A Collection of the Lives of Ten Eminent Divines, Biography 10 – Title page

A Collection of the Lives of Ten Eminent Divines · Biography 10 – Title page

p. 274The Life and Death of Dr. Robert Harris, who dyed Anno Christi 1658.

Robert Harris was born in a dark time,His Birth. and place at Broad-Campden in Glocestershire Anno Christi 1578. His Father had the repute of a very wise, and understanding man, and his Mother of a very devout, and charitable woman, under whose wings he spent his childhood: but he acknowledged it as a matter of grief to him all his life, that he preferred his play before reading the Scriptures to his parents at their call. So soon as he was fit for it, he was set to a Free-school at Chipping-Cambden, where he met with a double discouragement; the first was from the often change of his Schoolmasters by reason of the small salary that came to them: The second proceeded from the fierce and cruel carriage of others, which (as he used often to say) was the bane of many young Schollars; and though for his own part, he remembred not that he had smarted under a Rod in any School, yet the sight of the severity used to others, brought such a trembling and sadness upon his spirit, that he could not shake it off to his dying day.

From thence he was removed to the School at Worcester, His going to …xford.under the care of Mr. Bright, and on the Sabbaths he heard that Reverend and Learned Dr. Robet Abbots; and being furnished with School-learning, he went from thence to Magdalen-Hall p. 275in Oxford, being allyed to the Principal, Mr. Lyster.

There he shewed a more than ordinary desire of Learning, and having but little help either from the Principal, or his Tutor, he followed his private studies with the more earnestness; yet all this while he enquired little into the wayes and truths of God.

His Tutor not long after leaving the Hall, he earnestly solicited the Principal, that he might be committed to the care of one Mr. Goffe of Magdalen College, who was noted for a very good Logician and Disputant, but withal he was accounted a Puritan, which made the Principal (who was Popishly affected) to disswade his choice; but he (not out of love to Religion, but Learning) persisted in his desires, and prevailed.

Mr. Goffe having thus received him into his charge, required him, that with the rest of his fellow-Pupils, he should joyn in reading the Scriptures, Repetition of Sermons and Prayer; which new course, he being unaccustomed to, was somewhat troubled at it, observing that none of the Seniors imbraced that way, and yet it was such as he knew not how to contradict. This caused him oft to betake himself to his private Prayers, wherein he begged of God, either to discover to him the falshood, if his Tutor had any design upon him to corrupt him,His Convers or if this course were pleasing to God, that then he would confirm him in it; and it pleased God after a while so to resolve him, that he bought a Bible, and with indefatigable pains he applied himself to the reading of that, and other good Authours in Divinity.

p. 276Shortly after Mr. Goffe refuseth to continue his Tutor, onelyonly agrees that they would conjoyn their studies together, Mr. Goffe reading Philosophy to Mr. Harris, and Mr. Harris reading Greek to him, and from Greek they proceeded to Hebrew, in which study some other of the Fellows joyned with them, whereof one afterwards was President; and besides these studies, his Tutor and he agreed to read Calvins Institutions by turns, which course they continued as long as their other occasions, and exercises would permit.

Having for a while been Bachelor of Arts, he was willing to try his fitness for the Ministry, because otherwise his Father would have him to the study of the Law; and having prepared a Sermon, he proffered his pains at Chipping-Cambden; Woful ignorance.but such was the wofull ignorance of those times, that in the greater Town he knew not where to procure a Bible to carry with him into the Pulpit; yet at last being directed to the Vicar there, he indeed had a Bible, but it could not be …ound, having not been seen of some moneths before; yet search being made he was furnished with a Bible, and after Prayer made, he took for his Text those words, Rom. 10. 1. Brethren, my hearts desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved; His first Sermon.and his Sermon was highly commended, and yet himself would say, that he was a loser by the bargain. 1▪ Because his heart swelled upon it. 2. Because his carnal Friends hereupon called on him to give over University studies, and to come amongst them, as having learning enough.

His Father also (having many other children to provide for) was willing to ease his charge, and therefore p. 277applied himself to some persons of eminency both in Church and State, to get some preferment for him: But he, being willing to decline publick imployment for the present, humbly intreated his Father, that what he would hereafter bestow upon him for a Patrimony, he would be pleased for the present to allow it him for his maintenance in Oxford, that he might perfect his studies there, which his Father at last condescending to,His return … Oxford. he returned with joy to Oxford. But behold Gods providence! He had not been long at Oxford before a fearful Plague brake out in that place, which so scattered the University that few were left remaining, in which case he was again put to his shifts; loath he was to return home, and whither else to betake himself he knew not; till at last, by a special Providence, he was invited to the house of one Mr. Doyly, five miles from Oxford, a Gentleman of a very antient Family in that County,A special P…vidence. and a great Friend to the Gospel, whose wife also was eminent for knowledge, and piety, to them therefore Mr. Harris goes for the present.

Coming to Mr. Doylyes, he there met with one Mr. Prior, a prudent godly man, and of an excellent spirit, who being much weakned by two wracking diseases, of the Stone and Gout, and overburdened with preaching both on the Sabbaths and Fasts, enjoyned upon the occasion of the Plague, in meer pity, Mr. Harris holp him a turn or two, which he performed with so good approbation, that presently he was set upon, both by Mr. Doyly, Mr. Prior, and some others, that he could not withstand their importunity, but was necessitated to preach with them, at least during p. 278the continuance of those extraordinary Fasts. Mr. Harris pleaded that he was not an Ordained Minister, and therefore durst not meddle with any thing but preaching; neither with that, but till he could be Ordained. This they assented to, and during his abode amongst them, he met with ample requit…ls from the good Gentleman, and his Wife, and great encouragement from the people.

About this time there was a fearful Eclipse upon the Church;Ministers suspended. many eminent Ministers were suspended both from their Office and Benefices, and amongst them, those three bright shining Stars, Mr. Dod, Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Lancaster. Upon this occasion Sir Anthony Cope, who had formerly placed, and now lost Mr. Dod at Hanwell, and Mr. Cleaver at Drayton, became a Suter to his brother Doyly (for so he was by marriage) for the enjoyment of Mr. Harris. Mr. Doyly entertained this unwelcome motion with great regret, as being wholly unwilling to part with one whom he so much prized, yet after a long debate, it was judged most beneficial for the publick, and therefore could not be resisted.

Mr. Harris went to Hanwell with much grief and fear,His remove to Hanwell. where he found the temper of the Country to be this: Preach he might and welcome, but they would own no man for their Pastor but those who were ejected: At last it was concluded that Mr. Harris should preach to both Congregations whilst Authority would permit, and so long as there was any hope of recovering their former Pastors, this gave some satisfaction, yet was it not sufficient, becasue Mr. Harris was not fully of their former Pastors minde.

p. 279Just at the same time it fell out that Mr. Whately came to Banbury, Mr. Whately a… Banbury.and met with no less a share in the peoples displeasure, who though they could not except against his Ministry (he being endowed with excellent parts) yet they quarrelled, because his judgement about Ceremonies was not the same with that of their former Teachers; and the truth is, they both had a sad time of it for a great while, notwithstanding all the prudence and moderation which Sir Anthony Cope, and Mr. Dod shewed to the quieting of them.

After a while, Archbishop Bancroft finding that the silenced Ministers would not yeeld, presented two Chaplains to Hanwell and Drayton, upon pretence of a lapse: But Sir Anthony Cope, sitting then in Parliament, took one or two of the House with him, and presented his two Clerks to the Archbishop, who after a long contest, was content to admit his presentation; but Sir Anthony having spoken in that Parliament against insufficient Ministers, not without reflexion upon the Archbishops, and Bishops, Archbishop Bancroft could not but resent this, and therefore referred his Clerks to be strictly examined by his ablest Chaplain. The Chaplain, having as it seems, his lesson beforehand, brings in the Clerk designed for Hanwell (which Mr. Harris had declined) as altogether insufficient, though a grave and discreet Divine. Mr. Harris was returned, mediocriter doctus, moderately learned. The Archbishop being not satisfied with this last account, desires Bishop Barlow, who was present with him, to make some further proof of Mr. Harris, and the Bishop being an active and witty man, was glad of p. 280the opportunity, and deals with Mr. Harris, first in Divinity, but most in other Learning, and Greek, wherein the Bishops excellency lay, and both of them so long Greeked it, till they were both gravelled for want of words, whereupon they both laughed, and so gave over. The Bishop going in to the Archbishop, in his report (as Mr. Harris expressed it) set him up as much too high, as the Chaplain had set his Fellow too low. The Archbishop hearing the Bishops testimony, was content to admit Mr. Harris, He is setled at Hanwell.but upon condition that he might have Hanwell, which was easily assented to by Sir Anthony, having before designed it for him, and Mr. Dod also was present to testifie his concurrent desire; the only stick with Mr. Harris was, that he was fearful to succeed so famous a Divine; which answer was not pleasing to the Archbishop, though at present he courted Mr. Dod.

A new Pastor being thus placed at Hanwell, and withall, Drayton being furnished with a godly prudent man [Mr. Scudder] there were now three neighbours, who were linked together, not onelyonly in judgement and affection, but also in affinity; for Mr. Harris married Mr. Whatelyes sister,His Marriage. and Mr. Scudder his wives sister, and these three for a while met weekly together, and by turns translated and Analysed e…ch his Chapter, till multitudes of publick imployments caused them to desist.

Not long after there befell Mr. Harris his wife, upon the birth of her first childe, a long and sore affliction,His Affliction which was (as Mr. Dod told him) but to season, and fit him for his work; and Mr. Harris himself would oft say, that he had been quite spoyled, had he not p. 281thus been taken down; for young Ministers know not what ground they tread on, till God layes them flat.

This, and some other clouds being blown over, the weather seemed now to clear up, and his people began to relish his Ministry, and much comfort he found in the neghbourhood of many godly Ministers, on one side he had Mr. Cleaver, a very solid Text-man, on the other Mr. Lancaster, a very humble, and self-denying man, who though by birth he was a good Gentleman, and had sometime been Fellow in Kings College in Cambridge, Mr. Lancaster a learned and humble man.where he had read sundry publick Lectures, and made many Speeches, and (as Dr. Collins, that Master of Language used to say) delivered himself in as pure Latine as ever Tully spake, having no other Notes to help him, but what he wrote upon his own nails; yet this good man, thus accomplished with all learning, contented himself with a Living that was not worth 40 l. per annum, and in his preaching made no noyse of any learning at all. When I was young I knew this Mr. Lancaster, he was a very little man of stature, but eminent, as for other things, so especially for his living by Faith.Life of Faith His charge being great, and his means so small, his wife would many times come to him when she was to send her maid to Banbury Market to buy provision, and tell him that she had no money; his usual answer was, Yet send your maid, and God will provide; and though she had no money, yet she never returned empty, for one or other that knew her to be Mr. Lancasters maid, either by the way, or in Banbury Town meeting her, would give her money, which still supplied their present wants.

p. 282But above all his Neighbours,Mr. Dods Character. Mr. Harris still most respected Mr. Dod, and concerning him was fully of Mr. Cartwrights minde, that he was the fittest man in England for a Pastoral Office; he was able to speak to any mans capacity; he was never out of the Pulpit, for all his discourses were Sermons, which he intermixed with such variety of delightful expressions, and similitudes, as would take with any man. The truth is, he was a very eloquent man both in English, and Latine, and so facetious and pithy, that Mr. Harris used to say often, That if all his Apothegmes were gathered together, they would exceed all that Plutarch had written in Greek, and others since his time in Latine had published. For some years Mr. Harris had the happiness to live with, and near this man of God, and that in such a conjunction as greater could not be.

During the time of their converse, they studied together,How Mr. Dod prized him. and daily read a Chapter in the Original together. And after Mr. Dod was restored to the liberty of his Ministry in another Diocess, he would not expound a Text, preach a Sermon, answer a case of Conscience (whereof many were daily brought to him) without the concurrence of Mr. Harris with him, so highly did that eminent Divine prize him, and would often blame him for his reservedness and unwillingness to put forth himself.

Mr. Dod being (as was said before) removed into Northamptonshire to Fausley, God was pleased to supply his want by the resort of sundry young Students from Oxford to Hanwell, so that Mr. Harris his house was a little Academy; and amongst others, he took p. 283much comfort in Mr. Pemble (who would do nothing, especially in Divinity, without his advice) as also Mr. Capel, who oft resorted to him in his grievous conflicts and temptations for advice and succour, and also in his well known Treatise of Temptations.

Whilst he was at Hanwell he had frequent calls to London, His invitatio… to London.sometimes to Pauls Cross, sometimes to preach before Parliaments, and other sometimes at Country-Feasts, which occasioned many invitations to places there: But of all the Auditories, that of Saviours in Southwark was most grateful to him, and there he could have spent the remainder of his dayes if his voyce would have reached so great an Assembly. From thence he was invited to some lesser Churches, but God had not yet finished his work by him at Hanwell, and therefore something or other still interposed. Probably he had closed with Aldermanbury, had not the then Bishop of London [Land] complemented him out of it, commending his Conscio ad Clerum at Oxford, and promising him better preferment than he thought he should merit. Some other offers were made to him, but still he met with some cross Providence, which made him come to a resolution to end where he began.

At Hanwell he went over many Scriptures,His Labou… at Hanwell. but his people found least good from that which cost him most pains, viz. his Sermons upon the Colossians, which Epistle he preached throughout. Indeed at that time he thought he could not speak too highly to a people who had been so taught, but upon further trial he found that he could not go too low, so that (as some of his hearers after told him) his pains upon that p. 284Epistle was wholly lost as to them. His Sermons upon Historical Scriptures, best pleased most of his auditors; but with himself, and the more spiritual sort, his labours upon the Book of the Canticles prevailed most, the Notes whereof he was often pressed to make publick, which he refused upon a double account. 1. Because a great part of them were lost, and dyed with Dr. Preston, to whom he had lent them, and whom he used to call, A needlese engrosser of other mens Notes. 2. He less satisfied himself in his elder years, in divers passages of that mysterious Book. Yet if the world were at leasure to hear old men speak, it might be very useful to collect those dispersed Papers, and it is hoped that some of his near Relations (who best know his hand, and method in writing) may take some pains therein for the publick good.

At Hanwell Mr. Harris continued preaching for about forty years,His frequent preaching and success. a constant, pain…ul, and faithfull Preacher, both upon the …abbaths, and other occasions which fell out often; for when he came thither, he found that there had been an accustomed course of preaching upon such Festival dayes (then so called) which might not enter…ere with the Lecture or Market at Banbury, which he also kept up, especially on Easter, and Whitson Mundayes, unto which, multitudes of Christians resorted far and near, as the Doves to the windows, yet without any superstition. And on the morrow, they were entertained with the like Feast at Banbury by Mr. Wheatley. O, what a Faire of souls was then held at Hanwell and Banbury by these two Brothers? How did Religion then flourish, and Professors thrive like the Calves in their stalls? The truth p. 285is, these Preachers carved out sound and wholesome food, and their hearers came with good stomacks, expecting what they found, viz. Milk for Babes, and strong meat for strong men, and accordingly did grow thereby. In those dayes godly Preachers stuffed not their Sermons with aiery notions, and curious speculations, but sought out profitable matter, which they delivered in sound words, and in plain method of Doctrine, Reason, and Use, accommodating themselves to every mans capacity, and God gave them a plentifull Harvest in that Country.

These his imployments at home (together with his natural Bookishness) made him less forward to engage in Lectures abroad, onelyonly he was one in a combination at Dedington in Oxfordshire; and for sometime he kept a Lecture alone at Stratford upon Avon in Warwickshire every other week,His Lectur at Stratford upon …von unto which there was a great resort both of the chief Gentry, and choisest Preachers and Professors in those parts, and amongst them, that Noble and Learned Knight, Sir Thomas Lucy of Charlcot had alwayes a great respect for him.

About this time a great Living in the Country was offered him, about which he was very indifferent, and indeed, was but very indifferently dealt with in it, which occasioned him to say, That he never bore any thing more impatiently than the abuse of Religion to base and private ends, and, that carnal policy, would render Profession despicable at least, whilst some men took such a liberty to themselves in equivocating and dawbing; and the reason of such mens success was, not because they had more wit than others, but more boldness to say and do what others durst not.

p. 286All this while he continued at Hanwell in much prosperity, and the Neighbours thereabouts frequented his Sermons, amongst whom he received the greatest seals of his Ministry:Rel…gion flourisheth. But though he found so much encouragement from abroad, yet we must not forget his people at home, who were so far brought into a conformity, that at sometimes there was not a Family in the Town where Gods Name was not in some measure called upon, nor a person that refused to be prepared by him for the Lords Supper.

And as the Lord was thus pleased to bless,Gods blessing upon his outward estate. and succeed his labours, so he caused him to thrive in his outward estate likewise, which himself could not but take notice of; for though his means was not great, and his children many, for whose sakes he kept a Schoolmaster, and the resort of Friends to his house not small, both on Sabbath dayes, and Lecture dayes, yet was he in a thriving condition, which occasioned him to say, That there was a secret blessing attending on house-keeping. For (said he) I am not able to give an account of my expences and of Gods supplies.

But now began those cloudy times, and his sadder dayes, when Troops and Armies marched into those Quarters, about Edghil, where was fought a bloody Battel,The Battel at Edgebill. Octob. 23. 1642, upon the Lords day, in the Vale of the Red Horse, being distant about four miles from him; yet it pleased God so to order it (which he took for a great mercy) that he heard not the least noise of it (the wind sitting contrary) till the publick work of the day was over; nor could he believe the report of a Battel, til a Souldier besmeared with blood and powder came to witness it. From this very time his p. 287troubles encreased:His Troubl… Now was he threatned by this, then by the other Garrison, one while he was a Roundhead, and then a Malignant, frequently oppressed with Souldiers that were quartered upon him, yet still he kept his station, and some of his Guests would joyn with him in Family-duties, which he intermitted not, when others would scoffe at them, because not mingled with Book-prayers. Every Sabbath he held on the course of his Ministry, and most of those which quartered with him, being Commanders and Officers, they shewed themselves civil to him, and his; onelyonly at one time there was a company who were so outragious in swearing and blasphemy, that he could not forbear preaching upon that Text, James 5. 12. Above all things, my Brethren, swear not, &c. which so netled some of them, that they damned themselves to Hell if they did not shoot him in case he preached again upon that Text, which they judged to be purposely chosen against them; the next Sabbath he proceeded purposely upon the same Text,His Courage. wherein he backed what he had said before, and as he was preaching he saw a Souldier take his Carbine, and fumble about the Cock as if he was preparing to shoot; but Mr. Harris, apprehending that he did it onelyonly to disturb him, went through his work, and heard no more news of his Souldier.

Thus he continued his labours in those sad times,He is chosen one of the Assembly. and though he was chosen a member of the Assembly of Divines at Westminster, yet because, upon serious thoughts, he judged his presence less needful there than in the Country, he continued his station there, till he saw his Tenements in the Neighbourhood fired, p. 288wood, and nurseries of wood destroyed, himself threatned, and at last enforced by a Scottish Commander to shift for himself, yea some of his own Neighbours were now ready to betray him, whereupon he went to London, His remove to London.and by Gods good providence came thither in safety, though a sad man.

When he came to London he went to the Assembly, where he found much more undone than done: Indeed he met there with many excellent and learned men; but his thoughts were sollicitous for his people, his wife and children, whom he had left behinde: and indeed he found little rest in his spirit, till the same good hand of Providence had safely brought them unto him. Then went he with more comfort to the Assembly, where he did Antiqum obtinere, hear all, and say little.

Upon his remove from his house, both his Books, and his Notes (some few only excepted which he had conveyed away beforehand) together with all his remaining goods, were seized upon, and his Living given to another; but that might soon have been supplied, many offers being made to him, from several places, and Country Committees.

The first motion that he hearkened to was the Temple; He is setled at Buttolphs Bishopsgate.but upon trial, he found that Church too large for his voyce, and thereupon refused, and at last he was sent to Buttolphs Bishopsgate, where, though the Congregation was too large for him, yet being necessitated to do something for the maintenance of his Family, he remained there during his attendance upon the Assembly.

After his continuance there for some time,He is sent to Oxford. himself p. 289with four more Divines were commanded down to Oxford, which was then under suspension by the Parliament; which imployment, he often professed, that he did earnestly decline, and that principally for two reasons;

1. Because the Committee for Hampshire had given him a free call to Petersfield, He is chosen to Petersfield.and thither he would willingly have gone.

2. Having long discontinued from the University, he looked upon himself as very unfit for such a service; but in conclusion he was plainly told, that such as would not be intreated, must be commanded, and so he was ordered to prepare for his journey. This much troubled him, and therefore he first goes to Petersfield, and acquaints them how the case stood with him, and because he could not come suddenly to them, he desires them, either to pitch upon some other Minister, or else to take the care upon themselves, to provide supplies for both the Churches (for two they were) and to pay the Preachers out of the Revenues of the place. The people liked neither of the offers, yet were content to wait a while in hopes that he might come to settle with them, requesting him in the mean while to provide them such supply as himself should approve of. This proved a troublsome work to him, though for a time he sent them help from Oxford, and thereabout; for preachers were now hard to be gotten, there being more want of Ministers, than of places; yet at last two were procured, the one of whom gave no good content. At last he was put upon it, either to relinquish Oxon, or Petersfield; the former he could not decline,He leaves Petersfield. and therefore he left p. 290the latter, though with great regret, because he could not seal up such respect, and thanks as he conceived was due from him to that Country. Neither had he less trouble in providing for Buttolphs Bishopsgate (it being no easie matter to please Citizens) yet at the last they were supplied to their content.

About this time many Libels were cast abroad in Oxford against other Preachers,He is traduced. and one amongst the rest reflected upon Mr. Harris, reckoning up his several Livings, and great Revenues, wherein they mentioned what was past, present, and to come, and happily if they had heard of the rest, which at several times were offered him, they would have put them also into that Catalogue: Mr. Harris being informed hereof, he wrote to some Friends (which Letters are already extant) wherein he vindicated himself in the main, yet withall he professed unto others, that it would, and should be to him matter of humbling, and caution to him whilst he lived, that he had given the least advantage to such as sought it; for though he stood clear in his own, and others consciences, who best knew him, that he was far from allowing non-residency, and plurality of Livings, yet to such as were ignorant of all circumstances, there was some appearances of evil; which also he took the more to heart, because from that time forward he found the affl…cting hand of God both upon him,His several afflictions. and his.

The Preachers that were sent to Oxford found but ill entertainment; on the one hand they were aspersed, and libelled against by their own Mothers Sons, and on the other hand they were challenged to a publick Disputation by one Mr. Erbery, A Disputation at Oxford.a Sectary, and his p. 291associates. Mr. Harris was unwilling that this challenge should be entertained,, having observed that disputes of that kinde, send away each party more strengthened in their opinions, than when they came thither; yet his brethren being of another minde, they desired his concurrence, at least so far with them, as to begin the work with prayer. This he condescended unto, and the Disputation proceeded, and the issue was, that all were censured, some for speaking, others for their silence, in which latter rank he was willingly placed.

Not long after came the Chancellor of Oxon [the Earle of Pembroke] to visit the University, who, according to the custome, bestowed Degrees upon some of the Schollars, and amongst others, Mr. Harris was admitted Doctor of Divinity, He commenced Doctor.who yet, neither thought himself the better Schollar, nor the better Preacher for this new honour, and had it not been that he was loath to sleight the favour from his betters, he had refused it: having learned, That an empty hand from a Prince, and a naked title from his Chancellor, must be counted an honour.

At this time many Headships of Colleges (before made void) were now to be supplied, and Dr. Harris professed, that seeing it was noised abroad, that these Reforming Preachers came thither to play their own game, viz. to thrust out others, and to invest themselves with their places, he therefore resolved to keep to his old course; namely, to stand silent without opening his mouth for any Headship at all, and presently the best places were all disposed of; neither was any thing spoken of for Dr. Harris, till a Noble man, of p. 292the other University,He is made Head of Trinity College. made mention of him, as not fit to be forgotten, whereupon Trinity College was assigned to him. This some of his Friends much wondered at, considering, that, though he was the meanest in his own eyes, yet was he the oldest man, and one that had suffered more by the times than any, if not than all the rest; yet he himself said little to it, onelyonly he enquired who was the Head that was ejected, and what was the nature of the place: for he was unwilling to entertain the proffer, if the former Head could finde favour to hold it, and thereupon he forbore as long as he could be permitted; and as for the place, the smalness of the College, and the scituation of it gave him great content, who desired no more than what would keep him from distractions in his studies, and the only thing that he stuck at was, because there was a Parsonage annexed to the College.

But when he understood that its distance from Oxford was not great, and the conditions easie, viz. That he was required to preach but eight Sermons per annum at it, he the more willingly inclined to it, though after acceptance, he could not satisfie himself under two Sermons a week; and so at last there he sate down, and took much content in the Fellows of that College, betwixt whom, and him there was ever a very fair correspondence.

At the Parsonage he found most of the people (though they had been long taught) very ignorant, and much addicted to their old Customes, and (which he looked upon as a sad prognostick to the place) no sooner did any there look Heavenward in any special manner, but the Lord presently p. 293took him away, some few, and those very few excepted.

About this time a motion was made by the Committee at Oxford of removing him to New College, which was now void, but as the motion began without him, so it was stifled by him, the rather, when he heard that some exception was taken above against him as being uncapable of that place,He refused New College because he was not a Winchester Schollar. The truth is (as he professed to some of his Friends) he rather desired a little, than a great College, being one who was very much addicted to privacy, and his Book, which made him often say, That if Trinity College were a competency without the Parsonage, he would not leave it for any place, except it were an Hospital: So much had he seen into the vanity, and troublesomenesse of the world.

In his latter dayes journies began to be tedious to him, which occasioned some well affected Citizens in Oxford (who were moved thereunto by a Sermon which. Dr. Cheynell preached unto them) to make some overtures to him of reading a Catechisme Lecture,He is chosen to preach a Lectu…e in Oxford. or of preaching upon the Principles of Religion (which liked him best) in one of their Churches; in consideration whereof, they would maintain him an assistant at his Parsonage. The motion was good, the exercise needful; the onelyonly question was, how such a work would be accepted in such a place amongst the Wits, and Schollars of the University; yet because he had bemoaned himself to God in private, bewayling that his comfort was little in the place where he preached, and made it his humble sute that God would not lay him aside, p. 294but finde some imployment for him, whilst he had ability to perform it, because (I say) he had prayed thus, and this motion presently ensued, he durst not reject it, but set upon the work, wherein the Lord assisted, giving him strength even beyond what could be expected from a man of his age, and caused his labours to finde great acceptance with his Auditors; and thus he continued preaching once every Sabbath at his Parsonage, and once in the week this Lecture: besides which he preached when his turn came in the University, and that both in English, and in Latine also. Yet we are not come to the end of his labours; for having now freed himself from worldly affairs, disposed of all his children, and having left himself nothing else to do, but to prepare himself, and his wife for their graves, who had lived about fifty years together, it pleased God to exercise him in this strange manner.

His wife,His wives sore temptations. who was born of Parents eminently pious, had been religiously educated, and her self a constant worshipper of God all her time, who seldome rose from her prayers with dry eyes, was delivered up by God to Satans buffetings, and to such hellish temptations, and horrors of minde, as struck a grief and terrour unto all the spectators, which occasioned him often to say, That God made appear to all beholders, that the best man is no more than the Lord makes him hourly. For as the receiving of Grace, so the keeping, using the comfort and enjoyment of it, is all from him, which is not onelyonly true in supernatural Graces, but in the gifts of Nature also; our wits, senses, phantasies, all are in Gods hand; nor are the p. 295wisest men any thing longer than he pleases to continue them so.

This good woman was a sad instance of all this, whose temptations were so violent, so horrid, and withall so subtil, that they put the ablest, and most experienced men to their wits end to answer them, and her poor self even beyond her self: whilst she was in this perplexed condition, sundry eminent Preachers and Professors visited her, and her husband (who had been a happy instrument of satisfying many others) could give her no satisfaction. One day as she was complaining that she could finde no comfort, O (saith he) What an Idol do some make of comfort, as if their comfort were their Christ!

In the middest of these trials,Mercies mix… with trials. he yet took notice of these comforts and mercies, 1. That she was kept from blaspheming the Highest (for so she stiled God) and from hurting her self, and others. 2. That this affliction awakened him and his children; for they esteemed her the most conscientious and innocent amongst them all. 3. It put him upon more work than his age could well bear, that so he might call out his thoughts upon business, and not eat up his own heart with grief and care. And lastly, it wrought in him an holy despair of all creature-comforts; for now he could neither enjoy childe, nor friend, nor food, nor sleep, having her continually before him in his eye, ear, and heart; and all friends fear…ng to come in sight, lest they should wound themselves, or trouble her; onelyonly continual p…ayers were offered up for her upon all occasions, which gave hopes that the Lord might yet make her end comfortable, and conquest glorious.

p. 296However (her Husband would often say) That the difference was not great whether comfort came at death, or an hour after, since comfort would come assuredly. But leaving her under a general expectation of a blessed issue in the best time, we return once more to her Husband now ready to enter into his Haven of rest.

After a long and laborious life, which could not but be painful to him that underwent it, we come at length to his last, long, and painful sickness, which is the usual Harbinger of Death.

In the Summer he began to droop, and finding his decay,His last Sickness. he sent for two Physitians [Dr. Bathurst, and Dr. Willis] who were well known to him and his, by former experiences, and eminently known in the University; to whom he professed, that he used means meerly in obedience to God, but for his own part he could live, and durst dye. His …hysitians (as himself confessed) had proceeded so far as Art and Learning could carry them, but herein they would lose of their worth, that they had to deal with complicated diseases, which were seldome removed, but most of all with old age, a disease which was never cured. His first encounter was with a vehement Pleu…itical pain in his left side, which was attended with a Feavor, as also with a great defluxion of Rheume, and oppression of his lungs with Flegme, and when after divers weeks all these his Assailants seemed well-nigh vanquished through the tender care of his skilful Physitians, yet then that enemy which had so long lodged in his bosome, brake forth into an Empyema, which he expectorated daily in so great a measure, for the space p. 297of two moneths or more, that hereby (together with some fits of his old diseases, the Stone and Strangury) he was not able to speak much to those that visited him.

And herein indeed it fell out according to what he had often foretold in his best strength, viz. That little was to be expected from him on his death-bed, which occasioned him to write (fearing that his tongue might not then be able to utter it) his advice and counsel to his Family many years before his death. The truth is, he the rather forbore to speak, because he perceived that some had a design to make his speeches publick, which he was utterly averse to, neither would he consent that any thing of his Life or Death should be written:His Humility▪ Nay, he could never be perswaded at any time to fit, that his Picture might be drawn; so desirous he was that all of him might be buried with him. And albeit he spit up those Lungs which he had wasted in the Pulpit, yet could not that light of Grace be so smothered under a Bushel, but that oft-times the beams thereof would shine forth, and himself would breathe forth himself in pithy speeches, and savoury discourses.

In the beginning of his sickness, being desired to admit of company, he answered, I am alone in company, its all one to me to be left alone, or to have Friends with me; my work is now to arm my self for Death which assaults me, and I apply my self (as I am able) for that great encounter. And accordingly he spent his whole time in meditation, prayer, and reading the holy Scriptures, especially the Book of Psalmes, the Prophesie of Isaiah, H…s secret imployments.and St. Johns Gospel, taking exceeding p. 298delight in the 10, 14, 15, 16, and 17, Chapters of that Evangelist.

After which time his nights were long, and sleeps short;How he spent his time. and when he could neither sleep nor sit up in his bed to read, his manner was to command others to read to him, and then himself would collect the most useful things that were contained in the Chapter, explaining such things as were difficult, and sweetly feeding upon the rest.

His constant practice was, His counsel to his friends.to exhort such as either visited, or attended upon him, above all things to get Faith. It is (saith he) your victory, your peace, your life, your Crown, and your chief piece of spiritual Armour: Howbeit, get on all the other pieces, and then go forth in the Lords might, stand to the fight, and the issue shall be glorious; onelyonly forget not to call in the help of your General: Do all from him, and under him.

On the Lords dayes he would not hinder any from the publick Ordinances for any thing that was to be done about him,His strict observation of the Sabbath. till Sermons were ended, and then he would say, Come, what have you for me? (meaning something of Repetition) unto which he would attend with such diligence, as that he would summe up the heads of every Sermon, and say, O what excellent truths are these! lay them up charily, you will have need of them.

When Friends came to visit him, he used to say, I cannot speak, but I can hear: And when he was asked where his comfort lay? His answer was, In Christ, and in the free Grace of God: One telling him, Sir, you may take much comfort in your labours, you have done much good, &c. His answer was, All is p. 299nothing without a Saviour, without him my best works would condemn me. Oh, I am ashamed of them, being mixed with so much sin! Oh, I am an unprofitable servant, I have not done any thing for God as I ought; loss of time sits heavy upon my spirit.His divine speeches. Work, work apace; assure your selves, nothing will more trouble you when you come to dye, than that you have done no more for God who hath done so much for you.

Sometimes he used thus to breathe out himself, I never in all my life saw the worth of a Christ, nor tasted the sweetness of Gods love in that measure as now I do. When he was asked what should be done for him? His answer was, Do not onelyonly pray for me, but praise God, for his unspeakable mercy unto me, and in particular that he hath kept Satan from me in this my weakness. Oh how good is God, entertain good thoughts of him. How ever it be with us, we cannot think too well of him, or too bad of our selves.

And this sense of Gods goodness was very deeply imprinted upon his heart to his very last; and therefore in all his Wills, this Legacy was alwayes renewed, Item, I bequeathe to all my children, and to their childrens children, to each of them a Bible, with this Inscription, None but Christ. Being upon a time visited by two Reverend Doctors, his choice Friends, who before they prayed with him, desired him to tell them what he chiefly requested? He answered, I praise God he supports me, and keeps off Satan; beg that I may hold out: I am now in a good way home, even quite spent: I am now at the shore, I leave you tossing on the Sea. Oh, it is a good time to dye in: Yet when his end approached nearer, being often asked how he did? He p. 300answered, In no great pain (I praise God) onelyonly weary of my unuseful life. If God hath no more service for me to do here, I could be gladly in Heaven, where I shall serve him better, freed from sin and distractions. I pass from one death to another, yet I fear none; I praise God I can live, and I dare dye▪ If God hath more work for me to do here, I am willing to do it, though my infirm body be very weary.

Desiring one to pray with him, and for him, that God would hasten the work; it was asked whether pain, &c. put him upon that desire? He answered No, but I now do no good, and I hinder others which might be better imployed, if I were not: Why should any desire to live but to do God service? Now I cease from that, I do not live.

By this time the violence of his distempers disabled him, and the advice of his Physitians was, that he should forbear speech, yet he called upon those which attended him to read some part of the Scriptures to him constantly, especially he put one of his Sons that was with him, to pray frequently, and whilst his life and speech lasted, he used to conclude all the Prayers with a loud Amen.

The nearer he approached to his end, the more he slumbered. Once when he awoke, he found himself very ill, whereupon calling for his Son, he took him by the hand, and said, Pray with me, it is the last time in likelihood that I shall ever joyn with you; and complaining to him of his wearisomeness, his Son answered, There remains a rest: To whom he replied, My Sabbath is not far off, and yours is at hand, ere that, I shall be rid of all my trouble, and you will be eased of some.

p. 301At length his ruinous house (which onelyonly inobedience to the will of God had held out beyond his own desires, and all mens expectations, from the heighth of Summer till the depth of Winter) comes to be dissolved. About Saturday in the even, he began to set himself to dye, forbidding all cordials to be administred upon what extremity soever, and gave his dying blessing to his Son (who onelyonly of all his children was present with him) and (upon his request) enjoyned him to signifie, when he had opportunity, to that Country, where he had lived longest, that he lived and dyed in that Faith which he had preached and printed, the comfort whereof he now found. Something else he began to speak, but his distempers interrupted his purpose, and from that time he never entertained any discourse with man, onelyonly he commanded the eight Chapter of the Epistle to the Romans to be read to him. And herein God was exceeding good to him in the return of those Petitions which had been put up for him that afternoon, by those two eminent Divines, and his dearest Brethren before mentioned: For whereas his great distempers gave occasion to fear his death would be exceeding painful, yet did it prove so easie, that his Son, and other attendants could but guess at the particular time of his departure: His breathings were easie, and even, his eyes open, and full of water, till at the last (having lifted them up towards Heaven) they closed of themselves, and his soul, without the least motion of resistance of the body, entred into everlasting rest,His death. whilst those whom he left behinde were entring upon the day of their rest. For then began he a perpetual Sabbath in Heaven, p. 302when they began theirs on earth, betwixt twelve and one on Saturday night, December 11. Anno Christi 1658.

He dyed in a good old age, and full of dayes, having overlived fourscore years: His loss was much bewayled by the College, by the City, and whole University of Oxford. He was (as all that knew him confessed) a man of admirable prudence, profound judgement, eminent gifts and graces, and furnished with all qualifications that might render him a compleat man, a wise Governour, a profitable Preacher, and a good Christian.

First, look upon him as a Christian, for that was his, and is every mans greatest Ornament. He was a man that had much acquaintance with God, much communion with him in private meditation and prayer, accounting those his best dayes wherein he enjoyed most converse with him.

In the time of his sickness, one asking him how he did? oh (saith he) this hath been a sweet day, I have had sweet communion with God in Jesus Christ. He was not like them who are all for promises and priviledges, though in the mean time they neglect duties: He made them his exercise, but not his Christ: He was much in those severe parts of Religion, as private Humiliation, Mortification, and Self-denial, whereby he gained the conquest over himself. The truth is, he was (as far as is consistent with humane frailty) Master of his corruptions, passions, reason, appetite, language, and all.

The Lord was pleased to work upon him in the Primrose of his life,His timely Conversion. though he certainly knew not, p. 303either the Preacher or Sermon whereby he was converted. His course was in the dayes of his strictest examination to set down in writing his evidences for Heaven, sometimes in Propositions from Scripture; other sometimes in Sylogismes, and these he often subscribed to in a Book that he kept for that very purpose. But these evidences were best read by others in the course of his life, by his exact walking with God in piety, charity, humility, patience, and dependance upon him. He was far unlike to those who sit in Moses Chair, and teach what themselves practise not. He had well digested that Fathers precept to Preachers, Either preach not at all, or live as you preach. His life was a Commentary upon his Doctrine, and his practice the Counterpane of his Sermons. What was said of that precious Bishop Jewel, was true of him, That he adorned a heavenly Doctrine, with a heavenly life. In a word, he did vertere verba in opera, he lived Religion, whilst many onelyonly make it the subject of their discourse. He was much more than he seemed to be, not loving to make a noise in the world, but accounting it better to do, than to speak.

In his works of charity to the poor, he was no less discreet,His Charity. than private. When he met with fit objects, his hand was more ready to give, than his tongue to proclaim it. Indeed he was no friend to idle, lazy, canting persons who live on the sweat of other mens brows. These he looked upon as the Pests of the Commonwealth, nor could he think it charity to relieve such to the prejudice of the publick, and to their own destruction. But Gods poor, and the Houshold of Faith lay neer his heart. Whosoever shall survey his p. 304large Bills of weekly, and quarterly allowances (besides) considerable summes given to poor Ministers, and especialiy to their Widows, and Orphans, who never knew whence it came) and shall adde thereunto his Legacies bequeathed in his Will to charitable uses, cannot (what ever others thought of him) but judge that his charity exceeded the ordinary proportion of his revenues. Naturally he was of a stout and masculine temper, yet through Grace, he attained to a great measure of humility: He was mean, and low in his own eyes,His Humility. and had more undervaluing thoughts of himself, than all the world besides had of him. He was very sensible of that enemy, which he often complained of, viz. Discouragement, which he used to stile, The childe of Pride and Unbelief. His pithy …p eches.It must needs be acknowledged a great measure of humility that could keep a man lowly under such abilities, attainments, and such general applauses as he met with in every place. His usual saying was, that he valued no man for his gifts, but for his humility under them: Neither should he expect much from any man, were his parts never so great, till he was broken with Afflictions and Temptations.

It was his observation, that the humblest Preachers converted most souls, not the choisest Schollars, w…ilst unbroken. He would sometimes use this speech, which though a seeming contradiction, yet hath it much truth in it, It is better to be an humble Devil, than a proud Angel. He never affected popular applause, variety of Pulpits, Printing, &c. as one conscious to himself of, I know not what unworthiness; neither ever came he thus abroad, but when by importunity he was haled to it.

p. 3052. Consider him as a man in his Morals, whether in the Government of himself in particular, or of his Family, or his greater trusts, and in all you shall finde him like himself, excellent, and almost without a parallel.

In regard of himself,His Temperance. he was exactly temperate, confining himself to hours for diet, sleep, &c. He would often say, That he would rather pour liquor into his Boots, than into his mouth between meals. He was a strict observer of those Laws of Sobriety, which St. Paul had pressed upon Ministers, and which himself in his Drunkards Cup had taught others. He used to eat seasonably and sparingly, which (without question) was one great means of preserving such vigorous spirits to so great an age: His onelyonly play time was Saturdayes in the afternoon, then he used to unbend, and disburden himself by some innocent Recreations, but onelyonly ad Ruborem. He was a man of an excellent deportment, and sweet behaviour, whereby he won much upon all with whom he conversed. Grave he was without affectation, pleasant without levity: Indeed he never loved to hear himself talk, and therefore by some was judged too reserved; but when he knew with whom he had to do, he was communicative enough. No man was more candid, or fuller of civility; none more open or free to entertain or return discourses. He was very cautious before he struck a league of intimate friendship with any man; but when he had once chosen, he was cordial, firm, and constant, his head, hand, tongue, pen, feet, purse, all, were now no longer his own but his friends. It is said of the French, that whatsoever cloaths they wear, p. 306whatsoever Garb they accost you in, becomes them so well, Mr. R. M.as if nothing else did; and a great Critick in men as well as in Books, used to say of our doctor, that whatsoever he did or spake became him.

It was a rare thing to see him angry.His Patience. If at any time the folly of others had discomposed him, or their sin had provoked him, yet could he quickly command himself, and convert his passion into wholesome instruction.

Though himself had great parts, both natural, and acquired, yet would he never sleight or undervalue, much less contemn, or discourage any whom he judged to be right in the main. He was very sparing in his censures of others, gentle to all, and severe onelyonly to himself.

He had a special gift of forgetting injuries, but would offer none. His memory was never more faithfull than in retaining civilities received, to which he would industriously make what proportionable returns lay in his power. He much feared lest he should give any occasion of suspicion that he either forgot, or neglected any, because he could not readily recall mens names, which occasioned him to say, That if he lived long he should forget his own name, with him in Valerius.

At meals his manner was to be sociable, and facetious; yet still he took occasion to enquire of the Publick, and how it feared with particular Towns and Families, whence he would alwayes extract something for matter of Prayer or Prayer or Praise in his Thanksgiving after meat.

In his Family he had that qualification of a good p. 307Bishop mentioned by the Apostle, that ruled well his own house. Family Government.He had an excellent method in the education of his Children, which was this:

In general, his care was to maintain his authority over them, yet even that authority was equally tempered with lenity and gravity. He loved them without fondness, and ruled them without rigour. In particular, so soon as they could use their tongues, they were made acquainted with the Historical part of the Scriptures. As soon as they could use their legs, they were set to School, and when they could remember any thing of a Chapter read, or bring home any part of a Sermon, his care was to instruct them in the Fundamentals of Religion. Their childehood being past, he would call upon them for the practice of Religion, and was a diligent observer of their private performance of Religious exercises, wherein their Mother was no small help to him.

When they grew up to more maturity, he diligently observed their capacities, inclinations, but especially their constitutions, when he could guess at that sin which was like to prove their dilectum delictum, their darling corruption, he accordingly suited their Callings, so as that sin might be least nourished, and most beaten down. The rule which he gave them was this, When you are youths chuse your Callings; His advice… his childrenwhen men chuse your wives, only take me along with you: It may be, old men may see further than you. Thus whilst he condescended to them, and they submitted to him, both parties were gratified.

Though he had a numerous issue, yet (through Gods blessing upon his estate) he disposed of them p. 308to no mean imployments. Many he sent to the Universities; some to Merchandise, &c. To his Sons whom he bred in the University his Rule was, Study work, more than wages: To those whom he bred in the City, he would say, Do not waste a halfpenny, and you will not want a penny. And truly so well did they all improve, as his advice, so their own time and parts, that they became Masters of their particular Callings, which ministred unto him no small comfort. He acknowledged it a great mercy to his dying day, that none of his children were blemished, either in their bodies, or in their reputations. He was one of them in whose children that Popish slander concerning the ungraciousness of the children of the married Clergy, received a real confutation.

Many of his Sons he buried in their prime,Gods blessing upon his children. some at home, others in forreign parts, and some dyed shortly after himself, yet all of them gave comfortable hopes to conclude upon a rational charity (both by the pious Letters of those which dyed abroad, and from that particular account which they gave of themselves who dyed at home) that they all meet in Heaven; they which survive need not this attestation. Amongst the dead, there was Mr. Tho. Harris of Magdalen College in Oxford, who was eminently learned beyond his age, an Ornament to that Noble Foundation, whereof he was a member; once the joy of his friends, and still their sorrow; and probably this arrow from Gods hand stuck deep in the Fathers heart to his dying day.

For his servants,His servants Gods servants. there are some yet living that served him in his younger dayes, who still bless God p. 309that ever they came under his roof, where they received the beginnings of Grace, and such a measure of knowledge as kept them from warping in the late giddy times.

Whilst he remained with his antient Flock,His good Government in the College. his constant manner was to keep a Religious Fast before his administration of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper. And after he came to his small College, he so prudently managed all his affairs, that he was both feared, and loved. Indeed his government there was such as caused a wonder: For whereas that College before, was famous for factions, during his time there was never any complaint made to any Visitors; and no marvel, for the Foundation there, honoured him as a Father, and he looked upon, and loved them as his Children, and accordingly he scaled up his love to them in his last Will and Testament.

He called Gifts, Bribery, and hated the very shadow of it. Examples are known in the College of Gratuities refused long after faire, and free Elections.

But look upon him as a Schollar,His great Learning. and there we have him in his proper Element. Though he left the University early, and preached constantly, yet being of a retired disposition, a constant student, and endowed with great parts, he became Master of all manner of Learning to qualifie a Divine. In the sacred Languages, especially in the Hebrew, he was very exact.

His Conciones ad Clerum, declare him to have been a pure and Polite Latinist: His first, which was preached and printed long since, hath undergone the test, p. 310and gained the approbation of all knowing men in that Language; the younger by full forty years, is of as good a complexion, and of as vigorous a constitution as its elder brother; and its hoped that in due time it may be made as publick.

What his abilities in Disputation were,A good Disputant. hath upon several occasions been made to appear in that College Exercises in the Chappel, where oft-times in the unexpected absence of the Opponents, himself would ex tempore take up the Cudgels, and make good their ground. In which Exercises he approved himself a subtle, clear, and ready Disputant, without any grains of allowance either for his age or discontinuance.

Indeed his chiefest Learning lay where he made least shew of it in publick, viz. in Chronology, Church-History, Councils, Case-Divinity, and his insight into the Fathers.His fervent Prayers. But his parts were best seen in the pulpit. His gifts in Prayer were much more than ordinary, wherein his affections were warm, and fervent, his Petitions pithy and substantial, his language pertinent, unaffected, and without Tautologies. Oh, how would he raise up a dull and sinking spirit! How would he warm a cold and frozen heart! How would he carry a man out of himself, and by degrees mount the soul heaven-ward!

His Sermons in Print are well known to the world,An excellent Preacher. and his works praise him in the Gates. The particular excellencies of Nazianzen, Basil, Chrysostome, Austin, Ambrose, Bernard seemed all to con…enter in him. He taught Rhetorick to speak in our Mother-tongue, and (without falshood, or flattery) he may be stiled, The English Orator. His Doctrines carried light with them, p. 311and his Uses heat: His Reproofes were weighty, and his Exhortations powerful. But enough of this, lest we hear as he did who spake much in commendation of Hercules, Quis unquam vituperavit? who ever dispraised him? yea, what either Christian or Schollar, but approved, or commended him? If you would know the worth of his Sermons, read them (though read they come short of what they were when preached) yea read them again and again, and endeavour to read them with the same spirit they were preached, and you cannot but acknowledge an excellency in them.

Amongst other his excellencies in preaching, which were many, these were not the least, that he could so cook his meat that he could make it relish to every pallate: He could dress a plain discourse, so as that all sorts should be delighted with it. He could preach with a learned plaineness, and had learned to conceal his Art. He had clear Notions of high Mysteries, and proper language to make them stoop to the meanest capacity.

His way in contriving and penning his Sermons was this:His method in preaching▪

1. He so contrived the parts of his Text, and points of Doctrine, as might afford him most scope in his Application, wherein his, and indeed, a Sermons excellency doth consist; and therefore he used to say, That in a Sermon he contrived the Uses first: He did often handle the same Texts, and the same Points, and yet still would pen new Applications which might be most suitable to the quallity and condition of the Auditory.

p. 3122. In penning, when he once began, he would never take Pen from paper, nor turn to any Book till he had written all. All his younger dayes, for about twenty years together, he wro…ght all, and could without much difficulty preach the same verbatim. He was wont to say, That he had a fluid, and waterish memory. I can (said he) quickly remember any thing of my own, and as quickly f…rget it again. Yet questionless his memory was vast and tenacious; for though sometimes he had but short Notes in his Bible, and that but seldome, yet did he never use them, except when he preached a Clerum of late years, in which he sometimes glanced upon his Papers. His custome was, presently after he had heard a Sermon, to write down the heads thereof, and he scarce either forgat, or misplaced any of them. Upon Fast-nights he would by the strength of his memory repeat two,His strong Memory. sometimes three Sermons that he had heard that day, in the same order as they were delivered.

Speaking with a Friend about Memories,His pithy speeches. he said, That his Memory never failed him: For (said he) I durst never trust it.

He used to say, that a Preacher had three Books to study, 1. The Bible. 2. Himself. 3. The People.

He looked much to the Ordinance, and Relation between Pastor, and People, and would say, That preaching to them was but one part of the Pastors Duty. He was to live and dye in them, as well as for, and with them.

He complained much of some mens too large insisting upon the Doctrinal parts of their Points, whereby they left little or no room for Application; and p. 313found that few, either in the Cities or Universities bended themselves to enlarge upon their Uses,What Sermons are best. which made their Sermons to differ little from Divinity-Lectures; and though all Preachers could not enlarge themselves therein, yet he would often call upon them to accustome themselves to it as being most profitable. He would relate a passage of Mr. Dods concerning Mr. Cartwright (who often in his dayes preached occasionally at Hanwell) Me thoughts (said Mr. Dod) when I heard the Doctrinal part of his Sermon, I was in heaven: but when he came to apply it, I sometimes thought that if I had been in his place, I could presently have applied his Point more closely. Non omnia possumus omnes.

Many young Preachers resorted to Dr. Harris for counsel,His advice to young Preac… ers. both for direction in their private studies, and in their Sermons; and he used to perswade them for many reasons to pen largely, and to keep their Notes for all emergent occasions, often commending Mr. Dods words, who professed, That he would rather preach an old Sermon ten times, than speak any thing new without preparation. Hee would say, that he would have a Preacher to exceed himselfe upon just occasion, and not alwayes to keep the same pace, yet did not that alwayes hold in his own practice; for generally his hearers commended those Sermons most which cost him least, and himself would say, That he never came off with less comfort, and worse content to himself, than when he was in appearance best provided: and he gave this reason for it, Not because he had used such diligence in preparing (for that was his duty) but because he was then aptest to depend p. 314upon himself, and to neglect his dependance upon God.

Many sought to him for advice in choosing Divinity Books,His advice about Books. to whom he would open himself freely. Some he perswaded to read Ames his Medulla, Tileni Syntagma, Bucanus, and such like. To some others, he would commeend Aquinas his Summes (which Dr. John Reynolds used to call That absolute Body of Divinity) Melcheor Canus, and of late, Mr. Bowles his Pastor Evangelicus. But above all, he would call upon every one to read the Text in the Originals, and to Analyse Chapters. This he perswaded Mr. Pemble to, and set him to practice it in the Book of the Preacher, or Ecclesiastes (which he accounted a very hard Book, till he met with that brief, but pithy Exposition, of that incomparable Divine, Dr. Edw. Reynolds) and after that upon Zachary. When any consulted with him about Writers, he would ask what they aimed at in a Writer, for several men had their several excellencies. For acuteness he used to commend Mr. Baines, and his second, Dr. Ames, Mr. John Ball, Mr. Capel, &c. If they aimed at the spiritual part of Divinity, he would leave them to Dr. Si…s: If the rational, to Dr. Preston: If the Historical, to Bishop Usher. For solid Preachers, he much prized Dr. Sandersons first Works (to his later he was a meer stranger) Mr. Randal, Mr. Hildersam, Dr. Reynolds, &c. And for all the requisites for a Preacher, both for method, matter, elocution, pronunciation, all, he would often say, that he seldome met with an abler man than his Brother Whateley of Banbury.

When his judgment was asked about Commentators, p. 315he used to answer, that he was now more of Dr. Jo. Reynolds his minde than ever concerning Mr. Calvin; His judgement of Mr. Calvin.for upon experience (said he) I finde that the most of the late Writers do but descant upon his plain Song; and the Jesuits are very Plagiaries, who first rob him, and then rail upon him.

Next to Calvin he used to commend sundry late Writers,And of other Writers. as Pareus, Rivet, Mr. Cartwright especially, together with some Popish Writers, as Maldonate (whose wit, and learning he preferred before his spirit) before him, Learned Masius, modest Ribera, and (for ought he found by him) honest Estius. And being asked about the best Editions, his answer was, that what was said of Homer, was true of the Fathers, and the first Popish Writers, viz. That was ever the best which was least corrected. Of the Antient Fathers he would say, That unless it were for their Polemical and Historical parts, their Writings were more for Devotion and Affection, than for their judgement and understanding.

About modern Authors this was his opinion generally; that what English men did ex professo undertake, they did best perform it. No men excel them in expounding Scriptures, in answering Papists, Arminians, &c. None equal to them in the Pulpit, or in Practical, or Case-Divinity. And he held Cambridge very happy in her Whitakers, Downams, Davnant, Perkins, besides many others. And for Oxford, he would lay one Jo. Reynolds (to pass in silence a younger Reynolds, and his son in Law, born a Schoolman) in the ballance with hundreds, as a man never sufficiently admired for his Humility, as well as for his Learning.

p. 316For the Schoolmen he liked many things in them, but not their aukward, and ignorant quoting of Scripture, nor their multiplying of useless questions, with needless obscurities.

For Lutherans, he commended divers of them for their learning and industry, but disliked their tartness.

For Arminius (though he were none of the best) yet he liked him better than his Disciples and Successors, who were more desperate and dangerous in the five controverted Points, than many of the Papists.

As for Socinianisme, he accounted it to be but a kinde of blancht Mahometisme. And this he observed in general, that those Papists who were most conversant in the Scriptures, come nearest to us; the like he said of the Lutherans, as Chemnitius, Gerard, Hemingius, &c.

He was sparing to deliver his judgement about our condition at home,His judgement of our times. yet some things lay sadly upon his spirit; as,

1. He complained that the power of Godliness, and exercise of Love, and Self-denial, were much abated in these later dayes; and he much bewayled the vast difference, both in garb and practice, betwixt new, and old Professors.

2. That the Indulgence that was shewed to tender Consciences, was much abused to prophaneness, whilst men of no conscience most pleaded that liberty of choosing their own Churches, and Teachers; and indeed, on the matter abandoned all.

3. That the liberty of Prophesying which some pretended to, was abused to meer licentiousness and p. 317confusion, whilst some would have none, and others all Prophets and Preachers.

4. That in the University few could be called constant Students, but the most made a short work of it, and posted into the Pulpit before they understood their grounds, so that few were able to encounter our growing Errours.

5. That in the Church men were in their extreams, some pressing nothing but Law, others preaching nothing but the Gospel, and Christ.

6. He complained of the want of Catechizing, and instructing youth in the Principles, the want of which, he saw by experience was a great occasion of the peoples giddiness.

7. But most of all he bewayled the readiness of many to side, and make divisions. He loved not either to use, or to hear used, dividing names, and titles; upon which occasion he often related Mr. Greenhams answer to the Lord Treasurer Cecil, who being asked on which side the blame lay in that great rent between the Bishops, and their Antagonists, answered, That the fault was on both sides, and in neither side: For (said he) the godly wise on both sides bear with each other, and concenter in the main; but then there be sel…ish▪ peevish spirits, on both sides some, and these be they that make the quarrel.

This he applied to our times by reason of the distinction of Presbyterians, and Independents, saying, Men of humble, and sincere hearts, though differing in opinion, can, and do walk together, pray togther, and love one another; but men who wholly look a… their own interests, blow the coals, and make a stir, as if the opions p. 318were irreconcileable, and as every one was disaffected to Christs cause that goes not their pace and path.

He professed freely, that for his own part he was not convinced of some things that were earnestly pressed about Church Government: He did not conconceive any one external form to be so essential to a Church, but that it might still deserve that name, though under a Presbyterian, or Independent, or Episcopal form, so long as it was kept within the bounds of those general Rules laid down in the Scriptures. Its true, some of these had been abused to Tyranny, and the rest might in time be abused also; but the use and abuse of things are far different, and he would not commend either the one, or the other in their rigid exactions in some cases.

For Presbytery, though he thought that Bishop Bilson could never (with all his learning) disprove the being of Lay-Elders in the Apostles times, yet he thought withall, that it was not so easie a thing to prove the perpetuity of such an Ordinance to the worlds end, especially so cloathed and attended with all those perquesites which some heretofore called for. He thought that there was some reason in the distinction of Jure Human…, and Juris Human…, what ever his application was who first used it: But for the thing it self, sith it is not altogether disproved, but allowed, yea once commanded, and not since retracted (for ought he knew) he saw no reason why any man should, eo nomine, be aspersed, because a Presbyterian, by any dissenting Brethren.

For the to her of Independency, he confessed that it p. 319was a Politick way, and free from much trouble, and opposition:About Indpendencye▪ For who shall oppose the Minister, when all are of his minde before they are admitted? yet could he never satisfie himself (though upon occasion he often desired it) in some particulars; As,

1. What warrant men have to take out of anothers Flock his best sheep, and to entertain them without his consent, or testimony. He asks whether any man would willingly be so served? whether this would not open a gap, that so soon as a member is offended with his own Pastor (happily upon deserved reproof) presently to flye to another Congregation.

2. To leave the cullen sheep in a hard condition: For how shall they be looked upon? the answer must needs be, little better than Heathens: For the Minister may preach to such, and what more may he do to these, when the chief are gone?

3. This way seemed to him to be very destructive to that relation between Pastor and People.

4. He conceived this way of gathering of Churches into private places, and companies, to be prejudicial to the publick worship of God: Experience declaring, that in many places of late, the publick Ordinances are grown into disuse, preaching onelyonly excepted, which might be afforded to Ca…ibals if they would hear.

5. Lastly, For Congregations to consist of members at such a distance, as that one should live in the North, and another in the South, &c. many miles asunder, whereby inspection cannot be performed on the Pastors part, and on the Peoples part, they can enjoy little communion and edification one from another; p. 320this he used to say, that he did not understand, nor could he finde any precept for it in the Word, nor any president or practice of it in Antiquity, if we speak of Churches constituted, and out of persecution, banishment, &c. These things he neither wrote, nor spake but with much fear, and grief.

Amongst other things, he did very much bewayl the great sleighting of solemn Ordination of Ministers,About Ordination of Ministers. the Office being so sacred, the work of the Ministry so important, and the Minister of so publick concernment. He wondred that when as in all other Offices there is such solemnities at the Officers instalments, that a Minister, and Ambassador of Jesus Christ should be silently admitted without Fasting, Prayer, and some publick solemnity.

As to private passages it were endless to write all his Observations: onelyonly take these few;

He observed that such as often changed their Principles, and Faith professed, usually fell from Scepticisme to Atheisme.

That so much Humility as any man had,His excellent Speeches. so much grace, and worth he had, and no more.

That nothing was to be accounted good in, or to any man, but that which was his proper fruit, and done by vertue of his calling, from a principle of God, and for God.

That the best man hath no security from any one sin, or fall, or temptation, any further, or longer than he was held up by Gods hand, and Christs Mediation.

That God doth oftentimes leave us to own Satans suggestions for our own, because we do not own p. 321God in his holy motions, and breathings.

That its just with God to deny us the comfort of our Graces, when we deny him the glory of them.

In himself he observed, that what he forgat in the week, would unseasonably press in on the Sabbath; so that he could, if he durst, contrive more worldly business on the Sabbath, than he could dispatch all the week.

That he found no greater enemy than discouragement, which he called, The childe of pride and unbelief.

He used to say, that some duties which were oft in mens mouthes, he found very difficult to him: As,

1. To deny himself in all his Selfs, was a work to be learning whilst he lived.

2. To live onelyonly by faith, and a bare promise without a pawn is a great work.

3. To give all to free Grace, and to Christ alone is a mighty work.

4. To love where we meet with unlovingness, and contempt, is no easie matter.

5. To do ones proper work without some present pay, and countenance from God and man, is a hard task.

6. That its far harder to adopt others comforts, than their sorrows, and to hold ones self exalted in anothers exaltation.

7. That to dye in cold blood, and to be active in it as an act of obedience, is the work of a Christian.

In his sickness he would occasionally vent himself thus:

p. 322Its a hard thing to think ill of our selves, and well of God at the same time.

Its a hard thing for a Saint to forgive himself some faults, when God hath forgiven them.

Its hard to think holy thoughts long, and to confine them to anothers prayers.

We know but little of Christs love, till all be perfected, and spread before us in heaven.

For his children, he referred them to an old Will, which he had made Anno Christi 1636, when they were many, and small, which because it may be of use to many others, its here inserted.

The Advice and Counsel of Dr. Harris to his Family, annexed to a Will made by him, Anno Christi 1636.

To my dear Wife and Children; My dear Selfs,

I know not what leasure I shall have to speak unto you at my Death, and I am not, you know, very free in speech, especially in sickness and sadness, and therefore now I will speak my heart to you, and I would have you to hear me speaking whilst you live, in this my writing which I divide amongst you all.

First for you, my dear Wife, you shall finde the substance of that I would say to you printed to your hand in the Book of Martyrs, Vol. 2. p. 1744, to wit, in John Careless his Letter to his Wife; keep the Book, and often read the Letter, onelyonly one thing I adde, if you marry again, remember your own observation, viz. That second Husbands are very uxorious, second p. 323Wives very prevalent, and therefore take heed that you do no ill office in estranging your Husband from his natural children or kindred; you shall thereby draw upon him a great sin and judgement, if you kill in him natural affections: I have said, and do with all the strength and power that is in me, thank you for your faithfulness, and resign you to the Husband of Husbands, the Lord Christ.

Now my poor Children, let me pour out my heart to you, and speak to your Souls first.

For your Souls.

Trifle not in the main point, the Soul is immortal, you have to deal with an infinite Majesty, you go upon life, and death, therefore here be serious; do all to God in a serious manner. When you think of him, speak of him, pray to him, any way make your addresses to his great Majesty, be in good earnest, and have God, and have all.

1. More particularly, get your pardon in Christ: It is not impossible to get it assured to you, if you will learn, 1. To deny your selves. 2. To live by faith. 3. To understand the nature of the New Covenant. Settle your judgements in these Points, and the thing is feasible.

2. Having gotten it, be still adding to your evidence, and enjoy your present Assurance: Do all to God as to your Father.

Next to this, think how you and I shall endure the sight, the thought one of another at the last day, if you appear in the old Adam; much less shall you stand before Christ; unless you shew the Image of Christ in you, and therefore never cease till you be p. 324made New creatures, and study well what that is.

In the last place, strive for those Graces most, which concern your places and conditions, and make head against those sins which most threaten you: As first, Hereditary sins. I was naturally Melancholy, that is a humour that admits of any temptation, and is capable of any impression and distemper: Shun as death this humour, which will work you to all unthankfulness against God, unlovingness to man, and unnaturalness to your selves. 2. Of your times, and habitations. 3. Of your tempers and age. 4. Of your Callings.

I have made my own peace, my sins shall not hurt you, if you make them not yours; you need not fear the success if you will oppose to sin, Christ is made sanctification to you, he came to dissolve the works of Satan; he hath overcome for you, and hath made as many promises for your sanctification, as your justification: Gather those promises as they be set down, especially in the Covenant with an oath, Luke 1. Press these to God, 2 Cor. 7. 1.

In short, do not talk and make a noise to get a name of forward men, but do the thing; be constant in secret duties, and act Religion in your C…llings; for it is not a name, or notion; It is a frame of nature, and habit of living by Divine Rule. What it is, you will then know when you have it in truth first, and in power next, and not before. OnelyOnly this for the present, It is that you must live, and dye by, that you must rise, and reign by; therefore, my Ch…ldren, I give you that advice, which I gave your Brother, now with God; Be more than you seem: Do more p. 325than you talk of in point of Religion: Satisfie your own consciences in what you do; all men you shall never satisfie; nay, some will not be satisfied, though they be convinced.

For your Bodies.

I was troubled with straightness of breath and breast, which was also Hereditary, and therefore you must fear it the more.

The Remedies are, 1. Disclaim Hereditary sins. 2. Keep Heads clean, Feet warm, and Hearts cheerful. 3. Be more frequent than I, and your Brother in exercise. 4. Shun late drinking or studying. 5. Use lighter Suppers.

For your Callings.

1. Choose well, 1. A profitable Calling for the publick. 2. A full imployment. 3. A Calling fit for your parts and means. It is better to be a rich Cobler, than a poor Merchant.

2. Use a Calling well, 1. Make it an help, not a snare to your souls. 2. Be 1. Diligent. 2. Skilful. Any honest Calling will honour you, if thus you honour it, and therefore you may be hopeful, because my self (who had not your parts and helps) never fou…d any thing too hard for me in my Calling, but discouragement, and unbelief.

For your Company.

Abandon all infectious, flattering, self-serving companions, when onc… you have found them false, trust them no more. Sort with such as are able to do, o… receive good. Solomon gives you the best counsel for this in many places. Read the Proverbs, and remember him in this; 1. Forsake not an old Friend.

p. 3262. Be friendly, and faithful to your Friends. 3. Never trouble, or trust Friends unless there be a necessity. 4. Lastly, be long in closing with Friends, and loath to lose them upon experience of them.

For your Marriages.

In Marriage you lay the foundation of your present woe, or weal; therefore here be not rash, go not alone, yet remember Paul, 1 Cor. 7. 2. First, study whether you have a calling to Marry, yea or no, and advise well of that. If none, forbear; if so, advise with friends, before your affections be engaged. In your choice, 1. Aim at Grace. 2. Good nature and education; the best woman is not ever the best wife. 3. Good parts of understanding, Huswifery, &c. As for Portion, be it more or less, be upon certainties, and trust not words; and for Parentage, let not the distance be too great, lest you despise, or be despised: However be sure that the person likes not your fancy, but your judgement.

For your Children.

Make it your chiefest work to make them, 1. Godly. 2. Useful. Bestow most of their Portions in good Education; and if Grace make no difference, do you make none in your affections, countenances, portions, partiality, this way ends in nothing else but envy, strangeness, &c.

For your selves within your selves.

My desire hath been to carry an even hand over you all, and have laboured to reduce you, as near as I could (all circumstances considered) to an equality, and therefore my last request, and charge is, that you will live together in an undivided bond of love; you p. 327are many of you, and if you joyn together as one man, you need not want any thing: what counsel, what comfort, what money, what friends may you not help your selves unto, if you will contribute your aides? wherefore (my dear children) I pray, beseech, command, adjure you by all the Relations, and dearness that hath ever been betwixt us, that you know one another, visite (as you may) each other, comfort, counsel, relieve, succour, help, admonish one another. Whilst your Mother lives, meet there (if possible) yearly. When she is dead, pitch upon some other place, if it may be, your eldest Brothers house, or if you cannot meet, yet send to, and hear from one another yearly. And when you have neither Father, nor Mother, be so many Fathers and Mothers each to other, so you shall understand the blessing mentioned, Psal. 133.

For your Estates.

Be not troubled that you are below your kindred; get more wisdome, humility, goodness, and you are above them; onelyonly this do, 1. Study work more than wages. 2. Deal with your hearts to make them less. 3. Begin below. 4. Joyn together to help one another. 5. Rest upon the Promises, which are many, and precious this way. 6. Sow mercy. Take of your Mother (to this end)—a piece: give that in works of mercy, and if all other means fail you, that shall maintain you; I know, I know I say, and I am confident in it, that if ye will be humbled for my barrenness, and will trust God in his own way, he will make comfortable provision for you. Object no more, but trust him.

p. 328For the Publick.

Bless God that you are born English men, and bear your selves dutifully, and conscionably towards Authority. See God in the Magistrate, and hold Order a precious things: And for the Church, neither set her above her Husband Christ, nor below her Children; give her that honour, obedience, and respect that is her due; and if you will be my Children, and heirs of my comfort in my dying age, be neither Authors, nor Fautors of any, either faction, or novelty. Its true, this is not a rising way, but it is a free, fair, comfortable way for a man to follow his own judgement, without warping to either hand. Perhaps you may hear variety of judgements touching my walk, when I sleep in silence, some taxing me for too much, some for too little Conformity; but be not ye troubled: I did what in my circumstances seemed best to me, for the present; howsoever the event hath not in some points answered expectation, yet I have learned to measure things by another rule than events, and satisfie my self in this, that I did all for the best, as I thought. Sure I am, my Saviour Christ is perfect, and never failed so much as in circumstance. To him I commit your Souls, Bodies, Estates, Names, Lifes, Deaths, All; and my self waiting when he shall change my vile body, and make it glorious like unto his own, Amen. Even so come Lord Jesus, Amen.

p. 329On the Memory of that Famous and Godly Minister, Dr. Robert Haris, my late worthy Friend.

As once Elias in John Baptist came

Back to the Jews, in that Triumphant flame

Of Light and Zeal, wherein he did before

Without Deaths help up into Glory soar;

And by this Transmigration of his Grace,

Prepared paths before his Masters face:

Even so in thee (blest soul) did breathe anew

Great Chrysostom, yea great Apollos too;

To thee those mighty Orators did give

Their Tongues to speak, to thee their life to live:

Nay, thou thy self didst in thy self renew,

Thy Fort'ys vigour in Fourscore; we knew

When all thy strength decayd, thy Gifts did thrive,

The man is dead, the Preacher still alive;

Alive in his own Sermons in our love,

His Name alive below, his Soul above.

And may the younger Prophets still inherit

A double portion of their Fathers spirit;

That by a sacred Metempsychosis,

The gifts may now be theirs, which once were his;

That every Sermon which we hear, may be

(Rare Preacher) a true Pourtracture of thee;

Yea, may it of each following age be true,

The former are exceeded by the new;

Visions of young surpass old Prophets dreams,

The Fathers Light's outshin'd by Childrens beams,

That in their measures we may more, and more,

Th'unmeasur'd fulness of our Lord adore.

E. REYNER.

The Second Part: Containing the LIVES OF GVSTAVUS ERICSON, King of Sueden, who was the first Reformer of RELIGION in that KINGDOM. AS ALSO Of divers other Christians, who were eminent for Prudence and Piety.

We desire, that every one of you do shew the same diligence, to the full assurance of hope unto the end.

That ye be not slothful, but followers of them, who through Faith and Patience inherit the promises,

Heb. 6. 11, 12.

LONDON, Printed for Will. Miller, at the Gilded Acron near the Little North-door in St. Pauls Church-yard, 1661.