of them and desired a Psalm to be sung and he said sing it chearfully Psal 45. It contains Christs love to the Church and the Churches love to Christ Then he appointed his Grandson to read a Chapter Jer. 23. it concerns saith he slothful Shepherds Gods Soul abhorred them and he will curse their labours they shall not profit the people they are fit for no use adding God will make a Besome and sweep all such out of his house no man said he will have a tenant that will not Till his land but let house and ground go to ruin God will take special care of his house Then he said John take counsel at your best friends they will give you good Counsel and set you good Example meddle not with wicked light and vain persons remember the words of your dying Grandfather then he desired the 14th of John to be read concerning Christs sending the Spirit Then he prayed earnestly for the Church that God would hear the Prayers of his people and return to these nations and set at liberty his Ministers and People Oh said he that God would magnify the riches of his Grace for his poor Church for the sake of Christ for we are an unworthy people but thy Son dyed to purchase the pardon of sin and reconciliation and is set at thy right hand pleading our cause Father hear him for us and be at peace with us Remember what hath been done and suffered for reformation and the precious Blood of thy Saints which hath been shed this is the seed of thy Church remember the prayers of such as are now with thee and of such as are yet alive in the behalf of their seed and the seed of thy Church and setch in such as are going astray from thee and put a stop to their course of sin rebuke that profane spirit that is gone out in the Nation revive the work of reformation of tenderness of conscience and brokenness of heart that sometimes thy people have â—ad remove the hardness of heart and that lukewarm frame of spirit that hath â—ized upon us return O Lord to the many thousands of those that are seeking thee in â—hese Nations how long Lord wilt thou â—e angry with thy people in these Nations â—nd deny to answer their prayers O Lord thy poor people have been many â—ears pleading with thee for the Kings Maâ—esty make him indeed a Josiah a Nursing Father to thy Church make him a terror to â—vil doers and an encouragement to them â—hat do well Father thy people are waitâ—ag on thee when wilt thou return to thy â—oor broken scattered flock Lord humâ—le them for sin that hath provoked thee to â—is great heat of thy wrath thou hast â—ercy in store and waitest to be gracious â—t we are not fit for mercy But Lord â—ake thy people fit thou hast bid us ask â—at we will in thy sons name and thou wilt â—ve it Lord encrease our faith and work 〈◊〉 thy great Name and thy own Glory â—vance thy Sons Kingdom and bring down â—e Kingdom of Satan purge and purify thy Church but destroy it not thou haâ— appeared for thy Church many times when it hath been very low and thy people have sinned grievously against thee as we have done and thereby brought themselves into straits yet thou hast heard their cryes and wrought for thy name that it should not be polluted Zion lyes in the dust thy Church is sore broken many of thy servants are gathered to thy self 〈◊〉 they are not to be seen or heard any more in the World their prayers are ceased thaâ— stood in the gap to turn away thy wrath from us Lord revive conversion-work leâ— not the Womb of thy Church be barreâ— and unfruitful is thy work quite done 〈◊〉 O Lord art thou resolved to leave this Nation hast not thou many elect Souls yeâ— to be brought in dear Father hear thoâ— the Prayers of Parents for their poor Chiâ—dren do not cast off the seed of thâ— Church let them not be as unfruitâ—â—â— Branches that are fit for no use but to buâ— Lord prevent Popery and Idolatry let 〈◊〉 not leave our Children worse than our Pâ—rents left us let there be pure Doctriâ—â— Worship and discipline in thy house accorâ—ing to thy mind continue the priviledâ—â— purchased with the blood of thy Son 〈◊〉 the use of thy Church which thy peâ— stand in so much need of that we and our posterity may praise thee and future generations may set their hope in God and declare what thou hast done And for the Congregation he said Thine they were and thou hast committed them to me thy pâ—or servant for this 46 years I have been labouring among them according to my poor ability thou hast bestowed on me I have endeavoured to bring them over to thee now I am no more to be with them Father I commit them to thee again as I have done many a time take thou the charge of them see to them provide for them double thy spirit on thy servant bless his labours among them let many Souls be brought into thy Kingdom of Grace and made fit for the Kingdom of Glory let thy word abide with them Lord tarry with thy people here send down thy Spirit so freely so plainly so sully these last words he often repeated These were the workings of his gracious heart vented Godwards in Heavenly ejaculations and utter'd in such broken expressions â—he was restless and in several postures one said Sir are you not sore pained he said â—o blessed be God I feel no pain but the flesh will stir On Wednesday Night about two a clock Aug. 29. 1677 he begun to speak after this manner I commit my self into the hands of that God who gave me my being who hath been a good God and a loving Father to me and into the hands of Jesus Christ my Saviour who loved me and gave himself for me and bare the burden of my sins and into the hands of the Holy Spirit who hath sanctified me throughout in Soul Body and Spirit And for my Children that have been a great grief of heart to me that have been very sinful good Lord pardon their sins in the Blood of thy own Son For my Son that hath greatly played the Prodigal hedg up his way with thorns and make a stone-wall bring him into such straits that he may begin to bethink himself and say In my Fathers house is Bread enough That at last he may return For my Childrens Children Lord I commit them into thy hands and all my dear Friends and their Children And for my People whom I received from thy hands to take care of and instruct to Preach thy word unto and pray for Lord thou knowest in some measure of uprightness of heart I have done it and in some measure my life hath been according to my doctrine Lord forgive the sins of my life the sins of my ministry and the sins of my People I desire to
bless thee for what good thou hast done by my Ministry among them and for those Souls thou hast already brought into Heaven And now Lord I commit them into thy hands who art the chief shepherd they are thy flock help them to live in love and peace Oh that strifes and contentions might cease And thou who hast kept an open door for thy people in this place when it hath been shut elsewhere for a long space Lord keep it open still until thou shalt open the rest Oh remember thy Ministers Take care of them provide for this congregation and if thou shalt incline the heart of my Kinsman to stay amongst them who hath been trained up in my Family for these ten years and they have known his manner of life his Doctrine his parts and abilities for the Ministry if thou see it good make way in the heart of thy servanâ— H. And those that have power in this place to use their endeavour that he may continue here This is my desire Lord remember thy People in these nations Papists are striving and some of the meer formalists care not what becomes of the Protestant interest If Popery comes in like a flood Lord put a stop to it Yea put an end to it Stir up the heart of our King and the King of the Swedes against the Whore of Rome that thinks she sits as a queen and is no widow Oh stir up the ten Kings against her Then he added a request for accommodation of a difference betwixt two persons whom he names in his congregation that he might see it healed before he die And for some others that had made detection in practice and were sallen off to looseness and vain company-keeping who were children of Godly Parents that at last God would bring them home by sound repentance Concluding he begs that the Lord will bring down ill houses of iniquity meaning Alehouses He added that night Whilst we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord but when we are absent from the body then we shall be present with the Lord therefore we labour The just shall live by his faith Read we the 20th of Acts where Paul fent for the elders of the Church of Ephâ—suâ— and gave them charge and took his leave of them Read the 1. Thes 4.12 to the end adding It is a great priviledgâ— that the dead in Christ shall rise first and be with him before they that are alive at his coming shall be changed Thus his Holy Soul mounting upwards by gradual ascents breathes out its self into the bosom of God being mellowed and ripened for Glory In all these we may take notice of 1. His publick-spiritedness still his heart was carryed out for the Church No man like-minded Phil. 2.20 who naturally cared for the spiritual state of souls and of Sion 2 His hatred of sin Love to Holiness Righteousness Peace and earnest desires to promote the interest of Christ living and dying at home abroad 3. His sweet serenity and composedness of Spirit looking this grim serjeant of Death the King of Terrors full in the face without amazement meeting it is his friend giving him possession of his Fathers house 4 His endeared love to the word of God delighting to have it read sounding in his ears and tipping his tongue with Scripture-Language because his heart was throughly drencht therein Thus this Holy man lived and thus he dyed thus he believed thus he Preached professed his hopes of a life to come and thus he entred into his rest and possesseth that purchased and perfect inheritance who would not thus live what Atheist would not thus dye however a carnal heart may possibly say as that wicked Roister who with his companion visited dying Ambrose and hearing his Holy discourses and confident welcoming approaching death with comfort he turns him to that swaggering Russian saying Oh that I might live with thee and dye with Ambrose and thus could Balaam Numâ— 23.10 that devillish Wizzard and covetouâ— conjurer say let me die the death of the righteous and let my last end be like his Heb. Let my Soul or my life be with the Righteous but they that would follow this blessed Saint into the upper region must enter in at the right door by sound conversion and go forth and go on in the foot-steps of the flock travelling gradually in the paths of sanctity till we advance to the mount of God and tho it be a rare thing to follow these Worthies passubus aequis with such long strides and quick motion yet sincerity in our setting out diligence in pursuit and perseverance in holding on to the end may by the blessing of God bring us to the goal and garland of Glory and tho we cannot attain the exploits and honour of the first three of King Davids worthies yet may we be faithful souldiers in this noble Army of the followers of the Lamb at last the Crown of Glory may be by the grace of God set upon our triumphant heads and if there be degrees of Glory yet the least vessel shall be filled and the meanest Saint shall be sully loaden with that exceeding and eternal weight of Glory for such and so great is that joy that it cannot enter into the most extensive and capacious receivers but they must enter into their Masters joy as if ten thousand millions of Bottles of different sizes were cast into the vast ocean they would all be abundantly filled so every Saint shall say with David Psal 17.15 As for me I will behold thy face in righteousness I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness Nor is it difficult for an Angelified Soul set at liberty from the prison of the flesh to soar aloft with speed into these celestial regions especially having such a royal guard of Angels to attend it tho it is said that from Earth to Heaven it is an hundred and sixty millions of miles yet how quickly and safely can that blessed Convoy convey it into the presence-chamber of that Glorious King Oh how well did this gracious Soul know the way thither where he had been dayly visiting the great God by faith and prayer he was not a stranger to the laws of that Country nor unacquainted with the manner of that Court above but as he walked with his God and was joyned to that heavenly soicety so doubtless he kept up some communion with those blessed spirits above as they have an ineffable way of intercourse and correspondence amongst themselves yet have we no Scripture ground to pray to or expect answers from them happy they that have faithfully improved their gifts and graces whilest conversant below remember their dying speeches and imitate their lovely lively examples IT might now be expected that I should further unfold Elijahs Mantle by recording those pithy and pertinent Speeches that dropped from him But as that hath been occasionally rehearsed already in the preceding Narrative so I fear those that
he never forgot many passages and by that time the family got home he was ready to take his dinner with them He lived a season at Mr. Rogers house who sometimes put him upon praying in the family which he performed with so much experience humility and tenderness that Mr. Rogers would often commend him and say to his friends this Mr. Angier will make a choice man in his generation Another season he was with one Mr. Witham whom I oft heard him commend as a great Scholar and a witty man of pregnant part though not so successful in his Ministry as a neighbour Minister of far meaner abilities one being askt the reason answered there was too many for God to work by I know some say it was Mr. Hookers expression of the famous Mr. Richardson on the same account but I think I have heard it of the aforesaid Mr. Witham alluding to Gideons first Army Judg. 7.2 of which God said The People that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands but to whomsoever it was applied the lesson is useful to convince us of the Lords Soveraignty in owning or disowning persons Ministry and his Wisdom lest too much should be ascribed to man and God should lose his Glory After this his dear Mother being tender of her sons spiritual good consulted with her Christian friends how to dispose of him she was one of a thousand for grace holiness charity one passage I shall make bold to insert which he often mentioned That she would have been displeased if she had not been called upon for any work of Charity saying she would not have her hand out of a good work Oh the prayers and tears she poured out for all her Children especially for this her son not only because he was her first-born but chiefly because he was devoted to Gods special work in the Ministry and because of his former backslidings and her jealousy of him for the future upon consultation with friends and begging of advice from God she being afraid to send him again to Cambridg resolved to send him to Mr. John Cotton at Boston in Lincolnshire where he was Tabled he studied and sometime Preached there he contracted an intimate friendship with those three great Divines Dr. Tuckney Dr. Hill and Dr. Winter Mr. Anthony Tuckney was Fellow of Immaunel and so continued a good while till he was called to be Vicar of Boston he was a serious setled good man before he went to Boston afterwards Master of Immanuel and after that of St. Johns in Cambridg And for Mr. Thomas Hill Dr. Preston when Mr. Hill was Batchelour in Arts intending to make him Fellow sent him to Mr. Cotton for some time and when he returned thence chose him Fellow designing his setled seriousness in Religion before his Election for which he thought Mr. Cottons family might be a likely means and so it proved afterwards Dr. Hill was Master of Trinity-Colledge in Cambridg and Dr Winter Master of Trinity-Colledge near Dublin in Ireland all famous Lights in the Church of God Mr. Angier surviving them all And by the way it will not be thought impertinent to digresse a little in giving a few hints concerning Mr. Cotton that Reverend and Worthy Man though his life was at large written by a New-England Minister and Mr. Samuel Clark after made some Collections out of it yet some things Mr. Angier hath occasionally mentioned of him to some of his Brethren Though Mr. Cotton was an excellent Text man yet he would never deliver his judgment concerning the sence of a Scripture till he had first consulted both the Original and Context an excellent pattern Mr. Angier hath sometimes related to his intimate friends that Mr. Cotton never went into his Study when called out on any occasion but he began his Studies again with Prayer A Reverend Minister saith he Travelled with Mr. Angier when it hath Rained smartly and he told him he had Travelled so with Mr. Cotton and he hath asked him what use he would make of such a Providence he said he took every one of those drops as his Fathers Rod and he used to consider his call and to mind his work the more this brings to my thoughts a passage he oft told me of Mr. Rogers comparing a good conscience to a good Wise if a man ride in a storm and be ill wet he will comfort himself and say When I come home I have a good Wife will make much of me and bid me welcome home so a good conscience will make much of one after a difficult journey and foul Way and Weather in a persecuting boysterous World and I was Travelling in Cheshire with Mr. Angier where the way was exceeding Deep and Foul he told me what Mr. Cotton used to say in that respect concerning the state of good Souls You in this level Countrey saith he i. e. in Lincolnshire in summer-time when the ways are Fair and Dry are apt to think and say Surely this way will never be Foul and Dirty again and in the Winter you think when the ways are Deep and Unpassable it 's impossible that these waies should be dry again or dusty just so when God shines on the believers Soul with the Light of his countenance he is apt to say My mountain stands so strong I shall never be moved but God hides his face then he is troubled when God is withdrawn oh saith the Christan it will never be otherwise but he lives to see things changed the Sun breaks out from under a Cloud and the black Clouds dispersed and so his state comfortably cleared Again Mr. Cotton observed that God made all turns in the world for comfort or correction to his own people modelled all things to their condition and necessities Thus much for the digression concerning Mr. Cotton which is not impertinent To return to Mr. Angier whom wâ— left at Boston with Mr. Cotton wheâ— his conversation was as became the Goâ— spel onely then and afterwards he had many thoughts of heart concerning the work of conversion upon his Soul from what time he must date it whether before his falls at the University or after This case of conscience he opened to an eminent Divine Mr. White with the circumstances oâ— both reasons and aggravations of his sins yet that pious man gave him incouragement yet spoke it with some confidence that he was perswaded the first work of God upon his heart at Twelve years of age was a saving-work notwithstanding his after miscarriages and that God might have gracious ends in permitting such backslidings for his further humiliation and preparation for further service At this time there lived in Mr. Cottons Family a gracious young woman called Ellen Winstanly born near Wigan in Lancashire Niece to Mrs. Cotton and it pleased God to knit this Mr. Angiers heart to her and hers to him that within a year after he came thither they were Married in the Parish Church at
healing be looked for in vain let them look for light but behold obscurity for brightness but walk in darkness For these things Reverend Sir we do mourn and our hearts are troubled and to whom under God shall we lay open our sad afflictions thereby to get ease but to your self whom it pleased God once to make his blessed instrument for planting and watering so many Souls amongst us we have had experience of your love to us for which we desire to be thankful and do bless God and do therefore make bold to acquaint you with our broken condition intreating your intercession for us and if it were the good will of the Lord your return to us with the consent of your people without offence though it could be but a short space c. And thus they go on imploring it with great importunity for the Churches sake and the Lords sake though but for one year To this are 24 hands subscribed but the People of Denton having possession would by no means yeild and Ministers gave in their judgment upon due consideration of circumstances that for the publick good of the Church Mr. Angier should continue at Denton in which he was willing to acquiesce As to Mr. Angiers judgment in Ecclesiastical affairs in free times as he had not turned aside to conformity on one hand so now he stuck fast and firm to found and Catholick Principles not turning aside to any ways of sinful separation though some of his intimate friends forsook him and some of his brethren censured him for too large Principles and practices in Church-administration yet as he had a tender respect to congregational brethren so they had at least many of them a great reverence for him he was a principal member of that Reverend Classe or Association of Ministers at Manchester and was of great account and use among them such was their esteem of him that they would scarce do any thing of importance without him he oftentimes presided as Chair-Man or Moderator frequently attended the provincial Assembly at Preston had ruling-elders in his own Congregation but loved not dividing principles or distinguishing Names or Lordly domineering by any Arbitrary impositions I have often heard him say that in a little time who ever lived should see much of the Government of Christ should be carried on in particular Churches amongst themselves He was of a Sweet Moderate Healing Spirit both at home and abroad yet very faithful and plain dealing whereby some were at present offended and possibly some of his principles or actings suited not some persons principles or humours yet even those entertained what he spake with high veneration and if at any time they broke out into passions or unruly animosities his love and lenity his mild carriage and compassionate Spirit did so mollify and qualify their Spirits in time that they were either overcome to a compliance or won to endeared apprehensions of his candor and ingenuity so that I have often thought of that passage of Melchior Adam one of the German Divines Melch. Ad. in vit ger Th. p. 65. as applicable to Mr. Angier it was Schwebellius that had much to do with Anabaptists and Swinckfeldians Quorum impetus mansuetudine fregit patientia vicit lenitate in ordinem coegit thus this good Mr. Angier hath by mildness broke by patience conquered and lenity reduced to good order such as others rigour and severity hath exasperated to irreconcilable distances but ordinarily an healing vertue followed his gentle hand And for his judgment and practice in publick and politick affairs he was fixed in his apprehensions for Monarchy and was not wheeled about with the change of times he was one of those that bore his Testimony with the Rest of his Brethren against that unparallel'd murder of King Charles the first and the Usurpations attending it he refused to take up the ingagement tho to his great prejudice for he told a godly Minister that he lost 200 l. by his refusal of it He durst not give God thanks for the Armies success against the Loyal Scots he poured out many hearty prayers and tears for his present Majesty asserted his right to the Crown in the face of apparent danger joyned with his Brethren in that solid plea for the Non-subscribers to the Engagement which was to be true and faithful to the Commonwealth of England as it is now Establisht without King or House of Lords for which they were threatened and endangered till God broke that snare some troubles both Mr. Angier and some Ministers and Gentlemen went through for owning his Majesties interest they were carried Prisoners to Leverâ— pool and from thence removed to Ormskirâ— because of the Plague they had indeed the liberty of their friends visiting them and free intercourse they spent much time in prayer and thus strengthened one another hands in God and left a good favour be hind them the remembrance whereof continues to this day At this time was the conception and afterwards the birth of that excellent Treatise of Mr. Edward Gee's then Parson of Eccleston and prisoner with them about prayer the occasion whereof was this Amongst the rest of the debates managed by these holy men this was one great case of Conscience wherein they desired satisfaction viz. Whether God may hide himself from his peoples prayers grounded upon his promise and seem by his providences to answer the prayers which are contrary thereto whether this can be paralleld with any examples in what sence God may do this what may be the reason thereof what use may be made of Gods proceeding herein This multifarious question being the proper subject of that day and not satisfying themselves in their present discourses they judged it fit to refer it to a suller discussion by some able pen and pitched upon Mr. Gee who undertook it and writ an excellent treatise which is extant and of great use at this day Other cases of Conscience did occur in that day wherein Mr. Angiers advice was desired one was Whether Justices of Peace or other Officers might take commissions from and act under those Usurped powers Mr. Angier thought they might bringing instances of Civil Officers acting in their stations the six years of Athaliah's usurpation there is a full treatise in writing upon this subject many such cases were propounded to him and solidly resolved and indeed he was esteemed by good men the living Oracle of his time as Mr. Hildersham before him and by some ill-willed persons he was called the Idol of Lancashire because of the great value most men set upon him but more of this subject shall be subjoyned â—n the close of his facutly in resolving weighty cases of Conscience He was not a man for Military Exercises yet his counsels and prayers had influence on weighty affairs and this was the sphere he moved in not thrusting his Sickle into anothers Harvest but declaring his judgment as a Minister of the Gospel when consulted with he
more glad of it as a sign of their proficiency than a means of his inriching himself So Paul Phil. 4.17 Not because I desire a gift but I desire fruit that may abound to your account thus it is said of Bucholser Gratiam munerum quam munera Theologiâ—â— fructum quam fortuna maluit he rather chose and accepted better a kindness in the giving than the greatneâ— of the gift being better pleased with the fruit of his Ministry than meerly their bounty Mr. His diligence in reading Scriptures Angier was much conversaâ— in the holy Scrpitures they were daylâ— his delight and he had an excellenâ— art in chusing and adapting fit Texts tâ— Divine Providences that the Word mighâ— be a comment on the work of God seldoâ— did any remarkable Providence or sudden accident fall out but be either made it thâ— main subject of his discourse or particularly applyed something he had in hand thereto he had a singular skill in preaching Funeral Sermons so that tho he rarely made Historical reflections on the dead yet intelligenâ— hearers might gather pertinent instruction or admonitions from his doctrinal conclusions and close applications naturally resulting therefrom he behaved himself with much reverence in Gods publick ordinances minding duely what was in hand he constantly writ Sermons when others preached for example to others to prevent diversions and for his own edification he was so fulâ— of candor and ingenuity that tho meâ— gifts were weak yet if they were honest he would commend them never did anâ— hear him despise or disparage others but 〈◊〉 he much desired to have young Ministers preach with him so if they missed in it he would plainly and privately tell them of their slips or incourage such as did well what he spake was from his heart what others spake he would make a candid construction thereof if it would admit it when the Minister that preached for him came out of the Pulpit he usually met him with this Salutation thanks be to God or blessed be the Lord never returning thanks to the Minister so far as I knew but to God for his help to the Minister He was very excellent and exemplary in his administration of the Lords supper both as to Method Matter and manner His Exemplariress in administring the Lords Supper that ordinance was celebrated every month and he had many hundreds of communicants especially in these late times good People from all adjacent parts and Counties came flocking thither and there were feasted and refreshed I have known many strangers come ten yea some twenty miles yea some thirty miles to attend on the ordinances at Denton so that there was often more communicants than could set on seats in the Chappel and officers went amongst them to see if there was no intruders for either they were known by face to them or had testimonials from approved Ministers or eminent Christians his exactness gravity and inlargedness was such that the first time I partaked there a worthy Gentleman bad me observe him diligently saying he is the exactest man in Lancashire in this work and I thought young Ministers might take notice of him as a pattern worthy imitationâ— and oh how many Souls have been quickned comforted and nourished in that ordinance in that place what gracious words proceeded out of his Mouth and what gracious impressions have been made on commuicanâ— hearts He was very diligent and painful in hâ— private Studies Diligence in Private Studies and was much pleased with his Closet-retirements its true he was 〈◊〉 able to read much in his elder days but 〈◊〉 had variety of imployment sometimes Reading sometimes Praying Meditating Writing he Writ many choice and excelleâ— Letters pithy pertinent profitable upon several occasions some whereof he copiâ— out were they collected into one intire piâ— they would be of excellent use he often complained of his memory saying he had memory for nothing but to remember 〈◊〉 own Sermons but indeed his memory 〈◊〉 not to be slighted however his solid judgment clear understanding in divine mysteriâ— and gracious experienced heart shined for in all he did helped his invention and continual excercise did corroborate his memory and strong affections especially carried him through all for a Sanctifyed heart hath never a bad memory He was of a Savoury holy His exact convarsation heavenly frame of Spirite to eye God in all and to improve all occurrences for spiritual advantage the like instance of an exact conversation hath seldome been found I was once riding along with him and a Minister of my acquaintance whom I met askt me who he was being passed by I told him he said â—f there be an Angel on Horseback that 's 〈◊〉 and a servant that lived with him many â—ears and knew his manner of life attests that he walked as near the rule of the word and pattern of our Saviour as is possible for â—man to attain to on this side Glory excelling in every Grace exemplary in every good work elevated above the ordinary â—nk of Christians as it was said of Buâ—â—lzer as to liveliness Melch. Ad. vit Buchol p. 556. Vivida in eo omnia â—erunt vivida vox vividi oculi vivide â—anus gestus omnes vividi voice eyes hands gesture all full of liveliness and vivaâ—y thus this man of God Mr. Angier â—d act above his strength and years in Gods work and worship and was so full of warmth â—d spirit fulness that it plainly appeared 〈◊〉 was acted and animated with a Spirit beâ—nd his own for God was with him and 〈◊〉 was much with God He was affable to all His affability lenity amiable in converse with his intimate friends open-hearted in discovering himself without subtil reserves or peevishness of Spirit he was so far as any could discern 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 without anger or choler how be it his natural constitution being sanguine might incline him to passion yet the large measure of Grace wherewith God had endowed him and continual Mortification had so sugared and lenifyed his disposition that to all that conversed with him he seemed to be compounded of love and sweetness But withal he was a person of great gravity His gravity his mildness did not degenerate into fondness or levity nor his gravity into moroseness or austerity but a kindly mixture of mildness Majesty and attractive sweetness put such an awful reverence into hiâ— countenance as did at once daunt impudent profaneness and animate religious modesty noâ—e were so audacious as to be found in any unhandsom act before him whose very look gave check to debaucheries and none thaâ— knew him were afraid to open their Soul cases to him finding him so render and condescending to them upon all occasions indeed he was fruitful in holy discourse to all upon a question or case of conscience he had thâ— faculty to inlarge suitably and edifyingly 〈◊〉 the satisfaction of the propounder if company had been silent himself usually
incouragement they had When he was grown inâ— years and not sit to preach twice a daâ— his Brothers Son was with him Eleven yeaâ— before his Death and was a great comfoâ— to him Lords day was thus spent How the Lords-day was spent after privâ— devotions in their cloâ—ets in the Family nâ— Eight a Clock a Chapter was read a Psaâ— song then he went to prayer and aboâ—â— Nine a Clock they went to the Chappâ— which was but a few steps from his doâ— according to his wish and usual saying the Priests went about the Temple and â— Noon immediatly after Dinner one 〈◊〉 peats the Forenoons Sermon in his house 〈◊〉 the same time another was repeating in 〈◊〉 Chappel to many people that stayed therâ— singing Psalms both before and after thâ— continued till Publick ordinances begun aâ— at their return home shortly after Mr. Angier sung a Psalm and went to prayeâ— then to Supper and a little season afâ— Supper a Psalm was sung and one repeatâ—d the Afternoon Sermon and another Psalm being sung all was finished with a â—hort prayer and so the Family was dismissed to their apartments And so for the â—est of the Week servants so ordered their â—ffairs as to be present at family-prayer on Monday Nights the Forenoon Sermon of the preceding Lords-day and Saturday Nights the Afternons Sermon was reppeated ordinarily in the Family on Friday Nights they said their Catechisms some in the Assemblies shorter others in the larger Catechism some also repeating the proofs memoriter he gave order that they should dispatch their worldly occasions the last day of the Week that they might prepare for the Lords-day approaching which they did and were outwardly conformable for he would suffer no disorders in his Family yea most of his Family proved truely gracious they were ordinarily loving and affectionate to one another and lived many years in great peace unity and order the whole number was often sixteen or at least Fourteen seldome under Twelve tho he had but one Daughter with him for several years before he died his carriage was sweet and obliging to all yea to the meanest in the Family and he behaved himself with such an awful yet lovely deportment that many have been ready to speak of him and his Family concerns with the like words as the Queen of Sheba accounting them happâ— that convensed with such an holy man of God and tho they had heard of his way 1 Kin. 10.4 8. yet thâ— one half was not told them Mr. His Friends Angier had many worthy Friends of good rank and great piety who borâ— a very great respect to him and as David chose such as feared God for his Companions so did this holy man take his delight in the Saints as most excellent upon earth holy Mr. Henry Ashhurst sometimes visited him at his house and was visited by him Mr. Crew of Vtkinton in Cheshire was his dear and intimate Friend and had an entire love for him as the Writer hereof can testify for being at his house at Vtkinton and Mr. Crew shewing him and his Wife some handsome pictures hanging in a Chamber in which he much delighted amongst the rest shewed them the Picture of Dr. Wilkins who saith he is to be our Bishop of Chester but said he Mr. Angier is my Bishop and I have heard that Mr. Crew oft solicited Mr. Angier to sit while his Picture was drawn and he would be at the charge of it but he put it off saying a Ministers Picture must be in the hearts and lives of his people so far was he from pride or vain-glory that he never had his Picture drawn tho doubtless it would have been a lovely piece if to the Life for he was an exceeding comely personage tho low in stature yet of a clear comeplexion red and white of a chearful countenance and very graceful of a veneâ—able aspect and pleasant but he judged the blessed fruits of a Ministers labours are more elegible than the most lively effigies of their vanishing carcasses ingraven in durable Brass or Marble His heart was much set upon the good of souls Seeking good of Souls and therein God blessed him with abundant success and this was a considerable part of his reward He sometimes related â—old Mr. Dods interpretation of the labourers in the Vineyard Mat. 20. which he said were Ministers some indent with our Lord for their penny i.e. preferment good parsonages abundant maintenance honours and to live bravely in the world God gives them these things they are at present well pleased therewith and this is all that God designs for them they have their bargain it was all they askt and our bountiful benefactor is not behind-hand with them they have no reason to grumble at his kindness to the other who made no such bargain with him but thought themselves obliged to him for their work and said Lord if thou wilt account me faithful and put me into the Ministry and own me with the success of my labours I will refer to thee the business of maintenance I hope thou wilt not suffor me to want necessaries and if thou dost tho I be persecuted imprisoned impoverished and be put to beg my bread yet 〈◊〉 thou wilt glorify thy self thereby and edify thy Church by my outward ruins 〈◊〉 have enough such self-denying Minister shall have present supplies and a better Penny good things in this life and eternal happiness in the other so the last shall be first in dignity glory and abundant reward and he gives them more than thy asked and the first shall be last those mercenary spirits must be put off with the poor pittance of the world that undertook the Ministry as a trade to get a livelihood this Exposition Mr. Angier mentioned as very savoury and significant not determining whether it was the proper meaning of the Scripture He much desired the propagation of Religion His desire to propagate Religion and for that end the education of young men for the Ministry he had but one Son and four Grandsons who were all trained up for Gods immediate service some of them by his cost and others upon his counsel and he followed them all with his incessant prayers and thus indeed did his sollicitous cares issue themselves and if he had had no cares he had not prayed as Melancthon used to say Si nil curarem nil orarem and if he had not given vent to his cares and fears by a believing prayer they had swallowed him up he was one of the seed of Jacob in pleading â—he Covenant and in nothing more a true â—acobite than in wrestling with God for Covenant-mercy for the posterity of the faithful oh the tears sighs groans of that man 〈◊〉 God urging God with his promise under his own hand telling the Lord he would not â—et him alone for himself had incouraged his heart by making and sealing that good Covenant wherein stands our chief comfort and God
Lincolnshire but he came not while he was living he ordered his Son-in law to be sent for a messenger was dispatched to him but tho he hasted away towards him yet he came not till this holy Man of God had breathed his last a few hours before on the same day his approaching dissolution came on apace yet had he the free exercise of his understanding to the last and as he had been a man of prayer all his days so he died praying that morning he died he prayed sensibly the last words which were intelligible were his request for the King and Council but the particular words they that were about him could not understand The last day of the week His death Sept. 3. 1677 was the last day of that worthy mans life he dyed about eleven a Clock that day and entered into his rest near the Sabbath a day of rest from thenceforth to rest from all his weary labours and to keep an Eternal sabbath with his dearest Lord and and it was his own observation that God oft takes home his Ministers and people upon or near his holy day to perfect their graces and give them rest on that day of Rest Thus fell that bright star thus set that shining Sun in the firmament of the Church or rather hid from our eyes to shine more gloriously in the upper Region the wise i.e. wise Virgins members of Christs mystical body or as the word is Dan. 12.3 Teachers of others shall shine as the brightness of the firmament and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever Thus this Pillar is taken down that bore up an incredible weight not discerned so well then as felt dayly by sad experience since his removal from under â—he fabrick thus is this plant of renown â—ransplanted into a better soyl this ancient â—ree of Gods own plainting that had sheltered many with its shadowing shroud and â—ed many with its grateful fruit is at last fallen by the stroak of death yet bears both ripe and plentiful fruit in the heavenly paradice above he that uttered words of life to others is dead he that by the grace of God quickened others is himself struck dead dead said I no he is but asleep the sting of death was gone the fear of death was vanished he lived an holy life he died an happy death he lived desired and died lamented he lived to a good old age himself would sometimes say that he had lived two years beyond the age of a man for he died in the 72 year of his age in the same month wherein he was born he died in his own house the house belonging to the Chappel to which he had been a great benefactor he died amongst his own People over whom he had been pastor 45 years with whom he had been travelling weeping fasting praying among whom he hath left remarkable seals of his Ministry some indeed are gone to heaven before him and some in other places had benefit by his Ministry tho but occasionally one instance I had from a very eminent divine in or near the City of London that he being a young Scholar newly come from Oxford and being occasionally at Mr. Caseâ— house when Mr. Angier was there Mr. Angier went to prayer but God so reached and warmed the young Ministers heart by that prayer that he hath cause to remember it while he hath a day to live and hopes he shall never forget it yea it had influence upon others related who from that time proved as useful and succesful instruments of Gods glory and the good of Souls as any I have heard of in those latter times The whole Nation and Church of God seem much clouded by the obscuring of this bright star but especially that congregation of Denton is sadly eclipsed their valley of vision is at least turned into a valley of Division oh that it may not also prove a valley of treading down and desolation Ah what lamentation was there at his funeral amongst the rest an ancient Christian came from the grave into the house where the Ministers were sate after the funeral with a trembling body weeping eyes and with a doleful voice of sad complaints saying Ah sirs what must we do what must we do our loving pastor is gone our loving pastor is gone And now that good man is gone after and many others so John 4.36 he that sowed and they that reaped are rejoycing together but the sad countenances and weeping eyes of that day with that affecting passage of that good old mans bemoaning cannot be easily forgotten by the Writer hereof That Lords day when Mr. Angiers Corps lay in his house two Ministers preached in his Chappel two funeral Sermons the one seeming to be a funeral Sermon to the people the other for their Minister That which concerned the people carried an ominous presage of the death of their Gospel priviledges and Sunsetting of their glorious day sadly predicted from Gen. 6.3 My spirit shall not always strive with man and oh what a dreadful verification of that text hath providence made there that being the last Sabbath that excluded Minister injoyed the liberty of ordinances in that place The other Minister discoursed sweetly and suitably on John 17.4 I have glorified thee on earth I have finished the work thou gavest me to do That Sermon was a lively comment on that good mans holy life and a fair Copy let before this surviving people the perfect precepts in the Scriptures and lively pattern set before them for their imitation makes it apparent that Gospel rules anâ— practicable may be transcribed by some and will be a sad testimony against others and tho Mr. Angiers mouth be now stop with dust and his voice shall no more be heard in his pulpit yet oh that Almighty God that lives for ever would awake carnaâ— sinners by this astonishing blow and breach and propagate religion in that place and by that blessed spirit transfuse the Doctrine principles and practice of that good man into all his hearers for they shall one day know there hath been a prophet among them The next day being Sept. 5. 1677. the Funeral solemnities were mournfully observed on which occasion multitudes of persons Gentlemen Ministers relations and Christian friends besides his hearers and sad neighbours attended these dismal and sorrowful obsequies with sad hearts and dejected countenances lamenting not only the loss of such a worthy Pastor and Friend but their own Spirits did suggest great grounds of presaging fears concerning the attending consequences of that heavy blow his Corps were decently interred in Denton-Chappel in the Alley before the pulpit by his last dear Wife laid in the same place Mr. Angier had requested Mr. Robert Eaton a learned pious Minister who had married his kinswoman to preach the Funeral Sermon and had given him that Text to insist upon in Act. 20.32 And now brethren I commend you to God and to the word of his
grace which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctifyed it was an excelent seasonable and pathetical discourse and well worthy to be annexed to this present relation if the worthy Author â—ad judged it fit however the solemnities of that day will not easily be forgotâ—en Thus the best must die Zech. 1 5. â—our Fathers where are they and the Prophets do they live for ever the holiâ—st men cannot plead for an exemption or expect Enochs priviledg of a Translation only to the godly deaths sting is pluckt â—ut this swelling Jordan is driven back the passage is rendred easy and safe to the heavenly Pilgrim God brought this â—aithful watchman through his long and boysterous sea to a safe harbour in a â—asonable time and if we imbark in the â—ame ship of the Church and have our Lord Jesus with us as our faithful and skilful piâ—t though in storms and tempests he be as it were asleep yet believing prayer will awake him and he will rebuke 〈◊〉 Winds and Sea and there shall be calme and the Ship shall presently be at land and the passengers shall bâ—â—afe I have now dispatched the History 〈◊〉 Mr. Angiers life as far as matters oâ— cur to our present observation aâ— have drawn it thus far on till this Threâ— of his life be cut off and lets hiâ— drop into the Grave and so cuts oâ— the line of our Historical account 〈◊〉 him THere are yet two things behind which shew something of the breathings oâ— his gracious soul living and dying 1. The first is some observables gatherâ— out of his own Diary under his own hand 2. His dying Speeches prayers counselâ— and admonitions to those about him in 〈◊〉 last sickness Both these declare much of Gods Grace â—nd manifest the Holy exactness of his serious and savoury Spirit The first is a considerable paper respecting his frame of spirit in his younger days and reviewed and revsied in his elder years 〈◊〉 runs thus I do now seriously resolve between God and my own Soul to read his word diligently morning and evening before private prayer thereto adjoyned and do purpose to be constant in respect of time thereâ—o to be allotted to wit in the morning before Chappel if it may be with convenience or otherwise without delay when return from the Chappel at Night between 5 and 6 of the Clock if extraordinary occasions hinder me not because my spirits being fresher than after supper I shall 〈◊〉 the fitter to do God acceptable service 〈◊〉 do likewise resolve to be diligent in my â—udy every day for the space of 6 hours â—t least no day to be overflipped without â—he full accomplishment of them I likewise promise faithfully to God and my own Soul â—o refrain as from the common sins of the â—me to wit Drunkenness Licenciousness 〈◊〉 the like so to strive against those sins 〈◊〉 am by nature most addicted to and for â—e prevention of the like faults to shun 〈◊〉 the occasions thereunto leading enticing or provoking as bad company lâ—scivious talk or excess in the use of thâ— Creature the which that I may perforâ— according to Gods will and pleasure I dâ— dain all my own abilities and fly to his infinite mercy desiring his special help anâ— assistance his spirit to instruct me his spirit to direct me his spirit to sanctify me thâ— I may be kept blameless being without spâ— till the day of his appearance my desâ— hath been is and shall be upon my bended knees for the furtherance of these motion begun and kindled by his holy spirit which I hope will cherish them till thâ— flame into an holy fire of Heavenly conversation the Life of Virtue the Glory 〈◊〉 Grace Written with my own hand April 6. 16â—â— John Angier Perused with comfort May 1. 165â— July 19. 1657. I found a paper in 〈◊〉 study of May 9. 1626. A Bill for Physâ— when I was in a Feaver in Cambridg aboâ—â— 31 years since so long hath God lengthened out my life My going to New England was veâ— forward Mr. Newman earnestly invited 〈◊〉 I received Letters from Bristol April 〈◊〉 1630. That I was expected there to taâ— Shipping for N. E. this April and had mâ—â— kindness offered me yet the Lord over-ruled it Upon the coming on of troubles I had comfort from Zeph. 2.3 It may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lords anger Josiahs mercy was not to see the evil Jeremiahs mercy was to be secured in the midst of sight My Wife dyed December 12th One Night after her death the Children were in the Parlour Praying together and hearing a noise I went to the door and heard my Son at Prayer with his Sister he acknowledged to God that they had despised Father and Mother contrary to Gods command and therefore God hath taken away their Mother he desired God that they might not provoke him by their sin to take away their Father also which did much affect me Upon a recovery from a sickness unexpectedly I was much affected with Isa 33. ult and in prayer the Lord brought to my mind Matt. 8.9 affliction is Gods servant if he bid it come it comes if he bid it go it goes At Bolton I was sent for to visit a godly man that was sick at Great-Leaver found him in a comfortable condition he told me he received his first comfort by my Ministry â—at Denton Preaching on 1 Cor. 5.7 Christ â—ur passover is sacrificed for us ten years ago Blessed be God who gave me this encouragement He notes in the margent The fruits of my labours manifested ten years after Nov. 30. 47. A day of thanksgiving was kept with some friends for the recovery of a Child that had been sick it should seem they were in the journey and had small hopes of recovery the very same day they prayed the Child revived at night and gathered strength in the journey sensiblyâ— they were by the sickness of the Child detained against their own minds and the minds of the people but God had a special hand in it for God sent the Pestilence into the Family where they were â—o sojourn and had they gone at the time purposed they had gone into an infected house and had been shut up there June 18 71. God gave rest to our aged afflicted Mother about 3 in the afternoon it being Lords day it is observable that the day after God took away our Mother and that supply from her sailed God seâ— me notice of some supply out of my own estate as he had formerly done when the rent of my Land fell in Essex Philâ— 4.19 Novem. 19. 72 Died good Bishop Wâ—kins of the Stone a great loss he dâ—ed comfortably and rejoyced in his moderation whilst he was Bishop his deatâ— was much lamented in the City of Chester Aug. 22. 73. upon hearing that Mr. Case going from home 4 or 5 days they returning found themselves Robbed to a great value he
do you apprehend of your self he said I know not but I have lived almost two Years above the age of a man and if God have any further work for me to do he will recover me if not why should I desire to live I have taken great pains all my life and never desired to live an idle life or a life of pleasure But for me to be with Christ is far better henceforth is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous judg will give me His next fit was on Saturday Aug. 25 Being very restless one asked him where his pain lay he said no great pain but heat is pain enough he asked what time a day it was they said ten a Clock he said the day went slowly on when one is sick but when well we think time goes too fast At another time he said God hath set back the time as in Hezekiahs days but said he if I could go to Chappel to morrow I should think all well but I have no hope of that But if God have a favour to me he will bring me back and shew me both it and his holy habitation if not let him do as seemeth him good His Daughter coming into the Room he said Oh that I could see my Children walking in Gods ways and fear if I could see my Son his Wise and Children minding the best things and walking with God I could dye with comfort I could much desire I could live to see it I have Prayed and long waited for Gods Salvation And thou Solomon my son know thou the God of thy fathers and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind for the Lord searcheth all hearts and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts if thou seek him he will he found of thee but if thou forsake him he will cast thee off for ever 1 Chron. 28 9. Aug. 27. Early in the morning after a restless night and many weary tossings being unable to lye still he said my strength is spent and added I may say as Hezekiah I am oppressed Lord undertake for me Isa 38.14 To his cousin he said We must not decline Gods service for difficulty Upon Tuesday Mr. Constantine a worthy Minister coming to visit him he desired him to Pray with him and being asked whether it was not fitter for him to pray for him in another room because the Physitians advised him to forbear company he said no but let him pray with me yet to prevent tediousness he told them this passage of Mr. Horrocks which he had oft mentioned in his health When Mr. Horrocks was sick Mr. Angier came to visist him just as Mr. Pike another honest Minister was gone out from him Mr. Horrocks said Mr. Angier you must pray with me but Mr. Pike hath kill'd me with a long prayer When Mr. Constatine was gone Mr. Angier said In sickness we are wiâ—ling to send for the Physitian of the Body and should we not send for the Physitian of the Soul Ministers are the Souls Physitians we need their help That night he desired that Jam. 5.13 to the end might be read and when it was read he said Physitians of the body say let not the Minister pray with the sick but the Apostle saith is any sick among you let him send for the elders of the church When prayer was done he said what a mercy is it my understanding is as good as ever in all my life one said to him Sir I think you understand every thing well but your own weakness he answered I am sensible of weakness and weariness and burnings but what a mercy is it that tho my bones are vexed my soul is not sore vexe also as Davids was I bless God I am not afraid of death yet what I may be I know not Satan may tempt me when his chain is lengthened One said No doubt you will not want peace he answered I know not that tho Satan could find no sin in our Saviour yet he may find matter enough in me and added that he had not in his health been altogether free from Satans Temptations he had met with his Temptations both in a marryed and single condition The same night while one rubbed his feet he said what a wonderful mercy is it that the great God should think upon and bestow his love upon such a poor worm as I am This he spake weeping then said he I die but God shall be with you saying I cannot leave you a greater comfort than the gracious presence of the great God he then added Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection on such the second death hath no power His feet being cold and swearing one rubbed them he said my body is weak and feeble an old tree will soon wither but it must be cherished and be tenderly cared for as well as the Soul for it is the Temple of the Holy Ghost and doth keep in it an immortal Soul for a while Altho the pangs of death were on him yet he said Blessed be God I feel no pain but your cold hand I would wait on God for a little sleep Lord I wait on thee remember thy covenant and thy word to thy Servant which I have hoped for and it hath been my support and strength in mine affliction and through thy strength I have been doing thy will and endeavouring to keep thy commandments altho in much weakness now Lord own thine own servant do thine own work make good thy own words I believe in thee I hope and wait for thee hear the Prayers of thy servant come Lord Jesus Then said he I love Christ and he loves me and there 's no love lost betwixt us I am his and he is mine and my desire is towards him One being present with him from Manchester he asked of all his friends and acquaintance there and desired to be remembred to them charging them to live in love and peace he said intreat them to pray to God for me and that will do me more good than their presents and being told that many of the people of God were praying for him he said Who am I a poor creature that Gods people should be so concerned for me I fear lest they should offend in being too earnest with God for my life for who knows but the Lord may hear prayers and may bring me back from the greve as he is wont to do Afterwards he perceiving that others did suspect his death he desired the 48th of Genesis is to be read where said he old Jacob blessed his Sons and the 49. Where alter he had spoken to them by a Spirit of Prophecy and commanded them Gen. 49. v. 33. he gathered up his feet into the bed and yielded up the ghost and was gathered unto his people And when they had done reading he spake to them one by one and prayed for a blessing for them kissing the Children he took leave
doors to come to that place to sin nothing but sin and sinful compliance could I think it to be and this was much set upon my heart that if I did hear it thus I should never have peace in my Conscience more and the consideration of that great loss by sâ—inning against light did much increase and aggravate my perplexity I called in a godly kinswoman and shewed her of my trouble we both considered whether it might not be a Temptation but could not find it so she said if it were a sin in me my staying from it would occasion more that the Lords day would be profaned by the wrath and bitter words of a Superior But while I could get no satisfaction they stayed for me my nearest Relation bad me never go except I was better satisfied several Messengers were sent by some that it seems would not go without me so to satisfie them I went but did not hear any of it I wish it were but it is not possible for me with my Pen to express what I felt in my Spirit in this half hour No my Tongue is not able to utter it and still its fresh upon my thoughts of conforming in this thing it s brought to my remembrance I am as it were bid to remember my terrors at such a place on this account All this put together and duly considered these Queries I make 1. Whether I ought to hear it as some press that it is a sin to forbear or whether it be not sinful in me to hear it Or whether I may sometimes as seldom as I can to avoid the penalties hear Or 2. Whether upon these accounts of my forbearance I may comfortably suffer what may be inflicted and expect support Or 3. If you grant the hearing whether may it be heard as something by the by without giving much attention or with imploying my heart with other thoughts and Ejaculations more edifying Thus have I stated my particular Case owning many Arguments that others use keeping only to my own case which may differ from others not judging what 's fit for others to do or censuring them for what they do and I should never have put the Question upon this but upon 2. accounts 1. Because divers say it is sin not to go and then my Case is sad that must sin either way 2. The other reason which was first in my thoughts before I ever heard or thought any would have held it a Duty to hear whether I could comfortably suffer in such a cause Thus I must say I have not been without many serious thoughts about it sin I would avoid Prayers and Tears and not trouble I find in my Spirit upon forbearance tho I diligently observe and I have such a Conscience that will not let me run on in the least sin but would be telling me oft of it without leaving me till I have left it at least endeavoured and prayed against it neither do I find any convenience in staying away but the sending and waiting in expectation till that 's done and loss of the Scriptures which I read at home at the same time that of separation weigh not with me it being not total but only from that which is questionable with me whether it be Worship and coming to Singing and publick Sermon Prayer however it is some comfort that Mr. Ball calls them Our Brethren of the Separation Dear Sir The Case you sent me enclosed calls aloud to the Father of Mercies and all hâ— Children for compassion and relief whicâ— in his own time he will manifest through ouâ— Lord Jesus Christ According to your desire I shall by the favour and assistance 〈◊〉 the Father of Lights freely communicate 〈◊〉 you my thoughts in this sad Case I do not apprehend any solid Argument to convince the Conscience in the grounds of dissatisfaction concerning hearing Common-Prayer mentioned in the Paper Not in the first ineffectualness of forms upon the heart 2. No hope of good by this 3. She cannot hear it without sin 4. The influence the intent of hearing had upon her heart To make these firm grounds for conscience to rest and act upon must be proved That set forms in their own nature are the proper causes of the grievances mentioned which the judgment of this good Woman doth not deny in the first ground viz. I do not deny the lawfulness of forms and the Paper it self doth clearly manifest their natural causes I conceive therefore with submission that there is much of strong temptation in the Case propounded which hath met with a double great advantage 1. The Irresolution of the judgment touching set forms whether they be lawful or unlawful obedience or sin for tho there hath been some apprehensions of lawfulness as in the first ground yet the reasons have not been of such weight as to bring the Scales of the Judgment to the ground in the case of lawfulness and there to hold them but they have been wavering and by the strong touch of dissatisfaction to forms the Scale hath been hurried down on the side of unlawfulness and fixed there which is the true cause of so great trouble mentioned in and for hearing Common-Prayer Because the good Woman hath been drawn by some external motive to act contrary to the present Sentence of Conscience or at best with a doubting Conscience which makes an action lawful in it self unlawful to him that doth it Rom. 14.5 14 19. The second great advantage this temptation hath met with is a strong prejudice deeply rooted in the affection and by length of time nourished and grown to that strength that it is become like an old grown disease too strong for the Physick made use of so that when any thing of reason is offered to the judgment tending to the health of the Soul in this Case prejudice in the affection like distempers in the Stomack doth rise up and forcibly reject it this is too manifest in the second ground and is the cause of what 's expressed in the third The remedies which by the blessing of God will be effectual to this good Woman must be suitable to the advantages given to temptation and such as may take them away As 1. to endeavour in the use oâ— Gods means with dependance upon him tâ— resolve the judgment concerning the lawfulness of joyning in forms in such Societiâ— where God calls us to attend upon his publicâ— Worship To this end I conceive there 〈◊〉 sufficient light and weight of Reason 〈◊〉 Mr. Ball 's judicious Tryal of Separation but that will not be enough unless the mind be prepared by Prayer for the guidance of the Spirit of Truth to receive that Light and by serious Meditation it prevail to scatter that darkness which causeth doubts and to dwell there as a guide this alone will Answer all the Queries If publick Worship be lawfully performed in that way then it 's a duty to joyn and the heart must be kept with all diligence
that the way of Communion between God and our Souls be not stopt 2. The cure of the old grown disease of Prejudice will need the skill of the heavenly Phisician the cause of this Prejudice was the inward Corruption of the heart which would not suffer to take gains in Gods way but inclined to flightness and weariness this corruption was much advantaged by the neglect of it at first and want of clear Conviction in the point of set-forms which was its shelter together with an opinion of serving God better The means of cure must be gradual to discern the Corruption of heart which lies at bottom the neglect of it so long a time the advantage given to it to lay them to heart humbly to confess them before the Lord to crave pardon through the Blood of Christ through purging of the heart and setling of the judgment which obtained prejudice will be prayed out and the heart and head return to soundness Whilest this cure by the blessing of God is in working special care must be taken to prevent Relapses by acting with a doubting Conscience Besides the main spoken to I observe some subtil Temptation insinuated viz. 1. That when the heart hath been in the best frame and most sensible they have been worst 2. Find no trouble of Spirit upon forbearance no wonder whilest the judgment is unresolved so great a prejudice remains and an apprehension of sin in joyning 3. Find no inconvenience in staying away but sending and waiting till that 's done and loss of Scriptures which we can read at home the same time Is loss of part of the publick Prayers of the Church no loss and is private teaching to be compared with publick reading by an Officer of the Church when they stand in competition Rom. 16.20 The God of peace bruise Satan under our feet shortly Sir I have made it my first week-days work to answer this Case and hearing of this Messenger have sealed it up which will necessitate your trouble of procuring me a Copy at your leisure for I want time to transcribe and am too weary if your thoughts differ from mine upon the Case deal freely with me The Lord accept and bless our poor endeavours remove aâ— stumbling-blocks and give light and peace to his dear Servants Pray for Yours John Angier Other instances I might add that his Counsel was asked in many important Cases and his advice was savoury and usually safe being grounded upon the Word of God having the advantage of an holy heart a clear head and long experience one only I shall subjoyn of his advice to a Minister who desired his Counsel about removing to another place of more advantage for the World and greater probability of doing good His Answer by Letter was in the Negative saying I bless God that such temptations do drive you and your people to God the establisher of Zion It was an Expression of Dr. Tuckneys to me It is ill transplanting a Tree that thrives in the Soyl. Think upon our Saviours Speech When I sent you without scrip or staff lacked you my thing and they said nothing Be not solicitous about your means or the certainty of it but set your Soul to the work and Gods secret shall be upon your Tabernacle The Minister fixed his staff where he was according to Mr. Angiers Example and Advice and never repented it Thus I have briefly given an account of Mr. Angiers solid and grave Answers to some Cases of Conscience and but a small tast for it were easie to fill a Volume with his various Letters upon like occasions to several Persons I Hasten to the part he acted upon the Stage of this World in the last Scene of his Life I mean in his Sickness the gracious words that proceeded from him for as he lived so he died his discourses were Holy Heavenly Ministring Grace to the hearers His mouth spake wisdom his tongue talked of judgment Psal 37.30 31. for the law of his God was in his heart The nearer approaches he made to Heaven still the more he breathed of Heaven and tho many yea most of what he then spake escapt the memory of Spectators or Bystanders yet some gleanings they committed to writing which are as follow Upon Thursday August 16. 1677. being in a shaking fit he was more free in discourse than ordinarily he had been and said I find my self weak and feeble and now think as much on my dear Wife as at the very first but God took course to wean me by her long Afflicton To a Mother he said Be not sharp or rash with your Children lest their affections be alienated when they commit a fault stay a while till your anger be over and then counsel and admonish them maintain love in them as well as your authority over them If it please God I could be glad to live to see the good of the Church and of my Children if not I shall dye in the faith of it that God will remember them when I am gone it may be then they will bethink themselves when they have not me to depend upon God can soon alter their temper if he please To a young Woman that lived in his Family he said As you have lived here many years and by Gods help have been of some use I am glad you are to be disposed of unto so good a Family that have been Children of the Covenant for the mercy of the Lord is upon thousands of them that fear him and though you may meet with afflictions yet I hope God will do you good and help you to bear them this was a true prediction for God laid an heavy hand of affliction upon her husband and then pluckt him away by death under some astonishing and aggravating circumstances known to the neighbourhood yet God supported her very graciously Concerning himself he said God hath made my condition comfortable in the World I have lived comfortably and have kept that which my Father left me he left me a good Portion thinking it may be that I should never be likely to get much in the world and I have left it or what is equivolent to my Children and if they make it away the will of the Lord be done This is my comfort I have left no means unused that I thought might be for their good and it may be God may bring them into straits when I am gone and when he hath brought them into the wilderness speak to their hearts My good child Betty God took away poor Betty but why should I call her poor She is rich being with her best friend I have had much grief for the loss of my dear Wife she was dear to me but her happiness I could never yet envy God hath in some measure given me an humble heart and hath helped to carry humbly in my place to Children and to servants let God have the Glory in whom alone I have comfort One said to him Sir what