affairs but gave peremptory order that his beloved Mariamne should be put to death for this only reason because another should not enjoy so great a beauty So the Duke would not another should enjoy the great abilities of Doctor Preston but was resolved to break him if he could yet in a civil Court way But the Doctor was too knowing not to see this afar off Prov. 22.3 Quae alii levia faciunt diu patiendo ea sapiens diù cogitando and had accordingly provided a succession of reserves wherein to hide himself The first and surest was his conscience 2 Cor. 1.12 This is our rejoycing the testimony of our conscience that in simplicity and godly sincerity not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God we have had our conversation in the world If a man be wellcome into his conscience he need not fear the stormes and blusters that he meets abroad In te recedas cum cogeris in turba esse When a man is forced to be where he would not as Peter was foretold he should be Joh. 21.18 yet he may in despite of them retire into himself Paul made it his businesse to have his conscience alwaies void of offence Act. 24.16 and so did Dr. Preston for though his actings being many of them above the common size were not alwaies understood and very often mis-interpreted yet he was innocent and upright alwaies in them An undeniable argument whereof was that he never sued for the least preferment as we have said but studied and often consulted how without breaking he might avoid them And though he lived like himself and gave relief to others yet it was ever of his own as very many yet alive can witness And indeed he was a man of very much Communion and sweet Society with God prayed much in private and by himself besides as Tutor with his Pupils and after as Master in his Family Whatever weakness he was in or business did occur kept many private daies of Fasting by himself especially before the Sacraments and Sabbath-daies and accordingly enjoyed a constant clearnesse and assurance of his Justification and interest in the blood of Christ even then when frailties and infirmities did most of all afflict and wound him He never that I know was troubled or perplexed about Adoption though very often about the imperfection of his graces and the unconstancy of Sanctification so as he studied most exactly that Treatise of the Saints Infirmities and there is nothing in all his works that may more properly be called his His next retreat was Lincolns-Inne for now he said the Duke was Chancellour and would endeavour to ingratiate himself and be a Benefactor and had bought Erpenius Manuscripts and did verily intend to found a Library and so it would be easie and in his power to out him of the Colledge and University For there was a resolution in some of the Fellows to petition the Duke without him and to annul the Statute of continuance or Commoration in the Colledge yet he conceived the Lawyers would pretend a kind of freedom and exemption For he saw when that holy blessed Dr. Sibbs was outed both of Fellowship and Lecture in the University yet by the goodnesse and prudence of Sir Henry Yelverton that constant Patron unto godly Ministers a vertue yet running in the veins of his posterity he was received and retained at Grayes-Inne unto his death therefore he would in no sort leave his title unto and interest in Lincolns-Inne but reserved it in his power unto his dying day But he knew Kings had long hands and that the Dukes were nothing shorter and that Lincolns-Inne though a great deal stronger and better built then Grayes-Inne yet would not hold out long in case the Duke should seriously beleagure it therefore he pondered of removing farther off if need were And having weighed all retreats resolved upon Basil in the Switzers Countrey as a place which the longest handed Kings had seldome touched even when it was a receptacle of their greatest enemies and therefore he resolved in case he could not be free in England to settle there and spend the residue of his surviving dayes in writing what he was not suffered to preach or had not published according to his mind He was naturally very affable and courteous unto strangers of any Countrey and by conversing much with them endeavoured to preserve his knowledge in the French and Italian languages But after he had thus resolved upon Basil he was very friendly to all he Germans that were dispersed from several Universities especially from the Palatinate for whom he procured several sorts of entertainments both in the Countrey abroad and in the University for which as he had very many Gratulatory Epistles from particular persons so one of note from the King of Bohemia under his Hand and Seal But he knew that these were but the Foxes earths that might successively be taken and possessed He therefore also thought upon that unum magnum of the Cat or rather of the Holy Ghost Prov. 18.10 the Name of the Lord that is the goodnesse mercy power of the mighty God where he was well assured he should for ever be free enough from Kings and Dukes Yet these did no way retard his industry in using means Obstructions quicked industrious and active minds but damp and clog the dull There is a Statesman of no mean esteem that writes professedly against the use of Cittadels and Forts because it makes the Souldier lesse resolved in engagements And the Spartans were forbidden to wall their City because it would incourage Cowardise But it did not take off Dr. Preston from his duty For finding that his standing at Court was untermined he resolved upon Buttresses to underprop him in the Countrey There was in the Countrey of Northampton a Gentleman of very able parts and clear affections to the publick good no stranger to the Court in former times nor to the Duke of Buckingham with whom the Doctor used to communicate affairs and who was then a Parliament man of much esteem to him the Doctor in a Letter discovers all shews him the hopelesse posture of the Duke how much they both were disappointed in him layes some directions what to do and urgeth activenesse This Letter by a sad misfortune was let fall by him that was intrusted to convey it about Temple-bar and handed from one to one untill it came to Sir Henry Spillers who having viewed and pondered the contents concluded it was a purchase that would ingratiate him unto the Duke and so immediately presents it to him The Duke was troubled to read his faults and face so shrewdly intimated and presaged His temper was exceeding good and he could mannage his affections many times with much serenity and moderation but now he was quite off and could not think of any thing but a revenge I have not known any thing so trouble and afflict the Doctor as this did that the Duke should have his hand against
Herring and Master Nicolls before mentioned who died at this good Ladies house were of chief worth Oh! what pathetical Blessings with Exhortations Encouragements and Prayers did this worthy man of God bestow upon this and the Families of other choice Friends before he took his last farewell of his dear native Countrey This Narrative would swell too big if report should be made of generals only in reference unto them who were naturally nearly related unto himself and his gracious Consort besides such who were very dear unto them both in the spirit of Jesus Christ. Some who beheld the last greetings betwixt him and Reverend Master Ball of Whitmore professe that they stick too deep in their breasts to be forgotten for after they had spent together well nigh one day and one night in conference they did like Jonathan and David frequently fall upon one another with mutual embracings they parted and closed again a third and a fourth time and when Master Herring was on horseback and Master Ball on foot they went together often shaking hands over the hedges and upon the finall salutation they comforted each other with this consideration That though they should never see one another again on earth yet they should meet in heaven And Master Herring was so deeply affected with those passages that he said to some of his company Two or three more such parting 's would hinder my journey beyond Seas and yet adding withall Master Ball hath conquered my passions In his passage out of England he with warm affections and heavenly benedictions took his leave of his own and his Wives Sisters with their Husbands whose dwellings were in divers Countries Those two eminently worthy Reverend Divines Master Oliver Bowles of Sutton in Bedfordshire and Master Barry of Cotsmore in Rutland who had married two of his Wives gracious Sisters as they had Brotherly respect in his bosome so they had special visits in his journey towards Holland He was necessitated secretly to take shipping at Yarmouth whither his Brother-in-law Master Bowles did accompany him because the then Arch-bishop had given order that no Scholar nor Minister should passe without License from the Councel-table Now whereas in his journey he had often prayed that God would yet further clear his call into Holland by two special Providences viz. 1. That he might not be examined whether he was a Minister for he professed that he durst not deny his holy calling 2. That God would strengthen him at Sea and grant him a comfortable voyage He had answers of singular grace returned in both He landed at Rotterdam September 20. 1637. and went aside from company so soon as with conveniency he could to blesse the Lord for his safe arrival and for all other favours vouchsafed unto him who had never before been upon the Sea The next day he went in a Waggon to Amsterdam and was met on the way by his dear Colleague with the Elders and Deacons of the Church and many of the English Merchants who expressed much joy for his safe coming unto them By them he was accompanied to the house of his good Friend Master Whittaker where he continued till his removal unto his own house upon the coming over of his Family into Holland His first Sermon was upon Psal. 24.1 The earth is the Lords c. wherein he much insisted upon this consideration That Gods Children still tread upon their Fathers ground whithersoever his Providence doth remove them and he preached with such satisfaction unto the hearts of his hearers that thereby way was made for his future acceptance and service The week following he was presented first unto the Honourable Lords the Magistrates of Amsterdam who kindly accepted him and gave him a gratuity towards the charges of his journey and afterwards to the Reverend Classis where he was lovingly received into that Society and thanks were given unto God for bringing him safe unto them Whereas it was his custom to pray every night before he went into his bed the night before a fasting day appointed by the States to seek direction in their Counsels and successe upon their Armies now before Breda he spake thus to his Son who attended him My heart is more fit for a thansgiving day and it would be so unto me if God would bring over my dearest Christian for that was his Wives name thy tender Mother with her company Come let us pray for them And the next morning when he was ready to go to the Congregation he heard that his dear Wife was come unto Amsterdam by which Providence his spirit being raised unto holy astonishment and admiration he uttered these words Oh what a God do I serve How exceeding mercifull is my God unto me What his prudent and pious coversation was and what high estimation he had in Amsterdam may be understood by the testimony of Master Rulice written by his own hand March 2. 1650. which is as followeth How acceptable and dear Master Herring my once Reverend Colleague was to us all Church Classis Magistrates yea to all who knew him it is publiquely known How faithfully he employed those excellent gifts which God in a large measure bestowed upon him in publique in private in his Sermons in his Advices in Consistory and Classes c. what need I mention for all well know For his private conversation what sweetnesse and inoffensiveness yea exemplary godlinesse did not he shew upon all occasions His sicknesse was lingering his death like a sleep As in his life so in his sicknesse and to his last breath he shewed that his heart was truly stored with patience faith love to God and his People heavenly-mindednesse zeal to the honour of God and with intire love to his Wife and Children But I must break off I hope that Reverend man who undertakes to publish the life and death of my most dear Brother and Colleague will so set it out that it may be a spurre to provoke the living to follow such a worthy Pattern and be a means of quickning many not only to walk faithfully in the way to heaven but also in that great function of the Ministry Thus farre Mr. Rulice The strangenesse of Independent Brethren of England when they came over into Holland was a great trouble unto this reall Saint and his constant Prayers were that they might neither be deceived themselves nor do any hurt unto the Government of the Reformed Churches He often said that those men had need of much caution because the devil in the times of purest Reformation would be a more subtill Angel of light then he was in Luthers daies When his Son returned into England he warned him to take heed of joyning with any part against the Presbyterial Government of the Reformed Churches For I am sure said he it is the Government of Jesus Christ. When the Scots first came into England it was his constant and affectionate Prayer that they might be instruments of
of unbelief that I may not depart from thee the living God Deliver me from tentation Accept of Jesus Christ for me Teach me to improve all Providences To live upon the Promises Let Christ be my life O Lord let me never shrink from thee For the good of the publique Lord turn the heart of this Nation and all our hearts Turn the heart of the King Sanctifie the Parliament and make them faithfull Blesse the Assembly and make them faithful and upright with thee Let not the Army do unworthily but what thou would have them to do Blesse all the Ministers For other Nations Lord do good to Scotland and the Churches in France Blesse New-England and forrain plantations For the places to which he was related Lord provide a faithfull man for Queens-Colledge A faithfull man for this place New-Church in Westminster A faithfull Pastor for those in the Countrey For Friends and those about him Lord remember all those that have shewed kindnesse to me and have taken pains with me and recompence them Thou hast promised that he which giveth a Cup of water in the name of a Disciple and he that receiveth a Prophet in the name of a Prophet shall have a Prophets reward Afterwards having forgotten to crave a blessing upon somewhat given him to take he prayed Lord pardon my neglect and forgetfulnesse of thee and deliver from tentation and the evil of tentation Thou art holy if thou shouldst forsake us Our Fathers trusted in thee and were delivered Lord glorifie thy name in my poor spirit and let none of thy people ever see me shrink from thee for Jesus Christ his sake Being spoken to to cast the burden of his sicknesse and pain upon God he answered I should do very unworthily if when I have preached to others that they should cast their burdens upon God I should not do so my self In these and many other the like Christian expressions he did manifest the same savour of holinesse even to the time of his death which had been constantly discovered in the time of his life He departed this life Anno Christi 1647. and of his age 46. having served God faithfully and painfully in his generation being a very great Instrument of much good and an excellent pattern for imitation His body lieth interred in the New-Church at Westminster and his memory yet liveth in the minds of those that knew him The Life of Gaspar Colinius Great Admirall of France GAsppar Colinius or Coligni was descended of a very Ancient and Honourable Family his Predecessors had Kingly Priviledges in their own Country as the Power of Life and Death of Coining Money Imposing Taxes and Tributes c. His Father was Gaspar de Colonia or Colinius who lived under King Francis the first and had to Wife Ludovica Monmorancy the Sister of Annas Monmorancy Great Constable of France When in the year 1522. the Admirall Bonivet had taken Fontaraby in the Confines of Spain as soon as he was returned into France the Spaniards came and besieged it with a great Army The siege lasted twelve moneths whereby the Inhabitants suffered much extremity by reason of Famine King Francis hearing of it commanded this Gaspar to raise an Army and relieve Fontaraby which Army he presently Levied but in his march he fell sick and died at Ax August 4. Anno Christi 1522 leaving three Sons behind him Odet Gaspar and Francis Ludovica his Widow was made one of the Ladies of Honour to the Queen of France and was very carefull of the education of her Sons and lived a most chaste and vertuous life all the remainder of her daies dying in Paris Anno Christi 1547. Pope Clement the seventh seeking to increase his Authority in France made the elder Brother Odet a Cardinall knowing that by reason of the eminency of his Family he might be very usefull to him By which means the Inheritance fell to this our Gaspar the second Brother who was born Feb. 16. Anno Christi 1517. whose ingenuity and towardlinesse appearing in his childhood his Mother was very carefull of his education and for his Instruction in Learning she made choice of Nicholas Beraldus to be his Schoolmaster a man famous in those daies in France She also provided him Tutors to instruct him in Military Arts of such as were most skilfull therein This Gaspar being thus furnished both for Peace and Warre when he came to the age of twenty four the Dolphin of France the Kings eldest Son besieging Baion at that time Gaspar went to serve under him and to put in practice what he had before gotten in the Theory In which Service he shewed much alacrity and courage and in advancing near to the enemies Trenches he was wounded with a Bullet in his throat The same year also the King having intelligence that his and the enemies Army were ready to joyn battell in Insubria Gaspar obtaining leave hastened thither and in that battell gave great proof of his Valour and Prudence so that shortly after K. Francis dying and his Son Henry succeeding to the Crown he advanced him to great honour and whereas his Uncle Annas Monmorancy was Generall of the Horse he made this Gaspar Colonel of a Regiment of Foot In which Office he carried himself so well that in a little space he gat much repute for his Justice Valour and Prudence and thereby became very gratefull to the common people For whereas the Souldiers formerly by their rapines and plunderings used much to oppresse them this new Colonel kept them in awe by military Discipline especially he severely punished them for incontinency swearing and blasphemy and his Orders were so generally approved of that shortly after the King put them amongst his Military Laws The same King also advanced him to greater honour taking a great liking to him making him one of his own Horsemen which vulgarly are called of the Kings Order And whereas contention arose about that time between the King of France and King Henry the eighth of England about the Town of Bulloine which a little before upon conditions of peace had been pawned to the English the King of France distrusting the English made this Gaspar Governour of all that Countrey who presently going into Picardy whither King Henry of France had sent an Army to besiege Bulloine He with admirable art and diligence built a Castle near to it which was such a shelter to the French and did so hinder the Sallies of the English that in a short time they were forced to treat about surrendring of the City For the finishing of which Treaty the whole businesse was referred by the King of France to our Gaspar and his Uncle Rupipontius which being ended and the Town surrendred Gaspar returned to the King and was shortly after made the Great Admirall of France which amongst the French is counted the greatest honour in the Kingdom having the command of the Sea and
the Kings Navy He was also made Governour of Picardy and of the Isle of France and Captain of a Troop of men at Arms and one of the Kings Councel Anno Christi 1554. Charles the fifth Emperour of Germany and Queen Mary of England raised great Armies against the King of France and to resist such potent Adversaries none was thought so fit by the suffrage of all as our Gaspar and therefore he was chosen by the King to that place who presently raising Forces hasted to the Confines of France towards the Belgick Provinces to secure them against the approach of their enemies At this time France was in great fear considering the conjunction of such potent adversaries and the King of France his want both of Money and Arms to resist them so that many thought that the ruine of France was approaching Whereupon our Admirall perswaded the King to treat of Peace which counsell was so gratefull both to the King and his Nobles that the charge of it was presently committed to the Admirall which within few daies he effected to the incredible joy and rejoycing of all the Orders of France and he was looked upon as an Instrument of saving his Countrey especially considering upon what honest honourable and profitable conditions he had concluded the Peace About this time it fell out that the Guises who were Lorrainers by extraction and pretended a Title to Sicily and Naples which they said the King of Spain had injuriously taken from their Ancestors perswaed King Henry of France that for divers years they had held correspondency with a great part of the Neapolitane Nobility so that if the King would but assist them with some competent Forces they doubted not to make an easie conquest of that Kingdom By this their counsell they violated the Peace which was made a little before with Spain and solemnly sworn to on both sides which was a great grief to our Admirall who sticked not to say that such perjury proved alwaies as dishonourable so fatall to Kingdoms and that God in all ages had been a severe revenger of it Yet the King would not hearken to him but commanded him to raise Forces in his Province This was the first cause of that deadly feud which arose between the Guises and him There were some other smaller causes which further kindled that fire which for brevity sake I omit The Emperour hearing of these preparations in France thought to be before hand with them and therefore raises an Army in the Low-Countries to invade France which the King being informed of and knowing that the first storm would fall upon Picardy he presently dispatched away the Admirall for the securing of it and before he he had marched two daies journey he was informed by his Scouts that the Spaniards intended to besiege San-Quintan in Picardy He also received Letters from one Captain Brullius that as soon as the Citizens of San-Quintan heard of the Spaniards intention they were seized with such a Pannick fear that many of them left their houses and fled into the woods with their Wives and Children Our Admirall hearing these things dissembled the matter before his Souldiers as well as he could and shewing much alacrity by great journeys hastened to San-Quintans Whereupon two of his Captains Gernacus and Lusarcius endeavoured by all means to disswade him from it telling him that the City was not fortified neither provided with food and other necessaries to sustain a siege and that the enemies would beleaguer it before he could furnish it with such things and therefore they told him that it was better and more for his honour to disturbe the enemy in the open fields then by shutting himself up within the Walls to expose himself to such danger But he considering of what consequence that place was and what advantage the getting of it would be to the Spaniards adhered to his first resolutions and having by the way adjoyned to himself about two hundred and fourty Souldiers he hastily flies to the City and sets all hands on work for the fortifying of it The Spaniards being informed hereof presently begirt the City with a siege and began to draw their Trenches about it and possessed themselves of the Suburbs whereby by rolling Trenches they approached the Wals. This our Admirall taking notice of Sallied out upon them and firing the Suburbs drave the enemies further off yet when he had throughly viewed the City and found the weaknesse of it he began to suspect that he could not long hold out against so potent an adversary Yet considering that Gods Providence had cast him upon these straits he resolved rather valiantly to die then to give the enemy so great an advantage against France by surrendring that Town to them And therefore he laid out all his care labour and industry for the defending of it and for the greater incouragement of the Citizens and Souldiers he laid his own hands to every work that was to be done Whilst he was thus busily imployed a Messenger brought him word that his Brother Andelot was gotten safe into the City with about five hundred Souldiers the remains of a greater Army which the King had sent under the Constable for the victualling and relieving the City which Army was encountred by a great party of German Horse and Foot who in the incounter had routed the French slain many and dispersed the rest only in the time of the medly Andelot with his five hundred men had slipped into the City As soon as this defeat of the French was known to the Souldiers and Citizens they were possessed with so great a fear that the incouragements of the Admirall were little regarded Hereupon he calls them all together makes a Speech to them and shewed them that the safety of their Countrey should be preserved before their lives and thereupon caused them all to take an Oath that if any one spake about the surrender of the City he should lose his head for it himself also took the same Oath In the mean time the Spaniards being elated with their former victory presse upon the City harder then before and for twenty daies together continue their battery against the Wals whereby they beat down a great part of them The Admirall seeing this and perceiving that they were approaching to give a generall storm he encouraged his Souldiers stoutly to make resistance telling them that if they did but withstand the first stroke the enemy would not be forward to attempt a second Where the greatest breach and danger was there himself stood armed to resist in the very face of danger Other places he commended to his Brother and his other Captains But whilest he was valiantly fighting in the breach word was brought him that the enemy was entred in two other places of the City Whereupon taking some of his trustiest Friends with him he ran thitherward to oppose them but before he came he found that
c. Having dispatched these things he resolved to march to Vivaret and to the bank of Rhodanus and understanding that some were up in Arms for him in the Delphinate who also had taken some Towns he sent part of his forces to them to assist them in taking in some Cities of greater consequence committing the government of them to Count Lodwick of Nassaw who arriving in the Delphinate struck such a terrour into the Inhabitants as caused them to fly into the Cities but he having no Guns for battery only wasted the enemies Countrey and so with honour returned within few daies to the Admirall Shortly after the Admirall worn out with cares watchings and incessant labours fell sick and though he was greatly afflicted with his disease yet conceiving that it was of great concernment for him to get to the River Liger he made no stay but in his Horselitter marched with his Army thitherward for he was informed that about La Charity and Sancerra there were about two hundred risen in Arms for him whom he thought to be of great concernment to adjoyn to his Army the rather because Cossaeus Marshall of the Kingdom after the Battell in Xantone by the King made Generall of the Army in the room of the Duke of Anjou as he understood advanced with his Army that way and began to approach near him And whereas there came a Trumpet from him to the Admirall about exchange of Prisoners the Admirall sent him word by his Trumpet that he should not need to be at so much pains to seek him for that he himself was hasting towards him so fast as he could When he was advanced so far as the Forrest behold new Ambassadors met him from the King about a Peace for when the Courtiers heard that the Admirall whom they thought to be utterly broken by his former overthrow had in so short a time gotten so gallant an Army together again they were extreamly terrified lest he should march directly towards Paris and there should plunder and destroy the brave Countrey Houses of the Courtiers Senators and rich Citizens of Paris the like whereunto they had heard that the Senators and Citizens of Tholouse had already felt The Admirall by his march though in his Horselitter had his disease much increased upon him and the Physicians gave their judgment that if he continued still to be pressed with so great cares and multiplicity of businesses he could not hold out long whereupon the Treaty with the Kings Ambassadours brake off for a time but some Nobles that were aweary of the Warres complained that there was no reason that the Treaty should cease because the Admirall could not be present at it affirming that though he should die yet there were men enough of honour and interest that could carry on the Treaty to the establishing of Peace The Ambassadors tnswered them We wonder thrt you do not consider of how great authority the Admirall is amongst you who if he should die to day we would not offer to any of you tomorrow so much as a cup of cold water What do you not yet know that the only name of the Admirall can prevail more for you then a great Army without him Within a few daies the Admirall being refreshed and in a good measure recovered the Treaty began again and at last it was concluded That certain Commissioners should go along with the Kings Ambassadours to signifie to his Majesty in the name of them all That they of the Religion desired nothing more then Peace neither was any thing more grievous to them then Warre yet was there none of them but would undergo greater miseries yea and death it self rather then to deny the truth which they had embraced That if the King pleased to grant them Peace and the exercise of their Religion upon the former conditions and to put some cautionary Towns into their power for their security they would willingly and for ever lay down their Arms. These Messengers being dispatched the Admirall advanced forward and in his way took in the Town of Reneducium to which some of the Vantcurriers of Cossaeus were come and from that day forwards there was no day passed without some skirmishes between the two Armies and one day the minds of the Souldiers on both parts were so far inflamed that it had near come to a generall Battell there being only a little Brook between the two Armies Monsieur Mongomry having already broken the first Battell of the adversaries wherein were Valetius and Vasco men of great authority amongst the Royalists But presently came new Messengers from the King desiring a cessation from arms till the Treaty was finished and after great debate an Edict was sent from the King by which certain places were allotted to the Protestants for the exercise of their Religion in for the performance whereof they had for two years four cautionary Towns put into their hands viz. Rochel Montalban Cognac and Charity and the Kings Proclamations hereof were sent all over the Kingdom and so an en end was put to the third Civil Warres The Admirall bringing the German Forces to the borders of their Countrey dismissed them courteously and so taking the two young Princes of Navarr and Conde he went with them to Rochel where the Queen of Navarr was purposing to stay there till the Peace was fully setled in every place and after a few Moneths trusting to the Kings promises and to the oaths of the Kings Brethren and Parliaments having been tired out with so many and great labours he betook himself to rest and at the intreaties and perswasions of his Friends inclined to dispose of himself again in Marriage the rather because he was earnestly solicited thereto by the kindred of Jacoba Monbella the widow of the L. Anthony Monbell who was Daughter of Count Intermontanus of whose modesty piety and wholly life he had heard much formerly She therefore being brought honourably to him to Rochel he solemnly married her and not long after he disposed his own Daughter Ludovica in Marriage to Monsieur Teligni a young man of great Nobility and vertue Of all the Nobility of France none seemed more acceptable and dearer to the King then this Teligni by reason of his admirall ingenuity and therefore being much about the King it was he that did afterwards perswade the Admirall of the great esteem and hearty good will of the King towards him But God quickly mixed sorrow with the joy of these Marriages news being brought about that time of the death of Odet Coligni Cardinall of Chattillion who had been some time in the Court of England as the Procurator for the cause of the Protestants with Queen Elizabeth who much favoured him for the amplitude of his Family and the opinion of his vertue and integrity But the Protestants affairs being composed in France his Brother Gaspar sent for him Whereupon coming to Queen Elizabeth he obtained leave for his departure
The Traytor executed The young Prince of Conde born The Admirall honoured New designs against the Protestants * Roch-sur-yon The Prince of Conde and Admirall complain to the King They are answered with scorns The second Civil War Paris blocked up by the Prince A Battell The Admirall wonderfully preserved The Royalists routed They joyn with the Germans The Admirals prudence Caen besieged by the Prince Peace concluded The Admirals Wife dieth His counsell to his Children His charge to Grelleus His Wives character Popish treachery A remarkable Providence A Prediction They send to the King The third Civil War A special providence The Protestants basely murthered The Queen of Navarr assists them Niort taken Engolisme besieged A Battell The Royalists beaten A special providence The Admirals danger His valour Prince of Conde basely slain His character The Prince of Navarr in his room The Admirals piety His Authority to take up Arms. Andelot's death The Admirals Letter to his Sons and Nephews His Faith The Germans aid the Protestants The Royalists beaten The Admirall sends to the King for Peace Lusiniac surrendred Poictiers besieged The Admirals sicknesse Treachery against the Admirall The Traitor executed The Royalists beaten The Admirall forced to fight His policy A special providence He is wounded His Army overthrown His courage He is condemned by the Parliament of Paris His house plundered His contentation His justice His Letter to his Sons and Nephews They send to the King for Peace A Tyrannical speech The Admirall falls sick Ambassadours from the King The great esteem of the Admirall The Treaty goes on Peace concluded The Admirals second marriage He marries his Daughter to Teligni Coligni's death in England His character Popish cruelties The Kings dissimulation The Kings dissimulation with the Admirall Royal dissimulation The Admirals entertainment at Court The malice of the Duke of Guise The Kings dissembling Letter The King dissembles with C. Lodwick Intercepted Letters which shewed the dissimulations The Admirals security The Queen of Navarr's death Her character The King sends for the Admirall His friends advertisements His security He went to Paris Warnings to the Admirall His confident answer Royal treachery The Protestants flock to Paris Deep dissimulation Rochel blocked up The Admirall deluded The King of Navarr married The Admirals Letter to his Wife The Kings dissimulation The Admirall wounded His admirable patience and Christian courage His charity His Prayer His comfort His Faith The Kings prophane dissimulation The King visits the Admirall His speech to the King The Kings answer Deep dissimulation The Bullet viwed Psal. 32.1 A Councel held by the Protestants Presages of the Massacre Monluc's advice The Kings dissimulation Deep dissimulation An ill omen Popish subtilty Counsell that the Protestants should leave Paris A Judas The Massacre projected The Kings dissimulation with the King of Navarr The Duke of Guise excites to the Massacre Fatall security The Queen-Mothers mischievous mind The sign of the Massacre The Admirals house assaulted The Admirals speech The Admirall slain His body basely abused His Head sent to Rome Yet buried His character His piety and zeal Examples prevalent His manner of preparing for the Lords Supper His care for education of children His contempt of the world Brotherly love His age His abstinence His daily exercise Teligni murthered and his young Son Her Parentage Her marriage Popish policy King of Navarr turns Papist The Queens constancy Popish policy The King of Navarr slain Treason against the Queen Gods providence over her Her going to Rochel Her Letters to the King c. Prince of Conde slain She encourageth the Army Her Countrey surprized And regained The Kings Edict Popish subtilty The match propounded Her pious care about it Ministers dissent about it Her zeal to propogate the Gospel She goes to the Court. The Kings dissimulation She goes to Paris She is poysoned Her sicknesse and religious carriage therein Her charge to her Son James 5.14 Her conference with the Minister Long life a blessing 1 Cor. 15.55 Her Prayer A Prayer Her patience The Minister Absolves her The Admirall came to her Her death
had many Communicants at which times Dr. Sands gave such exhortations as drew many teares from his Auditours and wrought in them an utter abhorrency of the Masse and all Popery When Sir Tho. Wyat with his Army came into Southwark he sent to Dr. Sands in prison desiring his company and advice telling him that the prison doors should be set open for him and the other Prisoners Dr. Sands bad the Messengers tell him that if his rising were of God he should stand otherwise he should fall and that for his own part he was committed by order and that he would never depart thence except he were discharged by the like order the like answer made Mr. Sanders and the other godly Ministers that were prisoners there Dr. Sands having thus lain there nine weeks at last by the mediation of Sr Tho. Holcraft then Knight Marshall he was set at liberty the manner of it was thus Sir Tho. Holcraft made great suit to the Bishop of Winchester in the behalf of Dr. Sands yet could get no grant from him except he would turn to their Religion which if he would do he should have great preferment yet at last by importunity he extorted from him that if the Queen would grant him his liberty he would not oppose it Then did Sir Thomas by two Ladies of Honour prevail with the Queen that he should have his liberty if Winchester liked of it Sir Thomas having this grant watched the Bishops next going to the Queen and then again moving the businesse he at last prevailed with them and gat a Warrant signed by them for his deliverance yet Winchester afterwards commanded him not to release him till two Gentlemen should give a thousand pound bond for him not to depart the Kingdom without License Sir Thomas seeing this procured two Gentlemen to be willing thus to be bound with him and then sending for Dr. Sands he imparted all the businesse to him to whom Dr. Sands said I give God thanks who hath moved your heart to be so carefull of me I think my self much bound to you for your love which God will requite and I will never prove ungratefull But as I came a free man into Prison so I will not go out a bond-man for as I cannot benefit my friends so neither will I hurt them and if I be set at liberty I will not stay six dayes in the Realm if I can get out Therefore if I may not go free send me back to prison where you shall be sure of me Sir Tho. Holcraft was much troubled at this answer yet seeing the Doctor immoveable in his resolution he said to him Since I cannot change you I will change my own mind and am resolved to set you at liberty come of it whatever will come therefore get you gone quickly over-sea and never write any thing back hither for so you may undo me and so friendly kissing him he bad him farewell and commanded his Keeper to take no fees of him Dr. Sands returning to the Marshalsey tarried all night and on the morrow gave his prison-fellows a dinner bad his bed-fellow and sworn stake-fellow if it had so pleased God Mr. Sanders farewell they kissing each other with many teares Then went he to the Kings bench to Mr. Bradford and Mr. Ferrar comforting them and they praising God for his happy deliverance and so he went into London to a private friend and the next night changed his lodging hearing that search was made after him For Dr. Watson and Christopherson went to the Bishop of Winchester and told him that he had set at liberty the greatest Heretick in England and one who had most corrupted the University whereupon the Bishop sent for all the Constables in London commanding them to make diligent search for him and promising five pound to him that could apprehend him Dr. Sands suspecting the matter shifted from place to place and appointed his man to provide him two Geldings purposing the next day to go into Essex to his Father-in-law Mr. Sands with whom his Wife was But that night having a pair of Hose too long for him which were made without measure whilst he was Prisoner in the Tower he then lodging in Cornhill requested the good Wife of the house to send them to the next Taylor to be cut shorter and it so fell out by Gods providence that the next Taylor was a Protestant and the man that made them he knowing the Hose went at midnight to the Doctors lodging and being admitted into his Chamber wished him not to be troubled at their unseasonable coming in to which he answered Nothing can be amisse what God will that shall come to passe then the Taylor told him of the Bishops sending for the Constables whereof he was one and of their hopes to find him for saith he it 's known that you have provided Geldings and that to morrow you are to go through Algate where you will certainly be taken therefore let your man walk booted and spurr'd to morrow neer where your horses stand and in the mean time they shall be conveyed privately to Bednal-green and at a fit season I will come and convey you thither also as you go along the streets look wildly and if you meet your Brother in the mouth know him not c. Accordingly Doctor Sands attired like a Gentleman and looking wildly went with the Taylor the next day who conveyed him through back lanes to Moore-gate and from thence to Bednal-green where having his horses ready he kissed the honest Taylor and would have given him the greatest part of that little which he had which yet he would not receive and so with teares they parted yet afterwards Doctor Sands requited him thankfully That night he rode to his Father-in-law and within two hours after his coming his Father was informed that that night two of the Guard would seek to apprehend him there whereupon he was presently conveyed to an honest Farmers house neer the Sea-side where he was locked up two dayes and two nights in a chamber all alone and then removed to one Mower a Master of a Ships house at Milton shore attending a wind for his departure and while he was there Mower brought forty or fifty mariners to him to whom he gave such an exhortation that they being taken with it resolved all of them to die rather then he should be apprehended May the sixth the wind served and he took his leave of his Host and Hostesse who had been married eight years and had no child and when he took his leave of the woman he thanked her kindly for his entertainment and gave her his handkerchief with an old royall of gold in it saying Ere a year be past be of good comfort God will give you a Sonne and accordingly it came to passe for when there lacked but one day of a twelvemoneth she was brought to bed of a fair Son Doctor Sands and Doctor Coxe were
Legitimorum in Ecclesia ministrorum nomina qualia sunt Episcoporum Diaconorum separata à suis muneribus in verbo Dei descriptis simpliciter sunt improbanda ad institutionem Apostolicam revocanda ut Episcopus in verbo precibus Diaconus in pauperibus curandis versetur 3. Episcoporum Cancellariis aut Archidiaconorum Officialibus c. regimen Ecclesiae non est committendum sed ad idoneum ministrum Presbyterum ejusdem Ecclesiae deferendum 4. Non oportet ministrum esse vagum liberum sed quisque debet certo cuidam gregi addici 5. Nemo debet ministerium tanquam candidatus petere 6. Episcoporum tantum autoritate potestate ministri non sunt creandi multo minus in Musaeo aut loco quopiam clanculario sed ab Ecclesia electio fieri debet Hisce reformandis quisque pro sua vocatione studere debet vocationem autem intelligo ut magistratus authoritate minister verbo omnes precibus promoveant Per me Thomam Cartwright Master Cartwright being thus driven from the University not long after finding the way for the exercise of his Ministry in England obstructed he went beyond the Seas to visit other reformed Churches where he grew acquainted with the famousest men for Piety and Learning in Christendome with whom he kept correspondence all his life after He was also highly prized by them insomuch as Beza writing about that time into England to a Friend of his hath this expression Est quidam Anglus nobiscum nomine Thomas Cartwright c. Here is now with us your Countreyman Thomas Cartwright then whom I think the Sun doth not see a more learned man c. He was also chosen Preacher to the English Merchants at Antwerp and afterwards at Middleburrough where he did very much good by his Ministry the Lord blessing his labours exceedingly in those parts and when he understood that the Merchants by whom he was maintained through their great losses decayed in their estates he returned his salary to them again Not long after he came over into England being earnestly sollicited thereunto by Letters from Master Dearing Master Fulk Master Wiburne Master Leaver and Master Fox about which time the Non-conformists having drawn up an admonition to the Parliament for the Reformation of the Church Doctor Whitgift who was then preferred to the Arch-Bishoprick of Canterbury answered the same in Print whereupon the Ministers which wrote the Admonition consulting but not agreeing upon the choice of one to reply to Doctor Whitgift Master Cartwright was at last chosen by lot to undertake it and performed it so well that his very Adversaries were heard to advance and commend him for it Yet was he with divers other of the Non-conformists brought into the High Commission Court where for refusal of the Oath ex Offiicio they were clapt up in prison and afterwards proceeded against in the Star-chamber but it pleased God so to order it by his Providence that those very witnesses which were brought to accuse them did so clear them that they were dismissed and sent home much more honoured and beloved then they were before Whilst Master Cartwright was Prisoner in the Fleet he had thirty pounds sent him from a noble friend of which he took but ten shillings returning the rest with many thanks to the Donor and when the Earl of Leicester offered him the Provostship of Eeaton-Colledge saying that it was a hundred pounds a year more then enough besides the conveniency of the place Master Cartwright answered That the hundred pounds more then enough was enough for him About the year 1580. His fame was so spread through the Reformed Churches that King James then King of Scotland sent for him profering to make him Professor in the University of Saint Andrews whereof twenty years after upon King James his coming into England Master Cartwright makes mention in his Epistle before his Commentary upon Ecclesiastes which he dedicated to King James returning humble thanks for that Royal favour The Arch-Bishop of Dublin also sent for him into Ireland proffering him preferment in that Kingdom He was sent to from divers eminent Divines beyond the Seas wherein they craved his advice for the direction of young men in the method of their studies as also in the behalf of the Churches in general for his counsell in regulating their proceeding in the waightiest affairs Also about the same time the Earl of Leicester preferred him to be Master of his Hospital at Warwick which place was worth to him about one hundred pounds per annum His imployment was to pray with the poor men twice a day to catechise twice a week and to preach once on the Lords day at the Parish Church This place he willingly and thankfully accepted of because he was therein exempted from the Jurisdiction of the Prelates His carriage and deportment was such that there was not a Nobleman or Gentleman of quality in all the Country that looked Heaven-ward or was of any account for Religion and Learning but they sought to enjoy his company and found much pleasure and content therein for his conversation was such that scarce a word came from his mouth that was not of some good use and concernment He was of a very laborious and indefatigable spirit it was his meat and drink to be doing the Will of his heavenly Father so that besides all his paines in Writing and in the Hospital he preached every Sabbath-day in the morning about seven a clock in the lower Parish of Warwick and when he could be suffered in the upper Parish in the afternoon Besides which he preached a Lecture on Satturdayes in the afternoon in the upper Church in which he went over a great part of the Proverbs and Ecclesiastes with singular judgment and profit and this he did of his own free Will without demanding or receiving one penny for his paines And whereas he was sometimes suspended by the Bishops from preaching in the Churches his manner was at those times to preach in the Hospital whither many resorted to hear him though they were sure to be brought into the Bishops Courts for the same Presently after his coming to Warwick the English Seminary at Rhemes published their Version of the New Testament and Annotations upon it in English which coming over into England it was looked upon by all as a Book of dangerous concernment and therefore fit to be answered by the ablest pen that could be found Hereupon as I have heard Queen Elizabeth sent to Beza to request him to undertake the answer but he modestly excused it and returned answer that she had one in her own Kingdom far abler then himself to undertake such a task and upon further enquiry declared that it was Master Thomas Cartwright Then Sir Francis Walsingham a man of eminent place and power who herein as in other affairs was accounted the mouth and hand
adde unto it eternal apprehensions and make them feel the fiercenesse of his anger Psal. 88.6 7. without any hope of being eased and after this can restrain and withhold them as he did Abimelech Gen. 20.6 For if one cease to be a Sonne because he commits a sinne that doth deserve eternal death then every sinne a child of Gods commits rends his relation or sonship off for every sinne deserves eternal death Rom. 6.23 and because in many things we offend all Jam. 3.2 we should be alwaies out of sonship and have neither certainty nor comfort in our estate unlesse he could give some ground out of Scripture to assure what sinnes put us out and what did not The Duke had sent to Doctor Preston to decline this clashing conference and assured him he was as much his Friend as ever and would have stopt it if he could but the Bishops had over-ruled it which the Doctor at the first believed and so was backward But when he saw the confidence of Doctor White and his Companion he doubted the sincerity of that assurance and was afterward informed that there had been a meeting at the Countesse of Denbies and the Duke had promised to leave him this gave him resolution and encouragement against the second conference which was managed in a manner by him alone against Master Mountague and Doctor White For when the Doctor saw the Duke begun to double with him he was less fearfull to offend him though the Duke still carried it with all the fairnesse that he could and appeared not in person When the time came for the second Conference the Doctor readily appeared and the first thing he charged Master Mountague withall was about his doctrine of Traditions which he affirmed he had delievered as grosly and erroneously as any Papist Gag pag. 38 39 40. For he justfied that place in Bazil where he saies The doctrine retained in the Church was delievered partly by written instructions partly by unwritten traditions having both a like force unto Piety which was so unlike to Bazil and the opinions of those times that it was generally believed to be put in by the Papists of later times Master Mountague confessed it was suspected by some of the preciser cut but Doctor Preston told him Bishop Bilson was none of them yet he did judge it supposititious and it must be so or Bazil acknowledged to be erroneous For he instanceth in praying towards the East and use of Chrisme or Oyl in Baptisme both which being rejected by the Church of England argues they held that place of Bazil not Canonical Master Mountague answered that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 there used by Saint Bazil might signifie a thing that seemed so and so the sense might be that some things that seemed true of lesse esteem and consequence might be delivered by tradition as long as matters more substantial were taken from the Scriptures But Doctor Preston shewed that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signified oftentimes doctrine and was used here by Bazil for those Heads of doctrine that were more principal and lesse exposed comparing them unto those places in the Temple whereunto the people had not accesse Master Mountague answered farther that his assertion was hypothetical that if a doctrine came from the same author it was no great matter whether it were by writing or word of mouth for either had the same authority But Doctor Preston told him Bazil was positive and spake directly and him he justified and therefore could not be hypothetical as he pretended It is a great step unto victory for to divide Paul sets the Pharisees against the Sadduces Act. 23.6 7 8. that he might save himself The Jesuites are so good at it that though they have but one to be their adversary they will endeavour to divide him from himself by moving passion or compassion or some affection of his own against him Doctor White had openly in the Commencement house maintained that Election is not ex praevisis operibus and therefore Doctor Preston resolved to pinch Master Mountague in that particular that he might bereave him of his animating Champion Doctor White There were four several places that Doctor Preston had observed to make good this charge the first which he produced was Gag pag. 179. Some Protestants hold that Peter was saved because God would have it so without respect unto his faith and obedience and Judas damned because God would have it so without respect unto his sin And added this is not the doctrine of the Protestants this is not the doctrine of the Church the Church of England hath not taught it doth not believe it hath opposed it Now Doctor White was very fierce and eager to engage told him it was no doctrine of the Church of England but a private fancy of some that Judas was condemned without respect unto his sin for the wages of sin is death Rom. 6.23 The soul that sinneth shall die Ezek. 18.4 But Doctor Preston answered he did not charge that upon Master Mountague but the former part of the assertion that Peter was not saved without respect unto his believing and obedience and so Election should not be absolute but grounded upon faith and works foreseen Then saith Dr. White I have nothing against that but leave Master Mountague to answer for himself Dr. Preston was glad that he was eased of Dr. White and yet resolved to make advantage of it and therefore told Dr. White if he thought Election was not ex fide Praevisâ he desired to know whether saving grace were an effect and fruit of Election or no Dr. White acknowledged readily it was then said Dr. Preston Whosoever hath saving grace is Elected Now you know than an Elect person can never finally miscarry or fall away therefore whoever hath true grace can never fall away The old man saw the snare and would have avoided it by denying the consequence But the Dr. urged that wheresoever the Effect is there must be the Cause but Saving Grace is an Effect of Election This Dr. White would have denyed but the hearers murmured that the Effect could not be without the Cause as the day is not without the presence of the Sun Then Dr. White answered that Saving Grace was an Effect indeed but a common Effect But Dr. Preston urged that it was not more common then Election for all the Elect had Saving Grace and none but they and therefore they could never fall away But this said he is by the way I will now apply my self to Mr. Mountague But when Mr. Mountague perceived that his great Goliah Dr. White forsook him he was greatly troubled and cavilled at the words a while but the book adjudging it for Dr. Preston he said The Church of England had not declared any thing against it Dr. Preston alledged the seventeenth Article but told Master Mountague that he affirmed the Church of England did oppose it and he desired to know where But after one of the Lords had
instruct the ignorant to satisfie the doubtfull to settle the wavering to comfort the dejected and to encourage all sorts in the exercises of Religion He was much in the house of Mistresse Katherine Redich of Newhall in Derbyshire widdow to Alexander Redich of Redich in Lancashire Esquire his bosome Friend his antient acquaintance and constant dear Friend to his death who survived him not above eight daies the grief for his death hastening as it was supposed her end In her house at Hamstead near London August 21. 1624. he fell sick of a violent Feaver which put him into such danger that the Physicians doubted of his Recovery he over-hearing some intimation of it when he thought none were in the room the Curtains being drawn about his bed he was over-heard by one in the room to speak audibly those words of Psal. 118.17 I shall not die but live and declare the works of the Lord. At that time there was as little hope of his preaching as of his recovery But God in great mercy soon after restored him both to health and liberty The next year viz. June 20. 1625. he was licensed by Doctor Ridley then Vicar-general to the Arch-bishop of Canterbury to preach in the Diocesse of London Lincoln and Coventry and Lichfield under the Seal of that office By vertue of which License he began to preach August 3. 1625. in Ashby Church aforesaid those eight Sermons on Psal. 35.13 concerning Fasting Prayer and Humiliation for sinne which were published since his death viz. 1632. according to his own Copy left under his hand by his Son Master Samuel Hildersam September 28. 1625. he began his one hundred and fifty two Lectures on Psal. 51. published in the like nature 1635. After the last forementioned licensing he was silenced again March 25. 1630. by notice given him from the Court at Leicester of the Kings instructions for every Lecturer to read service in Surplice and Hood and he began to preach again Aug. 2. 1631. and so continued till December 27. 1631. which was the last Sermon that he preached Soon after he fell sick of his last sickness and discerning it to increase he sent for his forenamed Sonne dwelling at West-Felton in Shropshire fourty nine miles from Ashby He with his Wife came to him withall convenient speed January 13. and stayed with him till his death Their company and attendance at that time as alwaies formerly was very contenting and comfortable And of his Daughter-in-law who was by himself propounded as a meet Wife for his dearest Son and in whom he ever took much delight he was heard with affection to ingeminate these words Never man had a kinder Daughter-in-law His disease though not discerned to be so at the first proved the Scorbute the which being a dull and melancholick distemper indisposed him to speak much yet as he shewed wonderfull patience through his whole sicknesse so he used many holy and heavenly expressions to those that attended him or came to visit him who he being so much beloved and honoured in the Countrey were not a few He suggested unto some dear Friends his fears that Wolves would ere long come in amongst them and thereupon earnestly exhorted them to continue stedfast in the truth which they had received And occasion being given to mention those words 1 Tim. 3.5 How shall he take care of the Church of God looking to his Son he said Oh Son Son that care of the Flock is the main thing The most godly people in those parts his constant hearers who had been either converted to Christ or edified and confirmed in grace by his Ministry being very sensible of the great losse which not themselves only but the whole Church of God also would sustain by his death that they might not seem negligent in the use of any means within their reach to prolong his life and their own comfort did resolve amongst themselves to set apart a day that they might solemnly in publique seek the Lord by fasting and Prayer in his behalf wherein they had the hearty help of Master Simeon Ashe both in the morning and afternoon by Sermons and Supplications who did more owe himself unto Master Hildersam then to any other man having been first placed in the University under the tuition of famous Master Thomas Hooker fellow of Emanuel Colledge and afterwards directed and encouraged in his Ministry by his great care and love March 4. being the Lords day he grew very weak and was prayed for in the Congregation in Ashby Church both at the morning and evening exercise His Sonne prayed with him divers times that day and whilest he was praying the last time he departed and slept in the Lord between nine and ten of the clock that night viz. March 4. 1631. Thus he who had diligently heretofore kept the holy rest of the Sabbath did in the close of the Sabbath rest from his labours and having glorified God often both in publique and private on that day before was at last on that day received into glory Master Herring his dear and familiar friend being then at Coventry was sent for the next day and came and preached the Lecture in Ashby Church on Tuesday March 6. in the morning Master Hhildersam having taken order in his Will that there should be no Funeral-Sermon at his Burial and then spake like himself holily discreetly learnedly and affectionately concerning the losse that that Congregation the Countrey and whole Church had sustained by the death of him that was lately dead In the afternoon of that day his body was born by neighbour-Ministers to the grave accompanied by a great multitude both of Ministers and others who expressed much sorrow and lamentation He lived in Ashby aforesaid for the most part yet being often forced to remove his dwelling of fourty three years and six moneths with great successe in his Ministry love and reverence of all sorts He was very charitable to the poor himself and in exciting of his auditors to contribute towards their relief In few Countrey-Congregations in England the Collections for the poor were so large as they were at the Quarter-daies at his Lectures The losse of poor Ashby by his death was exceeding great for he was the Peace-maker amongst neighbours and the Patron of the poor wickednesse was checked and godlinesse cherished by his great care and wisdome He was a Friend to every one in a good cause and it was his unwearied delight to be Christianly seviceable in any kind He lived to a great age considering that his pains in preaching did ordinarily weaken him so much sixty eight years and five moneths yet this happinesse God vouchsafed to him which was more then ordinary that he out-lived not his parts but as his graces increased towards his end so his abilities of invention judgement memory elocution decayed not in his age He left a precious memory behind him had Letters of commendation written in the
many well-affected people came to him being affrighted with the Cavaliers he encouraged them using this speech that if a house were full of rods what need the Child fear when none of them could move without their Fathers hand and the Lord was a loving Father state and life and all was in his disposing When afterwards the Cavaliers came to his house and threatned to knock him on the head he answered with confidence that if they did they should send him to Heaven where he longed to be but they could do nothing except God gave leave They broke open his Chests and Cupboards and plundred him of his goods but he said to a Friend of his that he would not do them that honour to say they had taken ought from him but it was the Lord alledging that of Job who when he was spoiled by the Chaldeans and the Sabâ—ans yet he did not so much as name the Instruments but The Lord hath given and the Lord hath taken blessed be the Name of the Lord. At length they came to him when through weaknesse he was unable not only to stirre out of his chamber but also out of his bed they cut the Curtains of his bed and pulled away the Pillowbeers from under his head asking him whether he could speak Latine in all which losses which were great he never uttered one word of impatience In his sicknesse when extream pain was upon him as soon as the fit was over he would say to his maid-servant that attended him O think well of God for it for it is most justly and wisely done whatsoever he sendeth or doth When his servants came to visit him in the morning he would say have ye been with God to blesse him for your sleep this night He might have made your bed your grave He would often say in his sicknesse I am not afraid to look death in the face I can say death where is thy sting Death cannot hurt me He spake how death was a sweet sleep to a Christian adding that if Parents should tell little children who had played all the day that they must go to bed they would be ready to cry but a labouring man is glad when night comes that he might go to rest So wicked men death is unwelcome unto them but a Child of God who hath laboured and suffered is glad when death cometh that he may rest from his labours When he had been long speaking to those who came to him and used to ask him questions and hath been perswaded to spare himself he would say hear but this one thing more it may be I shall never speak to you again but if it should be so Blessed is the servant whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing Hearken to a few words more God hath heard all the words we have spoken and considered with what hearts and affections we have spoken them He used to compare rebukes uttered in passion to scalding potions which the Patient could not take down And his opinion was that if we would do good unto others we should labour for meeknesse of wisdome whereby we shall be inabled to use soft words and hard arguments He allowed to Husbands and Wives only one contention which was this who should love one another best and advised them that when either of them were in passion they should not answer passions with passions but with compassions He was very plain and familiar both in preaching and conference yet very spiritual and performed all with much gravity The chief things he sought God for in his frequent secret fastings and prayers as himself said were the knowledge of the Scriptures and a blessing upon his Ministry in both which God answered him abundantly As for the Scriptures God had so enlightened him that he was able to give account of the drift and scope of the Spirit of God in the greatest part of them with great clearnesse and to open them in such sort as proved very effectual for the bringing of Scripture-light into simple mens understandings who were not able to reach the obscure and scholastick interpretations of many His manner was to compare Scripture with Scripture seldome naming the dissenters and but sparingly different readings but making out the truth positively or by necessary consequence In preaching he usually took some portion of Scripture in order before him opening a verse or two or more at a time first clearing the drift and connection then giving the sense and interpretation briefly but very plainly not leaving the text untill he had made it plain to the meanest capacity then raising those Doctrines that were most agreeable to the mind and meaning of the Spirit of God in that text clearing and exemplifying his points excellently out of the Word opening his proofs not multiplying particulars for oppressing memory not dwelling so long as to make all truth run through a few texts He spake most largely and very home in application mightily convincing and diving into mens hearts and consciences and leaving them little or nothing to object against it He took great care to speak to the meanest capacity and to feed the Lambs saying he must stoop to the lowest capacity and if he could reach them others might help themselves He could not endure that Ministers should use hard and unusuall English He said that most Ministers in England usually shoot over the heads of their hearers He did not strive to speak all that might be said to a point nor to shew variety or please curiosity but to speak to the heart He would say that there were many tricks and devices that some men used in preaching but they seldome did good The pure Gospel and that preaching which the world counts foolishnesse was that that works most kindly He was very Evangelicall striving first to make men see their lost condition clearly and to be convinced of it saying Sense of misery was a gooâ— step to the remedy And then largely and excellently opening the Promises and the grace of God in Christ according to the Gospel looking at that as the most effectual preaching Some saies he labour still to keep men under terrors and load them with threatnings c. lest they should not be humbled enough but the Gospel works true humiliation not the Law it arises from sense of sin and misery joyned with hope of mercy The damned have terror and sense of misery enough but that did not humble them He desired to speak distinctly not giving the childrens bread to dogs but to discover hypocrisie and sincerity by lively characters and signes but yet with great tendernesse to babes in Christ striving to discover a babe from an hypocrite He was excellent for practical Divinity and living by Faith as to spirituals and temporals and self-denial and very consolatory rendring Religion the most sweet and comfortable life notwithstanding sufferings He used to presse much
the issue and did accordingly perform it though he were sensible of the great danger of so doing The like resolution he manifested in the question about the Sabbath when opposition was made against the Perpetuity thereof and the Morality of the fourth Commandement a matter wherewith his heart was deeply affected as being an high affront to the Majesty and Authority of God the thoughts whereof seemed to be continually in his mind as was evident by his prayers discourses counsels and endeavours and particularly by that elaborate discourse which he in conjunction with that Judicious Learned and Pious Divine Master Daniel Cawdrey published to the world entituled Vindiciae Sabbathi the latter parts whereof were long ago fitted for the Presse and want but invitations of publishing which might encourage the Stationer to undertake the charge And therefore when reading the Book for Sports on the Lords day bowing to the Altar reading the Service-book there c. were urged he was most resolute against them resolving rather to lose all and suffer any thing then to comply therein and with that resolution went to the Arch-bishops visitation at Welling held by Sir John Lambe where yet he found beyond expectation rather a connivance at him then an enforcement thereof And the like he did concerning the Convocation-Oath in the new Book of Canons in the year 1640. which he vigorously opposed and took a great deal of pains in evincing the unlawfullnesse thereof It is well known also what freedom and faithfullnesse he hath used in reference to the publique affairs as well in his ordinary Sermons at the New Church the Abby and Margarets in Westminster to which places the greatest number of Parliament men did usually resort as in those by special order preached to one or both houses of Parliament some of which are to be seen in print where he spared not to declare fully and plainly what God expected from them and freely to reprove what was amisse For as he was wont to say he did not in that place preach BEFORE them ut coram Judice but TO them authoritativè as by Commission from God and how much soever they might be superiour to him in other regards yet he was in that place superiour to them as acting in Gods Name and therefore would not be afraid to speak whatever was the Will of God that he should tell them notwithstanding any displeasure or danger which might by this means befall him for so doing And upon this consideration we may look upon it as a wise Providence of God so seasonably to take him away a little before those great transactions about the change of Government which were so directly contrary to his deliberate and setled judgment that he would certainly have thought it his duty to Speak much more then others would endure to Hear For although his judgment was clear for the lawfullnesse of Defensive Arms which was the Parliaments case as it was first stated as doth fully appear in that Treatise entituled Scripture and Reason pleaded for Defensive Arms wherein himself of all others had the greatest hand yet was as peremptory against Offensive Arms or attempting the Kings life whose person he judged sacred and inviolable and hath oft expressed himself to that purpose that in case this should ever come to be the question which he hoped he should never see he thought himself bound in conscience by speaking preaching and otherwise to oppose it to the utmost of his power whatever danger he might incurre by so doing which zeal of his though at that time he were like to have prevailed very little with men otherwise resolved yet it might have proved an occasion of much hurt to himself and therefore God in wisdom and mercy thought good to excuse him that piece of service He was in his conversation a man of much temperance and sobriety In his diet he abstained from strong drink altogether Wine he drank very sparingly so far forth only as the necessities of nature did require and did usually content himself to eat but of one dish at a meal and that none of the daintiest even when he had more before him In his apparell he did neither affect to be gay nor costly but decent nor to spend time in needlesse curiosity in dressing As for Recreations he scarce used any but in stead thereof refreshed himself with the Christian converse of Friends accounting time so precious that he would redeem it not only from sports but from sleep also so far as the necessities of nature would permit He was neither wastfull nor covetous but very liberall doing many acts of charity beside what hath been mentioned before to such as stood in need bestowing plenteous relief according as he was able both by his own hands and the hands of others so that those who received it knew not oft-times whence it came And when that eminent work of charity was on foot in Cambridge while he was Fellow of Queens Colledge whereby divers young Scholars who were forced by reason of the wars to fly out of Germany especially of the Palatinate were sent for hither and educated partly in the University and partly under able and godly Divines in the Countrey whereby they might be fitted to do God and their Countrey service when God should give them opportunity to return having here been educated in the knowledge of our language and the way of practical Preaching which hath been no where more eminent then in England which work succeeded beyond expectation he was one of the great actors therein and did contribute liberally thereunto The like assistance also he afforded to divers Hungarians Transilvanians and other strangers who came over into England for the same reason The time of his sicknesse was not long for having spent much of his natural strength in his constant labours in the service of God there was the lesse work for sicknesse to do His deportment therein was holy and heavenly His humility faith patience and submission to Gods Will eminently appearing from time to time and his discourse full of heavenly expressions till the time of his death Not long before his death when one had read to him the 38 Chapter of Isaiah having then some little hopes of his recovery and ready to go to prayer he desired him to stay a while that he might pray first which he did briefly as his weaknesse would permit but very fully both for himself the Kingdom the Church of God and all to whom he stood in any relation The heads whereof were soon after written as near as might be in his own words so far as the memory of those that were then present could call them to mind First blessing God for his goodnesse the night past Blessed be God that hath been so good to us this night Then praying in behalf of himself Great God heal the sinfulness of my nature Pardon all my transgressions Take from me a heart
His marriage Conformity strictly pressed Gods good providence over him The trouble of his Wife Gods mercy His return to Newhall The Lady Ferrers respect to him though a Papist His prudence in his Ministry Bishop Neals malice Gods Providence over him His Letter about Master Rediches death Note He is inhibited from preaching But soon restored His last sicknesse His Death An. Christi 1618. His behaviour in his sickness His counsell to his friends His Burial His excellent parts His method in teaching The efficacy of his Ministry He used a form of prayer and why The Scriptures which he preached over His works that were published His zeal against Sectaries and Separatists A Disputation His Charity Doctor Halls character of him His birth and breeding His remove from Cambridge His coming to London His marriage His painfulnesse 1 Cor. 9.2 The effectualnesse of his Ministry Isa. 53.1 and 49.4 Isa. 8.18 1 Cor. 4.15 Jam. 5.20 Dan. 12.3 Luk. 1.16 Rom. 10.1 The danger of unprofitabe hearers 1 Cor. 9.27 Mat. 23.3 His exemplary life What makes a compleat man What makes a compleat Minister His manner of preaching His zeal for the Sabbath His prudence His care of his Family His Apology for quoting the Fathers His faithfulnesse in reproving sin His last sicknesse His death 1 Tim. 4.12 His birth and education His natural and acquired parts His entring into the Ministry His course of life before his Conversion The means and manner his Conversion Power of Prayer His Faith and comfort Confess l. 5. c. 13 14. His going into Ireland The efficacy of his Ministry The places of his first employment The study of the Prophesies His contests with the Bishops Mat. 26.13 The Lady Bowes her great charity His self-denial His patience and courage His carriage amongst his people Special Providence His persecution by Bishop Neal. * Gnats His last sicknesse His last sicknesse He foretels his death His death His strange sicknesse and recovery Satans malice The power of prayer His dispossessing of the devil His Birth His education His going to Cambridge His remove to Queens Colledge His Character His studiousnesse He is chosen Fellow He studies Physick His study of Astrology His Conversion He is chosen to oppose before the King His many Pupils His zeal His diligence The Bishops Hypocrisie His courage His Prudence Master Preston preacheth before the King He is made the Prince his Chaplain His travel in the Low-Countries He is chosen to Lincolns-Inne The Duke of Buckinghams Letter He is chosen Master of Emanuel A special Providence His last sicknesse His Parentage His education His conversion A special Providence His going to Cambridge 2 Cor. 7.6 A special Providence His first Sermon He is chosen Fellow of Christs Colledge but opposed His remove to Ashby His marriage His first silencing His Sermon before the Judge Judge Aderson angry with him He manageth the Petition for Reformation His second silencing The successe of his Ministry He is restored to Ashby His Lectures on John 4. His third silencing Wightman burnt for Heresie Slander He is cited into the High-Commission Court Silenced His sicknesse His second summons into the High-Commission Court His imprisonment He is falsly accused His censure in the High-Commission Court A special Providence He is sent for Leyden His constancy His humility and charity He opposeth the Brownists and Independents Master Cottons testimony of him Dr. Prestons testimony of his Lectures on John 4. His studiousnesse His care to profit by the Word His sicknesse His recovery His Lectures at Ashby on Psal. 35.3 His Lectures on Psal. 51. He is again silenced His last sicknesse His death His burial His charity His Parentage and education His going to Cambridge His Sermon at Pauls Crosse. His painfulnesse in the Ministry The success of his Ministry His piety in private His sicknesse His prudence therein His death His birth and breeding His going to Cambridge His remove to Oxford His going into Northamptonshire Gods judgements on Sabbath-breakers Isa. 28.15 Levit. 26.27 28. A special Providence His remove to Woolstone He is opposed by the Bishop His courage He is suspended and excommunicated Absolved by the Archbishop He is accused of treason and imprisoned Sir T. Lucy He is acquitted The Bishop enjoyned to ask him forgivenesse P. Petiver Binley Wood. A special Providence His great pains The success of his Ministry His care in the education of his children Gods judgements on Sabbath-breakers His powerfull manner of preaching His last sicknesse His death His Country His going to Cambridge His promotion in the Colledge and University His conversion He is chosen Lecturer in Cambridge Master of Katherine Hall His prudence in the Ministry Mr Dods testimony of his Sermons on Cant. 5. His piety His charity His death His Parentage His remove to Cambridge His Father casts him off He is chosen Fellow Chosen the first Master of Emanuel He commenced Doctor His care of the Colledge His care for young Students His care of Servants He resigned his place His death His birth and education His going to Oxford His remove into Cheshire His improvement of his parts His frequent Fasts and Prayers His constancy His Non-conformity He is ordained Minister His call to Whitmore His marriage His diligent studies His skill in comforting afflicted consciences His indefatigablenesse His unwearied pains on the Sabbath His frequent Fasting and Prayer His readinesse to do good His temperance and meeknesse His frugality His charity His humility His esteem of the weight of the Ministry His humility The necessity of stadying controversies The danger of Separation His high esteem of God His gratitude for mercies His high esteem of Jesus Christ. His prudence His distaste of frowardnesse The means of cure His love to the Church and to his Children His contentednesse His care to keep the Sacraments from pollution His dislike of separation His judgment about Independency His judgement about revelations His humility and modesty His intended works His great abilities His last sicknesse His Faith His humility His death His birth and education His preferments at Oxford His humility His holinesse His Lectures at Abington and Totnes He is chosen Provost of Queens Colledge He is chosen Bishop of Carlisle His painfulnesse His Sermon at the beginning of the Parliament His death A favouerer of godly Ministers Mr. Thomas Richardson now Pastor of Newbold Pace in Warwickshire An enemy to the book of sports His birth and education His conversion He is rejected by his Uncle His going to Cambridge Humane infirmity A special Providence His recovery He is persecuted And entertained by Sir Edward Bois By Sir Edward Anslow His great pains His faithfulnesse His preaching at Battersey His self-deniel His marriage He is again persecuted His Courage He is chosen by the Merchants He erects discipline in the Church Conversion The efficacy of his Ministry Gods judgement on a persecutor His charity His self-denial His return into England His Lecture in Wales His call to Wapping His painfulnesse A