The Life and Death of Joseph Alleine, Biography · Chapter 8
CHAP. VIII. An intire and exact Delineation of this Holy Person, Written by one of his familiar Acquaintance; presented in the last place, as the Portraiture of a compleat Gospel-Minister.
First, His Personal Character. His Stature and Complexion.
AS to his Personal Bodily Character, He was of Stature, tall and erect; of Complexion, clear and lovely, his Countenance being the seat of chearfulness, gravity, and love. It contradicted that usual saying, viz. Fronti … fides; for his spritely & serene Countenance was the Index of an active and harmonious Soul. Anger as it seldom beclouded, so … became not that Face most uncapable of sowr impressions. It was forc'd, and so not of long continuance, for it never appeared but upon Summons, when commanded to interpose it self, the Glory of GOD, and Honour of Religion being concern'd. Neither did his Reason and Vertue sooner raise than lay it when the Cause was ceased. He was angry, and sinned not, by being angry chiefly or only for sin.
His Constitution.
He had not a more hail Complexion, than healthful Constitution, hugely fitted for the Employment in which he was so successful, viz. His Ministerial Labours and Studies. Insomuch that he hath often been heard to confess, that he knew not what an hours sickness or indisposition was for thirty years and upward, even until after his first Imprisonment, to which (as it is else-where intimated) it may well be thought that he owed the first and fatal impairs of his healthful vigour. Since which first decay, it may be affirmed that contrariwise for some years together, till the period of his life, he scarce knew what was an hours health. Most deplorable it is, that his great and even excessive labours, and hard durance, should have been prodigal of that strength which might perchance have been hitherto employed to the most noble purposes. But alas, the innocent flames of Divine Love to GOD, and Zeal for his Glory, and the good of Souls, made all his strength a whole burnt Sacrifice, and as well devoted, as if sacrificed to the flames of Martyrdom.
His Judgment.
And here some injury would be done to his Worthy Name, should his internal Excellencies, which are of all the greatest, be wholly forgotten. His Judgment was as the Pot of Manna, wherein were found and conserved all wholesome Soul-feeding-Doctrines; most solid and accute it was. For though with the Eye of his Body he could not see far off, yet with the Eye of his mind or understanding, he penetrated far into the recesses of difficult Truths, and out of mental … he was wont happily to extricate himself and others, the toyl of his Intellect herein being not so pleasant as successful. He was all judgment in his enquiries after Truth, and all affection in pursuing and promoting that which is good.
His Memory.
His Memory was as the Tables of the Covenant, GOD's. LAW being his Meditation Day and Night, and as the Sacred Records there kept. It was a most Faithful and Refined Treasury, out of which he continually brought Things New and Old for the Instruction and Consolation of his Hearers. So … it was, that it needed not, and wholly refused those helps by which it is usually fortified, and its defects supplyed. It knew not the slavery of an imposed task, for what had once engaged his love, was without delay or difficulty … of his Mind or Memory.
His Phansie.
His Phansie was as Aarons Rod budding, ever producing fresh … of refined Divine Wit and Invention. It was quick and happy, a fruitful Store-house of hallowed and … Notions. Ever pregnant, yet never bringing forth any other than the Off-springs of Judgment & Discretion. Though it footed high, yet like a Bird in a String, when it had gone to its … length, it was check'd by his Judgment and Humility, left it should ascend above its height.
His Will and Affections.
His Will he had so long lost in the Divine Will, as not to find it, or to be troubled with its reluctancies under so long and sad a Series of Tryals and Afflictions, as those which attended him constantly to his Grave. His Affections were strong and servent, and to use his Words, They kept to their right Objects, and their due Bounds, never inkindled but with a Coal from the Altar, and then they soared to marvellous Heights. He was indeed, as it were, all affection in pursuing and promoting the grand interests of Religion. The Zeal of God's House had consumed him, and that not Blind nor Wild, but well attempered with Light and Heats. In Sum, what Holy Mr. Herbert said of himself, that may be said of him, That his Active Soul was as a keen Knife in a thin Sheath, ever about to cut through, and take its flight into the Region of Souls.
His great Gravity.
But to proceed to some of his excellent Properties. His gravity appeared to be true and genuine, (as not affected or morose, not through any inability, but unwillingness to press his Wit to the service of Vanity) resulting from a mind ever in the awe of God. Because his Presence and Deportment struck such an awe even on all with whom he conversed, and composed them to a true decorum. So that as Reverend Mr. Bolton, when walking in the Streets, was so much cloathed with majesty, as by the notice of his coming in these Words, Here comes Mr. Bolton, as it were to charm them into order, when vain or doing amiss; so this most grave Divine, wheresoever he came, was as a walking Ghost by his presence, conjuring them into a grave deportment, his countenance ever pointing at his awful Soul. What the Image or Statue of Senacherib did speak, that much more did this lively Image of the most High GOD speak, viz. He who looketh to me, let him be Religious.
This his great gravity was not onelyonly Universally discerned by all, but also more particularly and especially acknowledged and loved by his Brethren in the Ministry, for there being some matter of moment depending among them, the care of which was to be devolved on some one man: A worthy Divine far exceeding him in years, sollicited him to take it on him, who modestly waved it, wondering that they should pitch on one so young and unexperienced as himself, for so solemn an undertaking: To whom the forenamed Divine replyed; That of all the Ministers, his Brethven, whereof many for Age were his Fathers, he knew none of greater Gravity, Industry, and fitness for the management of that Affair than himself.
His Affability.
Neither was he so immured in his Study, as to be a stranger to, or averse from, that generous and innocent freedom and obligingness of converse, for Love and Affability, were accurately attempered with his great Gravity. He became all things to all men, that he might gain the more, and so communicative innocent and obliging were all his Converses, that he commanded the imitation and admiration of his Friends, and forc'd this acknowledgment from his Adversaries, both Prophane, Atheistical, and Sectarian, viz. That if there were ever a good Man among them, (meaning the Nonconformists) Mr. Ahein was he.
His Charity.
Communicative I say he was, both of Spiritual, and also Temporal good things together, according to, and even beyond his Power, (as it is else-where abundantly ascertained) both when he heard the loud Complaints of some, and when he listened to the silent Suits of others, viz. some modest and indigent House-keepers, who only spake by their real needs, and entered their Suits at the Eyes of an inquisitive Almoner, more than at his Ears. Of the good things pertaining to this Life, he was often liberal beyond his measure, and of those pertaining to another Life, often beyond his strength; and by this Constellation of his Charity and Alms-deeds, he made the one more Profitable, and the other more Acceptable; the one the greater, and the other the happier, and more successful; and by this Conjunction also, he approved himself more perfect before God, the more throughly furnished to every good Word and Work.
His Utterance.
His Prolation or manner of Speech was Free, Eloquent, Sublime, and Weighty. Of him it may be well said, as of our Blessed Saviour, That all bear him witness, and wondered at the gracious Words which proceeded out of his Mouth. It will be hard to tell what Man ever spake with more Holy Eloquence, Gravity, Authority, Meekness, Compassion and Efficacy to Souls, than he did to those to whom in Instruction, Exhortation, Consolation, Reprehension, he most wisely, frequently, and successfully applyed himself. Few could resist, or stand before the powerful Charms, and united Force of his Love and Authority, being equally attracted by the one, and awed by the other. In him, if in any, that common observation did evidently fall, viz.
Non bene conveniunt, nec in … sede locantur Majestas & Amor.
True it is, that this young Timothy (with whom few were like minded, in caring naturally for the state of his Flock) was at his first entrance on his Ministry, despised for his Youth, by those who after with shame confessed their Errour, and deplored their rashness, resolving after for his sake, no more to judge according to appearance, but to honour for their work, and intrinsick worth, those whom Age hath not made Venerable.
Secondly, His Studies and Learning.
As respects his Studies, he had a strong inclination to, and delight in the Study of the Natural and Ethnick Theologie, in which he proceeded to a great acquaintance with the chief Sects of the Philosophers, especially the Academicks, and Stoicks, of his insight into whom he made singular use, by gathering their choicest Flowers to adorn Christianity …; and indeed, searce did he Preach a Sermon, wherein he did not Select some excellent Passage or other out of these, whereby to illustrate and fortifie his Discourse. And how well becoming a Divine, and most … this his Inclination and Choice was, is most manifest to considering Men; for hereby he more confirmed himself in the Christian Religion (which he had espoused with so much Judgment and Zeal) by a distinct and certain knowledge of the highest Principles and Hopes of the Ethnick Religions, and by a sober comparing of that with these. He also much delighted in Anatomy, in which he acquired a considerable skill, which also he not a little improved by frequent Dissections. And in his publick Ministry, he often made use of this his insight, by composing, with Galen, Hymns to the Creator, whose infinite Wisdom he was often heard to admire, in the contrivance of Mans outward frame, and in the rare contexture, dependance, and use of all, even the minutest parts, in the excellent Fabrick of Mans body. As to his skill in the Languages, it was not contemptible, especially in those three which (as Ludovicus Vives saith) Christ sanctified upon the Cross.
Thirdly, His Moderation and Humility.
He managed his dissents in Judgment from others with great Charity, Humility, and Moderation, most strictly observing what he still exhorted his Flock unto, viz. To speak evil of no man, much less of dignities. Insomuch that when his Judgement was at any time desired concerning any Sermon which he had heard, and any Minister, (Conformist, or Nonconformist) though weak and mean, he would yet ever find matter of Commendation, none of Dispraise, judging the Minister and his Discourse, at least, to be honest, and of good intent. He abhorred to intrench on the Divine Prerogative, in judging of Mens States before the time; and in condemning Mens Actions at all adventures, without considering their lessening or altering Circumstances. And as he liked to judge no man beyond his Sphere, and speak evil of no Man; so in his Life did he reap as great and visible Reward as any for this most Christian Practice; for the Tongues even of all did pay tribute to his good Name; which was a thing so entire and sacred, that scarce a Rabsheka or Shimei could find a passage by which to invade it. His good Name was as a precious Box of Oyntment, by his Death especially broken and poured forth, the delicious scent whereof all those Hearts with great delight retain, which like Lidia's, were open d to his Heavenly Dectrine; and not onelyonly so, but they will perpetuate it, whilst they have Childrens Children by whom to eternize his Memory.
Fourthly, His Practice as to Church-Communion His Judgment as to Obedience to Authority.
As respects his Practice, and moderate Opinion in point of Church-Communion, and his Judgment in point of Obedience to the Supream Power, together with his great regard to, and earnest insisting on Second-Table Duties, … may be said to his worthy Praise. He as frequently attended on the publick Worship, as his opportunities and strength …, and often declared his very good liking of some …, which he heard from the present Incumbent. He did not account that none could worship God aright, unless in all Instances, and smaller Circumstances of Worship, they wholly accorded with his Apprehensions; But with the Divine Apostle he had learnt to say; Notwithstanding every way, … in Pretence or in Truth, Christ is preached, and I … do rejoyce, yea, and will rejoyce. He knew of how great moment it was, that the publick Worship of God should be maintained, and that its Assemblies should not be …, though some of its Administrations did not clearly approve themselves unto him, because upon the account of some Imperfections and Pollutions in them, supposed or real, to withdraw Communion, is evidently to suppose our selves joyned before our time to the Heavenly Assembly; or to have found such a one here on Earth, exempt from all … and imperfections of Worshippers and Worship. He abandoned not all Forms, but their formal use; neither those in particular, publickly Established, (through a … or partiality, as may be affirmed of too many) but hath been heard much to commend that Form of Thanksgiving, both … and Antient, viz. the Te Deum, and particularly that Sentence in it, The noble Army of Martyrs praise …; which he was wont to mention with a certain Exaltation. So moderate and calm he was in his Judgment, that when the two new Forms in the Liturgy, viz. on the horrid … of King Charles the First, and on the return of King Charles the Second, were first Printed, he was so far from Nauseating them, because Forms, or because … the stamp of Authority, that he had ever resolved to read them, (though then only, as I remember, recommended) had not some occurrences, which I need not name, prevailed with him at present to forbear.
His Loyalty.
It appeared that he had a due sense of the grand importance of the Obedience of Subjects to the Supream Magistrate, by some excellent Sermons which he Preached on that of the Apostle, Rom. 13. ver. 1. a little before his Election; where, and when his Judgment was so strict, as unjustly to offend some, whose weakness and ignorance, by reason of a long Proscription of the Regal Power, had made over-scrupulous, or erroneous. His I oyalty also to his Prince, he discovered in observing the injunction of the Wise Man, viz. Not to Curse the King, no not in his bed-Chamber, or Retiring-Rooms: for he hath often been seen with indignation to turn from, and hush into silence, all Reports or Surmises, true or false, which directly or indirectly, did tend to detract from, and defame Dignities, accounting them no cause of withdrawing or lessening our just Honour and Obedience; but rather of giving our selves the more to Prayer and Humiliation.
Fifthly, His respect to Second-Table Duties.
He was not onelyonly a man aspiring to the Heights, but also respecting the due breadth and extent of Religion, being well-advised, how much the Vitals and Honour of Religion in the World are conserved by, and concerned in a conscionable discharge of Second-Table Duties. That he had a deep sense of the great advantage or disadvantage accruing to Religion, by the strict or remiss performance of the Duties of the Second-Table, and particularly those of the Fifth Commandment; all bear him witness in, that he upon several Texts for a long time together, most faithfully instructed his People in Relative-Duties, (than which, none indeed are more momentous, and less observed) and most sharply reproved the Guilty for their failures therein; on all which Relations, their Duties, and Defects, he particularly, and with much Zeal insisted. Witness also his great grief and indignations, which he frequently conceived, and with great vehemency expressed in lamenting over, and reproving some Professors of Religion, for their wretched neglect and breach of some Second-Table Precepts; the scandal and dishonour of which to Religion, and the Reiigious, how he resented, none but God and his own Soul did throughly know. He vehemently detested that impious and hellish design of putting asunder (in this matter) what God hath joyned together, viz. Those Commands respecting God, and our Neighbour; both which he hath equally appointed to us, as Rules of Direction and Judgement. He was neither Legalist nor Solifidian; neither Ritualist nor Enthusiast, not so much above in the Mount with God, as not also to come down to his Neighbour, whom he did accost as Moses, with both Tables in his Hand, on which his Life and Doctrine did constantly and excellently comment.
Sixthly, His Labours in the Ministry.
As Respects; His great Industry and happy Labours in the Ministry, together with his great Prudence and Compassion, in applying himself to the Souls of his Flock, according to their most pressing needs; none who knew the former, but must also confess, and admire at the latter.
1. His Prudence in them.
His Prudence; Then in apportioning, as well as designing, the most suitable and seasonable instructions to his People, was most apparent, in that he was still (after he had finished a foregoing Text or Discourse) even at a loss, as he hath often expressed himself to some of his Friends, what Subject most advantagious and seasonable to his Auditory, he should next insist on; so far he was from aiming or shooting at Rovers in his Divine Instructions and Exhortations. And so loth he was to labour in vain, and to pass from one Discourse to another, as one unconcerned whether he had sown any good Seeds or no on the Hearts of his Hearers; that in the close of his Applicatory part on any Text, (which sometimes he handled for a considerable while) he ever expressed his great unwillingness to leave that Subject, till he could have some assurance, that he had not fought in that Spiritual Warfare against Sin, as one who beateth the Air; when also he expressed his great fear, lest he should, after all his most importunate Warnings, leave them as he found them. And here with how much Holy-Taking Rhetorick, did he frequently expostulate the Case with Impenitent Sinners, in words too many to mention, and yet too weighty to be forgotten; vehemently urging them to come to some good resolve before he and they parted, and to make their choice either of Life or Death.
2. His Compassion on Souls.
His Compassion also towards all committed to his charge was most manifest, especially towards the Ignorant; those that were out of the way, and those that did move heavily on in the way.
1. On the Ignorant, in instructing and catechizing them.
To the Ignorant. And here knowing that without knowledge the Heart is not, and cannot be good; and considering also how too successfully the evil one, by sowing evil Seeds betimes in the hearts of Youth, doth ever after forestal and defeat the most laborious endeavours for their recovery and salvation: Thus knowing and considering, he was in nothing more industrious, and in nothing more happy and successful in exerting his industry, than in an early sowing those Blessed Seeds of Divine Knowledge in the Hearts of all the Youth that he could reach in person or otherwise; by which they were exceedingly formed to receive all good Impressions. During the time of his publick Ministry on every Lords-day in the Afternoon he constantly catechised, before a great Congregation, the Youth of each Sex by turns, amongst whom were several both young Men and Women, sometimes five or six of the chief Scholars of the Free-School, sometimes five or six of the Apprentices of the Town, some of whom, though of mans estate, who accounted it not a disgrace to learn (according to the guise of this mad World) but to be ignorant. Sometimes, of the other Sex, five or six young Gentlewomen, who were under his Wifes Tuition, (and so his Domestick over-sight) kept their turns, of whom she had not a few, and those the Daughters of Gentlemen of good rank far and near, whose laudable emulation, and love to their Father (as they styled him) and to the Work, was the cause why they were not so over-bashful as to decline so advantagious a course; by which, together with domestick Instructions and Example, even all received a tincture of Piety and Religion, and many a through Impression: Besides these several Virgins also, and among these the Daughters of some of the chief Magistrates in the Town did keep their turns. In this his course he drew out on the short Answers in the Assemblies Catechism, an excellent Discourse on all the Points of the Christian Theology, which he handled successfully, reducing his Discourse to several Heads, which he also proved by pertinent Places of Scripture; which done, he gave both the Heads and Proofs written at length, on a Week day, to those whom he designed to Catechize on the ensuing Lords-day, which, besides the short Answers in the Catechism, and the annexed Proofs they committed to memory, and rendred on the After-noon of the day aforesaid. Throughout all which course he approved himself to be a most substantial Divine.
Neither did his Catechistical Labours rest here, but also on Thursdayes in the Afternoon (as I remember) he Catechised in the Church, Street by Street, whole Families, excepting the Married or more Aged, in order: Which Exercise (I suppose) he designed as preparatory to his Lord's-Dayes Work. Besides this, on Saturdayes in the Morning, he Catechised the Free-School of that place, instructing them in the Points of Christian Doctrine, and excellently explaining the Answers in the Assemblies Catechism, discovering a Mine of Knowledge in them, and in himself. How excellent was his design, and great his Labour, besides all this, in going from House to House, and instructing both Old & Young, is elsewhere abundantly declared. Neither was this his Labour in vain, but became even as successful as laborious; for there are few but have gratefully acknowledged that by this means they were either led into the Knowledge, or induced to the belief, choice and practice of that which was and is of Soveraign advantage to them to this day. And how happy and likely a course he took herein to advance Religion in the Nation, on the hearts and lives of men; and how far less successful and probable all other means are, aiming at this end, without this initial Work, it is left to all pious and considering men to judge.
2. On those that Err, by reproving and reducing them.
He had not onelyonly compassion over the Ignorant, but also over those who were out of the way; witness his faithful and effectual discharge of that great duty of giving seasonable reproofs, of which his great faithfulness there is abundant mention else-where. And by so much the more did his excellent discharge hereof speak forth his high praise, by how much the more difficult he ever apprehended it aright to apply it. He hath been heard often to say, That it was far more difficult to him to give, than to take a Reproof, considering how great Wisdom, Courage, Compassion, Self-denyal, &c. is required in order to its right discharge. And though he was so rarely Passive, and often Active in this Work, yet the frequency of his giving a Reproof, never made it so easie as to be less difficut than to receive it. Lut ever his Work was to him, not only an Act of the greatest Self-denyal, but also the result of a strong conflict within, … his Indignation at the Sin, and Compassion on the Sinner. And yet the consideration of the difficulty was not to him an Argument to forbear, but rather a stronger Motive to undertake it; who ever delighted to converse in, and conquer the difficulties of Christianity, both in doing and suffering. Small difficulties here were not his match, and there were no noble Atchievements in Religion, to which he attained not, or vigorously aspired.
His truly Heroick Spirit.
As it is said of Themistocles, that famous Athenian Captain, that the Acts of Miltiades broke his sleep; so as truly may it be said of this Blessed Saint, That the Acts and Monuments of the Famous Worthies, mentioned in the Hebrews, and of those of the same Atchievements with them, in all Ages of the World, even broke his sleep, by impregnating his Soul with high designs of aspiring after their perfections. Oft therefore he hath been heard to excite Christians so long to move in the Sphear of difficulties, till the sweet severities of Christianity (as he often called them) were subdued, and even made familiar; encouraging them with this consideration, That then they would highly approve their Divine Love and Sincerity, and conceive a pleasure in those difficult Acts, which would equal, yea, exceed the pleasure of their natural Actions.
3. On the Doubting, by Resolving and Releasing them.
Neither had he onelyonly compassion on those that were out of the way, but also on those who moved heavtly on in the way. How he hath often raised and rectifyed desponding Christians, those who are too prone to account doubting, which is their Sin, to be their Duty and Vertue. At once he hath often … them from the straitness of their needless fears and disquiets, and undeceived them by discovering the latent unbelief that did lie lurking in such despondings, assuring them in these words, That under a sly pretence of Humility, they did call in question God's Veracity.
Seventhly, His singular Piety.
As respects his singular Piety, all who knew him can say much, and yet all but little, considering how much more … escaped the most tenacious memory, observant eye, and attentive ear. Yet he must be wretchedly inobservant, who amidst so many and great instances of it, can make no reflections.
How much he conceived it as his own, and others greatest Interest, Ornament, and Felicity herein to excel, will be manifest by his … which he gave to a young Scholar ready to depart to the University, in words to this purpose: I know, saith he, that you will labour to excel in Learning, but be sure to excel as in that, so also and especially in Holiness, which … render you one of the most useful and … Creatures in the World. Learning will render you perchance aeceptable to men, but piety both to God and Men: by that you will shine only on Earth to the Clods thereof, and perhaps in some obscure corner of it; but this is an Orient Pearl, which will shine in you on Earth and in Heaven, both to God, Angels, and Men. How much he dwelt on this Exhortation, and these Apprehensions, will be evident by a Pious Letter which he sent to the Person forenamed, some years after, wherein his words are these: "O study God, and study your self closly, and pursue Holiness more than Learning, though both these together make a happy Constellation, and are like Castor and Pollux; which when they appear together, do ever presage good to the Mariners. And that it might appear that he did not onelyonly commend Holiness in the general, but also in the particular and chief Instances of a Holy Life: He excellently proceeds in the same Letter, saying, ``I much commend unto you those four beautifying Lessons, so shortly comprehended in this Distich,
Spernere mundum, spernere nullum, spernere sese,
Spernere se sperni, quatuor ista beant.
His Contempt of the World.
Happy is the man that can but learn this. When once a man is arrived hereto, he is above the Worlds reach, and hath attained to the true Heroick mind, so as that no external commotions will be able to disturb his Tranquility; neither will the Comforts or Crosses here below, make any great accession to, or diminution from the serenity of his Spirit. And indeed, no thing was more conspicuous in this Blessed Saint, than that generous contempt of the World, that true loftiness, and yet profound humility of Spirit (of which the Lessons aforementioned, are but as so many instances) which he recommended unto others. He was much a stranger on the Earth, like the Kingly Prophet; not because with old Barzillai he could not, but would not tast or comply with its Pleasures and Delights; but he was chiefly induced by a forced exilement from his desired and delectable Habitation, to think on his state of Banishment from his Heavenly Country whilst here militant upon Earth, and to solace his Thoughts under so great a grievance, by such Divine Considerations as those, which he mentions in the following words of his forenamed Letter. It was (saith he) the Divine Argument that Epictetus used for comfort in banishment. Ubi que … sunt colloquia cum Deo. I met lately mith a passage out of one of the Fathers, which I which engraved upon my heart. Cui Patria solum placet, nimis dilicatus est; Cui omnis Terra Patria, is fortis est; Cui omnis Terra exilium is Sanctus est. That's worthy of a Saint indeed to account himself alwayes in the state of Banishment, whilst in the state of Mortality, like the Worthies that sojourned even in the Land of Promise, as in a strange Countrey. Sueh a sojourner I wish both my self and you, and may the moveableness of our present State fix our desires upon that Kingdom which shall never be shaken. So far he.
His Universal and Uniform Obedience.
But to proceed; He declared that his Piety was … and Excellent by its universal regard and extent, as to all GOD's Commands, so to all Man's Converses and Employments, witness his earnest and frequent Exhortations, whereby he did daily call upon his People to a constant uniform care over their Hearts and Wayes. Nothing did he more passionately dehort them from, than from that undoing fraud unto their Souls, viz. Confining their Religion to their Closets, upon the supposal that in so doing they had there put in sufficient security for their after conversation, and had bid fair for the Divine favour, as if Religion had taught Men only to kneel, and not how to work; and walk, as if it were solitary or deformed, loving onelyonly to move in the private Path, and narrow circle of our Morning or Evening Devotions, and so ever before and after to appear least in sight, or as if it were a fury, and so to be limited, and not to be entrusted with the universal conduct of our Lives and Actions. For many there are who think fit rather to make Religion then Vassal, than undivided Companion; to command it, rather than it should command them, and therefore they make it to keep its Times and Places, its Postures and due Distance, and think not good that it retain to their Company, or appear in their Words or Actions, unless when it may serve the Uses of a cloak and cover of Hypocrisie and Iniquity.
His care of his Thoughts and Ends, especially Morning and Evening.
But enough of this digression. These his fore-mentioned momentous Exhortations, attended with most excellent Motives, designed chiefly to direct them how well to begin, and end the day in the fear, and as in the presence of GOD, by hallowing their Thoughts, and (as his Words were) setting their ends aright in the morning, (then making their resolves, and piously fore-casting the Work of the day following) and by an impartial survey and examination in the evening of their Compliance or Non-compliance with their foregoing Prescriptions unto themselves; whether they obtained their designs and ends, and how they acquitted themselves in the day foregoing.
His delight in Self-examination.
Thus by pointing at the two extreams in each day, he happily secured the middle. He tacitely convinced them by his own example and great growth in Piety hereby, and expresly by many other eminent instances, how advantagious a course he had recommended to them. To this end he much applauded those two no less excellent than common Books, the Practice of Piety, and Scudders daily Walk. By this course he had taught himself and others, as by constant, though small gains, to arrive to great acquests in Christianity, by constant and short accounts, the more accurately to know the state of their Souls, and the more easily to discern their Progress or Declinings; so, as the more to rejoyce in and promote the one, and the sooner to put limits to and redress the other. Also he much inculcated on each Christian, that important duty of fore-appointing and fixing his ends, not onelyonly in the general, but as much as might be particularly and explicitely before each action of the day, but especially each solemn Action, revolving and conceiving such a Thought and Resolve as this in his Mind.
His frequent and generous Designs.
This, or this will I do for GOD, &c. By which heedful course, he assured the Observer, that he would hallow all his Actions, and reap this treble advantage (to say no more) both of espousing the Divine Direction and Blessing, and of obtaining a surer Testimony of his sincerity, and also a stronger motive to Diligence, and an awful circumspectness in the right discharge of what he undertook. In complyance with this his excellent Exhortation unto others, he knew not a day wherein he arose without some Heavenly design of promoting GOD's Glory, and the good of Souls, accounting it a shame that the Covetous should arise with such anxious projects of compassing his desired Wealth, the Ambitious his aiery Honours and Grandeur, the Voluptuous his vain Pleasures; and that the Religious, who have so glorious a Prize and Trophies before their eyes, should be Men of no Projects or Designs. If of any, it may be affirmed of him, that according to his frequent and vehement Exhortation thereunto, he made Religion his business. Which worthy advice in the same words, he did so often inculcate, that a Gentleman meeting a plain honest Countrey Man, and discoursing of Mr. Allein, cavil'd at this passage which he had often heard from him, as appearing unto him absur'd and unintelligible, not knowing how any thing (as he said) could be called a Man's business, unless that which is secular; so foolishly ignorant of the just Interest and Power of Religion, is an unhallowed heart, and so apt to quarrel with that wholesome advice, and loth to be in earnest in any thing, unless in the pursuit of Vanity or Vice.
His Delight in Meditation.
Neither did onelyonly the frequent and faithful performance of the two great difficulties of Christianity, viz. Reproof, and Self-Examination, (consisting of so many complicated Self-denyals) proclaim and improve his great Piety, but also his so great acquaintance with the delightsome Work of Heavenly Meditation. A Specimen of his profitable managery of this Work, and his great Heights herein he often gave in some of his most excellent devotional and contemplative Discourses, both dropt from his Mouth, and committed to Writing. And as was his delight, so were his Converses with those Authors who did encrease his contemplative Pleasure; but particularly he delighted in Mr. Baxters Platform of Meditation on the Heavenly Felicity, in the close of his Saints Everlasting Rest; great part whereof he so digested, as often to cite it with great pleasure, prefacing his Citations with these words. Most divinely saith that Man of GOD, Holy Mr. Baxter, &c. And indeed had not his zeal for GOD's Glory, and the Salvation of Souls, engaged him so much to an Active Life, he could have even lived and dyed wholly in Divine Contemplation and Adoration; so much did he delight to shrink within himself, and to abandon the view of the desperate Adventures, and Antick Motions of a mad World, that so being shut to these, he might onelyonly open his Soul to GOD and Glory, displaying it to the glorious Beams of the Sun of Righteousness. Therefore did he often delight in his devotions to converse with the Fowls of the Air, and the Beasts of the Field, since these were more innocent, and less degenerate than Man.
With Streams and Plants did he delight to walk, and all these did utter to his attentive Ear the Praise and Knowledge of his Creator, and in his unsetled sojournings from place to place he did often (to use his Words) look back with sweetness and great content on the places of his former pleasant retirements, setting as it were a Mark upon those which had marvellously pleased him in his Solitudes, by administring to his contemplative delight.
His delight in Praising, &c.
In the Close, His great perfection in holiness was manifest, in that he loved so much, and lived a life of Praise, and Thanksgiving. Being arrived to some perfection, he desired and designed to antedate the Work and Songs of Spirits made perfect. Thus David much proclaimed his perfection in Piety, by his so great heights in this Heavenly Employment. And its Evident that Saints most devoted to this Heavenly repast, are most perfect; because the more Men adore and praise, the less they want, (for sad and constant Complaints, and pensive Thoughts, are the Attendants of great wants) and the less men want, the more is their perfection. His Exhortations to Christians did frequently design to raise them to that sublime life of Praise and Thanksgiving. Often hath he reproved Christians, charging them with the greatest folly and ingratitude in so much neglecting this so pleasing and profitable duty, and in interessing it so little in their Religious Exercises. He much condemned them for that too general practice in thrusting so enlarging a part of their Devotions into so narrow a Room, as only the close of their Prayers. Especially did he excite Christians to this Duty on the Lord's Day, as the most proper Work for so Divine a Festival. Shaming them with the excellent Example of the Primitive Christians, who welcomed in the Sun that brought so glorious a Day as the Christian Sabbath with their Heavenly Hymnes to their Creator and Redeemer. And reproving them for so little considering and observing the proper end of its Institution. But as he respects his own practice a great, yea, and sometimes the greatest part of his Prayer was Thanks-giving, and indeed he was never so much in his Element either in Prayer, or in Preaching, as when he was extolling and adoring the Love of Christ, and marvelling at GOD's infinite goodness in the Gift of his Son our Saviour.
Neither did he so gaze upon and adore Christ his Redeemer and his Redemption, as to forget to sound forth Praises of GOD, the Creator, for often he hath been heard with admiration and praise, to take notice of the Divine Power and Wisdom in the Works of Creation, and therefore in the open Air, in the private retirement of some Field or Wood, he delighted to address himself to God in praise, that his eyes might affect his heart, and awake his glory. And here often he hath been heard to say: That Man was the Tongue of the whole Creation, appointed as the Creatures Interpreter, to speak forth, and make articulate the Praises which they but silentlently intimate.
He much delighted in Vocal Musick, and especially in singing Psalms and Hymns, particularly Mr. Bartons, witness his constant practice after Dinner else-where related. In him it may be said, in as high a degree as of most Saints on Earth, That each Thought was to him a Prayer, each Prayer a Song, each Day a Sabbath, each Meal a Sacrament, a Fore-taste of that Eternal Repast, to which he hath now Arrived.
His Time-redeeming Thrist.
To conclude; That he might effect all the excellent purposes of a Holy Life, he set a high value on his most precious Time, and did with so Wise and Holy Fore-cast each day redeem and fill it up, that he did not onelyonly not do nothing, but also not little, though in a little and short time. All Companies did hear him proclaim the Price of Time, and how excellently and advantagiously he did it in publick before his Ejection, in several most useful Sermons on Ephes- … 16. many that heard him, do to this day, to their great comfort and profit, remember. And the more remarkable was this his Holy Thrist, because prophetical of his short … here on Earth.
His diligence and holiness in this his Sphere of Action, was a presage of his speedy Translation, as with Enoch, to the Sphere of Vision and Fruition, for a reward of his singular Piety; it being not probable that he who made so great a haste to dispatch his Heavenly Work, should be long without his desired Recompence.