The Life and Funeral Sermon of the Reverent Thomas Brand, Biography

The Life and Funeral Sermon of the Reverent Thomas Brand · Biography

p. 1The LIFE Of the Reverend Mr. THOMAS BRAND.

WOuld to God you could bear with me a little in my folly, and indeed bear with me, 2 Cor. 11.1.2 Cor 11:1for I have undertaken what I can no way perform, ſo much as to my own, much leſs to others ſatisfaction, when the collecting of ſome Memorables of Mr. Brand's Life was deſired of me I too ſuddainly conſented, not ſufficiently conſidering, what Difficulties beſet me: Namely ſome things of greatest moment muſt not be mention'd at all, either ſome Perſons, or Times will not bear it; in other things, Places and Perſons, upon the ſame Reaſons, muſt not be named: and of thoſe things p. 2which may be ſpoken, where they can't be mention'd without commending of him, others of name, will count themſelves reproach'd; and what ſcapes theſe difficulties, is attended by another, which tho' it be really better, 'tis in ſome reſpects worſe, 'tis that which Chriſt charged the Jews with, Joh. 8.45.John 8:45becauſe I tell you the truth you believe me not: So, when I ſhall mention ſomewhat done by him, which perhaps was never done by any before, thoſe that have Faith enough to ſave their Souls, may want Faith to credit ſuch a Relation, tho' atteſted by ſuch evidence which is in its kind infallible. What ſhall I do? muſt I? ſhall I, yes I will, venture out a crippled Diſcourſe which will preſent you with ſomewhat worthy your acceptation, and let that procure your pardon for the mangling the reſt.

p. 3His Birth.Mr. Thomas Brand was born at Leaden Roothing, in the County of Eſſex, in the Year, 1635. his Father was Mr. Thomas Brand, a Dignitary of the Church of England, the mentioning of this, unavoidably leads me to obviate the only plauſible Objection againſt his being ſo zealous a Diſſenter, to which I need ſay but this: His chief Zeal was neither for, nor againſt any Party whatſoever, but for the vigorous promoting of the ſound Knowledge of thoſe Doctrines wherein we are all agreed, and of that Holineſs which we all commend, tho' too few practice: p. 4And this right Chriſtian Temper he exerciſed towards the Conforming Clergy. He ſpake honourably of the Piety and Learning of ſome, and never let fly indecent Reflections, or bitter Invectives againſt any, but maintained and encreaſed this commendable Moderation all his Life. Thoſe who were intimately acquainted with him could not perceive his leaning to any Party whatſoever, but when any Diſcourſe tended to partiality, he did induſtriouſly divert it to downright Godlineſs, p. 5or to ſomewhat uſeful to promote it. He was never without ſome Project for doing good, and could as ſoon ceaſe to live, as ceaſe to be attempting the doing good to Souls.

More particularly,

His School.He was ſent to School to Biſhop Starford, where, how ſoon, I can't ſay, he attain'd to ſuch an accuracy of Grammar-Learning, that he made good uſe of it to the great Benefit of others, whom he would critically examin upon all occaſions, throughout the Courſe of his Life; ſcarce any young Scholar whom he occaſionally met with, but hath felt it: He well apprehending as other learn'd Men complain, that the defect of Grammar-Learning is p. 6very hardly, if ever repaired by after Studies.

Univerſity.He was ſent thence to Merton Colledge in Oxford (that he ſoon ran thro' his juvenile Academical Studies may be by this evident) He enter'd upon, and throughly ſtudied the Arminian and Socinian Controverſies, with that of Scientia media; theſe Studies pleaſed him wonderfully in the doing, but not upon a later review, he ſaid ſince, nothing yields me comfort, but my Preaching, Catechiſing, and what I did for the Converſion of Souls: If he had his time again, he would ſpend it in reading the Holy Scriptures, with two or three good Commentaries, in Prayer, and Meditation, and labouring in public. Only I muſt acknowledge, that I am not certain, whether it was there, or after, that he lanch'd into thoſe depths, I muſt confeſs, I rather think, his ſtudy there, look'd another way.

p. 7Temple.For he removed thence to the Temple being deſign'd for a Lawyer, and there (as in all places elſe) his profiting was not ordinary. I remember I heard him many a year after, warmly diſcourſe of an occaſional Moot-caſe he then read in the Temple, but God deſign'd him for his Spiritual Temple, God brought him to London, where his Soul trouble was the Introduction to our intimate Acquaintance, which increaſed, and continued, while he lived. Now was the time of his effectual Calling, which was in ſome things like that of the bleſſed Apoſtle Paul, who was at once called to be a Chriſtian and an Apoſtle; ſo this our Timothy, was at once called to be a Saint and a Miniſter. What the Throws of his New-birth were, are not fit to be made public; only this let me ſay, He was more abundant p. 8in Spiritual caſes of Conſcience than ever any I have met with in my almoſt fifty Years Miniſtry. (And thanks to Divine Grace, I have been intimately acquainted with Chriſtians as Eminent for Grace, as moſt in the Age, wherein they lived.) This new Convert had daily need of a more accompliſh'd Guide than he made choice of: And therefore, tho' he deſired to be one of my Family, yet, beſides the want of ſutable Conveniencies, I recommended him to a more experienced and aged Caſuiſt with whom he ſometime continued; and tho' the Word of the Lord was as Fire in his Boſom, to be diſperſed thence, for the kindling a holy Flame in others, yet the Concerns of his own Soul were ſo preſſing upon him, that he p. 9could comparatively mind nothing elſe. He went about with the Arrows of God ſticking in his Conſcience; and, now God furniſh'd him with ſuch a ſtock of Experiences, that he might counſel, and comfort others, with the very Method wherewith God refreſh'd him. Now he began to be reſtleſs, becauſe he did Chriſt no ſervice, fain he would do ſomething, but the Office of the Miniſtry appear'd ſo tremendous, that the thoughts of it made him tremble. p. 10What ſhall he do? be idle he dares not, work in the Lord's Vineyard he dares not. Oh, the Perplexities of his Soul! an expedient is thought of, that he might be led into the Miniſtry by Family Worſhip and Preaching ſometimes, which might be afterwards more frequent, and conſtant, and behold here a Wonder of Providence calls him into Kent, to Glaſſenbury, to the honourable and moſt deſervedly Honour'd the Lady Dowager Roberts, who had four ſmall Children, to whoſe pious Education he was ſingularly helpful, where he preach'd with ſuch Acceptation, and God follow'd him with more ſucceſs then could be ſo ſoon hoped for. Now this Star begun to riſe and ſhine and lead Men to Chriſt: p. 11for tho' the Modeſty, Humility and Self-denial which ran through the whole Courſe of his Life reſtrain'd him, yet his Love to Chriſt and Souls forced him to what's more then vulgar, in all he attempted; I cannot ſingle out any ſort of his Actions, but might be as a general Head, attended by numerous particular inſtances, all of them well worthy of remembrance: He better deſerving than the Kings of Perſia to have Scribes continually preſent, to write down remarkable Paſſages: He doing nothing, (humane frailty excepted) but what was deſervedly remarkable. To begin with inſtances of what was in his own eye moſt contemptible, namely worldly buſineſs p. 12his Wiſdom, Prudence and Sagacity about worldly Affairs was beyond appearance deep, and piercing: I have known him in dubious caſes, wherein great Lawyers have been ſhort in their Advice, his Council hath been proper and ſafe: But when he hath been conſulted, he ſtill bad them go to the great Counſellor, and in all Plunges it was his uſual ſaying, I commit it to God, or I leave it with God and this he would do with the greateſt quiet of Mind and acquieſcence in God's iſſuing of it which way he pleaſed. I can't ſay, for I have been leaſt ſolicitous to enquire after theſe his good works, but do not heſitate to apply to p. 13him that of Job, Job 29.11,12.Job 29:11Job 29:12When the ear heard him it bleſſed him; and when the eye ſaw him, it gave witneſs to him. The Bleſſing of him that was ready to periſh, came upon him: He was a Father to the Poor, &c. Preſently upon his coming to the place where providence ſent him, he ſet himſelf to his great Maſter's work with that vigour and prudence which evidenced he came there for nothing elſe: Receiving no Sallery for himſelf but directing it to pious Charity. His Deportment in the Family was every way inſtructive. The Worſhip of God in the Family was ſo ſeaſonably timed, ſo constantly awefully and ſutably perform'd that it did much conduce to the drawing others into the ways p. 14of God, that there were but few, if any in that numerous Family, who did not worſhip God in ſecret as well as with others; where, Reading the Scripture, or Catechiſing, or Singing of Pſalms, accompanied Family Prayer twice every day: He conſtantly roſe, if in health at five of the Clock, and continued in his Study till Family Prayer, and then to his Study again, till a little before Noon, and after Dinner when he had walk'd or diſcours'd a little, he return'd to his Study, ſaying, I muſt to my p. 15buſineſs: Complaining, if by Company he had been longer detain'd then he was willing, often ſaying, Amici ſunt fures temporis (Friends are thieves of time.) After Supper he came down with great cheerfulneſs; ſo far was he from being by ſtudy, or any thing elſe, ſowr'd into any diſguſtful temper, that ſome who providentially abode awhile in the Family, who (it was ſear'd) were no great friends to the Power of Religion, could not but expreſs a pleaſedneſs with his Converſation, and 'tis hoped went thence ſeriouſly Godly.

He carried himſelf with a ſweet, humble and affable Deportment, void of Oſtentation, or Vain glory; he was well acquainted with his own heart, and the Temptations wherewith we are beſet, and therefore would frequently inculcate the Precepts of Humility, and the danger p. 16of Pride, he begun betimes to watch againſt theſe, and continued it while he lived. How deſirous he was of the Welfare of that Family in every ſence, was clearly ſeen in his joy when things went well there, and his trouble if they did not; I doubt not but the root, and all the branches of that Houſe are ready to make their grateful Acknowledgments thereof, he being more concern'd for the Honourable Lady, and her Children than for himſelf, when any Trouble threatned: He was not long there, before his amiable Deportment and inſtructive Diſcourſes inſenſibly drew in the beſt of the Neighbourhood into his familiar acquaintance, that they might enjoy the Bleſſing of his Labours; here he ſoon, preach'd twice every Lord's-day, and frequently a third time on the Lord's-day evening, at two miles diſtance; repeating p. 17his Sermons, examining, and inſtructing the Family, and praying with them at his return: All this he continued till he procured for them an excellent Preacher, whoſe preaching was deſervedly eſteem'd by the Serious, and above the Contempt of Scoffers: This beſides weekly Lectures at ſeveral places, and a monthly Faſt: Theſe Lectures were ſet up by him, and carried on by him, or by others of his procuring. I forbear naming the places.

A zealous Miniſter for a Neighbour Corporation was procur'd, and maintain'd by him and his Friends. In ſhort, his Labours and Expences for Souls was abundant, and [thro' Grace] his ſucceſs was anſwerable, many, very many there, will bleſs God for him to Eternity.

But all this while, he durſt not undertake the Office of the Miniſtry, p. 18he had ſuch awful thoughts of that tremendous Office, and ſo low thoughts of himſelf, that he durſt not venture till Providence thruſt him forward, in this, as in other things, to undertake what he trembled at.

Now Reverend Mr. Pointall dying, a door is opened for more public Service, to which, God and Man ſo call'd him, that he is not able to withſtand it. Now tho' his ſtay was earneſtly deſired, and affectionately urged by all in the Family, who might ſay to him, what was ſaid of Jacob, Gen. 30.27.Gen 30:27I have learn'd by experience, that the Lord hath bleſſed me for thy ſake, yet he was deaf to all Sollicitations, being eaſily perſwadable in any thing concerning himſelf, but inexorable in the Cauſe of God. But he did with great Conſcience and Ingenuity introduce a worthy Succeſſor, whoſe great Piety, and p. 19miniſterial Abilities were beyond vulgar.

Much about this time, (not long before or after) God ſent him to a Burrough in Suſſex, where he hath occaſionally acknowledged he met with peculiar aſſiſtance of the Spirit of God; compaſſion to Souls, in a caſe ſomewhat more then ordinary moved him to ſet up a Meeting there; what Difficulties he grappled with, I will not mention; many weariſome Winter Journeys he had, which were not tireſome to him, thro' hopes of doing good, which made all pleaſant; and he was not diſappointed in his hopes. The Lord was with him whereſoever he went, and gave wonderful ſucceſs to his Labours. He procur'd eleven more Miniſters to join with him to ſet up conſtant Preaching there.

p. 20Among many Remarkables there, I'll mention only this,

One Lord's-day being to Preach, the Doors were no ſooner open'd, but the place was crowded full, and many that cou'd not get in, ſtood about the Door, in his Prayer he had ſuch a ſtrong Impreſſion on his Spirit, with reſpect to the Multitude, that Chriſt would have compaſſion on the Multitude, and not ſend them empty away, his Soul was ſo vehemently carried out in earneſt Prayer for the Multitude, that he had much ado to contain himſelf, and ſome of the Hearers were ſutably affected. In ſhort, while there was Liberty, and afterwards when Liberty was reſtored, tho' he was removed at a great diſtance from them, he ceaſed not to be mindful of them, but his Care and Purſe procured p. 21them one Miniſter after another, till they were ſettled, as they were before he died, under the Guidance of a Maſter Work-man in the Lord's Vineyard.

But to return to Staplehurſt, about this time God lift him up above his ſinking fears about Ordination. He that to the Apoſtles queſtion, Who is ſufficient for theſe things? hitherto as it were, anſwer'd, not I Lord, not I, I would not be excuſed from being a Preacher, for I love it; yet would feign be excuſed from being a Paſtor, For I fear it; Now anſwers God's queſtion to the Prophet, Whom ſhall I ſend? here am I, ſend me. Iſa. 6.8.Isa 6:8I think, few ever undertook the feeding of a Flock of Chriſt with lower Thoughts of themſelves, p. 22yet with more humble expectation of Help and Succeſs from the great Shepherd than he did. The Lord Jeſus ſpent the whole Night in Prayer before he ordained his Twelve Apoſtles, compare Luke with Mark. Luke 6.12. Mar. 3.14.Luke 6:12Mark 3:14The manifold ſuſpence of this Servant of Chriſt, plainly implies, that he ſpent a good part of many Nights and Days, if not Weeks and Months, perhaps Years in fervent Prayer, and conſcientious Thoughtfulneſs about his Ordination.

But now as he durſt no ſooner venture, ſo he dares no longer delay. Thus, his wary entring into this Office preſages a careful fulfilling of it. He now ſtudied the Neceſſities of his p. 23Hearers, and did ſuit his Sermons accordingly, to this end did he frequently converſe with the moſt ignorant of his Neighbours, that he might know what their Apprehenſions, Objections, and Prejudices were, about, or againſt a ſerious Holy Life; accordingly did he frame his Diſcourſes to inform, convince, and perſwade them. He was Conſtant and Zealous in this weighty Work. On thoſe days when he p. 24had aſſiſtance in his own Congregation, he would ride out and Preach where there was neceſſity.

A while after this, when he was ſettled, as much as in thoſe times could be expected, he was near marrying a young Gentlewoman, but before the time appointed for the Marriage Chriſt took her to himſelf.

About two Years after that, he married a gracious Widow, by whom he had ſeveral Children, but they all died young: but her having living Children, was a Mercy ſhe never enjoyed by her former Husband; but had only abortive Births. The firſt living Child he had, I have cauſe to remember, the more then ordinary workings of his gracious Soul about its ſolemn Dedication to God by Baptiſm, p. 25what the inward workings of his Soul were is only known to the Heart-ſearching God, but ſo much burſt out beyond his intention to be taken notice of, that I never did ſee before, nor ever expect to ſee the like again; I have many a time reflected on it with admiration: There you might have ſeen the Covenant improv'd, and what might well make you more ſerious ever after, in the Celebration of that Ordinance: But I'll ſay no more of this, becauſe I know not whether any beſides my ſelf took notice of it.

p. 26Some expected that now he had a Family to provide for, his Charitable expences muſt be retrenched; the Stream muſt run in another Channel; but they were miſtaken; thoſe that moſt narrowly obſerved his conſtant Charity, could perceive no abatement at all, but rather an enlargement, that the addition to his eſtate procured an addition to his Charity. And here give me leave to tell you, that this (next to my inexcuſable Lazineſs) is the true reaſon of retarding theſe Papers, there was ſomewhat of Charity, very ſingular, and extraordinary, about this time, which he, in his great Humility acquainted me with, I will not ſay adviſed with me, for he was fitter to adviſe me, than I him; this hath wholly ſlipt my Memory all but the undiſtinct Notions that there was ſuch a p. 27thing, though ſome Circumſtances made it impracticable. I confeſs I have made all the enquiry I can, by Letters, and other ways, yet I cannot retrieve it; if I could, it would be the moſt conſiderable Inſtance in this confuſed Story, but I muſt wave it.

After ſome years in this place he was morally forced to another; the Arguments for his remove took hold of his Conſcience, and thoſe that did ſo, he was not able to reſiſt, tho' never ſo much againſt his Inclination: There he continued till driven away by perſecution, not only from them, but from the County. Some while he wandered about from place to place, like his Maſter, he went up and down doing good, and God was with him.

p. 28Could I hope that it would provoke to holy Emulation, not to ſinful Prejudice, I would be more particular, in naming the ſeveral Counties, and the ſeveral Places, in ſuch Counties where he ſpread the Goſpel, to the apparent detriment of the Devil's Kingdom, and advancement of Chriſt's, and he comfortably ſaw a good Succeſs of his Miniſtry where-ever he came.

But after many weariſome Journeys, and tireſome Labours, his ill frame of Health neceſſitated him to a more fixed Station, near London; where he was greatly importuned to exerciſe his Miniſtry, to which he yielded, upon theſe Conditions; Namely, to be at liberty three Sabbaths in the Month, to preach where he ſhould find need, they being ſupplied by two other worthy Miniſters, and afterwards by one. And this he did 'till bodily p. 29Diſtempers diſenabled him, tho' he was often told it was impoſſible to hold out ſuch a Courſe of Labour, yet his zeal was ſuch, that he could not forbear attempting beyond his ſtrength, tho' to prolong his life.

That lingring Diſtemper which brought him to his Grave, firſt ſeized him upon a wet Journey, about his Maſter's Work, upon which, he was ſo intent, that he Acts 20.24.Acts 20:24counted not his Life dear unto him; It was his only joy to fulfil the Miniſtry which he receiv'd of the Lord Jeſus, to teſtifie the Goſpel of the Grace of God.

Thus I have run over his Courſe of Life, give me leave to be a little more particular in ſome, I wiſh I might not ſay unparalelled Singularities.

p. 30Preaching.His Preaching was remarkable, both in what it was not, as well as in what it was. It was not with enticing words of Man's Wiſdom, He did as induſtriouſly avoid as others do induſtriouſly ſtudy Declamations for Sermons; He took more pains for his Sermons, both on his Knees, and in his Study, then moſt others, that he might Preface all he ſaid with, thus ſaith the Lord.

He conſtantly kept one day in the Week, little other ways than a Faſt for his Lord's-day's work: He would never offer either p. 31to God or Man what coſt him nought; His Praying was always fervent, his Preaching always clear and vehement, his words well fitted to his Matter, and his Matter well choſen for Conviction, and perſwaſion, for Converſion and Edification: And when did he Preach any one Sermon without ſome of theſe Effects? Bear with this Digreſſion, to give you a ſingle Inſtance of Advice he ſome Years after gave to a young Preacher. You will need a double Portion of the Bleſſed Spirit to guide, and p. 32bear you up againſt the Temptations you will meet with from the ſnareling World. 'Tis hard to be lifted up by the Lord and not to lift up our ſelves; your Watch muſt be conſtant, and your Prayers frequent and fervent, or you will forſake your firſt Love, and wax careleſs and carnal; — and afterwards warned him againſt two extreams, viz, Pride and Diffidence, ſaying, if Miniſters were to Preach before a learned and large Auditory, they were too apt to be diffident, more concerned at the Preſence of Man than of God, and on the other hand, if the Aſſembly was popular and mean, and did appear affected; how hard do they find it to ſubdue Pride. But to return, God bleſſed his Labours where-ever he went, a ſpecial Preſence of God accompanied him ni all his Ʋndertaking: For he Preach'd as well out of the Pulpit as in it; p. 33It was ſeldom that any one could ſpeak to him, but he would hook in ſomething of Religion ere they parted.

When he went into any Houſe, he quickly enquired what entertainment Religion met with there, he ſcarce ſpake to any, but he preſently inſinuated ſomething of Practical Godlineſs, for he always declined ſpeaking of Chriſtians different Practice as to Modes of Worſhip, when any ſuch things were ask'd him, he would if poſſible put it off with ſomething elſe, or tell them other Mens Judgments rather than his own; and thro' gracious exerciſe he had a notable Dexterity in putting by Tit. 3.9.Titus 3:9unprofitable Questions, i. e. Queſtions whereby we can profit nothing, and taking occaſion thence, to inculcate p. 34ſomething of real moment. He did not this only in a cuſtomary way of Diſcourſe, as that which he was moſt habituated to, but out of the abundance of his heart his mouth ſpake. His general Converſation towards all was Pious, and Pleaſant, he uſed innocent mirth as an inviting Vehicle to convey his pious Inſtructions. He was plentifully ſtored with very uſeful Narratives of Men, both good and bad; he gathered up excellent Remarks upon the Temper and Carriage of Mankind, which he made uſe of, not only to divert, but to inſtruct; for he would ſometimes pleaſantly droll upon the Miſcarriages of ſome which he thought would not digeſt a direct, and plain Reproof; he that told me this, lived in the Houſe with him, and ſaith, He diligently obſerv'd, and doth not remember, That ever he heard p. 35him rehearſe ſo much as one Story without a manifeſt Deſign either to exhort or warn, or gently to rebuke thoſe to whom it was directed: And this was not only an inſtance of his candid Temper, but of his great Diſcretion, for the Memory is more apt to retain affecting Stories, than meer Precepts, and the Conſcience will make a direct Application of an indirect Reproof: And if the Story be intended to excite Duty, it doth not only imply a Precept, but ſhews the Precedent, which is a great Motive to Induſtry.

p. 36And tho' he was of too ſweet a Temper, willingly to diſpleaſe any, yet he could not but deal ſo plainly with thoſe he converſed with, that when he ſaw any thing to be reprov'd, he would not in a Compliment forbear them, but rebuke them ſharply, that they might be ſound in the Faith. I'll ſingle out one inſtance of a Perſon who was very tender of him in his weakneſs, and expreſſed a more then ordinary concernedneſs for his health; to whom he ſpake to this effect, You are thus kind to me, you ſeem to be very religious, but I fear you are not hearty, nor ſound; and then mentioned the grounds of his fear, and urged a through Conviction.

He did not only himſelf Preach with a more than uſual Zeal; but, I ſhould welcome him who could tell me of any other p. 37who has contributed to the ſetting up or building ſo many Meeting-places, and contributed ſo largely to the ſupplying them with ſuch Miniſters, Work men that need not to be aſhamed as he hath done: He never thought much of any Charge ſo he could but ſerve Chriſt and Souls.

I am loth to mention what unreaſonable Oppoſition he hath met with in ſome places, where they endeavour'd to eclipſe his Reputation, which ſoon ſhone more clearly: But I will rather incur being cenſured for a Baulk in my Narrative, p. 38then for mentioning what I hope the Perſons guilty, have repented of, which if they have not, the Lord give them Repentance and Pardon: And go on to bleſs thoſe places with flouriſhing Churches, where the Devil ſtruggled moſt to keep his dominion: He lived to ſee it, to his great Satisfaction. May the Harveſt anſwer the Seed time to the Salvation of Thouſands.

Catechiſing.Next to his Preaching I'll mention his Catechiſing, which in ſome reſpects, he preferr'd before it, ſaying, if he were to be confined to Preaching or Catechiſing, and might not do both, he would chooſe Catechiſing. He had a more than ordinary Dexterity at inſinuating p. 39Truths, not only into the Heads, but God, hereby teſtifying his Approbation of his Zeal, impreſſed it on the Hearts of greater Numbers then I dare mention, leſt it ſhould ſeem incredible.

He had ſo throughly digeſted the whole Body of Divinity; and ſo throughly acquainted himſelf with all ſorts of Catechiſms, and ſo continually exerciſed himſelf in ſifting and inſtructing all he converſed with, that he experimentally knew how to propoſe ſuch queſtions as were ſutable to the Capacities and Neceſſities of all ſorts of Perſons, ſo as to diſcourage none but to benefit all. He would ask queſtions of all who he thought capable to inform him, and his Humility made him willing to be any Man's Diſciple, what method was moſt likely to be moſt effectual. He parcelled out the Catechiſm into p. 40ſeveral Sections, and ſent them about to his Brethren, requeſting them to write down what they judged pertinent, and proper to be propoſed to the Catechis'd Perſons for the furthering of their Knowledge and their Eſtabliſhment in all things neceſſary to be known and practiſed.

He had a ſingular Dexterity at inſinuating himſelf into the Affections of young People, and overcoming their unwillingneſs to be inſtructed. Some that were more in years, who though they were aſhamed of their Ignorance, but were more aſhamed to learn at that Age, yet were prevailed with, by his importunity, to come to this publick Exerciſe: And where Intreaties and Arguments would not do, he would hire them, by giving them new Bibles (many whereof were gilt, and bound in Turky-Leather) or good Books, p. 41ſo that he hath acknowledged with thankfulneſs to God, that he ſeldom failed to gain at laſt, thoſe who were very averſe at firſt. And though the Inſtruction of young and ignorant People is the uſual deſign in Catechiſing; yet he was ſo full and accurate in illuſtrating the ſeveral Heads of Religion, the aged and more improved Perſons did frequently attend his Catechetical Exerciſes, with great ſatisfaction and delight: For his cuſtom in reading not only bodies of Divinity, but practical Books, was to collect what was moſt valuable in them, and refer them to their proper places in his Catechiſm, which was interleaved for that purpoſe, whereby he was ready furniſht to give a grateful Entertainment, as well to the moſt judicious, as to the meaner Chriſtians. He would often expreſs how difficult as well as p. 42neceſſary this Work was; and therefore he took much pains to have the moſt clear underſtanding of the Doctrine of the Goſpel: He was a diligent Obſerver of the Practice, Method, and Succeſs of his reverend Brethren in this Matter, all which he improved, and his Succeſs was anſwerable to ſuch preparations and endeavours: He would frequently ſay, That he never experienced more of the Aſſiſtance of God in any Duty than in this: God making him an inſtrument of conveying very much knowledge hereby, ſome that had been under his inſtruction have proved moſt judicious and able Chriſtians: In ſhort, he ſaw ſo much need, and ſo much good effect of his Labours in this way, that he would ſay, While he had breath he would p. 43ſpend it in Catechiſing

Beſides his own weekly Catechiſing, and Catechiſing in all the Schools which he erected; He hired ſome Perſons in diſtant places to Catechiſe all Children and others who were willing to learn; and once a Month or oftner, He rode about from place to place to Catechiſe them himſelf; And then to incourage thoſe who did well, he gave ſome Reward, either in Books or Money, according to the Quality of the Perſons. And to incourage Parents and Maſters to ſend their Children or Servants, he preſented them with ſome Books curiouſly p. 44bound and gilt, that might be moſt acceptable, and if they were Poor he gave them many more than they could have earned in the time of their Learning. And his Diſcourſe with Parents, and Maſters was really Catechiſtical, though ſo managed, that they could not think themſelves diſparag'd by ſuch Inſtructions. He had a way of ſo propoſing his Queſtions, that the Queſtion ſhould lead them to, or furniſh them with an Anſwer.

I have occaſionally heard him examin a Boy; his Queſtions were ſuch, as I never heard before, yet ſo inſtructively worded, that any one of ordinary capacity, who took but notice of the Queſtion, could not miſs the right Anſwer. And tho' his way of trying their Knowledge was more critical than others, yet p. 45through Grace and Exerciſe, he had attained ſuch a Skill for it, that his Examinations were not only acceptable, but deſirable, where-ever he came: For he carried with him prevailing Motives that were morally forcible to all ſorts of Perſons. That when he viſited his Schools, the Children would rejoyce more then for a Playday. When he preached in Neighbouring Congregations, they waited for his Catechiſing as earneſtly as Beggars for an Alms.

When he viſited any Family, they expected his Inſtruction, as a Sucking Child the Breaſt.

Yet all this did not ſuffice him but all thoſe Miniſters towards whom he contributed maintenance, which were not a few, he engaged them to ſet up Catechiſing, and enquired how it thrived.

p. 46And all thoſe Miniſters with whom he converſed, he provok'd to ſet up Catechiſing.

He gave away, I can't ſay, how many thouſands of Catechiſms, many hundreds with Expoſitions upon them; neither did he conſine his Catechumeniſts to the Aſſemblies Catechiſm (though the Lord Primate of Armagh ſaid 'twas the beſt Extant ) but he gave very many of Doctor Cumber's, and the Principles of the Chriſtian Religion cleared, and confirmed by the Articles and Homilies of the Church of England by Mr. Thomas Adams.

In ſhort, he did not content himſelf to receive a Parrot like anſwer, to any form of Words whatſoever, but his conſtant Endeavours were to make them underſtand p. 47the Things. Frequently and greatly he bewailed the lamentable Ignorance that overſpreads the Nation. He did often pathetically cry out you do not believe, you can hardly conceive the groſs Ignorance of this great City. The palpable Darkneſs of this valley of Viſion. Many Perſons he diſcovered to be abſurdly ignorant under conceited Knowledge. I'll give but one inſtance.

When he was inquiring into the Knowledge of a Self-conceited old Woman of a different way, ſhe ſaid, ſhe knew very well, and underſtood the whole Bible, only knew not what to make of the Viſion of the white Horſe in the Revelation, ſaid he, you are a happy Woman, would I could ſay ſo: But pray how do you underſtand that of Canaan, being a Land p. 48flowing with Milk and Honey? What do you think, there was ſuch abundance of it, that it flowed upon the Land, as Water doth? Yes, ſure ſaid ſhe, how could it be otherways? I ſee now, ſaid he, how well you underſtand the Scriptures, and thence he took occaſion to convince and inſtruct her.

To one whom he urged to Catechiſe Children, who ſaid, he ſaw little fruit of it among young ones, He replied, never talk ſo, if you cannot make them bear fruit, you may make them bear leaves; When another ſaid they ſaw but little remain of it; he call'd for a Sieve, and ſome Water, at firſt they thought him not in earneſt, but when he perſiſted to call, they brought it, he bid them pour the Water into the Sieve, which when they had done, Look here, ſaid he, moſt of it is run through, but ſome p. 49remains, here's a Dew, a Moiſture.

In ſhort, I'll only ſay, I never heard of any that took ſo much Pains, Coſt, and Care about Catechiſing as he: His Heart was in it, living and dying.

His Charity.Next to this, take a view of his Charity; And here, tho' I can give but general Heads far ſhort of its true extent, both as to Places, and Times, Poſterity will reap the Fruits of his Charity, more than I may mention; yea I wiſh it may not be more, than I can perſwade any to imitate; here let me mention that, under ſeveral Heads, which if you think your Charity can't run in ſo many Channels, yet chuſe what likes ye beſt, but imitate ſome of them.

p. 50He evidenced himſelf to be the genuine Son of his Heavenly Father, by doing good to all, to the Bodies and to the Souls of all manner of Perſons, though with great difference and judgment.

I'll begin with the loweſt, who leaſt taſted of his Charity; and indeed they leaſt ſought it, for I queſtion not if they would not have ſpill'd the Sauce, they might have had the Meat, if they would but have accepted the Counſel with which he ſauced his Alms, for I think I may peremptorily ſay, He never gave any thing without ſutable and earneſt Inſtruction, thoſe who accepted that might have any thing they deſired. This premiſed my firſt inſtance ſhall be this.

p. 511. When wicked wretches have come to him to beg or borrow Money; after he had taken ſome pains with them, to convince and reform them he hath given, or lent to them, hoping it might be at leaſt a hiring of them to be leſs vitious. But he had feweſt, tho' ſome he had of theſe Cuſtomers. Profligate Perſons ſhun'd coming near him, their Conſciences frighting them, with his charming conviction. 'Twas Chriſt's Poor towards whom his Charity flowed.

2. Neceſſitous Perſons or Families always found his Heart, and Hand open, for their relief, and that not dribbling Alms, becauſe they would not be anſwered without giving them ſomething, but the ſomething he gave them was always ſomewhat anſwerable to their neceſſities, having an extraordinary p. 52value for real Saints, though they were never ſo poor and mean.

3. He took poor Children from indigent Parents, and wholly maintained them, put them to Trades, and ſet them up in the World: Or, if they were capable of a more liberal Education they had it, being a great Encourager of young Men to the Miniſtry: I cannot forbear telling you of one, whom God took to glory, a little before he took himſelf, who was a Candidate for the Miniſtry, of curious Parts, polite Learning, ſerious Godlineſs, an excellent Preacher, of moſt obliging Converſation; but we muſt Pſal. 39.9.Ps 39:9be dumb with ſilence, for God hath done it. Several others he hath been a Foſter Father to.

p. 534. He ſet up petty Schools in ſeveral places to teach Children to read and to learn their Catechiſm; and he contrived it to be double Charity namely to the Teacher and to the Learner.

And ſince, he came nearer London he hath hired a Writing Maſter to come into ſome Families, to teach ſome Servants, who had no time to go to School, to learn to Write, and caſt Accompts.

Any one who applied himſelf to him, by himſelf, or by any one elſe, though a meer Stranger, whoſe face was ſet Heaven-ward, who was poor and willing to learn, thoſe were Arguments ſufficient to p. 54draw out his Heart and Purſe for their Inſtruction, in anything they were capable of attaining for further uſefulneſs. 'Tis next to impoſſible to name the Inſtances of his Soul Charity, 'twas as diffuſive yet as ſecret as 'twas poſſible. I'll mention one inſtance among many. I take, ſaid he, more delight in thinking this one Man (he was ſpeaking of) will e're long be ſerviceable to the World, then if any had given my ſelf a hundred Pounds.

5. His ſpreading of the moſt Awakening, Convincing, Practical Books, to provoke, and encourage ſerious Godlineſs. This is one of the things that's hardly credible, not only Books of ſmall price, as Thouſands, if not Ten thouſands of Catechiſms, many of them with p. 55Expoſitions; but bigger Books I cannot ſay how many thouſands of Sheppard's Sincere Convert, Mr. Richard Allein's Vindiciae Pietatis, Mr. Joſeph Allein of Converſion and his Life; Several of Mr. Baxter's Treatiſes, his Call to the Ʋnconverted, his Now, or Never, his Directions to prevent miſcarrying in Converſion, his Saint's Reſt, &c. with ſeveral others. One thing I had almoſt forgot about Mr. Joſeph Allein's Treatiſe of Converſion which ſeveral (of whom he was the chief) agreed for an Impreſſion to be given away, (they altering the Title into [A Guide to Heaven] (to make it more acceptable) He paid down 50 l. at firſt as an Earneſt, beſides more afterwards for that Impreſſion of Twenty p. 56Thouſand to be diſperſed through the Kingdom of England, and Dominion of Wales, and (I think I may ſay) there hath been Twenty Thouſand more printed ſince to be ſold at under rates: And he gave not only the Writings of Non-Conformiſts, but of Conformiſts, namely Pink's Tryal of Sincere Love to Chriſt, Caley of Eternity, Wade of Redemption of Time, Dent's Plain-man's Pathway to Heaven, Scudder's Daily-walk, Reiner's Precepts, &c. But he gave Books of greater price; As the Books of Martyrs in Three Volumes, Charnock's Works in Two Volumes, ſeveral Annotators on the Bible, ſeveral Commentators on the Holy Scriptures, ſeveral neceſſary Libraries to young Students and Candidates for the p. 57Miniſtry. There was no place where he came, and he was providentially drawn or driven into many Counties, but he ſtored the Houſes of all that would accept of his kindneſs with Books of Devotion. I know not whether ever he gave away any one Book of Controverſie, unleſs it were Pool's Nullity of the Roman Faith, and his Dialogue between a Popiſh Prieſt, and an Engliſh Proteſtant. He was always for Promoting down right Practical Godlineſs.

But above all his Stratagems to diſperſe goods Books, I cannot but prefer his Device for the ſpreading of the Bible, I cannot ſay how many hundreds, if not thouſands, he gave away. But he found this would not reach his p. 58end, many would rather be without Bibles than put him upon the Charge of giving them. Therefore he took this courſe, which ſucceeded to his heart's deſire, by himſelf, or Friends, he ſold Bibles at Eighteen Pence a Bible to all that deſired them for themſelves, or their Children, or Servants, provided, not to ſell them again. And by this means very many who refus'd them gratis, Catcht at them, at this under rate, whereby they were furniſhed with Bibles, and ſomething returned towards the buying of more, and this is the only trade, he ever drove with Books. He ſaw comfortable Fruits p. 59of his Liberality in giving Books ſome were converted, more were edified by this ſpiritual Charity; though he did not confine theſe Gifts to the Poor, but gave alſo to the Rich, both Bibles, and other Books, which he had extraordinarily bound, that they might be the more generally accepted, and he contrived ſuch Books to ſuch Perſons, that he was ſeldom diſappointed of Succeſs, though ſometimes he was; to give one inſtance, He once gave Wade's Treatiſe of the Redemption of Time curiouſly bound to a young Miniſter, who at firſt received it kindly; but when he began to read it, he finding Mr. Baxter quoted in it, he haſtily returned it, not enduring to read any thing that Mr. Baxter had written. But I'll cloſe the Narrative of his giving Books with this Story.

p. 60Some Years ſince, when the times were more hazardous to Diſſenters, A. N. C. Miniſter of his acquaintance, being unavoidably neceſſitated to undertake a Journey of above Two hundred Miles in length, when he could not at any reaſonable rates get any Lawyer, or other, to go with him, to adviſe him, in the Difficulties he foreſaw he ſhould meet with; Mr. Brand ſurprizingly offered, what could not be impudently askt, charitably to go with him, and give him his beſt aſſiſtance: 'Twas not then ſafe to be known to be a Diſſenting Miniſter; he therefore concealed himſelf (though his Friend muſt venture, being known in the Place whither he went) but carried down a conſiderable quantity of Catechiſms and good Books in the Coach with him. And in every Inn where he lodged, or but baited at Noon, he would not be many p. 61Minutes there before ('twas ſo familiar to him to inſinuate ſomething for the good of Souls) he would be fiſhing out whether any was, and who was capable and pliable to receive Inſtruction; and if he found any, he would preſently faſten upon their Conſciences, given them Counſel, and Catechiſms, or other Books according as their caſe required. At one place, a Servant was ſo affected, as to go after him (the Town being ſcituate upon an Hill) while he walked down hill, before he went into the Coach, begging to be taken with him to London, having never heard ſo much about Soul-concerns before, nor ever expecting the like again, unleſs this requeſt were granted: He promiſed to call there at his return, but the Coach-man without his knowledge went back another way. At another Inn, when he met with a Youth, that he found p. 62capable, he gave him a Catechiſm, and promiſed if he would learn it by his return, which would be about a week, he would give him five Shillings, which he did and had his reward. At another Inn, where he met with a School-maſter, he perſwaded and encouraged him to ſeaſon his Scholars with the knowledge of thoſe things, whereby they might be ſaved. The Stock of Books he carried down did not hold out all his Journey, but he ſent down upon his return up, at once as many as coſt above eight Pounds. At one Inn, where he gave Books in his going down, ſome of them fell into thoſe hands, who way-laid his coming up, at the time he ſaid he ſhould return, that they might clap him in Priſon for ſpreading of Seditious Books (that is the Character they put upon Mr. Baxter's Call to the Ʋnconverted, of which there hath p. 63been printed as ſome gueſs a Hundred Thouſand, ſo generally acceptable and profitable hath it been; 'tis impoſſible for me to tell you how many have been Converted by it) but here I muſt not conceal, the chief Contrivance was againſt the Miniſter, he accompanied and their Deſign againſt him failing (a deſign more full of baſe Ingratitude and Treachery than ever any you heard of, but that is foreign to this account) they contrived this deſign againſt Mr. Brand, but God diſappointed them in this alſo, for the Night before they were to ſet out to return, one of the Coach-Horſes fell ſo lame (not known how) that in the Morning he could hardly be led to watering, and ſo continued two or three days, till they were weary of waiting for his return, ſo that he paſt the place unmoleſted. Thus, E… 8 31.the Hand of God was upon him, to deliver him from the hand p. 64of his Enemies, and of ſuch as laid wait by the way. God delivered him, without his knowing that he needed any ſuch deliverance. I know not whether ever he knew of the main Contrivance, for that lay undiſcovered ſeveral Years, till the chief Contriver revealed it under horror of Conſcience, for that and other unſuſpected Abominations; only this was at preſent plainly remarkable, that a Horſe ſhould be ſuddainly ſo lame as ſcarce to bear being dragg'd to watering, and ſuddainly ſo well, as to go above Two hundred Miles without halting. p. 65One as ſoon as he came into his Inn where they intended to have ſeized upon him, askt him; Why he came not the day in the former week, as he mentioned in his going down? and another dropt it afterwards, that if he had come then, ſome were ready to apprehend him for the Books he gave away. Should I add more inſtances, 'twould be more than need. I'll therefore mention ſome of his Infirmities; which may ſerve as a Shadow to his ill drawn Picture.

As to the World, though he was too wiſe, and prudent to be impoſed upon in his worldly Affairs, yet there was one Snare he frequently run into for many Years, namely, he was not only charitable himſelf, but he did many times as Moſes fetch Water out of a Rock of Flint, Deut. 8.15.Deut 8:15he got ſomething for charitable Uſes, where none elſe p. 66could; but in one of his methods, he was often deceived; he would perſwade ſome to promiſe or ſubſcribe ſo much by the Year to ſome good work, either the Education of a Youth, or the relieving of ſome Miniſter, or ſomething that might promote the Goſpel, they would give, and pay, one or two quarters, and then leave the charge wholly upon him: He was too apt to think that when he had perſwaded them to an act of Charity, that that would preſently grow up to an habit, but he felt the difference to his coſt.

Another miſtake that made his Life uneaſie, was this: He had many years ago ſuch ſharp pains, as he thought proceeded from the Stone in the Bladder, he was confirmed in this by being ſearcht, by the moſt celebrated Lithotomiſt in this City, who ſaid he felt it, the return of thoſe pains frighted p. 67him into the Expectation of a Neceſſity of being Cut, and this laſted all his days; but upon the opening of his Body by his Phyſicians, who deſired to ſee where lay the cauſe of that Diſeaſe which was hid from them; they found that he had neither in his Kidneys, nor in his Ʋreters, nor in his Bladder any Stone, nor ſo much as any gravel tending to it, thus you ſee, much of our real trouble ariſeth from thoſe evils which are but imaginary; this was an uncomfortable miſtake, but the laſt I ſhall mention was fatal; namely, his too great careleſneſs of himſelf, he did too much for others, and too little for himſelf to hold out long, though he lived of a ſlender, weak ſort of diet, yet he often ſpeak grudgingly of the time that was neceſſarily ſpent in eating and drinking; very much longing for the place, where he ſhould need p. 68no ſupports of that nature. When he was declining apace towards his end, he uſed to ſay, if he were younger, or could bear riding, he would fix at no one place, but go about the Country, where he found moſt need, and there preach the Goſpel, Catechiſe the Younger ſort, diſtribute good Books; erect Places for Divine Worſhip, and fix Miniſters at them; This would have been his delightful Employment, but when that Perſon to whom he freely communicated his thoughts, told him, his Work was greatly diſproportionable to his ſtrength, and requeſted him to leave off, what viſibly impaired p. 69his health, to work leſs, that he might work long. He with ſome quickneſs anſwered, Nay then, 'tis no matter if I were dead indeed; he thanked God he did not deſire Life meerly for its own ſake, nor for any thing of the Pleaſure, or Profit of it, but only for the Work he was at, ſaying, He had rather die that moment, than live and not be uſeful to the World. I am juſt gone, but if God give Faith and Patience, all will be well, and have a glorious Iſſue. He expreſſed a comfortable, aſſurance and ſpoke p. 70as one that had arrived to the top of it, and at parting, deſired Prayers a little while, for ſaid he, I ſhall not need them long.

To ſum up his charitable Expences as computed by an intelligent Perſon, as well able to pry into Concealments as moſt Men I know, who had the faireſt Opportunity by living ſome Years with him under the ſame Roof, who told me, that, they (beſides what he could not find out) to his Knowledge amounted to above Three Hundred Pound per Annum one Year with another. And he himſelf hath ſometimes drop't this Expreſſion, He would not Sell p. 71his Eſtate, becauſe it was Entail'd, but he would Squeeze it as long as he lived, which he hath done for I know not how many Years. He would often ſay, He would accept of no Man's Eſtate, if he muſt have his Hands tyed up from his making uſe of it on Spiritual Accounts, and would very much pity the miſerable Condition of wicked Rich Men, the Truth (in ſhort) was this, His Zeal for doing Good was ſo tranſporting, that he could as ſoon ceaſe to live, as ceaſe to attempt it, A double Inſtance we have of this, there was one place where he was contriving to ſettle a Miniſter, and another place where he was endeavouring to build a Meeting-Place when he died.

p. 72And now having mentioned his Death, I will give you ſome Account of the Circumſtances of it: About three Years ſince, his being wet in a Journey about his Maſters Work, caſt him into a violent Fever, which may be called his laſt Sickneſs, for he never well recovered of it, but was followed with a Complication of many grievous Diſeaſes, ſometimes his Legs ſwelled, threatning a Dropſie, ſometimes great pain in his ſide, as if he had a Pleuriſie, ſometimes all over him, as if he had a Rheumatiſm. But eſpecially he was afflicted with an Aſthma which made him unable to walk, to go up a pair of Stairs was almoſt death to him: Theſe things gave contrary Indications; and therefore made his cure the more difficult. In theſe ſtraits he was often let blood, and relieved by it till his Friends were afraid of his proper remedy.

p. 73Tho' he was lingering almoſt three Years, yet he was never obſerved to have any unquiet Motion of Mind, but had always a ſerene and humble Submiſſion to the ſovereign Will of God; he did often bewail his own Imperfections, and ſmall knowledge of God and Chriſt, and expreſt his longing Deſires of ſeeing God face to face. A while before his death he did often ſay, What is the World! 'Tis not worth a ſtraw. O my God, I would be with thee, Oh, how I long to be with Chriſt my dear Redeemer: This he ſpake with great earneſtneſs; Oh my God bring me to thy ſelf. Whereupon he ſpake p. 74much of the Glory to be revealed, and inſiſted on thoſe words, I will be your God. What greater Gift could he give? He gave himſelf. He gave all. Then he was rapt up into a ſerious Amazement and deep Admiration, and cried out, Oh, my God! my God what is ſinful Man! Worm-man! What manner of Love is this! Love indeed! Oh, I cannot expreſs it!

He deſired one to read to him, John 17.22. And the Glory which thou gaveſt me, I have given them, &c. The very hearing of which put him into an ecſtaſie of Joy, and he deſired him to read of Chriſt's p. 75Love. 14.15.16.17. of John. Some of which he then read to him. A while after, ſpeaking to one about Family Prayer, he ſaid, a Camel may as well go through the Eye of a Needle as a Man that prays not in his Family go to Heaven. He prayed much for the Enlargement of Chriſt's Kingdom. The Evening before he died, this Perſon was with him from one of the Clock in the Afternoon till Six, during which time he was poſſest with ſuch foretaſtes of heavenly Joys that made him earneſtly cry out, O let me be with thee! With thee, Oh my God! Oh, I long for Heaven! Oh, welcome Death! Oh, happy Death that will put an end to all p. 76my Troubles and Conflicts, one moment in Abraham's Boſom will make amends for all, turn Sorrow to Joy. What a dreadful appearance will there be at the Great Day? What a ſad thing will it be to be diſappointed at laſt and come ſhort of Heaven! O my Redeemer liveth, I have ſerved a good Maſter! I would not deſire Life for a moment, unleſs it was to promote the Intereſt p. 77of Chriſt. If God would give me my choice what I would ask, I would not ask Life. Nay, I have prayed to God that I might die. Why ſo, ſaid a By-ſtander? That I may, ſaid he, be with God. Upon which he cried out, O my God, I would come to thee! Let me live with thee! Here he added ſomething with a peculiar Fervour, which bearing hard on ſome, he thought too remiſs in their ſpiritual Warfare. I forbear to mention, but if this hint twitch any Man's Conſcience, let him not ſlight it. His laſt p. 78words to this relater were, Pray much.

What follows is from another intelligent credible Perſon, about Nine of the Clock ſitting in a muſing Poſture, he ſtarted up of a ſuddain, prayed with ſuch ardency of affection, with ſuch Power and Joy, that amazed all the Family: Wherein he admired God's Goodneſs and diſtinguiſhing Love, and begged to be made more fit for the Inheritance of the Saints in Light. When he had done, being p. 79ask'd the reaſon of ſuch a ſuddain Motion. He anſwered, 'Twas to rouſe up his Soul to Heavenly Meditation.

As he was going to bed, he did with concernedneſs of Mind, ſay, There will be a Cry at Midnight, prepare, prepare, which accordingly fell out, for when he went to bed, though he was no otherways affected then formerly, he was immediately taken with a Vomiting of Blood, whereof he died in a few hours. And now I'll ſay no more, leſt I loſe my end of ſaying ſo much. I muſt draw a Vail over the face of this our Moſes, leſt it caſt ſuch a Luſtre, as ill Eyes can't behold it: p. 80In ſhort, all that I have ſaid tends but to this (next, praiſes to God for caſting him in our Age) to be a Provocation to take Chriſt's Counſel to the Lawyer, Luk. 10.37.Luke 10:37Go and do thou likewiſe.

The End.