of ^ The Incorporation of Provipence Planta-
tions IN THE NaRRAGANSET-BaY, IN NeW EnGLANP,
writh full power and authority to rule themselves, and such
others as shall hereafter inhabit within any part of the said
tract of land, by such form of civil government as by voIub*
tary consent of aU, or die greater part of them, they shali
find most suitable to dieir state and condition."
While Mr. Williams was in London to procure this
charter, he published a book, called^ " The Bloodv Tenet of
Persecution for the Cause of Conscience,'' 1m4* This
work appeared to Mr. Cotton of dangerous tendency, there-
fore he published an answer to it, entided, ''The Bloody
Tenet washed and made White in the Blood of the Lain|>,''
1647* Mr. Williams replied to this in a work eqtitledy
'' The Bloody^ Tenet yet more Bloody, by Mr. Cotton's
endeavour to wash it White in the Blood of the Lamb,"
1652. The grand principle for which he contended was,
'' That persons may, with less sin, be forced to many whom
• MS. AccooDt.— Backas*! Hist. vol. i. p. e9, 70, 118.— MaUMr*i JCew
SogUod, b. vii. p. 7—9.
f Mone and Parish's Hist. p. 87. % Backut's Hist vol. i. p. 106.
WILLIAMS. 481
they cannot love, ^an to worship where they cannot be-
lieve :" and he denied ^^that Christ bad appointed the civil
sword as a remedy against false teachers." Mr. Cotton
aflbrmed, and endeavoured to prove, the contrary sentiment.
He maintained thai the civil sw6rd was appointed as the
remedy in this case; and that it was matter of perpetual
equity to put to death any apostate seducing idolater, or
heretic, who sought to draw die souls of the people from
the Lord their God. Mr. Williams clearly saw the result of
these principles, and in his work he addressed a letter to
Governor Endicot, in which he said, " By your principles
and conscience, such as you count heretics, blasphemers,
and seducers, must be put to death. You cannot be faithful
to your principles and conscience without it." About foar
^ears after this Endicot put to death four persons, and
pleaded conscience for the propriety of his conduct.*
. Mr. Williams, in pleading the cause of religious liberty,
aaks Mr. Cotton, ^' If Jesus Christ have left a power with
the civil governors of tliis world, for establishing, governing,
and reforming his church, what is be<^ome of his care and
love, his wisdom and faitlifulness ; seeing in all ages, since he
left the world, he hath generally left her destitute of sudi
qualified princes and governors, and in the course of his
frovidence furnished her with those whom he knew would
e as fit as wolves to protect and feed his sheepT^i The
publication of his book in England gave great o£Fence to
the presbyterians, who exclaimed against it as full of heresy
and blaspheniy. But his principles bavins been tried, and
found to be the soundest policy, both England and America
should unite in erecting a monument to perpetuate the name
of Roger Williams, as the first governor who ever pleaded /
Aat liberty of conscience was me birthright of man, and )
grfpted it to those who in opinion differed from himself| \
' when he had the power pf witUiolding it. ^
His practice, also, was founded on the generous principles
of die gospel. He was '* not overcome of evil, but overcame
evil vrith good ;" and, in their wars with the Indians, he was
exceedingly useful to those by whom he. had been perse-
cuted. He was at the same time particularly zealous and labo-
rious in promoting the conversion of the Indians, an account
of whose manners, customs, and languages he afterwairds pub-
lished. He was so universally beloved and revered, that
he was sometimes chosen governor of the colpny : he, never-
• Ivimey't Hist, of Baptlvti, p. 818, SI9.
f Bockus's Hist. vol. i. p. 189.
▼OL. III. 2 I
48f LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
thelesS) continued pastor of the baptist chnrch to the end of
his days. This enlightened legislator died m die year 1685^
aged eighty-four years.* In addition to the pieces ipeiH
tioned above, he fi'as the author of a work entitled, '' The
Hireling Ministry none of Christ's; or, a Discotirse touch*
ing the Propagating of the Grospel of Jesus Christ, humbly
presented to such pious and honourable Hands whom the
f resent Dr!>ate thereof concerns," 1652. Also, " Greom
^ox digged out of his Burrows;'* written against me
quakcrs.
John SiiKRMAN.-^^This excellent divine was bom tt
Dedham in Essex, December 26, l6l3, and educated in
Emanuel college, Cambridge. By ttie pious instructions of
his worthy parents, and the excellent preaching of Mr. John
Rogers, he was led to " remember his Creator in the days
of his youth." He was much admired for his yondiAil
piety, ingenuity, and industry. At Cambridge he made greit
progress in the various departments of useful literature ; but,
being required to subscribe, in order to his taking the degrees,
he scrupulously refused. His arguments against subscrh^
tion were to him so powerful, Aat, after consulting Mr.
Rogers, Dr. Preston, and other eminent divines, who com-
mended his objections, he left the university under the
reproachful name of a college puritan. Those objectii>ns
which he had against the established church, its subscription
and its ceremonies, by which he was induced to leave the
university, soon occasioned his removal out of the kinsdom.
When he found that he could not enjoy the peaceaUe ex-
ercise of his ministry in his native country without deffiing
his conscience, he embark^ fof New England, with sevenu
other ministers, in the year 1634. There he hoped to emph>y
his talent for tlie glory of God and die good of soiils, aini t6
enjoy rest from the oppressive measures of the prdates.
Mr. Sherman, upon his arrival in America, preached at
various places with universal applause. Having preadted
before an assembly of ministers, Mr. Hooker pleasandy said
to his reverend brediren, '' Brethren, we must look to cniUr-
selves and to our ministi^; for this young divine wiff <MCdio
us all.'* He setded at Newhaven ; where, for about tW6 dt
three years, he suspendied the exercise of his ministry. Dttfi^
ing this period, he v^s so highly esteemed in die colony, thkt
« Ba( kus'f Hist. vol. i. p. lM-^58] .
SBERMAN— COBBET. 48S
a
he was;, chosen eae of the magistcates, and he served &e
publk with exemplar]! discretioa and fidelity. At the ex-
piratifOQ ef thai period he resumed his ministry, and con*
tinned a most zealous and faithful preacher the remainder of
his days. He was invited to various places ; and, upon the
death of Mr. Philips of Watertown, he became his successor
in the pastoral oftice. There he lived near Cambridge ; he
became fdlow of Harvard college, and performed many
valuable offices for that society. For upwards of thirty
years the students attended upon his lectures. He expe-
rienced the happiness of growing in grace, and enjoyed the
vigorous exercise of his mental powers, even to old age»
^' Such keenness of wit," says Dr. Mather, '^ such soundness
of judgment, such fidness of matter, and such vigomr of
language, were rarely seen in a man of his years." This was^
indeed^ manifest in his last sermon, from Eph. ii. 8. By grace
are ye. saved. He was soon after attacked by a malignant
fever, and died triumphing in the Lord, August 8, 1685,
aged seventy-two years. He was a strict olb^erver of the
sabbath, a constant preacher, a vnse counsellor, a great
divine^ and an excellent mathematician and astronomer. He
viras a great reader, and possessed so strong a memory, diat
his own mind, it is said, became his library. In his puUic
niinistiy, he was judicious, industrious, faithful ; and so fine
an orator, that he was caUed the golden^woiUhed preacher.
His wisdom, discretion, and meekness were conspicuously
manifest in die orderly and pious govemmefit of his large
£unily. He was twice married. By the first Mife he had
six children, and by the second he had twetity.*
I
t
/T^OBi'As CoBBET was bom at Newbury in Berkshire,
in the year 1608, and educated in the umversity of Oxford*
Having fiuushed his academical studies, he returned to New-
bury, and became a pupil under the celebrated Dr. Twisse.
He first settled in the ministry at a small place in Lincoln-
shire; but here he felt the vengeance of the ecclesiastical
governors. On account of his nonconformity^ he was tossed
mr some time in the storm of persecution, and at length
driven to New England. He went in the same ship with
lb. John Davenport, in the year 1637- He found New
England a comfortable asylum, and a secure retreat from
the storm. Upon his arrival, he was cordially received by
his old friend, Mr. Whiting of Lynn, and was chosen his
• Matber'i HiiU of New Eng, b. iti.'^p. 162—105.
484 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
colleague iu the pafitonl office. About die year l657f npdn
the removal of Mr. Norton to Boston, he was chosen pastor
of the church at Ipswich. In tfiis situation he continiied, b
the faithful and laborious discharge of his numerous pastoral
duties, to the end of his days. He died in die beginning of
tlie year 1686, aged seventy-nine years.*
Soon after Mr. Cobbet undertook the pastoral charge at
Ipswich, the people of the town voted him to receive one
hundred pounds, for the purpose of buying or building
himself a house ; and, to raise the money, all the inhabitants
were taxed, lliis being a new thing in the colony, several
persons refused to pa^ ^e money required, and accordingly
were prosecuted for it-f But religion is a voluntary thing.
The pecuniary aids requisite to its support ought, in like
planner, to be altogether voluntary. All impoutions and
compulsions from tlie predominant party, is a direct viidation
of the laws of equity, an infringement upon die ri^^ts of
christians, and enters into the very spirit of antichrist ' Mr.
Cobbet, however, was an eminent preachy, a man much
devoted to God in prayer, and the excellent author of numy
books, the titles of some of which we have been abk to
collect.
His Works. — I. A Vindication of die Covenant of Cbildrsn of
Church Members, 1043.-2. A Vindication of Children's Chardi-
membership and Right to Baptism, 164&.— 3. The Civil Magistiate^s
Power in Matters of Religion, 1663. — 4. A Discourse on Pnqper,
1657. — 5. The Honour dae from Children to their Parents.
John Elliot. — ^This renowned servant of Christ was^ '
bom in the year 1604, and educated at Cambridge. Upon
his removal from the university, he became assistant to.the
venerable Mr. Hooker, in his school at Chelmsford. VfljSie
in this situation, he was awakened to a sense of his sm^ and
brought to experience a work of grace on his heart. We
give the account of it in his own words: *' To diis plac? I
was called/' says he, ** through the infinite riches of God's
mercy in Christ Jesus to my poor soul. For here the Lord
said unto my dead soul, live! and, throi^h the grace. of
Christ, I do live, and shall live for ever. When I came to
ihb blessed family, I then saw, and never before, the power
of godliness in its Gvely vigour and efficacy.''
Having continued for some time in the office of school*
mJEister, he resolved to devote himself to the Jjord in the
» Mather*! Iliit. of New Eog. b. iii. p. 166.
> Backui'i HUt. of Baptiiti, vol. i. p. 310.
ELUOT. 48&
tmnistrj of the gospel; but he was at a loss fm* an oppor-
tunitjr. He had imbibed the principles of nonconfomiity, and
dierefore could not enter upon any stated charge on the teims
required of the clergy. The ruling prelates of the Laudian
faction were at this time stopping the mouths of all the
learned and nsefiil ministers in the nation, who could not
ki conscience observe their popish and superstitious impo-
sitions. It appeared to young Elliot, that a conformity to
these impositions, in ihe worship of God, was a direct viola-
tion of the second commandment. His conscience pot pen-
mitting him to observe the unwarrantable ceremonies, he
was not suffered to preach in any part of England. - Great
^ numbers of people were driven out of the nation by the
arbitrary and cruel proceedings of the bishops; among whom
was Mr. Elliot, who^ in die year 1631, fled to New England.
On his arrival in the new colony, he joined himself to Mr.
Wilson's church at Boston, where he preached occasionally
for some time. But, the year following, several of his old
acquaintance following him to Ne%i' En^nd, he settled widi
diem at Roxbury, and was chosen pastor of the church, in
which office he continued among them almost sixty years.
Mr. Elliot Y^as a man of distinguished eminence. His
piety was most exemplary. He Uved under the habitual
influence of a praying heart. He knew, by happy expe-
iiaM», the utility of private prayer, and was ever urgent in
pnomoting it among others. When he was informed of any
important public news, he would say, ''Brethren, let us
turn all this into prayer.'' When he . paid a visit to his
intimate friends, he used to say, '^ Come, let us not have a
visit without prayer. Let us pray down the blessing of
heaven on your family before we go." And whenever he
was in the company of ministers, he said, " Brethren, the
Lord Jesus takes notice of what is said and done among his
ministers. Come, let us pray before we part." He had an
exceedingly high value for his Bible, Mras a close student of
that sacreid volume, and a constant and useful preacher. He
lived, in a great measure, as if he were in heaven while upon
the earth.*
Mr. EUiot was most exemplary in the diity of mortifica<*
tion. It could never be said, that he sought great tliings/or
himself. This world, and all things in it, were to him just
what they ought to be to a dying man. He locked upon
-lliem all as m^re trifles. He always rose early in the monung,
• lllUli#r*s Hilt, of 17sw Xn;. b. Hi. p. 176, ITS.
486 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
2nd was ever abstemious in eating and diinking. Wiien die
countenance of a minister at any time appeared to indicate
too much indulgence, he thus addressed him : *^ Study mop-
tificationy brother; study mortification!" These pointed
reproofs came from him with a becoming majesty aao
solemnity^ and rarely gave oflence.
His liberality was as a star of the first magmtude in the
constellation oif his excellent virtues. His bounty to .poUic
and private charities far exceeded hb annual income. Tlie
poor esteemed him as their common fiither; and eveqf
object of distress foond him to be a brother and a fiiend.
He was constantly aealous in promoting fomily reUpoo.
But the loss of his wifie made no common impresricrii on
his mind. They lived together, in the enjoyment of great
happiness, upwards of half a ceiitury ; but, a few yean
before his death, he followed her remains to the grave widi
Seat lamentation and 'many tears. They were usually calldl
leharias and Elizabeth, Their family was a Be&ei. The^
brought up dieir ch3dren '^ in the nurture and admomtion itf
die Lord, lliey commanded their children^ and dieir hoase^
hold after them, that diey should keep the way of the
Lord."
Mr. Elliot vms a considerable scholar, especially in Ins
knowledge of the Hebrew. He was eminently qualified for
die ministerial work. He took great care to distribute to all
their portion in due season. It was food, not froth, with
which he fed the souls of the people. His metflod :of
preaching was very plain, but remarkably powerfuL His
sermons contained much of Christ; and he constantly
laboured to bring sinners to the Saviour. To young preachers
he frequently said, *' Pray let there be much of Christ in
your ministry .'' And having heard a sermon which greatly
savoured of Christ, he would say, ** Blessed be Grod, that
we have Christ so much and so well preached in poor New
England." He was a great friend to sermons waell studied,
always commending those which discovered close thought'
and much reading. Yet he vrished to perceive someflung
more in a sermon than mere human study. His frequent
complaint was, ^' It is a sad thing, when a sermon wants diat
one thing, the Spirit of God.**
In his views of church discipline, Mr. Elliot vras a
thorou^ puritan, but peaceable in his reparation from all
usurpations over men^s consciences. He v^as a modest and
humble nonconformist to the unwarrantable inventions and
impositions of men ; and was deeply afflicted to see that
ELLIOT. ^7
ibe work of reformatioa was opposed, particulariy by tUe
tiishopd, in the church of Eoglaud. It was a settled prin^
ciple with him^ that, in promoting the reformation o^
churches, every thing ought to be reduced to the prin^liye
jpd apostolic institution. He was persuaded that a chwrcb,
according to the New Testament, ^'is a congr^ation of
|Mro£essed beUevers, with officers of divine appointi^ent,
agreeing to n^eet togedier for the celebration of divine o^dir
nances, .and their nmtual edification." After the closest
examination, it was his settled opinion, *^ that no approve^
«mters, for the space of two hundred years after Chris^
make any mention of ^ny other organized, professing chna-
tian churchy than divat only which is congrc\gatipi;ial." ^e
could not conceive how a church couUi aijse from ^ny
other formal cause tibian die voluntary consenft and confedo-
mtion of the several parties concerned, by first givi^ itheni-
aelves to the Lord, and then jU> one aii]K>ther.
This great man could not he ^aatiiBfied with jbis r^ular
4Diikiisterial exercises among his own people : his soul jionged
for the f:onversion of tlvs wild Xm^a^. After much cpur
mleration, and earnest prayer for the direction a^id blessing
:Of God, he entered npon the arduous work. His design
m^ po sooner 4»ade Jgoown than seye^al favourable or-
jCnmstances concurred to afibrd Jhun ,encpuragement. The
cpaterprize ,was, indc^, laborious ; but all the good people
JB ithe x:ountry rejoiced in his nndertdking, and nei^ibounng
imini^ters kindly supplied hi^ pulpit while he hdioured
-atMx>ad. Also the l^ord inclined great numbers of religious
jiersons in England to wake liberal contrjibutions for |i^
encouragement and support. Oliver .CromweM warmly
espoused the cause, and commanded collections to be made
ill aU ,the parishes throughout England for this important
:Obj^ct. The sum collected wa^ .very considerable. For, in
' addition to other stock, lands were purchased to the amount
of seven or eight hundred pounds a year ; and a corporation
was appointed to employ me rents for promoting the con-
version ,o^ the Indians.*
Mr. Elliot's first business was to obtain a correct acq|uaiint-
ance with the Lidian language, a wcMrk of immense difhculty,
on account pf the excessive length of the words, and ithe
little affinity with any other Jan^uage. Many .of the wprds are
so prodigiously long, that one would think, says Dr. Mather,
tfiey^had bc^en growing in length ever since the confusion of
• Sylvester*s I4fe of Baxter, part ii. p. 890.
490 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
doiue much and long. What was tlie word I spoke last ? I
recall that word, my doings. Alas ! they have been poor and
small, and lean doings ; and I will be the man who will cast
the first stone at them."
Mr. Elliot often told his friends that he should shortly jp>
to heaven, and that he would carry much good qeivs with
him. He said, he would carry tidings to die old founders of
New England, who were gone to glory, that churcb-woric was
still carried on in the country : that the number of churchy
was continually increasing : and that the churohes were still
us large as ever by the dady addition of those who should be
saved. As the hour of his departure approached, the ccming
of the Lord Jetus was the principal subject of his scqious con*
templation. While he was thus retreatmg from the world, he
used to say, ^^ Come, Lord, I ha^ke been a great while rc^idy
for thy coming." He said to his friends, ^' Pray^ Y^Jt V^l i'
and, before his d^Murture, he said to Mr. Walter, his succefsor,
'* Brother, thou art welcome to my very soul. Retire to thy
study to pray for me, and give me leave to be gone/' He
then exclaimed, welcome jfnf^ and so departed, in the year 1690,
and in the eighty-sixth of his age. lie had six childcen, all
f4)parently converted to God, four of whom were preachers
of the gospel.
Mr. EUiot was remarkable for resignation in all circum-
stances to the will of God. Having been one day out to ses
in a boat, the boat was overset by a larger vessel, when he
immediately sunk, without tiie most distant expectation of
rising any more. In this situation he was perfectly coUecUv^
and resigned to his heavenly Father's wul. He could say
within himself, '^ The will of the Lord be done." His life,
however, was spared. But the following circumstance, as
closely connected with it, was rather remarkable. Many
Erofane persons were exceedingly enraged against him for
ibouring among the Indians ; and one of wis description
hearing of his narrow escape, anxiously and profiuiely wished
he had been drowned. But within a few days that very man
was drowned in the very place where Mr. Elliot found
deliverance.
He possessed the happy talent of raising profitable obser-
vations from common occurrences, with such a mixture of
pleasantry and gravity, as rendered his company exceedingly
desirable. Being once on a visit at the house of a merchant,
and finding only books of business on the table, and all his
books of devotion on the shelf, he thus addressed him : \* ^,"
said he, *^ here is earth on the table, and heavon on the shelf;
KNOLUrS. 491
Ey do not sit so much at the table as to forget the shelf,
t not . earth by any means thrust heaven out of your
miBd.'"
Mr. Elliot was an avowed enemy to all contention, .aqd a
great- composer of differences. His advice was often sought
m difiScult cases ; and when any minister .complained of such
cases among his people, he used to say, '' Brother, compass
them. Brother, learn the meaning of (hose Uiree Uttle words :
baar ; forbear ; forgive."*
' He was a man oi' great piety, uncommon aeal in the cause
of -Cfariftt, and almost unbounded dharify. When he was
quite sunk with age and hard lacbour, .being asked how he did,
ne.Teplicd, " Alas ! I have lost almost every thing; my under-
SttAcUng leaves me, my memory ^Is me, my utterance fails
me ; but, I thank God, my charity holds out still : I find that
niher grows dian fails.*'
He lived till he was quite worn out,' and used pleasandy to
aaj,. '' My old acquaintance are gone to heaven so long
before me, that I am afraid diey will think I am gone the
wrong way, because I stay so long behind."t In addi-
tion, to due articles already mentioned, he was author of
^ The Harmony of the Gospels, in the Holy History of
Jesus Christ;" and ^^ The Divine Managenient of Gospel
Churches."
Haj^serd Knollys. — ^This ,pious and venerable divine
was bom at Cawkwell in Lincolnshire, in the year 1598, and
educated in the university of Cambridge. He had the privi-
lege of pious parents, who were careful to have him instructed
betimes in the principles of religion and good literature. His
bdiaviour at the university, where he became a graduate, was
particularly exemplary. He divided his time between study,
conversation, and religious duties ; and though .he had been
lofDg noticed for his pious disposition, he attributed his con-
version to the sermons which he there heard. It was at
Cambridge, most probably, that he received his first tincture
of puritanism ; as he conversed chiefly with persons of that
peisuasion. Having finished his studies at the university, he
"was chosen master of the free-school at Gainsborough in his
native county.
• June 29, 1629, Mr. Knollys was ordained deacon, and the
day. following presbjrter, by the Bishop of Peterborough; soon
• Itfatber'g Hist, of New England, b. iii. p. 190—206.
+ Ncal's Hist, of New England, toI. ii. p* 471.
49f LIVES OP THE PURITANS.
afterwhich the Bishop of Lincoln presented him to the vicarage
of Humherstone in his oWn county. He was indefatigably hr
boriouS]^ and preached mostly three times on the Lord's day,
and not unfrequently four times ; but he did not hold bis linng
above two or three years. For, scrupling the lawfulness of
using the surplice, the cross in baptism, and the admissioB of
persons of profane character to the Lord's siipper, he. re-
signed it into the hands of the bishop; but, thfoogb
bis lordship's connivance, he continued to preach for two of
three years longer in different churches. Wfaeta he ledttned
the benefice of Humberstone^ the bishop offered him a
better living ; but he resisted the temptation, and modesdy
refused to accept it. About the year 1636 he left Ae
church entirely, renounced his episcopal ordination, and
joined himself to the puritans. This exposed him to numer-
ous difliculties and hardships. He was driven out of Lis*
colnshire, and, at length, out of the kingdom, for hia npncoo-
forroity. Upon his going to Boston, probably widi the mw
of being sheltered nrom the storm, he was apprehended by
virtue of a warrant from the high commission, and, for aotne
time, put under confinement. But, by his serious discourse^
he so terrified the conscience of his keeper, that he set open
the prison doors, and suffered him to cfepart. Having una
escaped the snare of his persecutors, he removed widi liia
family to London ; but, bemg still harassed by the high coni->
mission, he resolved to escape the violence of his enemies,
and to depart into a foreign land. After suffering numerous
hardships, being persecuted from one place to aiiotb^, b#
took shipping in the river Thames, and, after many difficidties
during the voyage, at length safely arrived at Boston in New
England. When he went abroad he had only nxfarthinfn
of his money left, only his wife had saved five poonot
unknown to him, which she then gave him.
Mr. KnoUys continued in America about five years, at die
expiration of which period he returned to England upon tfaa
invitation of his aged father, and arrived in Lradon, Decent
ber 24, 1641. The dreadful massacre which during tlu^
year deluged Ireland with blood, was succeeded the followiiq;
year by the civil wars which burst forth between the kinff and
the parliament. Mr. Knollys, not long after his arrival was
again reduced to great poverty, and, after paying for his
lodgings, had only six-pence left ; but having many^ends, he
met with unexpected kindness and relief For his better
support, he took under his care a few scholars, whom Jbm
continued to instruct in his own house upon Gr^t Tower-liilli
KN0LLT9. 49S
J^ondon, till he was chosen master of the firee-school in St*
Maiy*AKe. There, in the space of one year, he had no less
dian'oae hundred and fifty-six scholars. But he quitted the
benefits arising frcnn this employment to go into the parlia-
ment's army ; where he preached fireely to uie soldiers, till he
perceived that the commanders sought their own glory and
advantage, more than the cause of God and his people,
breaking dieir vows and solemn engagements. Upon this he
left the army and returned to London.
After the abolition of episcopacy, Mr. KnoUys preached
for some time in the parish churches with great approbation.
But the presbyterians obtaining the ascendancy, and abusing
dieir power, too much in imitation of their predecessors, pro-
scribed all who did not fall in with their peculiar sentiments.
Mr. Knollys, who bad some years before embraced the
leading opinions of the baptbts, then a rising sect in England^
propagated them with great zeal, freedom, and success. Hd
engaged, about this time, in a public disputation with Mr«
Kiffin and the learned Mr. Henry Jessey, on the subject of
baptism, which continued several weeks,* One of the most
considerable of his converts was Mr. Jessey, to whom he
administered the ordinance of baptism by immersion.f But
tfae publicity with which he declared his sentiments, at length
awalcened die jealousy and incurred the displeasure of those
in power.
Mr. Knollys, having been eamesdy.and repeatedly requested
IQ preach one Lord's day at Bow-church, Cheapside, took
ocf^asion in his sermon to speak against the practice of
infrnt baptism. This giving offence to some of the auditory,
a complaint was immediately lodged against him to die
Sliament; and, by a warrant from the committee of pinn-
ed ministers, he was apprehended by the keeper of Sly-
house, who refused bail, and kept him several days in prison.
He. was afterwards brought before the committee, m the
, presence of about thirty divines, and examined by *Mr. White
the chairman ; to whom he gave such satisfactory answers,
that he was diuicliaii^ed without blaqie, or paying fees ; when
die jailer was sharply reproved for refusing him bail, and
Jdireatened to be turned out of his place.
Not long after this, Mr. KnoUys went into Suffolk, and
jpreaclied at several places as opportunity offered, at the
- request of his fnends* But, being accounted an '^ antiuomiau"
• Crosby's Baptists, vol. iii. p. Sll. -
f Mr. Jessey was afterwards silenced and imprisom^d for nonconformity
at the reitoration.^JPa|m«r*« Nmcmi^ jVms. vol. i. p. 129— 1S4.
'4M LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
•and an '' anabaptist/' his rantiments wei-e deemed seditious
and fiictioiiSy and the virulence of the mob was instigated
against him bv tlie high-constable. At one tkne he was
stoned out of tlie pulpit ; and at another time the doors of
the church were shut against him and his hearers; upon
which he preached in the church-jai-d. But this was a cnme
of ton great magnitude to be connived at or excused^ fie
Mas, therefore, taken into custodvy and prosecuted at the
petty-sessions of tlic county ; then sent a prisoner to London,
with articles of complaint against him to the parliament.
On his examination he proved, by witnesses of good reputa-
tion, that he had neither sowed sedition nor raised tumult;
and that all the disorders which had happened were owing to
the mal^ity and violence of his opposers, who had acted
contrary to law and common civility. He also produced
copies of the sermons he had preached, and afterwards
prnited them. Indeed, his answers on this occasion were so
perfectly satisfactory, that/ on tlic report of the committee of
the house of commons, he was not only discharged, but a
vote passed that he should have liberty to prcadi in air^ part
of Suffolk, when the minister of the place did not hmaself
officiate. And, upon the petition of the idiabitants of
Ipswich, the house ordered, January 17, 1648, that Mr.
Knollys and Mr. Kiffin should go there to preach.* In
addition to all the trouble which the above business gave Mr.
Knollys, it cost him no less than sixty pounds.
lliis persecuted servant of Chriift, finding how much
offence was taken at his preaching in the church, and to what
painful and expensive troubles it exposed him, set up a
separate meeting in Great St. Helen's, London ; where the
people flocked to hear him, and he had commonly a thousand
hearers. This, however, gave greater offence to bis presby-
terian brethren than his former method ; and the landlord was
prevailed upon to give him notice to reoiove finom the phMse.
After this ne had a large meeting-house in Finsbury-ndds ;
and still continuing to preach, he was stunmoned before a
committee of divines, in Queen's-court, Westminirter. Bein|[
brought to examination, Mr. Leigh, die chairman, asked him,
why he presumed to preach without holy orders. To ^om
he replied, that, though he had renounced his episcopal ordi-
nation, he was ordamed in a church of God, according to
the order of the gospel; and then explained the manner of
ordination among the baptists. At laist, when he was com-
•
• WliiUoeke'f Mtfliorialt, p. S69.
KNOLLYS. 495
nuiadied to preach no more, he toM ttiein, that he woqM
preach the gospel, hodi publicty and from house to house ;
sapDg, ''It is more equal to obey Christ who commandedi
rae, thatt Iki^i who forbid me ;" aand so went his way, and
cewed not to teach and preach Jesus Christ and htm crucified.
The disfrfeasure of the presbyterians agunst Mr. KnoUys, at
this time, seems to have been occasioned chiefly by a letter
uriuch he wrote to a friend in Norwich, containing some sharp
but Just reflections on the proceedings of the London ministers
agamst toiembon. This letter, by some means, came into
die hands of die Sufiblk committee, who sent it up to London,
where it was published.* It is dated London, the Idth of
the 1 1th month, caUed January, 1645, and addressed ^ to his
beloved brother, Mr. John Diitton in Norwicl^" of which die
foOowing is a copy :f
'' Belo^-ed Brother, I salute you in the Lord.
'' Your letter I received the last day of the
week, and upon the first day I did salute the brethren in your
name, who re-salute you, and pray for you. The city presby-
teriaits have sent a letter to the synod, dated from Ziou
college, gainst aiiy toleration ; and they are fasting and pray-
ii^ at Zion college this day about further contrivings against
6bd*s poor innocent ones ; but God will doubdess answer
ihem according to the idol of their own hearts. To-morrow
there is a fast kept by both houses and the synod at West*
minster. They say it is to seek God about the estabUshing
of worship according to their covenant. They have first
vowed, now they make inquiry. God will certainly take the
crafty in dieir pwn snare, and make the wisdom of the wise
foolishness ; for he chooseth the foolish things of this world
to confound the wise, and weak things to confound the mighty.
My wife and fainily remember their love to you. Salute the
bredlren that are with you. Farewell :
** Your brother in the faith and fellowship of the gospel,
" Hanserd Knollys.**
When Mr. KnoUys quitted the army, he returned to hit
employment of teaching school, from whence he derived the
principal means of his support. The allowance he recseived
from the church, on account of the poverty of its memben^
was only trifling : *^ but," says he, '^ I coveted no man's
ulver or gold,Jbut chose rather to labour, knowing it is more
blessed to give than to receive." He, accordiigly, gav»
* Crosby's Baptists, toI. i. p. 9S1.
f Edwards's Gftocrena, part Hi. p. 4i.
496 LIVES OF THE PUHITANS.
liberal! Vy out of his o^vii earnings, to tlie poor of the churcli^
Notwithstanding his constant avocations, he did not neglect
the cliarge of his Aock, but preached coiistanily two or Siree
times a week, and visited his people from house to house,
especially those who Mere sick. In the year 1644 he sub-
scribed the confession of faith published by the seven
baptist chmchesin London.* After>vards, in the year 165 ly
tlie Si'ctaries labouring under 'severe persecution, he united
wiih them hi their '' Humble Proposal/' addressed ** To the
right honourable the committee of parliament, for receiving
such proposals as sliall be tendered to their consideration by
persons fearing God, in order to the propagaUng of the
gospel.*' It contains inauy excellent hints, tending to promote
unity, concord, and the toleration of all worthy- aubjects.t In
the '' Declurution" published by the baptists, m the year 1654,
fourteen of those who subscribed it are said to h^ve walked
with Mr. Knollys.)
Hie life of tliis gooil man was one continued scene of
trouble and vexation. Upon the risine of V^enner, im-
juodiately after the restoration, in 1660, Mr. Knollya, with
many other innocent persons, was dragged from hia own
dwelling-house, and committed to Newgate. Tlere he
suffered eighteen weeks' imprisonment, till released by an act
of grace upon the king's coronation. At that time four
hundred persons were confined in tlie same prison, for refus-
ing tlie oaths of allegiance and supremacy. 'Ilie rebellion of
Venner occasioned a royal proclamation, prohibiting ana-
baptists :uid other sectaries from worshipping God in public,
excepting al their parish churches. This unnatural edict was
the signal for persecution, and only the forerunner of those
cruel laws which afterwards disgraced the reigns of Charles
and James the second. Mr. Knollys, as may be supposed,
was often obliged to shift his abode. After removing into
different parts of England and Wales, he went over to
Holland, from tlience to Germany, and back i^ain to
Rotterdam ; from whence he returned to London. These
frequent revolutions occasioned a great variation in his circum-
stances. Sometimes he was worth several hundred pounds ;
at other times, he had no house to dwell in, no food to ea^
nor any money to lay out. But tliese sudden changes tended
very much to the exercise and confirmation of his graces, and
furnished him with frequent instances of th# goodness of
Divhie providence.
• Featlcy's Dippers Dipf. p. 177. *
f Grey*i Examioation, vol. iii. App«o. p. 144. X DeclanUioD, p. fSt.
KNOLLYS. 497
During his absence on the continent Colonel L^ge,
lieutenant of the ordnance; commenced a suit in chancery
against him, to obtdin possession of his house and ground^
mrhich he had left in charge with a friend, and which was
alleged to be the property of the king. But the law not
favouring his majesty's pretensions, the colonel sent a party
of soldiers, and took' violent possession of the premises, which
had cost Mr. Knollys upwards of seven hundred pounds*
He had, also, two hundred pounds lodged with the weaver's
company, which was in the same manner given to the king,
widiout the formality of the owner's consent. Much larger
sums belonging to other persons shared the san^e fate. When
^ great monarch descends to such paltry and dishonourable
methods of replenishing his empty vco£fers, he quits the
dignity of his station, and becomes at once an object both
of terror and contempt.
. Mr. Knollys, upon his return from Holland, betook himsdf
to his former employment of teaching school, by which he
was enabled, through the blessing of God, to repair his losses,
and to provide things honest and convenient for his family.
For this iservice he was admirably qualified, being an excellent
linguist, and having adopted an excellent method of instruc-
tion. So that when the times would permit him to follow
l)iis employ, he never wanted sufficient encouragement ; and
many persons eminent for piety and learning were educated
under him. While he was employed in the education of
youth, he was by no means negligent of that work which was
the great labour of his life : but he continued in the faithful
discharge of the pastoral office to his gathered congregation, .
ia various places, till his death ; at which time hi3 meeting-
house was in Broken-wharf, Thames-street. He also
preached a morning lecture every Lord's day at Pinner' s-hall.
•The bigotry and malice of men, indeed, occasioned frequent
intemiptiona in his work. By virtue of the conventicle act,
commencing May 10, I67O, he was apprehended at a meeting
in George-yard, and committed by the lord mayor to the
Compter, Bishopsgate. But having favour in the eyes of the
keeper, he was permitted to preach to the prisoners. Not
long after, at the sessions in the Old Bailey, he was set at
liberty. The good man ivas no sooner delivered from these
troubles than he was called to endure heavy bodily affliction ;
and afterwards sOme domestic trials, first by' the loss of his
wife, who died April 1^, 1671, and then by the >death of his
only son.
Towards thp close of life; this venerable servant pf^tha
VOL. ni. 2k
498 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Lord recorded the following reflections, which are worthy of
preservation: — ** My wilderness, sea, city, and pnaon
mercies," says he, '' afford me very many and ttnmg con*
solutions, llie spiritual sights of the glory of God, the divine
sweetness of the spiritual and providential presence of my
Lord Jesus Christ, and the joys and comforts of the holy and
eternal Spirit, communicated to my soul, together with
suitable ami seasonable scriptures of truth, have so often,
and so powerfully revived, refreshed, and strengthened my
heart in the days of my pilgrimage, trials, and sufferii^^
that the sensi', 3'ea, the life and sweetness thereof, abides stdl
upon my lieurt, and hath engaged my soul to live by faitfay to
walk humbly, and to desire and endeavour to excel in holiiieaa
to God's glory and the example of others. Though, I
confess, many of the Lord's ministers, and some of the Lord's
people, have excelled and outshined me, with whom he bath
not been at so much cost nor pains as be hath bem with me.
I am a very unprofitable servant ; yet by grace I am what I
am.
The life of tliis holy and venerable person was prolonged
to a good old age ; and he came to his grave like m shock of
corn tliat is gattiered in its season. During hb last illneas,
which was of short continuance, he discovered extraordinarjr
patience and resignation to the Divine will,loiqpBg to be
dissolved and to be with Christ, not so much to be freed from
pain and trouble as from sin. He kept his bed a few days
only, and departed in a transport of joy, September IQ, 1691>
aged ninety-three years ; when liis remains were intored in
Bunhill-iields. Mr. Thomas Harrison preached his fimoral
sermon at Piuner's-hall, which was afterwards published;
and Mr. Benjamin Keach published an elegy upon his
death.
About two years previous to the death of this venerable
divine, liberty was anorded to all denominations of dissenters,
when the baptists took immediate steps to improve their
privileges and promote the prosperity of their churdies.
To convene a general meeting for this purpose, a circular
letter, signed by some of the London ministers, was sent to
the different churches. That which was sent to the chnvch
at Luppitt in Devonshire, dated London, July 22, l689> ^>vas
signed by Mr. KnoUys and several of his brethren. ■ He
also took an active part in several other transactions rdative
to the churches of his own denomination.* Therofiire^
* Cro8by*s Baptists, vol. iii. p. 93, 94, i?. 295, 896.— I?ia«['tHill»
Baptists, p. 478—480, 488—502.
of
KN0LLY8. «9
^ugh he lived in evil times^ and endur^ many persecutions,
and other tribulations, he lived to see better days.
Mr. KnoUys was favoured with an extraordinary measure
of bodily strength, which fitted him the better for his great
laboul-s in the ministry, and enabled him to bear with resolu-
tion his numerous sufferings in the cause of Christ and a good
conscience. He was very diligent and laborious in his work,
both before and after his separation from the established
church. While a conformist, he conunonly preached threiB
or four times on the Lord's day : at Haiton, at seven in the
morning ; at Humberstone, at nine ; at Scartho, at eleven ;
and at Humberstone again, at three in the afternoon. In ad-
dition to this, he preadied every holiday, and at every funemi,
^as well of the poor as the rich. Nor was he less diligent in
his beloved work after he became a nonconformist. For
upwards of forty years successively he preached three or
four times every week, whilst he enjoyed health and liberty ;
and when he was in prison it was his usual practice to preach
every day. He possessed an excellent gift in prayer, and has
recorded several remarkable answers to his petitions, paif-
ticularly during the time of the great plague. The success
of his ministry, after he became a baptist, was very great;
but he seems to think that his labours were without any fruit
while he continued in the church. How far this statement
m^ht proceed from prejudice, we will not pretend to
ascertain ; but the manner in which it is recorded appeal^
to savour too piuch of it. He seems at first to have carried
his separating principles to the same rigorous extent as- the
Brownists, who, not wholly unlike their episcopal brethren,
were tdo free in their uncharitable censures. Indeed, bigotry,
even in good men, appears to have been the prevailing evil
of those times. .
Mr. KnoUys continued in his work as long as he had
strei^th to perform it. He often entered the pulpit when
he could scarcely stand, and when his voice could widi
difficulty be heard. Such an affection he had for his work,
that he was unwilling to leave it. He bore his sufferings with
the greatest courage and cheerfulness ; took up his cross and^
followed the Lord daily ; and behaved with great meekness
towards his enemies. Through the whole of his life he
exhibited a bright example of christian piety. He (fid not
confine his affections to christians of his own party, but
loved the image of God wherever he saw it. And so cir-
cumspect was he in the whole of his behaviour, as even to
command the reverence and esteem of those who were
A
/
MO LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
enemies to hit principles.* Dr. Mather, spealdng of other
excellent men, makes honourable mention of him as a person
of a most pious and worthy character.f Though our
excellent historian, Mr. Neal, appears to cast some reflections
upon him, he does not seem to have deserved them4
Granger uncandidly and unjusdy insinuates, '' that he was
strongly tinctured with quakerism."^
His Works. — 1. Christ exalted ; a lost Sioner sought and saved
by Chijst ; God's People an holy People ; being the Sam of diven
Sermons preached in Suffolk, 1646.— 2. The Shlnini^ of a FUmiai^
Fire in 2Uon ; an Answer to Mr. Saltmarsb, bis thirteen Exceptions
against' the Grounds of New Baptism, in his Book, entitled, Tht
Smoke of the Temple, 1646.1)—^. A Preface to Mr. Collier's book,
entitled, The ExulUiion of Chriet, 1647.— 4. The Parable of the
Kingdom of Heaven Expounded, Matt xxv. 1—6., 1064.—^ Gram-
matica Latiuse, Grecae & Hebraicce, compendiam; rhetoriesD ad
nmbratio ; item radices Grecse & Hebraicae, omnes quae in sacrar
Scriptura Tcteris & novi Testament! occurrent, 1666. — 6. An ipxposi-
tion of the whole Book of the Revelations, 1668. — 7. An Essay of
sacred Rhetoric, used by the Holy Spirit in the Scripture of Trutb^
1675. — 8. Last Legacy to the Church, 1602. — 9. Some Account of
his Life, to the year 1670, continued by Mr. Kiffin, 1692.— 10. Tlie
.World that now is, and that which is to come. — 11. A Defence of
Singing the Praises of God. — 12. Preface to Mr. Keach's InstmctiQns
for Children.
John Wabd^ A. M. — ^This excellent person was tbe
son of Mr. Nathaniel Ward^ and grandson of old Mr. John
Ward of Haverhil in Suffolk, where he was bom, November
6, 1606. He possessed the spirit of his forefadiersy beings
a pious, learned, and conscientious nonconfomnst. Refos-
ing to aspire after worldly emolument, he was content witb
a mean and obscure situation in the county of Sufiblk.
Tliough he used to say, '* as there is no place like the sea
for fishing, so the more hearers a minister has, the greater
reason there is to hope that some will be caught in the gospel
n^t ;" yet, on account of his uncommon modesty and humility,
he preferred entering upon his ministry where he should be
least exposed to pubhc notice. He was so extremely
• Life of Mr. Knollys, by himself. Edit. 1698.~Crotby'ff Baptists,
▼ol. i. p. 896—988, 334— 344.— Harrison's Fan. Ser. for Mr. KooUys.
f Mather's Hist of New Eng. b. iii. p. 7.
?Neal*s Poritani, vol. iii. p. 151.
Grani^er's Bio|i;. Hist. vol. iii. p. 338.
i The author last mentioned obsenres on these two books of coHtrofgwyt
*^ If the reader should have patience to peruse these two very slngolar
pieces, he will most probably be of opinion, that there ii mach more
than fire in them both."->/^'<f.
>.■
J.WARD. 501
diffident of his own opinion^ that he would never undertake
any thing important rdative to the church without previously
consulting some judicious friend. And he used to say^ ** 1
had rather always follow advice, though it sometimes mislead
me, than ever act without it, though I may do well with my
own opinion." In the year 1633 he became rector of Hadley
in the above county ;* but was obliged to resign it on account
of his nonconformity. The dowery of his wife was a parson- ,
age worth two hundred pounds a year, in case he could have
conformed to the church of England. But a living of two
hundred pounds a year was too weak an argument to con-
gee his understanding and conscience of the lawfulness of *
conformity. As he could not, with a good conscience, con-
tinue in the church without manifold interruptions, he retired,
in the year 16399 ^^ New England, as an asylum from tiie
n^e of persecution. After his arrival, in 1641, he became
pastor of the church at Haverhil ; where he continued to
watch over the flock of Christ, and to labour for the salvation
of souls, during the period of fifty-two years. He preached
his last sermon after he had entered upon the eighty-eighth
year of his i^e ; and being soon after seized with a paralytic
affection, he died December 27, 1693. He was a person of
quick apprehension, clear understanding, strong memory,
imd facetious conversation. He was a good scholar, an
excellent physician, and a celebrated divine. His wife was a
person of most exemplary piety, vnth whom he lived, in the
greatest harmony and affection, upwards of forty years;
during which period, he used to say, ^^ she never gave hin) oiie
offensive word."f
* Newcoorf 8 Repert. Eccl. vol. ii. p. Sdl.
^ Mlltlier't Hist, of New Eog. b. iii. p. 167, 168.
ADDENDA :
CONTAINING A SKETCH OP THOSE PURITAN- DIVINES
OP WHOM NO FURTHER INFORMATION COULD BE
OBTAINED.
Mr. Allen was an eminent puritan divine, and among
the first su&rers for nonconformity in the reign of Queen
Elizabeth. In the year 1564 he was convened befiune the
high commission at Lambeth, when he was sequestered and
deprived for refusing subscription. He afterwanb obtained
absolution, and was again restored to his ministry.^
Mr. Broklesbt was vicar of some church in the city of
London, but prosecuted for nonconformity. He was accused
of having asserted, 1. *^ That it was not lawfid for women to
baptize. — 2. ^liat, in the ministration of sacred tfamgs, be
was above the queen. — 3. That the Virgin Mary was be-
gotten and conceived in sin. — 4. That the purifying of
women, according to the usage of the church, was super-
stitious.— And, 5. That the ecclesiastical ceremonies were
the abominable rags of popery." Though it does not appear
what sentence was inflicted upon him for these assertions;
yet, April 3, 1565, he was deprived of his ministry for not
wearing the surplice, and was the first who was thus punished
for this significant crime.t
Mr. Evans was one of the ministers belonging to the
congregation of separatists in London, in the begmning of
the reign of Queen Elizabeth ; and, as a punishment for his
• Strype*8 Grindal, p. 98.
f MS. Register, p. lO.^MS. Remarks, p. 170.
ADDENDA. 503
ndticonformity^ he was sent by the. high commission into
Scotland. He did not, however, continue long in the nordi,
but, in May, 1568, returned to his native country. Be-
cause he could not, with a good conscience, conform to
the ecclesiastical establishment, he kept private assemblies,
with others of his brethren, as he had done before.^ But,
by the recommendation of Archbishop Grindal, he was con-
vened before hfer majesty's council for keeping conventicles ;
though it does not appear what punishment was inflicted
upon him. Mr. Evaps is said to have been ^' a man of
more simplicity than the rest of his brethren."*
Mr. Fits was one of the pastors of the separate con*
gregation noticed in the above article. This church having
assembled in private places for some time, was discovered,
December 19, 1567, at Plumbers'-hall, when the members
were committed to prison, and kept under confinement nearly
two years. As tlie name of Mr. Fits is not in the list of
those released from prison, he became pastor to these
people, most probably, some time after this.period.t One
of the elders of this separate church was Mr. John Bolton^
who afterwards revolted from his brethren and xecaQted at
Paul's cross ; for which he was reproved and excluded by
the rest of the church.^ His recantation was occasioned
by the flattery and threateiiii^s of the bishops. But finding
afterwards that they slighted him, and considering how he
had sinned against his own conscience, the terrors of the
Almighty fell upon him, and, like Judas, he hanged himself.$
HvGH BooTHE, A. M. was educated in Trkiity college,
Cambridge, where he discovered his zeal for nonconformity.
This presently awakened the attention of the ruling eccle-
siastics; and, February 1, 1572, he was convened before the
heads of colleges ; but it does not appear whether he was
released, or some heavy punishment inflicted upon him.
Mr. John Stndley, A. M. of the same college, was convened
at the same time, and for the same ofience ; but this is all
Ire know of him.|
♦ Strype's Grindal, p. 121, 12f . + See Art. Hawkins.
i. Ainswortli*s Coanterpoyson, p. S8. ^ Cotton's Charches, p. 4.
(I Baker's MS. Ck>llec. vol. iii. p. 392.
504 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Thomas Gbbshop, A. M. was educated in All-Souls
college, Oxford; a nonconforniist of great leanung and
piety in the reign of Queen Elizabeth; and a most loyal
subject under her majesty's government. In the days o^
Edward VI. he went as chaplain in llie army of Lord Gray
of Wilt^Hy in his expedition against the Scotch rebels.* He
translated into English, '^ A Treatise concemii^ a Declara-
tion of the Pope's usurped Primacy;" written in Greek,
above^ 800 years ago, by Nilus, archbishop of Thessalonica*
*
James Rosier was vicar of Winston in Norfolk, but a
zealous nonconformist to the ecclesiastical ceremonies, par-
ticularly in refusing to wear the surplice. Though he was
willing to conform in all points as far as the word of God
allowed, he was, in the year 1573, suspended from bis miniflh
terial exercise.t
Dr. Penny was a puritan minister of , considerable enu-
nence and popularity in London, in 1565 he was appointed
by the lord mayor to be one of the preachers at the Spitai
the following Easter ; which no sooner came to the ears of
Archbishop Parker than he put a stop to it, on account of
his nonconformity. He is, nevertheless, included in the list of
peaceable nonconformists, who are said to have been gently
treated, and were favoured with a license, or a connivance,
to preach and hold ecclesiastical preferments. He after-*
wards gave up the ministry and turned physician, most pro-
bably on account of the oppressions of the times. He was
living in the year 15734 One "fhomas Penny united with
several others in addressing a letter, in 1577, to the cele-
brated Mr. Cartwright, in which they declare their firmness
in the cause of nonconformity; but whether this was the
same person we cannot learn.§
Mr. Sparrow was a puritan divine of considerable emi-
nence; but in the year 1573 was apprehended and carried
first before the council, then the high commission. Beiiq;
examined about Mr. Cartwright's opinions, and not answer-
ing to the satisfaction of his spiritual inquisitors, he was
• MS. Chronolojcy, vol. ii. p. 373. (8.)
+ Strype's Parker, p. 452. J Ibid. p. 213, 243, 414. '
S See Art. Gawton,
ADDENDA. 505
cast into prisbO; ^nd threatened with banishment, if he would
not conform.*
Mr. Walsh was preacher at Little Waldingfield in
Essex, but, in 1573, was obliged to leave the place for non*
conformity.! He afterwards preached in Suftolkj where he
was esteemed a holy and painful divine, a great light in his
time, and famous for his ministerial labours, his fervent zeal,
and abundant charity. Mr« Samuel Crook, another worthy
puritan, married his eldest daughter.^
Mr. Fulwer was a puritan minister in London, but
treated with great cruelty by the ruling prelates. He was a
man of most exemplary piety, and greatly esteemed by his
brethren^ but cast into prison for nonconformity. Towards
die' close of the year 1573, he was, with ^several of his
brethren, confined in the Compter; but how long he remained
we have not been able to learn.$
Mr. Lowth was some time minister at Carlisle, but,
in 1574, was prosecuted in the high commission of York
for nonconformity. Having compared the severe proceed-*
ings of Archbishop Grindal and other commissioners to the
S[)anish inquisition, he was charged with slaqder. But the
f>rincipal cnme alleged against him was, that, though he had
aboured in the ministry about sixteen years, he had never
been ordained according to the practice of the church of
England. After ' receiving the ecclesiastical censure, he
made suit to the Queen and the Archbishop of Canterbunr
for pardon ; which, said Grindal, was intolerant, Grindal,.
therefore, wrote to his brother of Canterbury, and prayed
him, if it were in his power, to stay Mr. Lowth's pardon.)
This, as might be expected. Archbishop Parker promised to
do with all faithfulness.f
John Brown was chaplain to the Duchess of Suffolk^
but, in 1573, was convened before the council; and being
• Strype's Parker, p, 413, 413. . > Ibid. p. 452.
% Clark's Lives annexed to Martyrologie^ p. 205.
S Baker's MS. CoUec. vol. xxxii. p, 441, 442.
fi Strype^s Griodal, p. 185, 186.
1 Strype's Pftrkerj p. 480, 481.
006 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
csainined opoo certain articles, he was suspended from his
ministry.* llie year following^ he was concerned in
Uudertree^s sham plot. Though Undertree had written
many letters in his name, yet, when the case was brought
under examination, the whole was prored to be a forgenr,
and Mr. Brown's innocence was proved and announced m
open court.f He wrote certain letters, with ten questions
proposed and answered, addressed to his brethren in the
ministry, copies of which are still piipserved.} One Joim
Brown, B. D. was made canon of Windsor in the time ^
Queen Mary, and canon of Westminster in 1565, which be
resigned, or was deprived of, in 1572; and died in 1584;
but whether this was the same person it is difficult to
ascertain.)
David Thickpekny was curate of Brighthehnstone in
Sussex, a man of good learning, and much beloved by his
parishioners; but, in 1575, he was suspended by tiie Biriiop
of Chichester for nonconformity. He was charged, indeed,
with the novel doctrines of the Family of Love ; bu^ upon his
examination, the charge was proved to be false. Although
his innocence was fully proved, and his suspennon taken off
by Archbishop Grindal, he was soon after broii^ht into
fresh troubles for the same cause.g
Edward Chapman was educated in Trini^ coU^e,
Cambridge, where he maintained^ in a public disputation,
diat Chnst, at his death, did not descend locally into hell.
He also observed, that for muiisters to hold two or more
livings was unlawful ; by which he gave great offence to die
luling ecclesiastics.f He had a prebend in the church of
Norwich, and was minister at Bedford; but, in 1573, was
deprived by the Bishop of Lincoln. Having received his
k>rdship's sentence^ he made complaint to the court, iK^ch
occasioned the bishop some trouble.** In the year 1577f
Mr. Chapman, and several of his brethren, fell into the
hands of Bishop Aylmer, who recommended, as a just
punishment for their nonconformity, that Aey should be
sent into the most baibarous parts of the kingcbm, where
• Strvpe'8 ParlMT, p. 419, 413. f Ibkl. p. 460^
?MS. Register, p. 510, 6S5.
Wood*8 Athenae Ozo». vol. i. p^.SMi 78S.
g Strype'g Grindal, p. 197—199. t Surype^l iUBHd% v«L f. J^JM*
♦♦ 8trype*8 Parker, p. 449.
ADDENDA. SOT
they might be profitably employed in reclaiming the people
from ignorance and popery. This he recommended, not
because he liked them^ but because he wished. to get rid of
tfa^n.*
Ralph Lever, A. M. was educated in King's college,
Cambridge, and afterwards archdeacon of Northumberland,
but he resigned this preferment in 1573, when he was suc-
ceeded by Mr. Francis Bunney.t In 1577 he succeeded
his brother, the celebrated Mr. Thomas Lever, as master of
Sherbom hospital, near Durham. He was one of the canons
in the church of Durham, and deejay concerned in drawing,
up the articles against Mr. Whittinghaih, whom he most
probably succeeded in the office of dean.} He is, notwith-
standing this, deno^iinated a puritan. His assertions con-'
cerning the canon law, the English papists, and the eccle-
siastical affairs of this realm, are still preserved.^ One of
die same name was rector of Snatterton in Norfolk, in 1588,
where his remains were interred, June 3, l605 ; but M'hether
this was the same person is perhaps doubtful.||
William Drew et was committed to Newgate by the
bishops, in 1580, for not consenting, it is said, to the traditions
and filthy ceremonies of antichrist. He was of opinion, that
men could not worship God in spirit and in truth, so long as
they maintained human traditions, worldly ordinances^ and
popish ceremonies. How long he remained in prison we
are not able to leam.f '
John Nash, a zealous puritan minister, was committed
prisoner to the Marshalsea for nonconformity. From the
prison he wrote a bold letter, dated January, 1580, to the
bishops and clergy in convocation. In this letter, a copy of
which is still preserved, he styles himself The IjotSs Pri*
sonery and boldly exposes the manifold errors and corruptions
of the established church.**
• Strype's Aylmer, p. 65, 66.
+ Wood's Atbenae, voL i. p. 356, 671.
} Strype's Parker, p.. 275.
^ Strype's ADDals, voL i. p. 319. ii. 514.
If Blomefield's Hist of NorfoUc, vol. i. p. 285.
f MS. Register, p. 289. • • Ibid. p. 291—298.
508 LIVES OF THE PURITANS^
Mr. EvANSy a worthy and conscientious ministeri-was
presented by die Earl of Warwick to the vicarage of
VVarwick ; but Dr. Whitgift, then bishop of Worcester, re-
fused his allowance. When the worthy earl sent him to his
grace, reauesting that he might be admitted with a favourable
subscription, the bishop said, '^ O, I know you, Mr. Evans,
Ur be worthy of a better place than Warivick. I would very
fladly gratify my lord ; but there is a Lord in heaven whom
fear; and, therefore, I cannot admit you without subscrq>-
tion.'' lliough the good man offered to subscribe in all
points as far as the. law required, the bishop would not admit
nim, unless he would enter into bonds to observe all diings in
the Book of Common Prayer. Upon this, Mr. Evans boldly
addressed him, saying, ** Will the law then permit you thus ,
to play the tyrant, bishop F I shall see a premunire upon you
one day for these pranks."*
Richard Prowd was a puritan minister of Burton-upon-
Dunmore. In the year 1580 he wrote a very affecting letter
to Lord Burleigh, giving a melancholy account of the state
of religion, produced by the suppression of the religious
exercises; and by forbidding ministers and others meeting
together, to pray for the preservation of the protestant reli-
gion in so dangerous a crisis as the present, when there was
a prospect of the queen's marriage with a papist. He
expressed his doubts to liis lordship whether he dealt so
i)lainly with her majesty as the importance and his know*
edge of these things required, and warmly urged him to.
interpose in the present alarming crisis. But it does not
appear what effect this letter produced.f
John Hooke was minister at Wroxall in Warwickshire,
but was suspended in 1583 for nonconformity. This was
doubtless for refusing subscription to Whitgift's three articles.
He continued a long time under the ecclesiastical sentence,
and whether he was ever restored is rather doubtfiil. His
annual stipend was only 5/. 6s. 8J4
« MS. Chronology, toI. i. p. 328. (8.)
t Str>pe'b AoDals, vol. ii. p. 600. Appeo. p.
t MS. Register, p. 744.
ADDENDA. 609
Joseph Nicholls was minister in Kent, a laborious and
faithful servant of Christ, endowed with great piety and rich
ministerial accomplishments. In 1583 he was suspended for
refusing subscription to Whitgift's three articles, when he
united with his brethren, the ministers. of Kent, in addressing
the archbishop for relief.* He is styled " the ringleader of
the puritans."t
John Harrison was vicar of Histon in Cambridgeshire^
and a conscientious nonconformist. For refusing subscrip-
tion to Whitgift's articles he was twice warned, by virtue of his
canonical obedience, to subscribe, but he still refused. In
the end, when sentence should have been inflicted upon him,
die commission was called in ; ^and so he continued vicar of
Histon, without observing the order of the Book of Common
Prayer.^
William Fleming was rector of Beccles in Suffolk, but
because he could not, with a good conscience, subscribe to
Whitgift's articles, he endured frequent molestation in the
^ecclesiastical courts, and at length, July 23, 1584, was sus-
pended and deprived by Bishop Scambler. This is attested
by Richard Skinner, the bishop's register.^
James Goswell was a puritan minister of considerable
eminence, most probably at Bolton in Lancashire, who cor-
responded with the venerable Mr. Anthony Gilby, of Ashby-
de-te-2^uch in Leicestershire. Two of his letters we have-
seen ; and though they are without date, they were evidently
written about the year 1584. In the latter, written from
Bolton, he says, " I have no news to write out of this county.
Here are great store of Jesuits, seminaries, masses, and
plenty of whoredom. The first sort our sheriff courseth
pretty well* Other good news is, that the Bishop of Can^
terbury has not yet, God be thanked, stung us with his
articles, which in the south parts have so great power, that,
by report, they have quenched the Lord's lights nearly to
the number of two hundred "fi
* See Art. Dudley Fenner.
f MS. Register, p. 389.— Strypc'i Wbitsift, p. 140. *
t Baker's MS. CoUec. vol. xii. p. 811. S MS. Regbter, p. 585,686.
. f haktfi MS. CoUec. vol. zxxii. p*436, 48T.
510 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
JoHW Hopkins was the puritanical vicar of Nittiiq; in
EfteXy to which he was preterred in 1570, but was after-
wards persecuted for nonconformity. About the year 1584
be was deprived of his benefice^ for refiising subscription to
Whitgift's three articles.*
Thomas Farrar, minister of Langham in Essex, was
charged with rebellion against the ecclesiastical laws, and
suspended by Bishop's Aylmer's chancellor for not wearing
the surplice. On receiving the ecclesiastical censure, he
procured a letter from certam respectable persons, addrnsed
to the bishop himself, soliciting his favour and the removal of
Ae sentence. This letter he carried to his lorddiip at
Fulham, November 14, 1586; when, after demandii^ Ui
reasons for not wearing the surplice, he said to Mr. Farrar,
^' that except he and his companions would be conformable,
he and his brethren the bishops, in good faith, would, in
one quarter of a year, turn them all out of tlie church;*'
and dismissed him without relieving him from bis sus-
pension.t
John Oxenbridge, B. D. was minister at Soudiam in
Warwickshire, and afterwards at Coventry, where he viras
celebrated for his great learning, piety, and usefulness. In
1576 he was convened before the high commission for non-
conformity; but it does not appear what punishment was
inflicted upon him.t About die year 1583 he was again
called before his ecclesiastical judges, and suspended fnMn
hb ministry. He was one of the heads of the associatibns;
he subscribed the ** Book of Discipline ;" and ended his
days among his ftiends at Coventry .$
Mr. Harsnet was a learned and pious divine of Pem^
broke-hall, Oxford, but was persecuted for nonconfontaity*
In the year 1586 he was convened before the Bishop of
Oxford, and cast into prison for refusing to wear the surplice ;
but how long he remained under confinement we caimol
leam.||
♦ Newcoart*8 Repcrt. Eccl. vol. il. p. 4S2.
f MS. Register, p. 800, 805. t Strype^ GHn4al, p. 91&
S Clark's Lives annexed to 'jjdartyrologie, p. 161.— Ne«11 Poril
▼ol. \r p. 42S. II MS. Resiiter, p. 801.
ADDENDA. 511
Nicholas Williamson was minbter of Castle-A^faby
m Northamptonshire, but Mras suspended iu the year 1586
for refusing subscription to Whitgiftf s three aiticles. Hd
continued a long time under the seiitence ; and whether he
was ever restored is uncertain.*
Mr, Gibson was rector of Ridlington in Rutlandshire,
but often convened before the Bishop of Peterborough, and,
^bout the year 1586, deprived of his living for refusing sub-
fcription to Whitgift's articles. Being driven from his flock
and hb benefice, he went to London, and entered a suit
against the bishop ; but with what success we have not been
able to learn. Indeed, he had not much prospect of success
IB contending with one of the persecuting prelates. Mr.
Wilkinson and Mr. Wilbloud, two other ministers in the same
county, were at the same time both suspended, when their
livings were sequestered, and they were threatened with
deprivation. But, laying their case before Sir Thomai
Cecil, tfieir worthy patron, he went himself to the arch-
bishop, and procured an order to the bishop for their re-
storation.!
Mr. Horrocks, a worthy divine of puritan principles,
was vicar of Kildwick in the West Riding of Yorkshire. In
the year 1587 he was convened before the high commission
of York, committed prisoner to the castle, and, having con-
tinued there for some time, was enjoined a public recantation,
for the shigular crime of suffering Mr. John Wilson, another
puritan minister, to preach in his pulpit, though it was his
native place.^
Sampson Sheffield, A. M. of Christ's college, Cam-
bridge, was one of the preachers to the university. Having
delivered a sermon, in the year 1587^ containing certain
erroneous and scandalous positions, as they are called, he was
convened before his ecclesiastical judges, though it does not
appear what punishment was inflicted upon him. These
positions were the following : — " That it is unlawful for a
minister of the gospel to be a civil magistrate. — ^^fhat in the
present troubles about conformity, bretbien conspire against
* ift. Register, p. 203, t Ibid. p. 7 U. f Ibid. p. 787.
512 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
brethren.'— And he denounced a woe agsunst him who had
lately put out some lights that were used to shine io
Cambndge.'*
"•
Richard Gardiner was a puritan divine of considerable
repute in the university of Cambridge ; who^ in 1583, united
with other learned divines in warmly requesting Mr. Cartr
Wright to answer the Khemist Translation of the New Tes-
tament. In 1587 he often met with the nonconformists at their
firivate assemblies in London, Cambridge, and other places.f
t does not appear whether he was any relation to Mr. John
Gardiner, another puritan divine.
Mr. Kendal was a learned and peaceable divine, of a
holy life and conversation, and one of the public readf^rs in the
university of Oxford ; but he could not in conscience sub- ^
scribe and observe the ceremonies, yet he refrained from
spcakinff against them. He was, therefore, suspended bj
Archbishop Whitgift. The lord treasurer interceded with
the archbishop for his restoration, in a letter dated April 21^
1590, in which he speaks of Mr. Kendal in terms of the
highest commendation, and earnestly prays his crace to
restore him to his ministerial exercise, at least till he was
found guilty of disturbing the peace of the church. " But,"
our author adds, '' I do not find what success he had widi
the archbishop.^'^
EzEKiEL CuLVERWELL, educated in Emanuel college,
Cambridge, was some time rector of Stambridge in Essex^i
and afterM'ards vicar of Felsted in the same county. When
in the latter situation he was prosecuted for nonconformity.
In the year 1583 he was suspended by Bishop Aylmer, for
not wearing the surplice.g He was a man of great piety
and excellent ministerial abilities, and instrumental in the
conversion of the celebrated Dr. William Gouge, when a boy
at school. His sister was the doctor's mother.i He is daased
• Strype*! Aonals, toI. iii. p. 489, 490.
f MS. Cbronoldgy, vol. i. p. 419. (1 | 3.)
t Strype's Whitgift, p. 342.
S Newcourf 8 Repert. £ccl. vol. ii. p. 542. || MS. Registeftj^. 5M»
f Clark's Lives aonexed to Martyrotogie, p. 834.
ADDENDA. 513
»
among the learned writers of Emanuel college;* and was
author of*' A Treatise of Faith," 1633 ; also, ^' A ready Way
to Remember the Scriptures/* 1637.
Mr. Bernhere was fellow in the university of Cam-
bridge, where he received his education. He, like many of
his puritanical brethren, scrupled the episcopal ordination "of
the national church, and went abroad, when he was ordained
in one of the foreign reformed churches. ^ About the year
1590, his claim to his fellowship was disputed in the univer-
sity, because he was not a minister according- to the church
of England; but it does udt appear whether he suffered
deprivation. Upon his appearance before the governing
ecclesiastics, Mr. Alvey very zealously defended his cause,
and boldly maintained, that he was as good a minister as any
diere present.f
. George Newton was the puritan minister at Bafnwell
in Northamptonshire. He never wore the * surplice^ nor
used the cross in baptism, nor allowed the use of the ring in
marriage, nor would he permit the oldest of his |)arishioners
to come to the Lord's supper till they had passed his exainina-
tion. Mr. Newton having spoken in a public discourse on
the afflictions of the righteous, observed, that the proceedings
of the bishops in the suspension of worthy ministers were
tyrannical; for which he was accused to those in authority,
when he appeared before his superiors, and was required to
explain his meaning, he said that he meant this oiantichristian
bishops.^
John Allison was fellow in the university of Cambridge,
and afterwards minister at the place mentioned in the last
article, but was suspended in 1583, for refusing subscription
to Whitgift's articles. He afterwards served the cure of
Homingsheath in Suffolk,. where he was again suspended by
Dr. Legg ; and it is added, that, although he was in neither
case absolved, he still continued to preach.$
« FalVer*sHi8t. ofCam. p. 147.
f Baker's MS. CoUec. vol. xii, p. SIO. } Ibid. p. 811. h I^^^-
VOL. IIU £ L
514 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
William Bourns was feUow in the above naitenity;
buty upon his entrance into the ministerial office, he acn^dcd
subscription to Whitgift*8 articles. He sought to be ordaned
by the Bishop of Chester, but without success, because he
could not in conscience subscribe. He then waited upon
his lordship of Peterborough, and was in like manner repdled.
, At last he made application to the Bishop of St. Asaph, when
it seems he gained admittance without subscribiitt to what
he did not beUeve. The following persons, all felfows in the
university of CambricUje, were nonconformable to the oiden
of the church: Mr. Thomas Bindes, Mr. James Crowdwri
Mr. William Peachy, Mr. John Cupper, and Mr. Sparke.*
William Smtthurst was beneficed at SherruDston ia
Buckinghamshire ; but was convened before the Uga coni-
mission, and deprived of his living on account of his noncojfr'
formity. This was about the year 1395, when the Earl of
Essex, his great friend, repeatedly applied to the lord keeper
for his restoration, but apparently without the least success.
In one of these applications, he affirms, that Mr. Smythurst
had bv various methods been molested, and wrongfully pur-
sued, by the governing ecclesiastics.f
Mr. Aderst-er, the puritanical minister of Gosberton in
Lincolnshire, vras tried in the year 1596, at the public assizes
before Judge Anderson, who treated him with great cruelty.
He had some years before been a great sufferer in the h^
commission at Lambeth, by silencing, deprivation, and other
ecclesiastical censures, but was afterwards pardoned and
restored. Being accused of the same things before Ander*
son, he was treated worse than a dog; and the good man
coidd not obtain his release without entering into bonds and
suffering other grievances^
Mr. B. Bridgbr was a poor persecuted noiiconfonnist
minister; who, March 31, 1603, presented a petkion to the
house of commons, complaining of the tyrannical proeeedr
ings of the ruling ecclettastics, and praying for .a redreas of
his grievances ; which was no sooner read ^an he wa^
immediately sent a prisoner to the Tower. Being pressed
• Baker'k MS. ColW. toI. xii. p. 811. f Ibid. Tol. Zf. p. IT9*
t ttrjpe*! AmmIs, toI. It. p. 866, 967.
ADDENDA. 515
at his etamination to confess ^vvhether any other persons
were concerned in this petition^ he refuised to answer ; lest^
as he said, he should bring others into trouble as well as
himself. His petition is entered in the conunons' journal.*
Thomas Newhotjse, B. D. was educated in Christ's
college, Cambridge, and chosen fellow of the house. He
afterwards became minister of St. Andrew's church, Nor-
wich, where he proved himself to be a learned and pious
ciivine. Being, it is supposed, in some trouble for noncon-
formity, he sent his " ^Fheses about Things Indifferent," to
Bishop Jegon, his diocesan, in 1606. He was author of a
volume of Sermons, published in I6l4.f One T. N. wrote
an " Account of Church Discipline," and an " Answer to the
Archbishop's twenty-one Articles," copies of which are still
preserved. This was probably the same person .^
Thomas Edmunds, B. D. was a puritan minister of dis-
tinguished eminence, and a person of great moderation. He
was a member of the presbytery erected at Wandsworth in
1573 ;$ and about the same time he was cast into prison, it is
aaid, " for the testimony of the truth."! Afterwards he sub-
scribed the " Book of Discipline." Being convened before
the high commission and the star-chamber, in 1590, he took
the oath ex officio, and discovered the associations.! In the
year 1585 he became rector of Alhallows, Bread-street,
London, which he kept to the- end of his days. He died at
a very great age, towards the close of the year 16 10. Mr.
Richard Stock, another worthy puritan, was his assistant
while he lived, and his successor when he died.**
Stephen GotJOHE, A. B. of Magdalen cbllege, Oxford,
but afterwards the puritanical rector of Stanmer in Esses^.
According to Wood, " he was a good logician, and an
excellent disputant, but a very severe puritan." He was
•minent for tiaining up several famous scholars, among
♦ MS. Remarks, p. 651. f MS. Chronology, vol. ii. p. 657. (10.)
% MS. Register, p. 423, 447. § Fuller's Church Hist. b. U. p. lOS.
g Baker's MS. Collec. vol. zxxii. p. 442.
5[ Bancroft's Dangerous Positions, p. 77. -
«« Newcourt's Repert. Eccl. yol. i. p. 246.--Clark's LItcs anntxed t»
Martyr, p. 62«
516 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
whom was Dr. Robert Harris^ another puritan divine, and
aome time president of Trinity college, Oxlford. Mr. Gonghe
was living in 1610.*
Robert Cleaver was minister at Drayton in Oxford-
shire, but sileuced by Archbbbop Bancroft for nonconfor-
mity. In the year 1571, Mr. Thomas Merburie of Christ's
coUege, Cambridge, left a l^acy in his last will and testament
'^ to that grave and learned man, Mr. Cleaver.''f He was a
most pious, excellent, and useful preacher. Mr. Clark styles
him ** a godly minister, a bright shining star, and a very aUe
textman."t He died about the year l6ld.$ He was author
of '^ An Exposition on the last chapter of Proverbs.'' Mr.
Cleaver and Mr. Dod were joint authors of ** An Exposition
on the ten Commandments," for which they were usoally
called decalogisis. They also published ** The Patrimony <2
Christian Children," containing a defence of infant-baptism,
with some strictures on the sentiments of the baptists.
Robert Mandbvill, A. M. was'bom in Cumberland, in
the year 1578, and educated first in Queen's college, then at
Edmund's-hall, Oxford. In the year 1607, he was elected
vicar of Abby Holm in his native county. Although he
met with great opposition in this place, yet, by his z^ous
and frequent prcachinff, his exemplary and pious life, he was
successful in propagating die gospel. He shewed himself a
zealous enemy to popery and all profaneness. He dissuaded
his parishioners from keeping markets on the Lord's day, and
from the observation of profane sports. According to WoodJ
** he was accounted a great man, a hard student, a laboiipus
preacher, a zealous and religious puritan." He died at
Abby Holm in I6l8, aged forty years. He was author of
** Timothy's Task, being two Sermons preached in two
g nodical Assemblies at Carlisle," 1619; and " Theological
iscourses.'^l
John Wilkinson, denominated an ancient and stout
separatist,f was a great sufferer for nonconformity. He was
• Wood*t AtheDS Oxon. vol. i. p. g88. ii. 171.
f Baker*8 MS. Collec. ?ol. iii. p. 314.
1 Glark*8 Lives anoexed to Martyr, p. 318, 319.
S Wood's Athenae, voL i. p. 467.
I Ibid. p. 376. f Jessop's £rron of Anabaptism, p. 77. Edit. leSS.
ADDENDA. 517
aiit)ior of a work entitled^ '^ An Exposition of die xiii. chap,
of tfae Revelations of Jesus Christ/' 1619* This came out
after his deaths in which the publisher observes^ that it was
the author's desire and purpose to have published a work
upon the whole of Revelation, but was prevented through
t^e malice of the prelates, who several times spoiled him of
his goods, and kept him many years in prison. A minister
of the same name was A. M. and rector of Babcary in
Somersetshire, in the year 1587 ; but whether he was the
same person it is difficult to say.*
John Morton was one of Mr. John Smyth's disciples
at Amsterdam, from whom he received baptism by immersion.
He afterwards came to England, was a zealous preacher of
the sentiments of the general baptists, and a sufferer in the
cause of nonconformity. He was contemporary with Mr.
Helwisse, and a popular preacher in the city of London.f
He is supposed to have been the author of a book entitled,
*' Truth's Champion," a work in high repute among those
•f his own persuasion.^
Mr. Hubbard was a learned divine, and episcopally
ordaiiied^ but afterwards he separated from the church of
England. A congregation of separatists having been formed
in -South wark, London, in the year 1621, he was chosen to
the office of pastor. The pastor and members of this
church resolving afterwards upon a removal, most probably
on account of the oppressions of persecution, accom-
panied him to Ireland, where he died. Having lost their
pastor, they returned to their native country, and settled ih
^e vicinity of London, choosing the famous Mr. John
Canne for their pastor .$
John Yates, B. D. was fellow of Emanuel college,
Cambridge, and afterwards minister of St. Andrew's in the
city of Norwich.ll About the year 1625, Dr. Montague
having published his Appello ad Casarem, declaring himself
in favour of arminianism, and making dangerous advances
towards popery, Mr. Yates answered it in a work entitled^
• Wood*8 AtbeDae, vol. i. p. 816. f Bailie's Anabapttsro, p. 9S.
t Cr08by*8 Baptists, vol. i. p. 276—978. S Ib>^* P* 163, 164.
I Wood*8 Athene Oxoo. voK i. p. 442*
518 LIVES OF THE rURITANS.
Ibis ad Catarew^ which he performed in a kamed maBBcr.*
He was a divine of puritan principles, and is classed among
the learned writers and fellows of Emanuel college.t He
was author of '' The Saints' Sufferings and the Sinneffs'
Sorrows/' 1631.
John Feewek was the puritanical rector of Nordian in
Sussex, a learned divine, and a constant preacher. He died
towards the close of the year 1627> when his remains were
interred in his own church .t He was father to Accepted
Frewen, 4irchbishop of York, llie son was at first incbned
to puritanism, but, upon his introduction to the court, and
obtainii^ some preferment, it soon wore off. He afterwards
depended 4^20,000 in repairing and beautifying the cathedral'
of Lichfield, part of which was at his own charge, the rest
was raised by contribution.^ Mr. JFrewen was author of
** Fruitful Instructions and necessary Doctrine, to Edifie in
the Fear of God," 158?.—'' Fruitful Instructions fDr the
?meral cause . of Reformation, against the Slanders of the
ope and League,'* 1589* — ** Certain choice Grounds and
Principles of our Christian Religion, with their several Ex-
positions, by way of questions and answers,'' 1621.
Fbancis Bright was a minister of puritan principles,
trained up under the excellent Mr. John Davenport. In the
year 16B9 he accompanied Mr. Higginson and Mr. Skelton
to New England; and upon his arrival settled widi several
of his firiends at Chariestown.|
Mr. Udney was lecturer on a Lord's day afternoon at
Ashford in Kent, enjoying a benefice in the neighbouriKM)d.
Ashford is said to have been the most factious tovm (the
most addicted to nonconformity) in all Kent; and that
Mr. Udney vras invited there by fiictious persons, such
as were registered in the h^ commission for heading con-
venticles. He had, however, the king's recommendation to
the place; but is charged with having always preached co»-
• Fnlkr'i Cbwrck HhU b. xi. p. 191. f FUkr'f Hitt. •tCmm. p. 147.
^ Wood'b Atbenv, toI. ii. p. 6SS, 664.
S Le Nevc't Lives, woU i. part i. p. 836.
I Prince's ChroD. Hist voU i. p. 183, 184.— Ifone aai FsrUi's Hkt.
p. 36.
ADDENDA. 619
trary to his majesty's instructions, and with holding a benefice
near the plac^, at which, for the space of ten years, he had
never constantly resided.* Therefore, about the year 1629,
by (he particular instigation of Bishop Laud, he was sus-
pended for nonconformity ; but Archbishop Abbot presently
restored him to his ministry, and inhibited the archdeacon from
i^3 jurisdiction; which, says our author, exposed all who
«ctea in it to scorn and contempt.f
Samuel Blacklock was preacher to a baptist congre-
gation in London. A number of pious persons about the
metropolis having espoused the sentiments of the baptists,
could not be satisfied that any person in England was suitable
to administer the ordinance of baptism; but hearing that
some in the Netherlands baptized by immersion, they agreed
to send over one Mr. Richard Blount, who understood the
Dutch language, to receive baptism at their hands. He
accordingly went, carrying letters of recommendation widi
him, and was kindly received both by the church there, and
by Mr. John Batte dieir teacher. On his return, he baptized
Blr. Blacklock the minister, and these two baptized the rest
of the company, to the number of fifty-three. The generality
of English baptists, however, accounted all this as needless
trouble, and as founded on the old popish dck^trine, that an
Uninterrupted succession is requisite to the proper adminis-
tration of the sacraments4
Mb. Bradstreet, bom of a wealthy family in Suffolk,
>¥as one of the first fellows of Emanuel college, Cambridge,
und highly esteemed by persons distinguished for learning.
In the year l603 he appears to have been minister at Hobling
in Lincolnshire, but was always a nonconformist to the
church of England. He was afterwards preacher to the
English congregation at Middlebui^, where he was most
Drobably driven by the severity of persecution. He was
fiving about the year 1630. The first planters of New Eng-
land had the highest respect for him, and used to style him,
" The venerable Mordecai of his country." He was father
to die celebrated Simon Bradstreet, governor of New Eng-
land, who died in 1697? aged ninety-four years."^
* Prynne^ Cant. Doome, p. 373.
-f Hey]iD*s Life of Land, p. 901.
1 Croiby'f Baptists, vol. i. p. 102, 103.
S Blather^ Hist, of New £iig. b. ii. p. 1 9.
520 LIVES OF TRE PURITANS.
Mr. Crowdes, vicar of Veil in Surrey^ was a piou§
man, and a frequent preacher, but endured cruel persecu-
tion. About the year 1631 he was committed close prisoner
to Newgate for sixteen weeks, and then depnved of his living
by the high commission, without any articles, witness, or
other proof brought against him. It was, indeed, pretended
that he had spoken some treasonable words in the puljnt;
but the truth was, he preached twice on a Lord's day too near
the court, which at that time was not conformable to the
oppressive measures of the ruling prelates.*
Samuel Skelton was a pious and zealous minister in
Lincolnshire, but much harassed and persecuted for non-
conformity. In the year 1629 he accompanied Mr. Higginson
and others to New England. Arriving in the Massadbusets
bay, they settled at Naumkeak, which they called Salem,
where their first work was the formation of a christian church.
Having on this occasion appointed a day of solemn fasting
and prayer, Mr. Skelton was chosen .pastor, and Mr.
Higginson teacher.f Mr. Skelton survived his colleague, and,
after enduring many painful hardships, entered into the joy
of his Lord, August 2, 1634.^ He was a man endowed with
a strong faith, a most heaveuly conversation, and was well
furnished with ministerial abilities.^
Humphrey Barnet was minister at Uppington in
Shropshire, where he and Mr. Wright of Wellington were
accounted the first puritans in the county, for no other reason
than their sedulous preaching and their sober and pious lives,
though at that time they were both conformable to the estab-
blished church. He was a celebrated preacher, and much
admired by the country people, who flocked to hear him twice
every Lord's day, a practice then not very common. When
the Book of Sports came forth, instead of reading it, he
preached against it ; for which he was cited to appear before
the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, and forced to leave the
diocese. Being driven from the people of his charge, he
removed into. Lancashire, where he closed his labours and
suQierings, probably about the year l634.| Mr. Joshua
Barnet, sUeuced in 1662, was his son.l
* HaDtley*8'Prellatet* Usurpations, p. 161.
f Prince's Chron. Hist. vol. i. p. 183,189.
* Matiier*! Hist, of New £ng. b. in. p. 76. ^ Hist, of New Bog. p. S2.
I) CalMiy's Cootin. vol. ii. p. 726.
1 Palner's Noncoo. Mem. vol. iii. p. 150.
ADDENDA. 531
' Mr. Brodet was a zealous puritan ministery bat shame-
fully persecuted by the intolerant prelates. For preaching
against profane sports on the Lord^s day, and some other in-
stances of nonconformity y he, together with many others, was^
about the year 1634^ prosecuted in the ecclesiastical courts,
subjected to heavy fines, and suspended or degraded from his
ministry.*
Richard Denton, a pious and learned man, was bom
in Yorkshire, and afterwards preacher at Halifax in that
county. Having laboured at this place for some time, and
with good success, the storm of persecution which drove
mnltitudes out of the kingdom, forced him to New England ;
where first at Wethersfield, then at Stamford, '^ his doctrine
dropt as the rain, his speech distilled as the dew, as the small
rain on the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass.''
He was a little man, but be had a great soul, and a well-
accomplished mind; and, though be had but one eye, he had
a deep inn^t into diose things wfakb eye hath not seen.f
John Yiiicevt was born in tlie west of England, and
died in the rich livii^ of Sedgfield, in tiie county of Duibam.
It is observed of this excdlent man, that he was so harassed
and tossed about for his nonconformity, that, though he had
many children, no two of them were born in the same countv*
He was living in die year 16544 Mr. Thomas and Blr«
Nathaniel Vmceirt, both i^ected noDconformists, were bis
sons.^
John Tbask was bom in Somersetshire, and afterwards
removed to London^ where he discovered his zeal for non-
conformi^. He opposed the observance of the first day of the
week, maintaining the oU^ation of the fourth c<mtmand-
ment, and die necesAty of keeping the seventh day as the
sabbath of the LonL For these opinions, he was, abf>ut the
year 1653, convened before die tribunal of the star-chamber,
and sentenced to be set in the pillory at Westminster, and to
foe whipt from dience to the ^eet, where be was ordered to
• HmwOtft Prelates* UtiirMtiMi, m. 17ft.
f Ifatber'f HmC •TKew ^. h. iii. p. 95.
i GUaay'f CMthi. vol. 1. p. 90.
S FklMT'f HoMMk Man. vaL hp« lift, KM.
58S LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
remain a prisoner. It is said, that about three yean after he
wrote a recantation of his scUsniatical errors.*
Adam Blackman was a pious and useful preacher, first
in Leicestershire, then in Derbyshire. But having endured
the severity of persecution in his native country, he went to
New England, and settled first at Guildford, then at Stratford
in the new colony. Many* pious friends accompanied him
from England, who said to him, ** Entreat us not to leave
you, or to return firom following after you. For whither you
go, we will go ; and your God shall be our Grod.'* He was
a man of great holiness, a plain and profitable preacher, and
a most worthy divine. He went to New England probably
about the year I6d6.t
Thomas Warren was a puritan minister, and some time
curate at St. Lawrence's church, Ipswich. On account of his
nonconformity, he was admonished by Bishop Wren's chan*
cellor to observe the good orders of the church, and to certify
his obedience on a future courtpday : but, to avoid suspensiouj^
he gave up his curacy and left the place. It is observed, that
he had no license to preach in the diocese of Norwich, nor
had he produced his orders. He is charged with neglecting
all the orders of the church and the rules of divine service,
and with having quoted many dangerous passages in the
pulpit, tending to the disparagement of the state and disquiet
qf the people. He was, therefore, cited to appe^ before the
bishop ; but, having left the town and removed into Bedford*
shire, he heard no more of it.t
William Herrivoton was some time curate at St.
Nicholas's church, Ipswich, where he met with similar usage
as Mr. 'Warren, mentioned in the preceding article. He was
admonished by bis diocesan's chancellor to observe the good
orders of the cfaurdi, and to certify bis obedience on a future
court-day: but, to avoid further trouble, he resigned his
curacy. It is insinuated, that he and Mr. Warren, after they
were admonished, raised a great clamour, and deserted their
pured : and it is added, that they refused to observe the orders
• Pftget's Heresiography, p. 161, 184. Edit. 160?.
f Mather's Hist, of New Enjcland, b. iii. p. 94.
} Wren's Fitrenuaia, p. 96, 97.
ADDENDA. 58S
of the church only dirougfa fear of losing die means of didr
support, and not from any dislike to diem.* This, however,
is exceedingly improbable. They were certainly in greater
danger of losing their cures and support by refusing the
ecclesiastical orders, than by a universal conformity.
Nicholas Beard was a puritanical curate in one of die
churches in Ipswich, but suspended by the intolerant proceed-
ings of Bishop Wren. The principal cause for which he was
thus censured was his refusal to produce his letters of orders
and his license to serve die cure. This tyraiinical prelate,
it is said, was not hasty to restore him, because he had some
years before overheard him inveigh very bitterly in his jsermon
against the state, and against a noble earl and great officer of
the realm. His lordship was also informed, mat Mr. Bieard
was of a very turbulent spirit, and was suspected of having
been the secret promoter of a riot committed by adanrarous
concourse of mean people i^ainst the bishop himself.f Had he
been suspected of so atrocious a crime, he ought to have been
tried in a court of justice ; and, if proved guilty by a r^ular
course of law, to have been punished according to his
deserts. But guilty or not guilty, his lordship, widiout
waiting the formality of law, was detennined to stop his
mouth.
William Green was curate of Bromholm, but, about
the year 1636, was suspended by Bishop Wren for noncon-
formity. It is said that many defects were found in him, par-
ticularly his refusal to wear the clerical habit. This was
^certainly his greatest defect. Afterwards, however, upon his
submission, he was absolved, and only his license to preach
taken from him, for being iUiterate and formerly a man of
trade.^
William Powell v^ras mmister in die diocese of Nor-
wich, and suspended or deprived by the arbitrary proceedings
of Bishop Wren. It is said he was treated thus ^ for many
defects against the canons, and had absolution soon after
granted to his proctor, without coming for it Umself." Mr.
• Wren's Pkreatalia, p. 96. f Ibid. p. 9|.
i Ibid. p. 96.
Sai LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Richard Raymund^ another puritan minister, experienced
iimilar treatment^ on account of his nonconformity,*
William Kent was minister in the city of Norwich,
and suspended for his nonconformity. It is observed, " that
Bishop Wren's chancellor suspended him about ten o^clock
in the forenoon, and absolved him before three in the after-
noon of the same day, without receiving any fee for hb
admission.'^ He died soon after his troubles. Messrs.
Hudson, Brown, Mott, Ward, and many others, were among
the great sufferers from Bishop Wren's intolerant pro-^
ceedings.^
Mb. Davenish, minister of Bridgwater in Somersfitshire,
was suspended by Bishop Pierce of Bath and Wells, about
the year l6d6, for preaching a lecture in his own church on a
market day, though it had continued ever since the time of
Queen Elizabeth ; and he refused to absolve him till after he
had faithfully promised to preach it no more. When his
lordship absolved him upon this promise, he said, Go tluf
way; sin no more, lest a worse thing befall thee. This tyran-
nical prelate put down all the lectures in his diocese at
factious and nurseries of puritanism, and said, I thank
God, I have not one lecture left in my diocese,
hating the very name.t He enjoined Mr. Humphrey Blake,
churchwarden of Bridgwater, to do penance, because he had
not presented Mr. Davenish for expounding the church cate-
chism on the Lord's day afternoon, and using a short prayer
before he entered upon that exercise. " This," said hi& lord-
ship, '^ was against his orders and commands."^
Mr. Barret was rector of Barwick in Somersetshire, but
prosecuted by Bishop Pierce for refusing to observe his
oppressive injunctions. This divine, and many others, in-
structed their parishioners in the principles of relieion by
catechizing them on a Lord's day afternoon ; for which they
were sharply reproved by this prelate, and threatened to be
severely punished if they persisted in the practice. His
• Wr^n'fi Parentalia, p. 94.— Ruihwortb^ft CoUcc. vol. iii. p. S5S.
t l>»id. p. 94, 95.— Riishworth^ Collec. vol. iii. p. 353.
t Pr>nne'» Cant Dunin^, p. 377.
V Impeacbmeot of Bp. Pierce, p. 3, 4.— Prynne'i Caot Doome, p. 978.
. ADDENDA. 5S&
lordship said, '^ That this was catechizing sermon-wise, and
AS BAD AS PREACHING." He also charged them, ''That
they should not ask any other questions, nor receive any other
answers from the people, than those contained in the Book
of Common Prayer." Those who refused to obey his
lordship were convened before him, and punished for their,
disobedience ;« among whom was Mr. Barret, who, as
the reward of his transgression, was commanded to do
penance.*
Mr. Salisbury was a pious and zealous divine, and an
avowed enemy to popery and armhiianism. In the warmth
of his zeal for the welfdre of Zion, in his sermon on Matt,
xxiv. 6., he made use of the following expressions : — " How
many thousands have made shipwreck of faith and a good
conscience, renounced our true church, stept aside to armi-
nianism, and from thence, being the widest gate open to
Rome, relapsed to popery ! Thus are we scattered in our
Jacob, and divided in our Israel. The Low Countries not
long since, if not still, sighed as deeply, and mourned as
strongly, finding themselves overgrown with arminianism.
And what a faction is likely to be in our deplorable England,
between popery and arminianism together, except God be
more mercifril, and our state more vigilant and mindful ! We
shall see sooner than tell, and feel sooner than see." — For
only using these expressions, the good man was convened
before Archbishop Laud^ and endured other troubles.t
Mr. Jeffryes was some time preacher in the diocese of
Bristol, but driven from his place by the oppressions of the
times. Archbishop Ldiud gives the following account of
him : — *^ In the diocese of Bristol, in 1638, the bishop found
out one Jeffiryes, who commonly administered the blessed
sacrament of the Eucharist, being either not in holy orders at
all, or at least not a priest. As soon as he was discovered he
slqit out of the diocese ; and the bishop thinks, that he now
serves in a peculiar under the dean and chapter of Wells.**
The arcbtnshop then adds, '' I will send diither to know the
certainty, and see the abuse punished, if I can light upon the
per8on."t
* lapcschaent, a. 4.— Pryane'k Caot. DooiBe, p. ST8.
f TbM. p. S63. . t Wkvtoo'f Trovblct of LMd, ¥•!. L p. Mi.
nS UVES OF THE PURITANS.
Hbhrt Pagb was the pioiis vicar of Ledbmy in Hiere^
fcrdshirey who, in die year I6389 was complained of to
Archbisbop Laud, and prosecuted in the high commission for
refbsing to read the Book of Sports. But that which proved
an aggravation of his crime, was his uttering the following
opprobrious and dismcefol expressions, as they were called :
** is it not as lawful to pluck at a cart-rope on die sabbath
day, as at a bell-rope ? Is it not as lawful for a weaver to
shoot his shuttle on the sabbath-day, as for a man to shoot his
bow i And is it not as lawiid for a woman to spin at her
wheel, or for a man to go to his plough, as for a man to
dance diat devilish dance P'«
Ralph Smith was a minister of puritan principles, vAto,
in the year iSfiQy to escape the seventies of persecution^ fled
to New England. He accompanied Mr. Higsinson and the
first planters of die Massachusets colouy.f He setded for
a short time at Natasco, but was afterwards chosen pastor of
die church at Plymoi^, to which office he was separated by
fitting and prayer, widi the imposition of hands from the
ddera of the church. He was a grave man, of a cood under-
standing, and much beloved by his people: For me space of
two veers he had Mr. Bx>^er Williams for his assistant4 He
was living as pastor of this church in the y^ar 1638.^
Ephraim Hbwet was minbter of Wroxhall in Warwick-
shire, but persecuted for nonconformity. Archbishop Xiaud,
in die account of his province in 1638, says, " He hath taken
upon him to keep fieistB in his parish, by his own appoint-
ment, md hath contemned the decent ceremonies com^
manded by the church. My lord the Bbhop of Worcester
proceeds against him, and intends either to reform or punish
Dr. jEHif inoson, the pious lecturer at Newcasdempon^
Tyne, was mudi persecuted for nonconformity. In the year
l639y by the instigation of Archlnshop Laud, he was
• Plrymie'8 Cuit. Doome, p. 140, 160.
-¥ Prince^ ChroD. Hist. vol. i. p. 183.
fibid. p. 188, 189.— Neal*f HisC. of New Ed^. toI. I. p. 115, 141.
Morton's Memorial, p. 108.
I Wharton's Troubles of Laud, yoI. 1. p. 554.
ADDENDA. fifl
qUesliotied in tbe high commisnon at Yoik. The articles of
his examinatioiiy together with the doctor's answersy weie man,
lo Lambetli, for the archbiriiop's consideratioiu Thia waa
goiqg the sure way to work. And the good man waa ao
cruelly harassed in the various ecclesiasticd courts, tka he
was oUi^ed to quit the place, and the kingdom too ; when, to
avoid the fury of his tyrannical persecutors, he fled to N
England.*
John Jem met, lecturer at Berwick-upon-Tweed, fi-as
barbarously handled for his nonconformity. The outstretched
aiin and tyrannical oppressions of Archbishop Ijaud, were
carried so far north. For, in December, 1639> he caused die
Bishop of Durham to apprehend him by a pursuivant, to
nlenc^ him from pr«ach£ig any more at BeH^ck, and to
batiish him from the town, widiout any article or witness
ever4)eii^ examined gainst him.t
John Stoughton, D. D. was fellow of Emanuel col-
lege, Cambridge, where he most probably received his educik-
tion. He is classed among the learned writers and fellows
of that college, and is denominated a pious and learned
divine.}: He was rector of St. Mary's church, Aldermanbury,
London ; where he succeeded the excellent Dr. Tliomaa
Taylor. Here, for the space of seven years, he was a laborious,
orthodox, and useful preacher; but having occasionally touched
ap<m the popish and arminian innovations, he was, by the
iBfltigation of Laud, prosecuted in the high conunissionw^
He died in tbe year lS39f when he was succeeded by Mr^
Edmund Calamy, the ejected nonconformist! He ivas author
of " Choice Sermons,'' 1640. — ^ Heavenly Conversatioii,
and die Natural Man's Condition," 1640.—^' A form of
Sound Words, with the R^teous Man's Plea to true Hap-
piness."
Mr. Bubchell was minister at St. Martin's, Micklegate,
York, where he was much esteemed by persons of piety.
Previous to the civil vears, when the nonconformists were
• MS. Remarks, p. 901.— *Prjniie^8 Cant. Doome, p. 399. f Ibid,
i Fnller's Hist, of Cam. p. 147. — Leigh on Religion and Learainf , p. 330.
) Prynue's Cant. Doome, p. 362.
I Pb]mer*s Noncon, Men. vol. i. p. 7T.
08S LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
severely persecuted^ he was a zealous puritan, and kept con-
venticles in the house of Dr. Scott, dean of York, though
unknown to him. The doctor heing much addicted to cards
and other games, had not the least concern about puritanism.
But Mrs. Scott, the dean's wife, being much inclined to con-
venticles, her house was chosen not only as the most con-
venient place, but the most secret and secure in those perilous
times. Lady Bethell, with other persons of quality, and
those in meaner circumstances, united in these private reli-
gious exercises.*
Thomas Scott was a zealous puritan minister in the
diocese of Norwich, but suspended for nonconformity. He
was under the ecclesiastical censure, said Bishop Wren, when
he first entered personally into the diocese; and, with all
tender and respectful usage, he absolved him for three months,
then for six months, and, at the expiration of that period, for
eight or nine months longer. During this period, Mr. Scot^
sent his lordship several letters, expressing his grateful ac-
knowledgments of these favours. After all, it seems ex-
tremely doubtful whether he was ever fully restored to his
ministry. He died in the year 1640.^ There were two
ministers of the same name, who lived about this time ; but
it is difficult to say whether either of them was this Mr:
Scott.t
William Madstard was a pious minister at Bridgnorth
in Shropshire,^ where, towards die close of life, he had the
celebrated Mr. Richard Baxter for his assistant. He was a
nonconformist, particularly in refusing to wear the surplice
and the use of the cross in baptism ; but a man of an exemplary
christian character. Mr. Baxter denominates him ** a worthy
pastor, a grave and severe • divine, very honest and coa-
scieutious, and an excellent preacher ;" but adds, ''he was
deeply afflicted with a dead-hearted, unprofitable people.*'
He died, together with his wife, of a malignant fever, in the
month of July, 1641, at an advanced age. Mr. Baxter.
preached his funeral sermon.^
« MS. Chronology, vol. iii. A. D. 1640. p. 12.
f WreB*8 Parental ia, p. 94.
X Wood's Athenae Ozon. vol. I. p. 846.~GraDger*s Biog. Hist. vol. 1.
p. S67.
^ 8}ivester*g Life of Baxter, part j. p. 15, 20.
ADDENDA. 629
. Mr. Cooper was the pious 'rector of Alton in Hamp*
shire. In the year 1634 be was suspended by Dr. Rone,
and Sir. John Lamb^ visitors to Archbishop Laud, for refusing
to read the Book of Sports; and he continued under the
cruel sentence about seven years. In 1641, his case being
laid before the house of commons, it was resolved> " That
his suspension was illegal ; that the sentence should be taken
off; that he should be restored to his living; and that Dr.
Rone and Sir John Lamb ought to make him reparations for
the damages he had sustained."*
Edmund Small was minister at Holm in Lincolnshire,
but persecuted in the high commission and deprived of his
bendSce. In the year 1641, having remained a long time
under the ecclesiastical censure,*his case was laid before the
house of commons; and, after due examination, it was
resolved, " That the sentence of his deprivation was illegal ;
and that he should be restored to his Iiving."f
Mr. Smith was suspended by Sir John Lamb ; and having
remained a long time under the seQtence, his case, in the
year 1641, was laid before the house of commons. After
due examination, the house resolved, ^^ That he had been
illegally suspended ; ^and that Sir John Lamb ought to give
I him reparation and satisfaction for his damages sustained by
that suspension ."t
« John Spencer was an unordained and popular preacher
in the city of London; for which he was brought into
trouble, with several others, in the year 1641. It is said that
one Robinson, a clerk in die custom-house ; John Spencer,
a horse-courser ; Adam Banks, a stocking seller ; John Durant,
B^d one (Greene, being con^plained of for their lay-preaching,
were summoned to appear before the house of commons.
On their appearance, the speaker reprimanded and threatened
ih^m, saying, ^^ That the house had a general distaste to
their proceedings; and that, if they should offend in like
manner in future, the house would take care that they were
severely punished."^ It does not, however, appear whether
Blr. Spencer and his breAren obeyed this order. JHe is
• Nalson's Collection, vol. ii. p. 464. f Ibid. p. 446.
t Ibid. p. 319. S Ibid. p. «65, 270.
VOL. JII. 2 M
590 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
classed amons the zealous sectaries ; and Edwards says, lie
was formerly Lord Brookes coachman, and an early preacher.*
Hannibal Gammon, A.M. was bom in the city of
London, in 1585, and educated in Broadgates-hall, Oxford.
He was afterwards beneficed at Maugan in Cornwall, where
he became a very popular preacher. On the commencement
of the civil war he espoused the cause of the parliament,
and was chosen one of the assembly of divines. Wood
says, ** he was much followed by the puritanical party for
his edifying and practical preachuig."f He was author of
" An Assize Sermon," 1621. — ** A Sermon at Lady Roberts's
Funeral," 1627. — ** Praise of a Godly Woman, a Wedding
Sermon,'* 1627-- — ** God's Smiting to Amendment, an Assize
Sermon," 1629-
Mr. Wainwright was a beneficed minister in the county
of Suffolk; but he resigned his living, worth two hundred
pounds a year, on account of his nonconformity. He would
not hold his benefit any longer, because he deemed it anti-
christian ; and after he had given it up, he said, '^ I have ever
since asked God forgiveness for holding it." According to
my author, he boasted that he had pulled down the bishops,
and that he would do the same by the presbyterians.t
John Sims was a minister of die baptist persuasion, who
preached at Hampton. In a journey to Taunton he was
prevailed upon to preach in the parish church of Middlesoy.
This gave so much offence to the dominant party, that he
was seized by virtue of the act against unordained ministers ;
and the letters which he was to deliver to some pious friends
were taken from him. These, widi his examination, were
sent to London, by way of complaint against him, and
printed. The charges specified in the examination were,
his preaching when unordained, and denying infEmt-baptism.
He acknowledged the latter, and pleaded against the former,
that, *' as Peter was called to preach, so was be."$
* Edwards^ Gangraena, part iii. p. 49.
f Wood's Atheoae Oxoo. vol. ii. p. 28.
i Edwards's Gaograsoa, part Hi. p. 81.
S Ibid. p. 50.~Croiby*8 BaptisU, vol. i. p. 232, 23S.
ADDENDA. 331
John FoxcROFT^ A. M. was educated in Magdalen-hall,
Oxford^ and afterwards minister at Gotham in Nottingham-
shire ; where, according to Wood, he continued a puritanical
preacher several years. Upon the commencement of the
civil war, he joined the parliament, was molested by the
royal party, and chosen one of the assembly of divines, and
he constantly attended. Removing to London, he became
a frequent preacher in the city ; and he preached sometimes
before the parliament. One of his sermons is entitled, " The
Good of a Good Government, and Well-grounded Peace,
being a Fast Sermon before the House of Commons, on
Isa. xxxii. 1, 2.'* — 1646.*
Ralph Marsden was a pious minister of puritan prin-
ciples at West Kirby in Cheshire, where he was succeeded
by Mr. John Murcot, another puritan, who married his
daughter .t He died minister of Great Neston in the same
county, January 30, 1648. He had four sons in the minis-
try; Samuel, Jeremiah, Gamaliel, and Josiah, all silenced
nonconformists at the restoration.^
Nicholas Darton, A. B. was born in Cornwall, in
1603, and educated in Exeter college, Oxford. Havii^
entered into holy orders, he became minister of Killesby in
Northamptonshire. He was always accounted a puritan ;
so that, on the commencement of the civil war, he joined the
presbyterians, and espoused the cause of the parliament^
He publish^ ^'The true and absolute Bishop, with the
Converts Return unto him," 1641. — ^* Ecclesia Anglicana;
or, a clear and protestant Manifesto, as an evangelical Key
sent to the Governor of Oxford, for the opening of die
Church-doors there, that are shut up without prayers or
preaching/' 1649* — And ^^ Several Sermons."
Hbnrt Roborough was chosen one of the scribes to
the assembly of divines, and, about the same time, appointed
rector of St. Leonard's, East-cheap, London, which he held
to his death.| He was one of the committee of divines
appointed to examine and oidain candidates for the ministry ;1
* Wood's Athene Ozoa. yoI. i. p. 827. f Ibid. yoL u. f . US.
X FslMcr's Noncoo. Mem. voL i. p. 340. iii. 401, 4M, 476.
S Wood's Atheos, toI. ii. p. «. | Ibid. p. lU.
1 Xcadli Pivfttts, W9L iii. p. 140.
592 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
and he united with his brethren, the London nnnisten, io
their declaration against the lung's death.^ The profits of
printing the Director}* being given to him and Mr. Byfidd,
die other scribe to the assembly, they are said to have sold
die cop) -right for several hundred pounds.f Mr. Roboron^
died in tlie year 1630, and was succeeded in his livii^ by
Air. Matthew Barker, one of the silenced nonconformists
in 16624
Abraham Peirson was bom in Yorkshire, where he
probably laboured in the ministry, but was driven by die
seventy of the times to New England. On his arrival,
about tiie year 1640, he was invited to be first pastor of die
church at Southampton on Long Island, where he contimied
about eight years. He then removed, with part of the
church, to Brainford, where he probaUy continued die rest
of his days. He left behind him die character of a |uotis
and prudent man, and a true child of Abraham.;
How EL YAUGHAN.was a pious minister, of the baptist
denomination, in Wales. A baptist church having been
formed at Olchon, about the year 163S, which is said to
have been the first separate church in Wales, Mr. Vaughan,
being one of its members, was chosen to the pastoral office.
His name was Vaughan, but wrote by some Ycban, oi*
Fychan, which is the Welsh spelling of Vaughan.! He
attended the associations of ministers in the Principality ;
and his name is among those who signed the minutes of the
association at Abergavenny^ in the year l653.f
Robert Maton, A. M. was bom at Tudworth in Wilt-
shire, in the year 15979 tnd educated at Wadham college,
Oxford. Having entered upon the ministerial work, he was
probably beneficed in his native county. He was a zealous
miUenarian ; and upon the commencement of the civil wars,
die press beins open, he published his sentiments to die
world in the foUowing articles: — ** Israel's Redemption ; or»
a Prophetical History of our Saviour's Kingdom on Easth,"
1642^— '< A Discourse of Gog and Miqpog, or die Boitde €^
• Dtlamy*! Contin. vol. ii. p. 743. f Fidkr's GImrch Hist. b. zi. p. «».
1 Palmer* Noncoa. Mco. toI. L p. 146i
i Mutlier*8 Hkt. of New BngUnd, h. ii. p. 115.
I Tbomas'i MS, MattiiiAH v* II* t Ttan^ MS. Hitt. p. 45.
ADDENDA. 533
the Great Day of God Almighty," 1642. — ^'^ A Comment on
the twentieth chapter of Revelation," 1652. — " Israel's
Redemption Redeemed; or, the Jews general and mira-
culous Conversion to the Faith of the Gospel^ and Return to
their own Land, and our Saviour's Personal Reign on Earthy
proved from the' Old and New Testament," 1646. — This he
republished with additions, entitled, ** A Treatise of the
Fifth Monarchy; or, Christ's Personal Reign on Earth a
Thousand Years with his Saints/' 1655.*
Peter Prudden was born in the year l600> and after-
wards preached in Herefordshire and on the borders of
Wales, where God marvellously blessed his pious labours.
But he was driven from his station by persecution, when he
0ed to New England, and was accompanied by many worthy
persons. Upon their arrival, they settle for a short time at
New-Haven^ then removed to Milford, where he was chosen
pastor of the church, and lived many years an example of
piety, gravity, and christian zeal. He died about the year
1656, aged fifty-six years. He had a remarkable talent for
softening and composing exasperated spirits, and for healing
contentions.t
Robert Booth was a minister of puritan principles, and
ornamented with a most excellent character. He was first
curate at Sowerby in Yorkshire, then vicar of Halifax, where
his remains were interred, July 28, 1657. " He was a man
of that wordi and excellency in learning and divinity, that he
deserved the title of an ApoUos, and seemed, like Jeremiah
and the baptist, to be separated from the womb to the
ministerial office ; so temperate and healthful, so industrious
and indefatigable in the labours of his study, and so divinely
contemplative in the exercises of his mind, that he approved
himself to be made up of virtue, being a stranger to ail thuigs
but the service of heaven. When he spoke to his congrega-
tion from the pulpit, it was with that power of truth, and
elegance of style, that he charmed his hearers into love and
admiration.''^ Mr. Ely Bentley, his assistant and successor
at Halifax, was ejected in 1662.$
• Wood's Athenae Oxon.xTol. ii. p. 123.
f Mather's {list, of New Eng. b. in. p. 93, 94.
t Wmtioii^ Hbt. of Halifax, p. 461 . Edit. 1 775.
S FiUmer'f Noticon. Mem. voU iii. p. 436.
554 LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
Walter Rosewell, A. M. was a worthy puritui
minister, first in Friday-street^ London, then at Chatham in
Kent, where he died in the year 165B. One of his name, and
frobably the same person, was severely persecuted by Bndu^
Serce.* He was a man of considerable eminence. Bfr.
Thomas Case preached his funeral sermon, and afterwards
published it, entitled, '' Elijah's Abatement ; or. Corruption
m the Saints, on James iii. 17/' — 1658 ; but this we have not
seen. Mr. Rose well was cousin to Mr. Thomas Rosewell,
the nonconformist minister who was tried for . high treason
before Judge Jeiferies ; and who in early life derived great
advantages from his pious and grave instructions.f
Thomas Ball, A. M. was bom in Shropshire, in the
year 1590, and educated in Queen's college, Cambridge,
under the celebrated Dr. Preston. He afterwards became
fellow of Emanuel college in the same universiw, dien
minister of the gospel at Northampton, where he died, and
his remains were interred, June 2 1 , 16599 ^ed sixty-nine years.
His funeral sermon was preached by Mr. John Howes, rector
of Abbington near that place, who gave high commendations
of his departed friend. This sermon was published, entitled,
*^ Real Comforts, extracted from moral and spiritual Prin-
. ciples, presented in a Sermon preached at the Funeral of that
reverend Divine, Mr. Thomas Ball, with a narrative of his
Life and Death," 1 660 ; which, however, we have never
seen. Mr. Ball was author of several books, among which
were, " The Life of Dr. John Preston," and *' Pastorum
propugnaculum ; or, the Pulpit's Patronage against die force
of unordained Usurpation and Innovation, in four Parts,"
16564
Stanley Gower was a puritan divine of consid^erable
eminence, chosen one of the assembly at Westminster, and he
constantly attended during the session. He was minister at
Brampton-Bryon ; but on his removal to London, he preached
in Ludgate-street, and was one of the preachers to the par-
liament. He was appointed one of the committee for the
examination and approbation of ministers who petitioned for
sequestered livings ; and one to examine and ordain candidates
• Impeachment of Bp. Pierce, p. 8.
f Life of Rosewell prefixed to his Triml,p. 8. Edit. 1718.
t Wood's AtbeoaB Oioo. vol. i. p. 861. .
ADDENDA. 535
for the ministry.* He united with his brethren^ the London
ministers^ in their declaration against the king's death.f He
was living in 1660^ was then minister at Dorchester, and is
denominated a zealous and eminent presbyterian4 He wrote
the life of Mr. Richard Rothwell, published in Clark's ^' Livei
annexed to his Martyrologie." One of his sermons has this
singular title, ** Things Now-a-doing : or, the Churches
Travaile of die Child of Reformation Now-a^bearing, in a
Sermon before the Honourable House of Commons^ at their
solenm Fast, July 31, 1644."
Henby Flint was a most holy and worthy minister,
driven from his native country by the tyrannical oppressions
of Archbishop Laud. In the year 1635 he fled to New
England, where he was chosen teacher to the church at
Braintree, of which Mr. William Thompson was pastor.
There he closed his life and his labours, April 27, 1668.^ He
was a man of great piety, gravity, and integrity, and eminendy
qualified for the ministerial work.|
James Sicklemore was minister of the church at Single-
ton, near the city of Chichester, and a person famous for
hit gre^t learning and piety. About die year 1640, he
espoused the peculiar sentiments of the baptists, and became
a zealous asserter of his opimons. Previous to dus, being
concerned for the instruction of the rising generation, be
usually catechized the youi^ people of his parish, and
ezfJamed to diem the questions and answers contained in
tbe church catechism. On one of these occasions, as he
was discoursing on the promises of godfathers and godmothers
in the name of the inputs at their iMiptism, one of hb catechu-
mens asked him, ^ what warrant diere was from the holv
scrqpCures for what he had been speakii^ r" Feelii^ himself
at a loss to give a direct answer, he warmly insisted on the
general voice of the christian church. Upon further examin-
abon, he renounced in^uit4M4itism altogetlier, and refused to
faaptiae the children of his parij»hioners. He was also
opposed to the maintenance of nmmters by tithes ; ^ and
• Ifc^s FvHaM, v«L Uf. p. Si, 140. ^ Ihid. p.4f 1.
( MMkrr'ft BhLmi Hew Km^ h, %m. f. Itt.
53(i LIVES OF THE PURITANS.
therefore he gave at^ay the greatest part of his income to
tlie poor and nei*cly. I'liougli after the change of his senti-
mentH he coiuiiiiied in his parish^ he frequently preached at
otlier places, particularly at Sevamore and Poit^niouth ; at
both of which places he was instrument ul^ under (lod, of
making and baptizing many disciples. This practice he con-
tinued to the end of his days. Though it does not appear
"when he died, he laid the foundation of the two baptist con-
gregratious at Portsmoutli and Chichester.*
Crosb\'s Baptists, yoI. iv. p. 245—347.
APPENDIX :
CoHtainirfg a correct List of the principal Authorities rt"
ferred to in the Work, with the particular edition ff
each. The Works in Folio are the following :
PrjTine's Breviate of the Life of Land, 1644.
Canterburies Doome, 1646.
Fuller's Church History of Britain, 1655^
History of the University of Cambridge, 1655.
Leigh*s Treatise of Religion and Learning, 1656.
ScobelPs Collection of Acts and Ordinances, 1658.
Fuller's History of the Worthies of England, 1662.
Lloyd's M emoires of Excellent Personages, 1668.
HeyliD*s Life of Archbishop Land, 1668.
History of the Presbyterians, 1670.
Mede's Works, with his life prefixed, 1672.
Wood's Historia et Antiquitatis Univer. Oxon. 1674.
Foulis's Wicked Plots of our 'Pretended Saints, 1674.
Heyliu's History of the Reformation in England, 1674. ^
Clark's Martyroiocie, with Lives annexed, 1677.
Heylin's Historical and Miscellaneous Tracts, 1681.
D'Ewes's Journals of Parliaments, 1682.
Whitlockc's Memorials of English Affairs, 1682.
Nalson's Collection of Affairs of State, ii. vols. 1682, 1683.
Clark's Lives of Eminent Persons, last vol. 1683.
Fox's Acts and Monuments of the Martyrs, iii. vols. 1684.
Rushworth's Historical Collections, v. vols. 1659—1692.
Wood's Athenae Oxonicuses, ii. vols. 1691, 1692.
Strype's Memorials of Archbishop Cranmer, 1694.
Sylvester's Life of Baxter, 1696.
Wharton's Troubles and Trial of Abp. Laud, u. vols. 1695, 1700.
Prince's Worthies of Devon, 1701.
Mather's History of New England, 1702.
Clarendon's History of the Rebellion, iii. vols. 1704.
Kennet's Complete History- of Englawl, vol. ii. and iiL 1706.
Newcourt's Repertorium Ecclesiasticum, ii. vols. 1708.
Strype's Life of Archbishop Grihdal, 1710.
Parker, 1711.
Collier's Ecclesiastical History, vol. ii. 1714.
Walker's Attempt at ihp Sufferings of the Clergy, 1714..
Burnet's Historv of the Reformation, iii. vols. 1^1, 1715.
Strype's Life of Archbishop Whitgift, 1718.
Echard's History of England, vol. ii. 1718.
Stow's Survey of London and Westminster, li. vols. 1720.
Strype's Ecclesiastical Memorials, iii. vols. 1721.
Burnet's History of his own Tline, vol. L 1724.
Win wood's Meaoriak of State Affairs, ii. vols. 1727.
538 APPENDIX.
•
Stripe's Annals of the Reformation, iv. vols. 170&— 1731.
Thurloe's Collection of State Papers, ¥iL ¥oU. 1732.
Pe<*k*s Desiderata Curiosa, ii. vols. 1732.
M'ard's Lives of the Gresham Profefson, 1740.
Ra|*in*s Histor)' of £ngland, vol. li. 1743,
Keniiet's Historical Register and Chronicle, 1744.
BlomefieUrs History of Norfolk, ifol. i. and ii 1739, 1745.
II ren*K Parentalia, 1760.
T% amer's History of £ngland, vol. iL 1760.
Biopraphia Britannica, vii. vols. 1747 — 1766.
Bridges's History of Nortbamptonsbire, ii. ifols. 1702.
Biograpbia Britannica^ v. foU. 1778 — 1708.
Works in Quarto.
Parte of a Register, contayning landrie Memorable Matters, no tUUe.
Examinations of Barrow, Greenwood, and Penry, mo dcrtc.
Bancroft's Dangerons Positions, 1603.
Survey of tbe pretended Holy Discipline, 1608.
Ainswortb's Count erpoy son, 1608.
Paget*s Arrow against tbe Separation of the Brownists, 1618.
Ames's Fresh Snit against Hnman Ceremonies in God's Worship,
1633.
Hnntley's Breviate of tiie Prelates' intolerable Usurpations, 1687.
Paget's Defence of Chnrch Government, 1641.
A Briefe Discourse of tbe Troubles at Frankeford, 1642.
Edwards's Antapologia, 1644.
Bailie's Dissuasive from tbe Errors of the Time, 1646.
Edwards's Gangrsena, iii. parts, 1646.
Bailie*s Anabaptism, 1647,
Cotton's Way of Congregational Churches, 1648.
Fuller's Abel Redivivus, 1661.
Featley's Dippers Dipt : or tbe Anabaptists Dnck'd, 1651.
Paget's Heresiography, 1664.
Clark's Marrow of Ecclesiastical History, 1654.
History of New England, from 1628 to 1662; printed 1664.
Bailie's Vindication of bis Dissuasive, 1666.
Erbery's l>8timony left upon Record, 1668.
Morion's Memorial of New England, 1660.
Sparrow's Collection of Articles, Injunctions, &c. 1676.
Baxter's Second Plea for tbe Nonconformists, 1681.
L'Estrange's Dissenters' Sayings, ii. parts, 1681.
Works in Octavo, 8fc.
Lnpton's History of Protestant Divines, 1637.
Berlin's Examen Historicam, 1660.
Wilkins's Di^coun:e on Preaching, 1678.
Paule*8 Ijfe of Arcbbisbon Whitgift, 1600«
1^ el^ood's Memoirs of Transactions, 1700.
Barlow's Sum of tbe Conference at Hampton Court, 1707.
APPENDIX. 539
Peirce's Vindication of the Dissenters, 1717.
Neal's History of New England, ii. vols. 1720.
Thoresby's Vicaria Leodiensis, 1724.
Oldmixou's Critical History of England, ii. vols. 1726.
■ Clarendon and Whitlocke Compared, 1727.
Calamy's Account and Continuation, iv. vols. 1713, 1727. ,
Strype's Life and Acts of Bishop Aylmer, 1728.
Maddox's Vindication of the Church, against Neal, 1733.
Ncal's Review of Do. 1734.
An Illustration of Neal, in the Article of Peter Smart, 1736.
Prince's Chronological History of New England, vol. i. 1736.
Grey's Examination of Neai, iii. vols. 1736 — 173&.
Crosby's History of the English Baptists, iv. vols. 1738 — 1740.
Grey's Review of Neal, 1744.
Bennet's Memorial of the Reformation, 1748.
Harris's Life of King Charles I. 1758.
British Biography, vol. iv. and v. 1767, 1768.
Papers of Massachusets Bay, 1769.
Backus's History of New England's Baptists, vol. i. 1777.
Life of Ainsworth, prefixed to Ihs " Two Treatises,'' 1789.
Toplady's Historic Proof, ii. vols. 1793.
Neal's History of the Puritans, v. vols. 1793 — 1797.
Williams's Christian Preacher, 1800.
Palmer's Nonconformist's Memorial, iii. vols. 1802, 1803.
Mosheim's Ecclesiastical History, vol. iv. and v. 1803.
Hume's History of England, vol. v. — ^vii. 1803, 1804.
Granger's Biographical History of England, iv. vols. 1804.
Morse and Parish's History of New England, 1808.
Churton's Life of Dr. Alexander Nowell, 1809.
Ivimey's History of the English Baptists, 1811.
The Manuscripts referred to are the follofwing :
Sloane's MSS. deposited in the British Museum.
Harleian MSS. deposited in Do.
Baker's MS. Collection, xxxviii. vols, folio.*
MS. Register.f
* This iovalaable collection was made by the indefatigable and celebrated
Mr. Thomas Baker, the first twenty-three volumes of which are deposited io
the British Museum. They constitute part of the Harleian collection,
from No. 7028 to 7050. The remaining fifteen, volumes are deposited in
the university library, Cambridge.
f This invaluable treasure, entitled, ** The Second Part of a Register,"
was collected by Mr. Roger Morrice, who was ^ected at the restoration,
from Dnffield in Derbyshire. Bishop Maddox, with great injustice, warmly
censures this MS. as unworthy of credit : but Mr. Strype, who was intimate
with the author, gives him a very high character. He styles him *' a very
careful inquirer into ancient records;" and, says he, ** This gentleman was
a very diligent collector of ecclesiastical MSS. relating to the latter history
of the English church, whereof he left vast heaps behind bim, and he
favoured me with his correspondence." — Stryp^s AnnaU, vol. i. p. 841. —
Stow't Survey of London^ b. iv. p. 57. — Maddox* » Vindication^ p. 190 — 192.
^^Palmar't Noncon, Mem, vol. i. p. 40f .
640 APPENDIX.
MS. Remarks on Hintorj, from the year 1646 to 1640.
MS. Chronology of Eminent Persons, iJL voJs.*
Certamiua ficclesiastica Anglicaoa, &&!
Thomas's Materials for the History of Churches in Wales.
Ecclesiastical History of Wales.
History of Churches in Wales.^ »
Meen's MS. Collectloni.§
• This coUeclioD, with the two foregoing, being five very large foli*
▼olamet, are deposited in Dr. William«*s library, Rcd-CroM-Street»
London. «
i This collertion« now deposited in the Old College library, Homerton^
was made by Mr. John Kingdom, by mistake called John Ridge^ and who
was rjrcted after the restoration. There is a Supplement to this MS. by
Irlr. Jonn C/orbet, who was also one of the ejected ministers. — Pa§mer*s
ff^ncon, Mem. vol. ii. p. 259. iii. 318.
X Ttif se three volumes were written by the late Mr. Joshua Thomas of
Leomiihiter. father to the present Mr. Timotbv Thomas of Islington, who
generously favoured the author with the use of them.
^ This collection was made by Mr. Joseph Meen of Biggleswade in Bed-
fi^rdbhire, who very kindly favoared the author with Ihe ose of it.
INDEX.
The numerical letters refer to the volume, the figures to the pa^t, and
the letter n to the notes. The persons whose names are printed in
Italics are puritan divines ; all the rest relate to persons and subjects
of a miscellaneous description.
Abbot, Archbishop, opposed the
Book of Sports, i. 68, n — his cha*
racter and death, 76$ ii. 502, n —
h is aofeel iog declaration, 383---hi8
arbitrary proceeding, 405 — a ca-
rioas anecdote of him, iii. 75, tu
— ' — t Dr. Robert, a pious prelate,
and anecdote of him, ii. 214, tu
Abbot, Robert, iii. 182.
Abingdon, a curioas funeral at, iii.
257.
Accommodstion, committee of, i.
86.
Accusations, false, i. 273 ,310, 312,
346;ii. 384;iii. 41,l54,ik
Acts of Parliament, most arbitrary,
i. 57,93.
Address, Dr.Sampson^stotbequeen,
i. 383.
Aderster, Mr., iii. 514.
Admiral, Lord, Paget's letter to,
ii. 257.
Admonition to parliament, i. 33,
319, 321 ; ii. 186, 188, 191~coo-
troversy about it, 143.
Advertisements published, i. 22,370.
Ainsworthj Henry, ii. 299.
Ainsworthian Brownists, their suit,
ii. 103, n.
Air ay, Henry, ii. 247.
Alcock, Gilbert, i. 170.
Aldrich, Thomas^ i. 211.
Alexandrian manuscript,accottiit of,
iii. 147.
AlUn, Richturi, ii. 87.
— , John, iii. 456.
r> Mr., iii. 502.
Allison, John, iii. 513.
Almanacks, the martyrdom of, ii.
425, fi.
Alvey, Henry, ii. 85.
Ames, WilUam, ii. 405.
Anabaptists, the Dutch, burnt, i.
335, and n.
— — — , Judge, his cruel proceed-
ings, i. 274, 275 ; iii. 514— his en-
mity against the puritans, ii. 381*
Anderson prosecuted, ii. 482» n.
Andrews, Bishop, account of, ii. 350,
n — anecdote of him, iii. 2,R.
Anecdotes, several curious, — of king
Henry and his jester, i. 2, n — of a
bishop and his cap, 131 — of the
surplice, 153, n — of kneeling at
sacrament, 159, n — of overcoming
evil, 21 1— of Gilpin,261— of Fox,
328, 337, 338— of casting out
devils, ii. 119, n— of Wake and
Sleep, 170, »^^f Bishop Abbot,
214, n— of R. Parker, 238,239—
of Baynes, 264 — of Bradshair,
269— of Pasfield, 297, n— of Roth-
well, 349— of the Duke of Buck-
ingham, 357 — of a doctor, 371 —
of a bishop, 406, n — of J. Carter,
411— of Clark, 412— of Laud's
bell-ringer, 419 — of Firmin^s con-
version, 422— of Whately, 440—
of a long sermon, 448 — of Fair-
clough's conversion, 452, n — of
an alarming providence, 468 — of
J. Herring, 492-Tof Bps. Neile
and Andrews, iii.2, »— of ageotle-
man, 5— of Dod, 6— of Black-
wood, 26— of Bastwick's litanyy
45^ n^of a profane simMT
642
IJfDEX.
awakened, 07— -of a fiddler coo-
verted, /ft.— of T. Hooker, 68, 09
—of Apb. Abbot, 75, n— of Bp.
Neile,104, n-'<tr Wulker,140. n—
of Cotton,] 59— of Gataker, 201—
of N. Rogers, 8S9— of Dr. Heylin
and Bp. Williaoii, S48, n— of
Marihall,849— nf Bp. Montaigne,
350, o— of R. Harris, 303— of a
congregation, 387 — of J. Wilson,
434 — of a penecator, 463 — of two
persecuted brothers, 467, n.
Jingel^ John, ill. S30.
Annotations, the/ assemb1)F't ac-
count of, lii. 211.
AdsIow, Sir Edward, a friend to the
pnritansi^ ii. 488.
Antinomian controfersy, ii. 473)
ill. 2]3.
Apocrypha, whether canonical, ii.
317— Errors in it, 318.
Apoiogetical narration, accoant of,
iii.SI.
Appendix, containing authorities,
iii. 537.
jtrcher^ Henry ^ ii. 455.
Armitage^ Timothy, iii. 254.
Armioian controversy at Boston, Iii.
152.
Arminianism, the progress of, i. 71
^-argument against, iii. 171 —
disputes on, ii. 343, 359.
Arrowtmith, John^ iii. 315.
Articles subscribed, i. 5, 21, 35, 64,
178, 199, 358.
— — , the l^ambeth, ii. 82, n.
, thirty-one exhibited against
Cartwright, it. 151— tlrirty-four
exhibited, 155.
- of inquiry and answers, ii.
259.
Arundal, the mayor of, proseivted,
Iii. 155» n.
Ascham, Roger, a letter to, i. 215 —
account or him, 217, n.
Assembly of divines, account of, i.
89— a list of them, 90, n.
Associations of the puritans, i. 53,
54 — their resolutions, 448 — de-
fended, ii. 156.
Astrology greatly admired, i. 375,
fi — controversy about it, iii. 219,
220.
Avarice, its evil effects, i. 246.
A very ^ John, ii. 420.
Axion, William J i. 151.
Aylmer, Bixhop, account of, i. 242 —
bis foul language, 226, 228, n ; ii.
168— his learning, 225, 226— his
false accusations, 241 1 ii. 154; n
— his letter to the council, i. 295
— his poverty and riches, ih, — a
letter to him, 317 — councirs leiter
to him, 326— he offended the
queen, ii. 147, n — he refused to
silence an adulterous clergy mao,
166— he wrote an angry letter,
168-^he made his porter minister,
ib. n — his barbarous proceedings,
i. 40, 239, 241, 893, 296, 305,
316,317,824,441 } ii..39,]09,]ll,
147, 166—168,285,237 ) iii. 512.
Bainbriggf Cuthbert^ 1. 396.
Bale, John, i. 101.
Ball, John, ii. 440.
, Thoma$, iii. 534.
Saliom, Robert, iii. 79.
Bancroft, Bishop, account of bis
famous sermon and new doctrinr,
i. 55, n I ii. 177, 178— his flattery
of king James, i. .61, n — his cha-
racter, 66, n — account of him, ii.
346, fi— his trial of R. Harris,
iii. 304 — his severe proceedings,
1.64} 11.184,202,227,232,2)8,
262{ iii. 616,
Baptism, salvation aacribed to, i.
270, 286.
Baptist congregation, the first in
England, iii. 164, 166.
church, the first in America,
iii. 480.
Baptists complained of pertecution,
ii. 281.
Barber, Thomas, i. 429.
, Edward, iii. 830.
Barebone, Praisc'Ood, iii. 399.
Barebone':^ parliament. Hi. 399, 401.
Barbarity, a shocking instance of,
ii. 483.
Barnet, Humphrey, iii. 520.
Barns, Bishop, a favourer of pari-
tanism, i. 258, ti.
Barrrt, Mr., iii. 524.
Barrow, Henry, his exanlnation, ii.
25, n — imprisoned, 28, n-^,his
petition, 41, n-^his character
and death, 42.
Batitwick, Dr., anecdote of his
litany, iii. 45, n — sentence agalwt
him, 47, n.
Balthelor, John, III. 32.
Batet, Randal, ii. 234.
Baxter, Richard, the caote of bU
conversion* ii. 420, n*
Baynes, Paul,\\. 261.
Beard^ Thomai, ii. 396.
, Mcholda, iii. 621.
Becon, Thomai^ i. 166*
fi.
INDEX.
543
Bedell, Bishop, favoured the uoion
of protestaots, Hi. 251, n.
Bedford, Earl of, a friend to the
piiritaos, i. 304, n.
Bellarmine refuted, ii. 77 — his books
answered bejfore they were print-
ed, 177.
Benefieldf Sebastian, ii. 365.
Benison, Barnaby, i. 292.
Bentham, Bishop, account of, i. 165,
n.
.Bernard, Nathaniel, ii. 400.
, Richard, ii. 459.
Bernhere, Mr., iii. 513.
Beverly, John, iii. 298.
Beza, a letter from, i. 26 — his cha-
racter of Cartwright, ii. 148 — his
translation burnt, 193.
Bible, the first translation of, i. 118
— ^various translations of, 118 —
126 — opposed by the bishops,
121,122 — the authorized version
of, ii. 179, n.
^- first printed in America, iii.
488.
Biddle, John, iii. 411.
Bilson, Bishop, his famous book, ii.
266, n — his doctrine at Paul's
cross, 330.
Birkenhead, Sir John, his foul
aspersions, iii. 297.
Bishop, anecdote of one, ii. 406, n.
of Lichfield's letter to Gilby,
i.281.
Bishops, Humphrey's letter to them,
i. 370.
, in primitive and modern
times, i. 197 — their superiority by
divine appointment, and the de-
nial 6f it accounted heresy, 55.
Bishopric, objections- ai^inst one,
i. 376— -one refused, 377.
Bisse, Dr., anecdote of, ii. 400.
Blackerby, Richard, iii. 96.
Blacklock, Samuel, iii. 519.
Blackman, Adam, iii* 522.
Blackstone, Sir William, his opinion
of persecution, Pref. ziii.
Blackwood, Christopher, iii. 389.
Blake, Thomas, iii. 269.
Blake, Humphrey, enjoined to do
penance, iii. 524.
Bocher, Joan, burnt, i. 10—- her
great zeal, ib, n.
Bodies dug up at the restoration, iii.
16, n.
Bodley, Sir Thomai, account of, i.
364, n.
Bois, Sir Edward, a- friend to the
persecuted puritans, ii« 488.
Bolton, John, hanged himself, tii.
5Q3.
Bolton, Robert, ii. 390.
— i , Samuel, iii. 223.
Bonham, William, i. 174.
Bonner, Bishop, his cruelties, i. 14,
15, 253.
Book of Common Prayer, when first
published, i. 4 — objected against,
i. 255, 265, 286—288, 317, 352.
, the curious title of cfne, iii,
144.
of Discipline perfected, ii.
260— subscribed, i. 53.
of Sports published, i. 68 —
republished, 77 — abolished and
burnt, 89 — ministers silenced for
refusing to read it, ii. 501 $ iii.
173, 176, 178, 185,374, 520, 526,
529.
Booth, Robert, iii. 533.
Boothe, Hugh, iii. 503.
Boston in New England, why so
called, iii. 157.
Bound, JS'icholas, ii. 171.
Bourne, JVilliam, iii. 514.
Botoen, Evan, iii. 381.
Bowes, Sir William, a friend to the
persecuted puritans, i* 398.
, Lady, a generous friend to
the puritans, ii. 351, fi.
Bowles, Oliver, iii. 466.
Bradbourn, Theophilus, ii. 362.
Bradford, John, a famous noncoa-
formist, i. 12.
Bradshaw, William, ii. 264.
Bradshaw, Mrs., convened before
the high commission, ii. 268.
Bradstreet, Mr., iii. 519.
Brayne, Edward, i. 289.
Brewer, Thomas, ii. 444.
Brewster, William, account of, ii.
341, n.
Bridger, B,, iii. 514.
Bright, Edward, iii. 262.
, Francis, iii. 518.
Brightman, Thomas, ii. 182.
Broad-mead, Bristol, the baptitt
church there when formed, iii. 333.
Brodet, Mr., iii. 521.
Broklesby, Mr., iii. 502.
Bromley, Lady, a great friend to
the puritans, ii. 441.
Brook, Lord, account of, ii. 353^ n.
Brought^n, Hugh, ii. 215.
Brown, Nicholas, i. 275*
, Robert, ii. 366.
, Lady, iii. 261, n.
, John, iii. 505.
Brownings J^An, u 302.
544
INDliX-
BrowBisU, their orifin, i. 44 — tbeir
oambtT, 58, n — they petitioned
the treasurer, ii. 40-— tbeir con*
f^ieication meeting in woods, 64,
55, n — their rhnrcb formed, 96 —
mppiebeodfd and imprisoned, 97
— tbeir opinions, 103 — their con-
festiion of faith, 300.
Brutes, ithether they ihalie syllo*
gisms, ii. 353.
Bncer, Martin, a nonronformist, i. 6.
Burkingbam, Duke of, anecdote of
him, ii. 357, a — accoant of him,
3^9, n.
Bulkly, Peter^ iii. 314.
Bollinger, an eicellent letter to him,
1.371.
^HMRe^, FrtnciSt ii. 850.
, Edmund^ ii. 859.
Burchelly Mr., iii. 587.
Burleigh, Lord, a famous statesman,
i. 898, n— a friend of the puri-
tans, 891, 303, 308, 314, 404, 436,
440, 443; ii. 110, 165, 816, 836,
315— his letter to Whitgift, i. 50—
also to the heads at Cambridge, ii.
1 14 — a petition sent to him, 190 —
letters to him, i. 370, 378, 380, 400»
435, 437 ; ii. 60, 80, 93, 99, 884,
885, 835, 849, 378.
Bomet, Bishop, his character of the
puritans, Pref. xiv. — his censure
of H Petera, iii. 366.
Jiiirr, Jonathan^ ii. 463.
Burrought^ Jeremiakj iii. 18.
Burton, fVilliam, ii. 830.
-— , Henry, iii. 400.
Burton, M/s., committed to prison,
iii. 44, M.
Bjtfield, Nicholas, ii. 897.
, Adoniram, iii. 374.
3yiiig, Di^, his cruel proceedings,
1.304.
Calthrop, Mr., a friend to the puri-
tans, i. 838.
Calvinism discountenanced, i. 78.
Cambridge, its aoacooformity, i. 85
— itsdeplQrahlestate,815^-H)ivioe8
wrote to Cartwright, ii. 148.
in New JSngUnd bounded,
iii. 66, 67.
Champion the Jesuit disputed with,
i. 387.
Canne, John, iii. 338.
Captl, Richard, iU. 859.
Carem, Thomaa, A. 166.
Carew, Mrs., petitioned the queen,
ii. 167.
Carter^ John, ii. 409.
Carter, Wimam, iii. 900.
Cartwright, Thomai^ ii. 136— letter
to him, 846.
Casteirs Lexicon HeptagloCtoa, ac-
count of, iii. 388, M.
CaiUn, Robert, ii. 488.
Cawdrey, Robert, i. 430.
Cawton^ Tkonuu, iii. 380.
Cecil, Sir William, an excellent
letter to, i. 880. See Burleigh.
Ceremonies, when to be refused, ii.
388.
Chadderton, Lawrence^ ii. 445.
Chaplains of regiments, I. 88.
Chapman^ Edward, iii. 506.
Ckarke, IViUiara, ii. 113.
Charles 1., his accession, i. 70 — his
arbitrary power, 78— -his death,
94 — his recommendation, ii. 444,
n — bis schismatical remark, iii.
383, M.
-^— -: — II. restored, I. 9S-*the li-
centiousness that followed, and
the king*s fair promitet, ib-
Chauncey, Charles, iii. 451.
Cheare, Abraham, iii. 435.
Chester, the people of* prosecuted,
iii. 51, n.
Children newly bom caimot believe,
ii. 388.
Christ's descent Into bell, the con-
troversy of, ii. 888,896, 330->the
denial of. accounted heresy, 5.
Christmas not observed) i. 873, n*
Church of England, its deplorable
state, i. 34.
Church-power, how regarded by
the puritans, Pref. zv. xvi.
Churton*s base character of the pu-
ritans, Pref. xiv. — his reproacli of
Cartwright, ii. 161.
Cinnus, a famous book, iii. 816.
Clarendon's bitter ceawref* Uir41— -
his misrepresefitetWm, ISDy lf2»
843.
Clark, Hugh, ii. 418.
Clarksoa, Lawrence, II* 505.
Cleaver, Robert, iii. 516..
Clergy, their deplorable ignoiaBce,
i. 168— remedy against thit, 160
— they are very comipt> 845.
Clifton, Richard^ ii. 1^0.
Cobbet, Thomas, iii. 463.
Cole, Robert, cammioally lAbited
and preferred, I. 84.
Cole, JVilUam, ii. 106.
Colemtm, ChrUta^kar, I. UO*
, Thomas, iii. 60.
College, ezpiKsion frwrntf i.'987.
ColUert Thomas, iii. 87.
INDEX.
545
Gommittee . of accommodatioD, i.
86, n.
religion offensive to
Laud, ill. 89, n.
Common Prayer set aside, i. 93.
Commons, house of, released many
puritans, i. 86; i». 483.
Concord in New England founded,
iii. 318.
Conference. desired, ii. 64.
— ■, the Hampton-court, ii.
310.
, at Lambeth, ii. 316.
, with J. Cotton, iii. 156.
Confessions of faitb,,ii. 21, 63.
Conformity, controversy for and
against, i. 58 — enforced, 67.
Conscience, horrors of, ii. 203.
Consent of scripture, account of,
ii.216 — occasioned a controversy,
218,221.
Conversion, a remarkable one, ii.
350.
Conviction, a painful instance of,
iii. 117.
Convocation, the first protestant, i.
3— that in 1562, 21— its proceed-
ings, 22 — ^a supplication to that
in 1571, 170 — the tyrannical pro-
ceedings of that in 1640, i. 85.
Cooper, Mr., iii. 520.
Cope, its unlawfulness, i. 366.
Cope, l^ir Anthony, account of, it.
344, n.
Copping^ John^ i. 262.
Corbet ^ Edward^ iii. 266.
Corbet, Sir Robert, a friend to the
puritans, i. 151, n.
Cornwall, the petition of its inha-
bitants to parliament, i. 41.
Cornwell^ Francis^ iii. 25,
Coryat, George, ii. 168.
Coryat, Thomas, account of, ii. 168.
Cosins, Dr., his innovations, iii.
91, n.
Cotton, John, iii. 151.
Cotton, Roger, anecdote of, ii.
218, n.
-, Sir Rowland, a famous He-
brean, ii. 218.
Council, their address to Whitgift,
i. 49 — their illegal proceedings,
71— their letter to, Bale, 103—
supplications to them, 290, 294,
320; ii. 325— their letters to Ayl-
mer, 294, 325.
Courage, a remarkable instance of,
iii. 80.
Courts, ecclesiastical, their charac-
ter, iii. 155.
County committees, i. 92.
VOL. HI.
Covenant with God entered into,
ii. 464.
, a form of, iii. 433.
Coventry, the mayor of, prosecu-
ted, iii. 51, n— many divines fled
there, 230.
'Coverdale, Milest i. 117*
Cox, Benjamin, iii. 417.
Cox, Richard, at Frankfort, i. 16 —
account of him, 108, tt— his arbi-
trary spirit, 207.
Crackenthorp^ Richard, ii. 312.
Cradock, Halter, iii. 382.
Cranford, James, iii. 268.
Crane, Nicholas, i. 362.
Cranmer, Archbishop, a persecutor,
i. 8, 10 — a nonconformist, 12.
Crick, Richard, i. 278.
Crisp, Tobias, ii. 471.
Cromwell, Lord, above the bishops,
i. 3— his fall, 121, n.
• , Oliver, prevented from
going to New England, i. 84 —
proposed a commonwealth, 94 —
made lord protector, 95 — his cha-
racter and death, 97 — his letter to
J. Cotton, iii. 158— Whi taker's
letter to him, 194 — an enemy to
persecution, 4*16, n — anecdote of
him, ib. — his government opposed,
310, 327, 406— his generosity, 487.
Crook, Samuel, iii. 107.
Crotoley, Robert, i. 357.
Crosby's incorrect statement recti-
fied, iii. 150, 151.
Cross in baptism to be refused, V,
157—159.
, a treatise on the, ii. 288— the
meaning of it, 310, n. ^
Crowder, Mr., iii. 520.
Crucifix retained, i. 377.
Cruso, Timothy, received the dying
advice of O. Bowles, iii. 467.
Culvertsell, Ezekiel, iii. 512.
Darling, Thomas, dispossessed, ii.
118, 120.
Darrell, John, ii. 117.
Darton, Nicholas, iii. 531. -
Davenish, Mr., iii. 524.
Davenport, John, iii. 446.
Death of Saltmarsh, remarkable, iii.
73.
Declaration subscribed, i. 405.
of J. Arrowsmith, iii.
315.
« against the king's death,
iii. 217. • •
Deering, Edward, i. 193.
Deering, Sir Edward, a friend to
the paritans, ill. 178.
2n
bid
INDKX.
Drffndrrof (he fnUhf occiulon of,
I>eliv<»niiir(*; «rvi*rol remnrkulilf In-
ntnnv^n of, i. VA4 i H. 2aH, ie.KI|
III. on, 70, H().
Ihnnr^ t/rtirt^ ill. .'170.
I)nin;yii, Willl/iin, c«i*i:uif*d, I, 5H.
/>•«/. yirffnu., i(. HI.
JUnlitn, Hhhfifit, 'i\\.h'i\.
l)rvil, IiIn lovtf of womi*fi, I. HjOO,
|)(*vilii f'n»( out, li. 117 — contro-
vrrny of, Ivf).
JUn/fUy, John, iii. HI4.
J)iKliUtn, Tiioiiiait, hi» burbttrou^
Dlphtnoti((«, It fri*iiili»e ott, lit. Vl).
I)i«r.i|>liii(*, Hook of, putiliklied, It.
Dliimfr nboiii tin* winn In (lieMK!rA-
itirnt, I. IHy.
DUputatiort*, vnrioiM, In public, i.
I7V, .SH? I ill. IH7." IW), W/i, V/)0,
jrrH,41M,404.
1)iiiM«nliit(i; Hn'ihr(*n, III. HV4.
Dad, Juftrif ill, 1.
Doddr\Aiit*^ l)r,, hU lAUmkn rriMi-
fl(fd, II. 4AA, fi.
, Dortmi, ICftrl of, a frii*nd to (he pu-
rflnno. III. liVft.
jnownham, John^ 11. 4i)0.
Downing f ('nllhutn, II. 495.
J)ri*itm)i, fuo vrry riirloun, i. 15, o(
III. 1h, n.
Dnwrt, ly If flam, ill. A07.
f)roKhcdtt, iIk" tliiuj(lifi«r uf, 111. «S5A.
|)iidtry, IiomI, it litUcr to biin, I.
.«<77."
l)UK(lulft*ii biur f hnnirlrr of thr pu-
rliant, I*irf. xlv,
Dunnltr, Itufiih, ill. .S^S.
Ouruncr, Jitliu^ ill. .'41.
/^in/, JmA»/, hi. wm.
J)i//>r., Patiirf, il. V.r».
/>//Ar, Jtrrntla/i, li. «70.
I';tf/fm, 7oAn, II. 400.
JCrhitrd'* utyuttt UNprri^ionN, Hi. JfAO,
ICdmundM, Tluima», ili. AI/>.
l^lHftrd VI. drulrH lo yrttfv.i i\\f
r«*fornmlloM, i. 0 (iKtiHiat i»ll nc
vi*fily, lO bin WMrt lo CJoviT-
iluli*, Vili tt bold ii(*rmoii brfori)
Mm, V4A.
Hiitenrdn^ Thomat, ill. N'i.
i£(/fi.^i, 7o//n, I. VHA.
' Kgrrtan, HIrphrn, 11. iWI.
HI'tiil, Jnhn, hi. 4H4.
/0///«(^n, John, I. »/y^.
I^Ufiirr, Lord, n Iciter to bimi ii. 9S4.
Kllx«bflb« Qtireiif hitr ncr^wiofi, I.
17'^ ber Itirllnfiltonn lo popi^ry,
I » —• b#»r arbll rury prorrrd 1 ti jc», .*j:j,
.S5, .17- brr draib, AO—«bi* probU
bltf*d Ml pri^rbliiCf 1 lA—t^ifc*-
do(n of b«*rt l7.1'~wllMuadf*d ftrnn%
itMumlfiM; Ibis ll(t« of »iipr«*mff
bmtd, VIM'— bi*r %ffiiii rriiHiy, .s;iA
- n. li*(lrr to bi*r,.10H --tibi* vi«lird
(/'MtnbrldKr, 217^— li prlUton Mftt
bitr, II. M).
MtiHirot, bin Mfivrro proc«*cdin|pi, iii.
4H1.
KitKUg«*m«nl kulHrrlbfd, I. 04— rr-
fuNfd by rirrlJilM purlmn*, tiko
tvfrA (urnf*d oA' ibi*lr ItvlftfpiJII.
».SU«37,tl(KI.
J^^fiKlnnd, N(*w, (b<* flmt p1«nl«r«of,
liO'l (beir »rvrri< friiil*. W, 941, ff,
.S74 ~'lb<« number of m\n\*itt*
drlvi*ii tbrri*, i. HI, n.
KpUropiuv publicly rtUiWA^ it. .149.
Krhtrif, PVltUam, III. IH5.
V/Mf.x tfilfiliitrrM, tbo nambar mi**
pnidrd, I. 40, n — nonrmid^tiU In,
11. 106 -ibry pHlMonfd iha €tfth
i'M and ib(* jmrlbimffH, V74, HO,
— — --, I'dirl of, acroiffil of him, UK
St'i.'J, ri'--ii frii*ttd lotbf purtliii»,514
HvaMf iiufffi, ill. «W».
-'- , Mr., Ili. IM.
— , Mr., ill. WW.
KxittoinftiioMn of ptirMnni, i. 1.14,
IM, INI, VV4, 204, VM>, yOH, .iritl,
:)00, 4v:<, 4.1.1, 44A I 11. 1, .1V5, If,
.11,. VI, IHA, V4I| 111.40.
ICxronituuttif:ifilon nf m tninU(rr'«
Min, i. H(), n- •(h« «i>ii(eni-(? pro-
tiotiiiri*d, ^4H.
KxbotiMtioii, tt very f*xrrll<*nl otir,
il. .140.
J^AlrrlouKb, iMwrmte, occount of,
li.4«l, n.
—- - - • , Hamurl, a(!(!ount of bi«
fonvirrvioH, 11. 4/W, n*
Fiiiib, confifUMloit* of, 1. 581 1 II. VI,
0.1.
I^arrar^ Thamatt 111. 510.
f''t:akr, Cfint/up/ierf 111. .10M.
Krifittlo fiuuiktiriil purllttiilim, ttt
litnianrr of, iii. 0.1, n.
7' en ft, itumffhrefft I. 444.
i'*r.nner, i^udfr.if^ I. DM.
., fVilUam, II. 4AI.
I'VoflrrM proM*r.ulrd, 1. 75 | H« 417.
/'1r//f, Jtf/in, I. .1IH.
J''ilib looimrr by -011*11 Imprltoned,
1. 00 (brir oplnloM, 111. V57, n.
Firmlfi, (iilri, nnccduie of liU coo*
vemlon, 11. itil.
INDEX.
547
Fisk, John, ill. 468.
Fits, Mr., iu.^S,
Fleming, Wilttamy iii. 509.
Flesh forbidden in Lent, i. 334, n*
Flinty Henry, iii. 535.
Ford, Tbodsas, accoaot of, ii. 395.
Fox, John, i. 326.
Foxcrofi, John, iii. 531.
Foxleif, I%omas,n, 491.
Franl&fort, troubles at, i. 15, 16,
107, 172, 217, 329, 358 ; ii. 106,
123.
■ Freke, Bishop, a persecutor, i. 238,
239;ii. 241,11,367.
Freuten, John, iii. 518.
Frewen, Archbishop, accoao-t of,
iii. 518.
Fwost, John, iii. 291.
Fulke, WiUittm, i. 385.
Fuller, Nicholas, an advocate for li-
berty, and his cruel usage, 184
and n.
Fulvoer, Mr., iii. 505.
Oammon, Hannibal, iii. 530.
Gang-week, account of, ii. 105) n.
Garbrand, John, i. 392.
Gardiner, Bishop, a bloody perse*
cutor, i. 328 — the censure of him,
331.
Gardiner, John, i. 316.
■ — , Richard, iii. 512.
, sen, ii. 68.
Gataker, Thomas, jnn, iii. 200.
Gatcton, Richard, ii.'24I.
Gee, John, ii. 307.
Gee, Edwards iii. 349.
Gellibrand, Edward, i. 311.
GeUibrand, Henry, ii. 424.
Genealogy, a curious one, i. 282.
Generosity, remarkable instances of,
i. 259,262; ii. 108; iii. 201.
Geree, John, iii. 102.
, Stephen, iii. 265.
Gibbons, Mr., beheaded, iii. 135, n.
Gibson, Mr., iii. 511.
Gifford, George, ii. 273.
, John, iii. 257.
Gilby, Anthony, i. 278— letters to
him, 373, 382; ii. 191,192.
Gilpin, Bernard, i. 242.
Gilpin, Williain, his groundless cen-
sures, ii. 229.
Glover, Edward, i. 313.
God, a treatise on the named by
which he is called, Iii. 210.
Goodman, Christopher, ii. 123.
Goodwin, Thomas, iii. 300.
GonoeU, James, iii. 509.
Gouge, fVimam,:u\. 165.
Goughe, Stephen, iii. 515.
Government, Instrament of, i. 95-* '
a free one founded, iii. 479.
Gower, Stanley, iii. 534.
Grade, John, iii. 229.
Granger's censure of two books, iii.
500, n.
Grantham, Thomas, iii. 456.
Gray, H., i. 308.
Gray, Lord, his wish to have the
bishops expelled from parliament,
i. 54, n — at Lambeth conference,
ii. 316.
Green, Bartlet, his martyrdom, ii.
124.
Green, William, iii. 523.
Greene, John, iii. 34.
Grecnham, Richard, i. 415.
Greenwood, John, ii. 23.
Greshop, Thomas, iii; 504.
Grey, Dr., his reproach of the puri-
tans, i. 394 — his opinion of G.
Love, iii. 137 — his frivolous rea-
soning, 142, a — his reproachful
insinuations, 172,249, n, 234,247,
313,317,325, 367.
Grindal, Archbishop, his character
and death, i. 45 — assfsted in com-
piling the Book of Martyrs, 330—
his correspondence ami lordly
appearance, 381 — his zeal against
nonconformity, ii. 138; iii. 505.
Gross, Alexander, iii. 228.
Guernsey and Jersey, their church
discipline framed, i. 410.
- Guildford in New £ngland founded,
iii. 374.
Habits, Cranmer and Ridley wished
them to be abolished, i. 12, n —
Whittingham's excellent letter
against the imposition of -them,
231, 233, n. — how they were op-
posed, 365,371.
Hacket, Coppinger, and Arthlngton,
account of, i. 427, n.
Hamet, Matthew, burnt» i. 43.
Hampton-court conference, j. 61 ;
ii. 179,- 447.
Handson, John, i. 238.
Hardyman, John^ i. 116.
Harley.Sir Robert, account of, ii.
211,11.
Harris, John, iii. 300.
, Robert, iii. 303.
Harrison, John, iii. 509.
Harsnet, Archbishop, preferred for
persecuting the puritans, ii. 121*
n — his severe proceedings, 263,
397, 415, 453; Iii. 41» 263— ac-
count of him, 416, fi.
Hartnei, Mr.» iii. 510.
648
INDEX.
Hart, Joho, hb bold challeoge, ii.
177.
Bartford io New England, by whom
foHDded, Hi.07,4S4.
/farrtfjf, /?., i. 191.
Hawkins, Hobtrty i. 133.
Hayden^ John, ii. 415.
Hazard. Mn., sraloas for the bap-
tists al Briitol, iii. 334.
Head of the Charch, the title of,
when tinit i;iven, i. 2 — opposed
by Bishop Jewel, 369, n.
Hebraisms, whether there be any in
|bc New Testament, iii. 2lt?— «15.
Hebrew, a<>iiieular method of teach-
ing it, ii. 219, n.
HUron, Samuel^ ii. 270.
Helwisse^ Tkomat, ii. 279.
Hely, Thomas, examined and sus-
pended, i. 264,269.
Henry VIII., his new titles, i. 2 —
qoarreiled uith the pope, ib. —
moecdote of him find his jester, ib.
fi^his cruelties, 3, 4 — the Bible
dedicated to him, 118.
Herbal, the 6r8t published in Eng-
lish, i. 129.
Heresy, what it is, ii. 49.
H^rUy Charlety iii. 324.
Herrings Julinet^ ii. 489.
lierrington, fViUitim, iii. 522.
Heylin, Dr., his carinas tale, i.411,
fi — hfs misrepresentation, ii. 125
— anecdote of him, iii. 248, fi.
Hide, Lord chancellor, a letter to
him, Iii. 372.
HigginMotiy Francis^ ii. 369.
High Commission court, its origin,
i. 18 — its character, 87, n — abo-
lished, ib.—a letter to it, 177—
an order from, 349, n — its legality
argued, 442 — its terrible proceed-
ings, 54, 65, 71, 176, 193, 240,
312— 314, 318, 353, 359, 365,379,
405-^11,430-442,448; ii. 24,
44, 151—157, 164, 166, 170, 175,
184, 192—199, 255—257, 268,
291, 294, 363, ."^66, 379, 380, 383,
884, 398, 400,402,416—418,425,
435, 437, 444, 450, 453,466--469,
478,481,499,501; iii. 9, n, 42, 51,
11,65, 84,88,92,166, 167, 176, 177,
185, .345, 452, 472, 492, 504, 505,
51 1 , 514, 518, 520, 526, 527, 529.
High court of justice erected, iii.
122, 123.
Higham io New England foanded,
Iii. 471.
'Bilder$ham, Arthur, ii. 376.
Hill, John, i. 274.
--^y Thomat, ii. 388,
Hill, ThomoM, iii. 170.
Hinde, William, ii. 364.
Hobart, Peter, iii. 471.
Hodges, William, arcooBt of, ii. 395»
Holland, John, ii. 107.
, ThomoM, ii. 213.
Holland, paritans remove there, ii.
335.
Holmes, John, i. 414.
Holt, John, his barbaroos aentesce,
ii. 383, M.
Iloniwood, Mrs., account of, i. 337.
Hooke, John^ iii. 508.
Hooker, Thomas, iii. 64.
Hooper nominated Bishop of Glou-
cester, i. 7, ii^Hi Doncoofomist,
ib. — his cruel usage, 8*
Hopkins, John, iii. 510.
Hoplcinson, William, examined and
suspended, i. 264, 269.
Horrocks, Mr., iii. 51 1.
Hospitality, a remarkable instance
of, i. 258.
Howe, Samuel, ii. 458.
Howe, John, ii. 467.
Hoyle, Joshua, iii. 226.
Hubbard, Mr., iii. 517.
Hubbock, WiUiam, ii. 164.
HuckU, John, i. 324.
Hue and cry against Leigh ton, ii.48^
Hume, his high eulogium upon the
paritans, Pref. zv.
Humphrey, Lawrence, i. 363 — bit
letter to GIlby, 281.
Hunt, John, a confessor, ii. 437, n.
Huntingdon, Earl of^ his letter to
Hildersham, ii. 380, n,
Huntley, George, ii. 501.
Hutchinson, Mrs., caused great dis-
sention, iii. 474 — banished and
murdered, 476, ft.
Hewet, Ephraim, iii. 526.
Independent church, the first In
England, I. 67 — how it was form-
ed, ii. 333— the principles of, iii.
21— one formed at Rotterdam, iii.
352.
Indian words, their great length, iii.
488 — first converted and a church
formed, 487—489
Indictment of C. Love, iii. 123.
Injunctions of Queen Elizabeth, i. 9.
Injustice, two instances of, iii. 497,
Interrogatories proposed to the puri-
tans, i. 407—409, 413, 483, 448.
Irish massacre, account of, iii. 296,
n.
Isle of Wight, the treaty of, iii. 831 .
832.
INDEX.
549
Jacoh ffenry^ it. SSO.
Jacob, Henry, juD. iii. 333.
Jacombt Samuelj iii. 319.
James, John, iii. 391.
James, King, his accession, and his
inclinations to paritanism, i. 60;
ii. 147, ]56~hiii kingcraft, i. 61—
his inclinations to popery, 66 — his
declaration, 69 — bis character and
de^th, 70 — he kiclied Legate with
his royal foot, 61, n — his im-
perious spirit at Hampton-court,
ii. 179, 310— a petition to him,
226 — the extreme flattery of him,
447 ,n — his arbitrary 8pirit,iii. 9, n.
Janeway^JohUy iii. 268.
Jane way, William, account of, iii.
279, n.
Jefftry, William, iii. 386.
J^ffryes, Mr., iii. 525.
Jegon, the, vice-chancellor's letter
to the Bishop of London, ii. 122 —
account of him when bishop, 449,
«.
Jenningson, Dr., iii. 526.
Jemmet, John, iii. 527.
Jenkin, Mr., ii. 270.
Jermen, Sir Robert, a friend of the
puritans, i. 239.
Jersey and Guernsey, their church
discipline framed, i. 410.
Jessop, Constantine, iii. 375.
Jew, a dispute with one, ii. 221 —
one converted to Christianity, ib.
Jewel, Bishop, account of, i.369, n.
Jewel, Melancthon, i. 408.
Job, the book of,wntten in a curious
style, ii. 220.
Johnson, Robert, i. 176.
Johnson, Francis, ii. 89.
Johnson, George, imprisoned id
Newgate, ii. 99, n.
Johnsonian Brownists, their suit, ii.
103, n.
Judgments, two very remarkable,
ii. 370; iii. 97.
Kendal, Mr., iii. 512..
Kennet, Bishop, his opinion of the
act of uniformity, 1. 100, n — his
censure of the tryers, iii, 196 —
also of H. Peters, 366.
Kent, ministers of, their letter to
AVhitgift, and their suspension, i.
393.
ICen^Vi'mam, iii. 524.
Kett, Francis, burnt, i. 56.
King, Andrew, i. 407.
Kingsmill, Andrew, 1. 149*
Kneeling at the sacramedt, a carious
anecdote of, i. 159, m
Knewstubs, John, ii. 308.
Knight, Mr.,ii.295.
Knollys, Sir Francis, a friend to the
puritans, ii. 165— Rainolds's letter
to him, and his character, 178
and n.
Knollys, ffanserd, iii. 491.
Knox, John, at Frankfort, i. 16.
Knutsford chapel suspended, ii. 293»
fi.
Lad, Thomas, his persecution, ii. 183.
JLamb, Thomas, iii. 461.
Lambeth articles, ii. 82, ft.
conference, ii. 316.
■'■' library, some account of, ,
iii. 357, 369.
Lancaster, Mr., ii. 202.
Langley, John, iii. 289.
Lathorp, John, iii. 163.
Latimer, Bishop, a zealous noncon-
formist, i. 12.
Laud, Archbishop, his character, 1.
76, fi ; ii.435, n ,• iii. 49, n, 54-— a
curious portrait of him, 58,n — call- /
ed a little urchin, i. 83, r — charged
with high treason, 86— his trial
* and death, i. 92 — Welwood's ac-
count of him, ib, n — a curious an-
ecdote of him, 93, n — his suppres-
sion of books against popery, 170,
ft — his expulsion of Fox and
Jewel's books from the (jhurches,
333, n — his bold assertion, ii. 500
— his barbarous proceedings, i. 73
—85 ; ii. 395, 396, 400, 402, 416,
425, 435, 453, 463, 467, 481, 498,
501, 503$ iii. 15, 39,42,44, 48,
49, 51, n, 52—54, 83, 93, 103,104,
141, 149, 155, 176, 178, 182, 236,
262,311,318,374, 447,449^452,
453, ft, 461, 519, 525,527.
Lawrence, Mr., i. 237.
Lectures in Yorkshire, their pro-
bable origin, iii. 342* fi.
Legatt, Bartholomew, burnt, i. 66.
. , Thpmas, dited in Newgate, I.
66, n.
Leicester plundered and its inhabit-
ants put to the sword, ii. 373, n.
Leicester, £arl of,Whittiiigham's ex-
cellent letter to him, i. 230— Pilk-
ington's excellent letter to him,
233 — petitions sent to him by the
puritans, 320,323— a friend to the
puritans, 446; ii. 147 — at Lam-
beth conference, 316.
Leigh, Mr., ii. 503.
Leighton, Alexander, ii. 476.
Letter from Scotland, the title of, i.
27, «.
550
INDEX.
Ltver^ Thomas^ i. S13.
— — — , Ratph/iW. b'yi.
Levinii^stou prosecuted, ii. 48S, n.
JLey, John^ iii. 403.
I/ibrrality recomaieiKTed, ii. 440.
LiUrarv, the rti^al, bome account of,
iii. .W, 360.
LichfielH cathedral, repaired at great
eipeofte, iii. 518.
Lilbnrne, John, his cruel punishment,
i. 83.
Lincnlnibire minister*, their lappli*
cation to the cuuncil, ii. 87.
Littleton^ Edmund^ i. 4(^.
Hoyd^ Morgan^ iii. 3^.
Lockhart's letter to Thurloe, iii. 358.
London, the city of, petitioned the
parliament, i. 40.
• ministers petitioned parlia-
ment, 93 — declared ag.iinst th«
kini^'s death, 94, n,
Lord^ Edward, i. 407.
Lord's day, the servicef of, bow ob-
served, iii. 179.
Lord-bishops and ari'hbtshops made
from policy, ii. 189 — their titles
accounted blasphemous, 190.
Lords and commons, a list of, to as<
gist the assembly of divines, i. 91, n.
Lots, account of the controversy .
about, iii. S05— «07.
Love, Chriifopherf W'l. 115.
Loyc, Mrs., her excellent letter to her .
husband, iii. 1S9 — her husband's
letter to her, 130.
Love-feast, a curious account of one,
iii. 331.
Lototh^ Mr., iii. 505.
Lucy, Sir Thomas, bis hoase an
asylum from persecution, i. 3^.
Lakenor, Sir Edward, a friend to
the persecuted nonconformists, iii.
96, n.
Luther, his controversy vrith kingp
Henry, i. ?.
Jjydiat, Thomas^ iii. 6.
LiffoTd^ WUHam, iii. 161.
Maddoz, Bishop, his false insinua-
tions, i. 33, n, 145 — he proves the
severities of the times, 171, « —
his mistake rectified, '451 — his
censures on Cartwright, ii. 144, n.
Madslard, Wifliam, iii., 528.
Magnetic needle, the variation of,
by whom discovered, ii. 426.
Maldon, the parisbioAers of, peti-
tioned the bishop in behalf of their
minister, Ii. 276.
MandeviUf Robert^ iii. 516.
Manton, Dr., soldiers threatened to
shoot him, iii. 138, n.
Manuscript authorities, account of
thobe used, iii. 539, 540, n.
Man waring. Dr., his ceosure and
preferment, i. 72, n.
Marcus Antoninus, his meditations
published, iii. 218.
Marsden, Ralpk^ iii. 531.
Marshall, Steph^n^ iii. 241.
Martin Mar-Prelate, account of, i.
55 — anecdote of, ih. n — its uis-
pected authors, 423.
Martyr, Peter, a zealous noncon-
formist, i. 6— -account of him, 24^,
n — his concern for Gilpin's con-
version, 244, n — bis correspond-
ence, 376.
Martvrs, the book of, account of, i.
329—333.
Mary, Queen, her accession and bar-
l>arities, i. 11,12, n, 125, fi — aer
death, 17.
— — , Queen of Scots, her imprison-
ment and extravagance, i. 442, n.
Massacbusets, when first peopled,
iii. 88 — the first cliurcb formed *
there, ii. 373. «
Massacre in Ireland, account of, iii.
226, n.
Mather, Richard, iii. 440.
Maton, Robert, iii. 532.
Matthew, 'the gospel of, written in
Greek, ii. 820.
Matthews, Archbishop, account of,
iii. 343, n.
Maumef, Thomas, ii. 183.
Maverick, John, ii. 423.
Mayor of Arundel prosecuted, iii.
155, n.
■ and alderman of Gloucester
barbarously prosecuted, ii. 435.
Med€, Joseph, ii. 429.
Merbury, FrancU, i. 223.
Merrirk, Dr., threatened by Arch-
bishop Laud, iii. 453, n.
Middleton, Humphrey, bis persecu- -
tion, i. 10.
MidgUy, Mr., ii. 163. -
Mildmay, Sir Walter^ a friend to
the puritans, i. 418, n; ii. 216— a
letter to him, i. 422 — account of
him, ii. 446, n.
Mitlain, Mr., i. 174.
Millenary petition, account of, i.
61; ii. 290, 381.
Monk, General, promoted the re-
storation of King Charles, i. 97.
Montague, Dr. Richard, his Ap-
pello Cfftarem refated, ii, $48r-.
account of him, ib. n.
INDEX.
551
Montai^e, Bishop, anecdote of,
iii. :i30, n.
Jforf, fohuj i. 449.
More, Stephen, ii. 458.
MorUjft EzekiaSj ii. 174.
Moore f Robert ^ i. .^09.
Moore, George, committed to pri-
son,ii.lI9 — his curious book, 121.
Moorej Thomas^ iii. 31.
Morrice, atii>rney James, a zealous
advocate tor lit>erty, i. 56, 440,
n — his learned pleading, 441 —
his degradation and imprison- .
ment, 57, 442.
Morton, Bishop, anecdote of, ii.
228, n — a per«ecotor, and a
letter to him, 291, 292— account
of him, 2<)3, «.
Morton, John, iii. 517.
Mosheim's character of Laud, iii.
M.
Murcotj JohHf iii. 224.
Nash, John, iii. 507.
Negus, If'iHiam, i. 296.
Neile, Archbishop, anecdotes of-
hira iii. 2, n, 104, n — be taught
the people to pray for the dead,
440, n — bis severe proceedings, ii.
234^382; iii. 166, 440, «.
Newbury in New England fonnd*
ed, iii. 470.
Newcomb, Dr., his arbitrary pro-
ceedings, ii. 355.
New Haven in New England foond-
ed,iii. 449.
Newhouse, Thamat, iii. 515.
Netcman, Samuel, iii. 422.
Netcton, George, iii. 513.
Nichols, Dr., his bitter censares, i.
283,284— hisfal8echarge,iii.353.
Nichols, Sir Angastin, his charac-
ter, ii. 391, II.
Nichols, Josias, ii. 136.
Nicholls, Joseph, iii. 509.
Nicolts, Robert,u, 315.
Nonconformists, great sums of
money paid for their release, i.
82, n. — many released from pri-
son, 145, ft.
Nonconformity, the origin of, i. 5
— promoted by the famous re-
formers, 12— reasons for it, i. 29,
372.
Norden, Thomas, examined and
suspended, i. 264, 271.
Norfolk ministers petitioned the
council, i. 38— suspended, 39.
Norton, John, iii. 419.
Norwich, Bishop of, a smart letter
to, i. 191. .
Norwich ministers presented their
supplication to* the council, i.
449 — afterwards suspended, 450.
Nottingham, the contentions of its
inhabitanrs, and the means nsed
to bring them to peace, ii. 120.
Now el). Dr. Alexander, his puri-
tanical opinions, ii. 73, n.
Noyes, James, iii. 261.
Oath ex officio, its unlawfulness, i.
399 — reasons for the refusal of it,
ii. 24, n, 38 — many of the puri-
tans refused to take it, i. 291,
293, 298, 397, 400, 408, 411,419,
429,448; ii. 13, 45,47,98,154,
166,184,232.
Gates, Samuel, iii. 427.
Oates, Titus, account of, iii. 427, n.
Old, John, a person of great piety
and charitir, i. 166.
Opinions accounted dangerous, i.
174.
Order, the form of one from the
hi/(h commission, ii. 146 — one
for imprisonment, iii. 52.
Ordination, presbyterian, account*
ed invalid, i.'234, 235, 240, 241.
, a testimonial of, ii.
311
Osbaldeston, Mr., the terrible sen-
tence pronounced against him, f.
S3.
Overton, Bishop, a persecutor of
the puritans, ii. 414 — he asked
public pardon of one, 415.
Oxenbridge, John, iii. 510.
Oxford university, the visitors of,
opposed, iii. 113, 114,267, 305.
Page, Henry, iii. 526.
Paget, Eusebiui, ii. 253.
Paget^ Thomas, ii. 291.
Paget, Ephraim, iii. 62.
Pains, most afflictive, iii. 192, 103.
Palmer, Herbert, ui. 75.
Paradoxes food,as€rit>ed to a puri-
tan, I. 359.
Papista,disputationswith,ii. 115,124,
171 — their vile insinuation, 180.
Parseus, account of, ii 295, n,
Parker, Archbishop, bis base cha-
racter Of the puritans, Pref. xiii —
bis character and death, i. 37^*
a letter to him, 237 — hit Mrvrre
proceedings, i. 193, 219, 221,
234,237,359,365, 366, 386) ii.
241,248,249.
Parker, Robert, ii. 237.
, rAtniMf, Iii. 409,
552
INDEX.
.Firkhont, Bishop, a friend to the
puritans, i. .^7, n.
Parliament, (he lon^,ftr»ta9seroblfd,
i. 85 — itsroembergall churchmen,
ib, — the> shewed ijreat favour to
the perbeculed puritans, 86; ii.
445, 483, '18{, 498; iii. 66, 93,
141, 179,5:^.
Pftrr, Queen Katharine, account of
ber funeral, i. IV^, n.
Partridge^ Ralphs iii. 811.
Pte6eld, Robert, anecdote of, ii.
«97,«.
Patient^ Thomat^ iii. 495.
FaaVs cross, account of, i. 814» a.
Peacock, Thoman, ii. Wt,
Peck, Robert, \\\, ^63,
Peirson, .ibraham, iii. 532.
PembU, WilUam, ii. 304.
PetuiarveSf John, iii. 256.
Penny, Dr., iii. 504.
Penry, John, ii. 48.
Perkint, William, ii. 129.
Peme, jindrew, iii. 227.
Petert, Hugh, iii. 350.
Peteri),Thotpa8,account of,iii. S53,M.
Petition, a curimisi one to Queen
Elizabeth, i. 18, n — one to the
lame, ii. 50 — one to the council,
I. S:!0 — one of L. Clarkson, ii.
505 -ope of C. Love, iii. 127.
Pfochenius, bis opinions controvert-
ed, iii. 212—215.
Philips, Edward, ii. 162.
Philips, George, ii. 493.
>Philpot,John,anonconformi8t,i.l2.
Pictures, very curious in the church
at Salisbury, 1. 76, n.
Pierce, Bishop, his severe proceed-
iop, i. 80; iii. 183, 524, 5^.
Pillcington, Bishop, hia excellent
letter, i. 233, n — a friend to the
puritans, ii. 251.
Pinke, William, ii. 365.
I'latforiD of church government, iii.
157.
Plundered ministers, committee of,
i.87.
Plvmouth jail, lines annexed there,
iii. 436.
in New England founded,
ii. 341, n.
Popish apparel not to be worn, i.
367.
controversy, account of, Ii.
75.
book dedicated to Laud, iii.
42, a.
Portrait, a curious one of Laud and
Burton, iii. 58, n.
Powel, OabrielyU. 2il.
PoweU, WilHam, iii. 523.
Prayer, the Lord's, whether it may
be constantly u.-ed, ii. 30, n.
, Love*s on the Mraffold, iii.
1st.
Preachers, famous in the days of
King Edward, i. 213.
Preaching ministers, committee of,
i.87.
and praying for many
hours, iii. 243,248.
Preferment refu^'d by the puritans,
i. 250,253,254,25*5.
Presbytery, the first erected in
England, i. 34
Pres:on, John, ii. 352.
Price, John, iii. 37.
Priests, popish, condemned and dis-
puted with, i. 360.
Prime, John, ii. 87.
Prophesyings, the suppression of,
i. 36— account of, 37.
Proposals to the bishops, ii. 170.
Protestant congregations in Suffolk
and London,!. 13 — their remark-
able deliverance, 14, a.
Protestants, foreign, their distressed
state, iii. 206.
Protestations of the puritans, i. 397,
429 ; ii. 61, 8^, 127.
Proudlove, WiUiam, i. 448.
Providence in New England, by
w hom founded, and why so called ,
iii. 479.
Prowd, Richard, iii. 508.
Prudden, Peter, iii. 533.
Prynne, William, the terrible sen-
tence pronounced opon him, iii.
47, n — account of him, 57, n.
Psalms turned into metre, i. 236, n.
Puckering, Barrow's letter to him,
ii. 18— Cartwright*s letter to him,
150.
Pulpit of St. Mary>, accoant of, i.
190, n.
Pullain, John, i. 114.
Puritanism, the origin of, i. 15.
Puritans, their character by various
persons, Pref. xiii.i— xv. — when,
and on what account they were
first stigmatized with the name,
i. 22— they had many worthy
patrons, 25, 58, n— ^reat num-
bers of them suspended, 60, n,
64, n — the cruel oppression of
them, 66, a— the vindication of
them, 395; ii. 39— f reat enemies
to popery, Ii. 59 — many went to
Holland and New England, i.
81, n; ii. 337, 341.— For the
persecutions they endured, see
INDEX.
55S
star-chamber, high commissioD,
Parker, Whitgift,&c.
Hainoldst JohUy H. 176.
Ramsden^ Henry ^ ii. 427^
Randall^ John, ii. 296.
Rapin, his opinion of (be barbaroas
treatment of the puritans, ii. 44.
Ravis, Bishop, a severe persecutor,
ii. 232, 233,n.
Reads-dale, the barbarity of its in-
habitants, i. 256.
Recantations, variouS forms of, i.
275, 307, 315, 404; ii. 17, 18,
92, 126,200, 379, 389, 402, 450,
505;iii.453.
Reformation, its origin, i. 3 — its
progress in the time of King Ed-
ward, 5 — 7 — its very imperfect
state, 19, 371, 377— Sampson's
excellent .letter on, 382 — ^endea-
vours to promote in parliament,
31, 32— also by the puritans, 383
— these endeavours were inelTec-
tual, 384.
Reformers, their zeal for noncon-
formity, i. 12.
Regicides, account of, iii. 360.
Remonstrance, debates in parlia-
ment about it, i. 88 — anecdote of
these debates, ib. n.
Reproof of children, bow to be
given, ii. 490.
— in general, how to be ad-
ministered, iii. 99.
Rhemist translation of the New
Testament, account of, i. 387 —
the same answered, ii. 148.
Rhode-Island, when and by whom
founded, iii. 479.
Rich, Lord, a friend to the puri-
tans, i. 239.
Ridley, Bishop, a persecutor, i. 8 —
afterwards a nonconformist, 12 — a
famous disputant, ib, n — cast intc
prison, 129, n.
Rippon, Roger, the curious inscrip-
tion on his coffin, i. 363, n,
Roboroughj Henry, iii. 531.
Robinson, John^ ii. 334.
, Hugh, iii. 235.
, Ralph, iii. 237.
Rockrey, Edmund, i. 306.
Rogers, John, the protomartyr, a
zealous nonconformist, i. 7, 12.
, Thomas, wrote against the
strict observance of the sabbath,
ii. 172 — he recanted bis puritan-
ism, >^. n.
Rogers, Richard, il. 231.
-r— , John, ii. 421.
Rogers, Daniel, iii. 149.
, Nathaniel, iii. 238.
, John, iii. 326.
, Exekiel, iii. 341.
Rosewell, Walter, iii. 534.
Rosier, James, iii. 504.
Rothwell, Richard, ii. 349.
Rough, John, a famous preacher, i.
14, n — his cruel usage, 14 — his
remarkable dream, 15* n.
Rowley in New England founded,
iii. 343.
Royal Society, by whom projected,
ii. 504.
Rudd, John, ii. 449.
Rump parliament, account of, i. 94.
Rtish, Nicholas, ii. 200.
Sabbatarian controversy, account of,
ii. 171,362.
Salem in New England founded,
iii. 520.
Salisbury, Mr., iii. 525.
Saltmarsh, John, iii. 70.
Sampson, Thomas, i. 375.
Sandbrooke, William, iii. 297.
Sandenon, Mr., i. 273.
Sandys, Archbisl^op, bis severe pro-
ceedings, i. 234, 339, 422.
Savile, Sir Henry, account of, ii.
424, n.
Sax ton, Peter, iii. 139.
Scambler, Bishop, account of, ii.
254, n— iii. 509.
Scandalous ministers, committee of,
i. 87.
Schism, who are guilty of it, i. 416.
Scot, Sir Thomas, his intercession
for the puritans, i. 393.
Scotland, an excellent letter from,
i.27.
Scott, Thomas, iii. 528.
Scriptures, not to be opposed by
any other authority, i. 321, n—
their purity, ii. 219.
Scudder, Henry, ii. 504.
Sectaries, account of, iii. 34,35,37,
38.
Sedgwick, John, ii. 485.
, Richard, ii. 486.
, Obadiah, iii. 295.
Selden, John, bis persecution, i. 6S
— account of him, iii. 9, n.
Semi-separatists, ii. 331, 337.
Separation from the church, the
aera of, i. 28.
Separatists, their examination and
imprisonment, i. 134 — their re-
lease, 145, n — ezcommonicated, '
ii. 444 — cast into prison, 458.
554
INDEX.
Sequent rat ion, the fommtttee of, i. 92.
SermoDH that were offensive, i. 171,
»75, 3(«, S08, :J96; ii. 89, 113,
141 ; ill. 89, H4, 91.
Settle, ThomaM, ii. 46.
Skejieldj Sampson , Ui. 511.
Skepard, Tkoman, iil. 103.
Sherhorn hospttal, its prosperity
promoted, 1. 2i2,
Sberfield, Mr., rroelly prosecuted,
I. 76.
Sherman, JoAn, iii. 482.
Sibbs, /?tc*arif, ii. 416.
Sicklemore, Jamety iii. 533.
Simpson, John, iii. 406.
Sims, John, iii. 590.
Skelton, Samuel, iii. 520.
SmalL, Edmund, iii. 529. ,
Smart, Peter, iii. 90.
Smart, Mrs., her letter to her has-
baod, iii. 93, n.
Smectymniius, who they were, and
their controversy, iii. 245 — 247.
Smith, Bishop, opposed by Laud,
iii. VJb9, 290.
Smith, Henry, ii. 108.
, Mr., iii. 526.
, Mr., iii. 529.
Smyth, William, ii*44.
• , John, ii. 195.
Smythurst, }Villiam, iii. 514.
Snape, Edward, i. 409.
SneUing, Lawrence, ii. 499.
Solemn leajrae and covenant, ac-
count of, i. 91.
Somers, William, dispossessed, ii.
118,120.
Sparine, Dr. Thomas, at Lamhrth
conference, ii. 316 — account of
him, 324, n.
Sparrow, Mr., iii. 504.
Speech, C. Love's on the scaffold,
iii. 132.
Speed, John, account of, ii. 217, n.
Spencer, John^ iii. 529.
SpiUbunj, John, iii. 183.
Spon>ors, their promises and tows
in baptism, ii. 322.
5prin/, John, ii. 305.
Standen, Nict'tofas, i. 317.
Star-chamber, its terrible proceed-
ings,!. 71, 198,201,206,407—411,
448; ii. 10, 44, 151—1.5:, 478,
482, n, 483; iii. 47, 50, 141, 462,
521— abolished, i. 87.
Sterry, Peter, iii. 347.
Still, Doctor, his cruel proceedings,
I. HOS.
Stock, Richard, ii. 344.
Stokes, Robert, excommunicated,
ii. 47.
Stone, Thomas, ii. 258. ,
, Samuef, iii. 423.
Stone in the bladder, one ?ery re-
markable, ii.'^298.
Stou^hton, John, iii. 527.
Stronq, lyitliam, iii. 196.
Stroud, John, i. 296.
Stubbs, John, his bartmroos osai^e,
i. 42.
Str}pe, Mr., his mistake rectified,
ii. 324.
Style of the New Testament cotf-
troverted, iii. 212—215.
Styles, William, iii. 345.
Subscription imposed upon the pu-
ritans, i. 5, 21, 35, 64, 178, 199»
267, 272, 285, 289, 334, 351, 362,
393; ii. 71,88, 167— the forms of,
ii. 71 — reasons for refusing it, i.
178,290,362; ii. 71.
Suffolk ministers, the number of
them suspended, i. 46, n.
Su|)ersfition, the monuments of, re-
moved, i. 89, 236.
Superlapsarian controversy, some
account of, ii. 82.
Supplication presented to convoca-
tion, i. 170 — one to the earl of
Leicester, 323 — to the bishops,
365— for reformation, 383— for
relief, 435— to the council, ii. 87
— from slity-eight fellows, 95.
!!>upremacv,'the act of, noticed, i.
18.
Supreme head, Queen Elizabeth dis-
suaded from a^uming the title of,
i. 218.
Surplice, a curious anecdote of, i.
153, n — proved to be unneces-
sary, 152 — 155 — the occasion of
much strife, 335— argument for '
the use of it, 433— cast off by the
collegians, ii. 138, n.
and cap, how styled, i«
365— unlawful, 366.
Surplicc-men, account of them,^ i.
859.
Sydenham, Cuthbert, iii. 184.
Symes, Zechariah, iii. 446.
Symmonds, Edward^H'u 110.
Symonds, Mr., iii. 38.
,. Joseph", iii. 39.
Syrapson, Cuthbert, account of his
sufferings and martyrdom,!. 14,15.
Sympson, Sydrach, iii. 312.
Tandy, PhVip, iii. 30. '
Taverner, Richard, i. 189.
Taylor, Dr., the reformer, a non-
conformist, i. 12.
, Thomas^ ii. 397. '
INDEX.
555
Taylor J Francis^ iii. 380.
, IVWiam^ Hi. 390.
Temple, Thomas, iii. 100.
Tesiamcnf, all the New, written in
Greek, ii. 220— the stjie of consi-
dered, iii. 213— 215.
Thacker, Elias, suffered death for
/nonconformity, i. 263.
, Anthony, account of, ii.
420.
Thickpenny, David, iii. 606.
Thompson, William, iii. 426.
Thome, Giles, ii. 395.
Throgmorion, Job, ii. 361.
Thurloe, a letter to, iii. 358.
Tindal, William, his translations of
the scriptures, i. 1 17 — his triumph-
ant martyrdom, 120, n.
Tithes, ministers not to be supported
by them, ii. 33, n — the evils aris-
ing from them, iii. 339.
Toleration, universal, pleaded for,
i. 368 — furiously opposed, iii. 33,
86, 87, 495.
Townly, John, esq., imprisoned for
nonconformity, i. 36.
Tozer, Henry, iii. 112.
Translation of the Bible, the first, i.
1 18 — various others noticed, 119—
12d — opposed by the bishops, 121,
122 — the authorized version, ii.
179, n.
Transubstantiation refuted, iii, 209.
Trask, John, iii. 521.
Travers, Walter, ii. 314.
Treason, trial for, iii. 123.
2'rigge, Francis, ii. 169.
Tryevs appointed, i. 96 — Kennel's
reproach of them, iii. 196, n,i
Tuck, Dr., his severe usage, iii.
177, n.
Tumult, occasion of a curious one,
iii. 400.
Tnnstall, Bishop, recommended dis-
pensations and nonresidence, ik
247, 248— released from the Tow-
er, 249— a letter to him, t$.— hi«
character, 254, n.
Turner, William, i. 128.
-, SUphen, i. 305.
-, Jerom, iii. 241.
Twisse, William f iii, 12.
Tyne-dale, the barbarity of its in-
habitants, i. 256.
XJdal, John, ii. 1,
Udney, Mr., iii. 518.
Under down, Thomas, i. 264.
Uniformity, the act of, under £liza*
beth, i. IS.^—undier King Charles,
100 — the Dumber who suffered by
it, tb, — Kennet's opinion of it,
ib. n. ,
Union of protestants attempted to
be promoted, iii. 370—373.
Usefulness of ministers, remarkable
instances of, ii. 351,438; iii. 1,
79,97, 166, 170,305,331.
Usher, Archbishop, his affection for
Travers the puritan, ii. 329 — his
tame submission to Laud, iii. 15, n.
Uxbridge, the treaty of, iii. 120 —
disputes there, 231.
Vane, Sir Henry, account of, iii.
348.
Yaughan, Dr., an excellent pre-
late, ii. 212, 233, n— a friend to
the persecuted puritans, 233.
Vaughan, Hotoel, iii. 532.
Yenner's insurrection and execu-
tion, i. 99, n.
Vicars, John, iii. 143.
Vincent, John, iii. 521.
Vines, Richard, iii. 230.
Yisitors of Oxford opposed, iii. 113,
114,267,305.
Wainioright, Mr., iii. 530.
Wake, Arthur, ii. 70.
Wake and Sleep, anecdote of, ii.
180, fi.
Walker, Pr., his stigma cast upon
a puritan, iii. 307.
Walker, George, iii. 140.
Waller^s plot, some account of, iii*
369, n.
W^fl&A, Mr., iii. 505.
Walsingham, Sir f'rancis, a friend
to the puritans, i. 444, n— 'his so-
licitation of Cartwright, ii. 148 —
at Lambeth conference, 316.
Walward, John, i. 314.
Wandsworth, presbytery formed at,
i. 34.
War, the civil, its commencement, i.
89— the occasion of it, iii. 3, n,404.
Warburton, Bishop, his absurd views
of persecution, ii. 281, n.
Ward, John, i. 306.
, Samuel, ii. 452.
-, Nathaniel, iii. 182.
-«, «/oAn, iii. 500.
Warham, John, ii. 876.
Warrant, a form of, to convene mi-
nisters, i. 264, n— to the keeper
of the Gatehouse, 426, n— for ap-
prehending H. Burton, iii. 44, n —
to the warden of the Fleet, 45, n
— for apprehending T. Cawton,
321, n— to the keeper of New-
gate^ 3d2, n.
556
INDEX.
Wmrren^ T^omfff, IH. A29.
1%'arwick, CoiiiUi t.!i of, a frif*nd to
a prntecutrd pariiao, ii. 7,9.
, Eiirl of, a friend lo the
paritaiw, ii. 141 — his character
dettb, ib, n.
-, harl of, hif character, iir.
18, R — a friend to the puritam,
43«.
WatertowD io New England found-
ed, 11.49-1.
Wentwortb, Sir Peter, his charac-
ter, ii. 193, n.
Whateey. H^UUam^ ii. 4S6.
Wketlmrighty John, iii. 472.
WkUmktr^ IViltiam, ii. 72.
• -, Jeremiah^ iii. 190.
White, V^illiam, his cruel ezamina*
tion, i. 145, u.
White, Bishop, his stigma cast upoa
th^ puritans, ii. 364.
While, John, iii. 88.
Whileh'ady David, i. 172.
Whiteman, Edward, burnt at Lich-
lleld, i. 67.
Whitfield, Henry, iii. 373.
Whitfift, Archbishop, at 6rst an
advocate for nonconformity, . i.
26, n — the queen*s charge to him,
and his three articles, 45 — his
prevarkation, 50 — his magnifi-
cent train, 62, a — his cruel threat-
ening, 267 —a letter to him, 289—
petitions to him, 301 — his slan-
derous and foul language, 321,
904 ; ii. 46, 142~Hume'8 charac-
ter of him, i. 421, n — bis incon-
sistency, ii. 138, n, 145, n — bis
controversy with Cartwright, 144
— Ballard^s opinion of this con-
troversy, ib. n — his prohibition of
Cartwright, 149 — bis mistake cor-
rected, 163^ — suppressed Bound's
book on the sabbath, l73-^bi8 de-
claration at Lambeth conference,
916 — an enemy to the liberty of
the press, 328— his base cbaxac*
ter of the puritans, Fref. riii. ziv.
—bis cruel persecution of them,
i. 291, 300, 307, 312, 313, 357,
993, 394, 419, 420, 426, 444 ; ii.
81, 29, n, 39, 43, 46, 140, 142,
822, 224, 291 1 325> 367, 379, 449 1
ill. 612,
Whiting, Samuel, iii. 472.
Whittiniham^ WilUam^ i. 229.
Wigginton, Giles, i. 418.
Witiht, Daniel, i. 447.
Wih ocks, Thoma$, i 185.
Wilkinson, Henry, iii. 59.
,John, iii. 101.
, iii. 516.
WrII, a form of, i. 389.
WilUl, Andrew, ii. 284.
Willet, Mrs., her great charity, ir.
286, a.
Williams, Bishop, his barbarous sen-
tence, i. 82^account of him, ii.
*870, a.
WfUiamt, Roger, iii. 477.
WilUamson, Nicholas^ iii. 511.
Wilson, John, i. 339.
, Thomas, ii. 282.
,iii. 173.
, John, iji. 431.
Windsor in Sew England founded,
ii. 376.
Withers, George, ii. 848.
Wolsey, Cardinal, account of, i.
189, R.
Wood, Lever, 1. 444.
Wood, Anthony, his tklse charges
refuted, iii. 258, 308.
Woodcock, Thomas, committed to
Newgate, ii. 185, a.
Woodcock, Francis, iii. 109.
Workman, John^ ii. 434.
, Oilee, iii. 255.
Wotton, liord, a friend to the pu-
ritaos, ii. 282.
Wotton, jinthonjf, ii. 346.
Wrathband, WilUmm, ii. 470.
Wren, Bishop, account of, ii. 410,
n — bis severe persecution of the
puritans, i. 80, 81; ii. 397,412;
iii. 18,19,264,522—524.
Wright, Roberta i. 239.
Wright, Catharine, dispossessed, ii.
117.
Wroth, Sir Robert, a friend to the
puritans, ii. 232.
Wroth, Mr., ii. 468.
Wyhurn, Percival, ii. 169.
Wyke, Andrew, iii. 112.
Yates, John, iii. 517.
Young, Patrick, iii. 145.
, Thomasy iii. 255.
END OF VOL. III.
•«• The author regrets that in the former part of this work he hai dis-
covered soniefew inaccuracies in the spelHng of proper nmMi$'but he trusts
ikmt in other respects it witt be found correct.