A Collection of the Lives of Ten Eminent Divines, Biography 7
The Life and Death of Mr. Jeremy Whitaker, who dyed Anno Christi, 1654.
JEremy Whitaker was born at Wakefield in Yorkshire, Anno Christi 1599, In which place also he was trained up in the Grammar School;His Birth. and it seems that the Lord betimes did draw forth his love towards himself, for even whilst he was a School boy, his affections did flow out towards those who were most religiously disposed, in whose company he used frequently to go eight or ten miles to hear a wakening-soul-warming Sermon;His early seeking God. he used also to joyn with them in Prayers, and other holy exercises and duties; and being able to take Sermon Notes, both understandingly, and largely, he was very helpful to those private Christians in repeating what they had publickly heard, being from his child-hood full of affections in whatsoever business he undertook. Thus this Plant of Gods own setting, did both blossome, and put forth fruit quickly, which Providence did afterwards make a very fruitful Tree.
Whilst he was at the Grammar School, though his Father endeavoured often,His esteem of the Ministry. and earnestly to divert his thoughts from the Office of the Ministry, yet was he unmoveable in his desires to be a Minister, and he never afterwards repented of this his choice, but would all his life long upon all occasions, magnifie that his Office, insomuch as he hath often been heard to utter this speech, I had much rather be a preacher of the Gospel, than an Emperour; and when a motion was once made to him to be the Head of a College in the University, he readily returned this answer, My heart doth more desire to be a constant Preacher, than to be the Master of any College in the world.
When he was sixteen years old,His remove to Cambridge. being well grounded at the Grammar School, he was sent to the University of Cambridge, and admitted a Sizar in Sydney-Sussex College, where he soon discovered, and was taken notice of, and much valued for his pregnant parts and Scholarship.
At twenty years of age he Commenced Bachelor of Arts,His remove to Okeham. and a while after he was sent to Okeham (the chiefest Town in Rutlandshire) there to teach the Free-School.
At that time there was one Mr. William Peachy, the Minister at Okeham, a godly man, and a painful Preacher of the Gospel, and eminent for his skill in the sacred Languages, who dearly loved, and highly valued our Mr. Whitaker from his first acquaintance with him; which he manifested by proffering to him his Daughter in Marriage, as Mr. Whitaker hath since told some of his Friends; he was the rather inclined to accept of the motion, because she was the Daughter of a pious, painful, and learned Minister of the Gospel; and occasionally hath told his Friends, that he was the better pleased with his choice, because of that relation.
About four years after his coming to Okeham he married Chephtzibah, His Marriage and Children.the Daughter of the said Mr. Peachy, by whom God gave him four Sons, and three Daughters. All his Sons he designed for the Ministry, but it pleased God in his life time, to take one of them away whilst he was a Student in Cambridge; the other three survived, and he lived to see two of them Ordained, and set apart for the work of the Ministry; the third he appointed to be educated for the same work.
Having staid about seven years at Okeham, His remove to Stretton.he was removed to a Pastoral charge at Stretton in the same County, where he continued about the space of thirteen years.
Whilst he continued School-master at Okeham, His great pains.he undertook and preached a weekly Lecture there, besides many Sermons which he preached occasionally in neghbouring Congregations: And during his abode at Stretton, besides his Pastoral imployment, wherein he preached twice every Lords day, he also constantly preached his weekly Lecture at Okeham, and was a principal prop to hold up some other Lectures in the Neighbourhood. His manner also was to set apart every Holy-day (if there were but one in the week) as a day of seeking God in reference to the necessities of the times,His frequent Fastings. and no man was more free, and frequent in assisting in dayes of Humiliation in private, both in Rutlandshire, and in the adjacent Counties whensoever he was called, and invited thereunto.
Such was his love to Christ,His Family-duties. that his publick imployments (though many and great) did not take him off from attending his Family duties, nor from more private exercises of communion with God; his ordinary course in his Family was, together with Prayers, to expound some part of the holy Scriptures, and that twice every day, besides other parts of Scripture which he daily read in secret; so that usually he read all the Epistles in the Greek Testament twice every fortnight; yea, when by reason of extremity of pain, and weakness, he could not read himself, he herein imployed others for his help. Hence it came to pass that he was a man mighty in the Scriptures, like unto Apollos, Act. 18. 24. as was observed by all that conversed with him, or that heard him preach or pray, and this course he earnestly commended to the practice of his dearly beloved eldest Son, as an excellent means to make him both a ready, and a profitable Preacher.
Whilst he lived in Rutlandshire, came forth the Book allowing Sports on the Sabbath, His Zeal and Courage.which he refused to read, though it was with commands and threatning pressed upon him. And afterwards when he was called to give in his answer about a contribution amongst Ministers to maintain the War against the Scots, he openly told the Bishop, or his Chancellor, that his conscience would not permit him to do it. This his answer exposed him to the hazard of losing both his Living and Ministry, as the times then were; whereupon one of his neighbours, through misguided love, (compassionating him and his Family) payed the money required, and subscribed Mr. Whitakers name without his knowledge. This was long concealed from him; but when he came to the knowledge of it, he expressed his dislike with many complaints, and much grief of heart.
As he had early, so he had constant vigorous workings of heart towards the calling and work of the Ministry,His delight i… the Ministry▪ and that upon this ground, because he alwayes wayes conceived, that therein a Christian might enjoy most fellowship with Christ, and have opportunities of doing him the best service; and he often considered Christs speech to Peter, If thou lovest me, feed my Sheep, feed my Lambs, Joh. 21. 15, 17.
He was never so well pleased with any imployment as when he was about the works of his Ministry: In the Pulpit he was (as it were) in his own element, like a Fish in the water, or a Bird in the air. Though many times he went thither halting, and full of pain, yet did he not manifest any sense of distemper whilst he was in the Pulpit.
When an Assembly of Divines was to be chosen to consult,He is chosen to the Assembly. and advise the Parliament about Ecclesiastical affairs, he was, for his eminent piety and learning, nominated for one, and how usefull and advantagious he was to those affairs, is well known to all that were Members of that Assembly; and when Providence had thus brought him to London, he was (as Paul, 2 Cor. 11. 23.) In labours more abundant, than many, yea than most others.
Not long after his coming to London, He is chosen to Mary Magdalens Bermondseyhe was called, and chosen to the Pastoral charge of Mary Magdalen Bermondsey in Southwark, about which he consulted with many godly and judicious Ministers, and with their consent and approbation accepted of it, after which, for the most part, his task was to preach constantly four Sermons every week, two in his own Charge, one at Westminster, and one at Christ Church London; and after he had laid down his Christ Church Lecture, at the importunity of the Inhabitants, he took up one at Stepney, besides his preaching two Lectures quarterly at Michaels Cornhill: Adde to these his preaching monethly at the morning Exercises,His great Industry. or else he assisted on the Fast dayes in the conclusion of those Exercises; besides his many occasional Sermons, as for preparation to the Sacrament in his own Church, and at Funerals, both at home and abroad; yea, it is truly reported of him, that he would never deny any request for preaching and praying, if Godgave him bodily ability, or other unavoidable occasions did not necessarily hinder him. Many week dayes he preached twice, even then when he attended the work of the Assembly of Divines, to wit, the morning Exercise, either at Westminster, or elsewhere, and upon some other occasion in the afternoon of the same day. This may minde us of the commendation which St. Paul gave of Epaphroditus, Phil. 2. 30. For the work of the Lord he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life. So its well known to multitudes, that this might fitly be applied to painfull Mr. Whitaker; yea many conceived that his painfull diseases, which hastened his removal from us, were occasioned, and encreased by his many constant, and indefatigable labours in this kinde.
And though he preached so often, yet were not his Sermons j…june, wordy, empty Sermons; but alwayes full of Scripture strength, savoury, and affectionate, as his Auditors can well testfie.
Neither is this to be wondred at,He was a Universal Schollar. if we consider that he was a universal Scholar, both in the Arts, and original Languages: By much study he had digested the whole body of Divinity; he was well acquainted both with the Fathers and School-men: An acute and solid Disputant, excellently versed in Cases of Conscience, and second unto none in his acquaintance with the sacred Scriptures.
Since our times of wofull desertion and Apostasie, both from Gospel Truths and practices, he would undauntedly both in private Conferences, and in his publick Ministry express his dislike, yea his detestation thereof, to the faces of them how great soever, who too much favoured Heresies, Errours, and Ranting courses, though he knew that thereby he did run the hazard of procuring many frowns to himself.
He refused to sign and subscribe the late Engagement,His Zeal and Courage. though thereby he was in danger of losing his Lecture at Westminster; and if his Sermons preached there upon Eph. 2. 2▪ 3. concerning mens walking according to the course of this world, &c. Fulfilling the lusts of the flesh, &c. could be collected, and published, it would thereby appear, that Mr. Whitaker out of his zeal for Gods glory, and love to his Lord Christ, was of an undaunted courage, and full of Christian magnanimity. One further testimony whereof we have in this following Story:
Since these stormy times began, wherein the liberty and livelyhood of Ministers hath been so much maligned and struck at, as he was riding with one of his intimate friends by Tiburn (which he had not seen, or not observed before) he asked what that was? and being answered that it was Tiburn, where so many Malefactors had lost their lives; he stopped his Horse, and uttered these words with much aflection, Oh what a shame is it that so many thousands should dye for the satisfaction of their lusts, and so few be found willing to lay down their lives for Christ? why should not we in a good cause, and upon a good call be ready to be hanged for Jesus Christ? It would be an everlasting honour, and it is a thousand times better to dye for Christ, to be hanged, or to be burnt for Christ, than to dye in our beds.
He did often, and zealously defend the Office of a Gospel Ministry both in publick, and in private, and that especially amongst those persons, and in those places, where (as he conceived) there was most need. In one of his morning Lectures at Westminster, this passage came from him with much affection, Though (said he) I have read, and heard of some good men, who unadvisedly in their passion, have persecuted the persons of some godly Ministers (as Asa was angry with the Prophet, and cast him into prison) yet I never knew, I never read, nor heard of any godly person who durst oppose the Office and Calling of the Ministry. And whereas at the end of his Sermon, a Souldier (expressing himself to be dissatisfied with what he had spoken) came to him in private, and asked him, whether he meant this of the Ministry of England, as now constituted? He returned him this answer, Although I will not justifie the calling of every individual Minister in the Church of England (as you dare not justifie the Saintship of every member in your Independent Congregations) yet I will be ready when, and where you please, to maintain the Office, and Calling of Englands Ministry at this day
And that he continued unmoved, His high esteem of the Ministry.and unchanged in his judgement, and esteem of the Ministerial Calling to the last, may be manifested by this passage in his last Will and Testament, which is here set down in his own words, and written with his own hand, For my Son Jeremiah, my desire is that he be bred a Scholar, and that the Lord would spiritually incline his heart, freely to give up himself to the Lord to serve him in the work of the Ministry, which Calling and Imployment (though now despised) I do esteem above all others in the world, and do commend it to all mine, that if the Lord bless them with Sons, they would commend this Calling to their Posterity.
And truly this deserves seriously to be considered, whether there be not herein much to credit and encourage the Ministry of the Gospel, that a learned man, and so eminent for piety, who also had throughly studied the Controversie of the times, and had heard and read what could be said against the Ministry, should yet upon his Death-bed give such a Testimony unto it, when he daily expected to make up his account before God, and also give such great encouragement to his Posterity, to addict themselves to this calling now, even now, when such disgrace is cast upon it, and when the Ministers setled maintenance is threatned to be taken from them: And may not those men, who knew Mr. Whitakers worth, be hereby awed and moved to take heed how they oppose or slight that Calling of men, whom he, living and dying, judged to be so highly honoured by God himself? To this also adde, that it was an Ordained Ministry, which he thus valued, which appears by these two lively Testimonies; 1. In that he joyned with that Classis whereof he was a member in Ordaining of Ministers, 2. In that he had an hand in the Book not long since published by the Province of London in the defence of such a Ministry, not onelyonly by his assent to it, but also by his assistance in drawing it up.
As Mr. Whitaker loved God dearly,Gods love to him. so God loved him, which he manifested by those grace wherewithall he enriched him; and truly love tokens are real Messengers of his love that sendeth them; and what surer signs can we have of Gods love, then when he bestows upon us the Graces of his Holy Spirit? Now of these the Lord had given him a more than ordinary measure, and besides, what hath been said before, there were five Graces more which were very Orient, and shining in his Crown.
1. His tenderness of heart:His tender-heartedness. Who ever knew a man of a more melting frame of heart before God, whether in Confessions, Petitions, or Thanksgivings? Is there any one living that can say, that I have at sometimes joyned with him in Prayer, and he shed no tears? How did his own sinfulness (though it was no more than the ordinary imperfections of the fairest Saint upon earth) the evils of the times, and the testimonies of Gods displeasure breaking out upon us, break his heart into pieces? We may truly believe that for the space many years, he did never come off from the serious consideration of these things with dry eyes; and how many thousands be there of Gods children, that would account it a sign of much love from Christ, if they could finde such thawings in their frozen breasts?
2. His meekness of spirit, with which precious Jewel he was richly adorned:His Meekness. Who ever saw him transported by passion, on a fire through foolish anger, or disgused by discontent? Though his zeal would waxe hot, and burn in him for God and his Glory; yet he was a man of a cool spirit, and meek, like Moses, in all his own concernments; and this he hath often manifested in a remarkable manner, when disputing with men of dissenting Principles and opinions, yet his spirit was so even that their unhandsome provocations could not discompose him, and drive him into passion.
3. For his Patience,His Patience. he may well be called a second Job. Many who saw him under those racking pains in his last sickness, so frequently reiterated, and so long continued, were confident that God did put him, and keep him in his Furnace to be a pattern of patience unto Posterity. It is confessed that he did roar many times till his throat was dry; but who ever heard him speak any one word of murmuring or discontent, because of Gods afflicting Providence? He himself indeed would sometimes through tenderness of conscience charge himself of impatiency, because he made a noise in his extremity: but that expressed onelyonly Natures sensibleness, not sinful frowardnes; and when (accusing himself causelesly) he was minded of Christs roarings, yet free from all sin, he would be silent.
I confess indeed, that in his desires to be dissolved he would take up Jobs complaint, Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul? which long for death, but it cometh not, and dig for it more than for hid treasures, &c. For my sighing cometh before I eat, and my roarings are powred out like waters, Job 3. 20, 24. But he alwayes concluded with submission to the good pleasure of God. When he had been asked how he did? this was frequently his answer, The Bush alwayes burning, but not consumed; and though my pains be above the strength of nature, yet they are not above the supports of Grace.
4. The Lord was pleased to vouchsafe him such a measure of the Spirit of Grace and Supplications,His spirit of Prayer. that his soul was never out of tune for that service. Most of his words when he was under torment, were holy complaints and prayers to God. It will not be impertinent or unprofitable, if I here set down some of them.
O my God help! Father of mercies pity! Do not contend for ever! Consider my frame that I am but dust! My God that hath made Heaven and earth, help me! Oh, give me patience, and inflict what thou wi…t! If my patience was more, my pain would be less. Dear Saviour, where are thy bowels? why dost thou make me an astonishment to my self and others? Why dost thou cover thy self with a thick cloud, that our prayers cannot pass? Blessed is the man that endureth temptation. Lord this is a sad temptation, stand by me, and say, It is enough! Am I not thy servant? Consider Lord that I am thy servant. O these bitter waters of Marah! Lord drop sweet comfort into these bitter water of Marah. O the blood of sprinkling, Lord, the blood of sprinkling Lord! That blood which extinguisheth the fire of thine anger; O that it might allay my burning pains! I am in a fiery Furnace: Lord be with me as thou wast with the t…ree Children, and bring me out refined from sin! when I have sailed through the Ocean of these pains, and look back, I see that none of them can be wanting. I flye unto thee, O God, hide me under the shadow of thy wings till these terrible storms be overpast.
5. God added Humility as a Crown to all his other Graces,His Humility. which yet shone bright in the eyes of all that were acquainted with him: Indeed he was cloathed with Humility: And hence it was that he would converse so familiarly with the poorest Christians, and with them who were of the lowest parts for knowledge, even with babes in Christ. This his ordinary expression of himself before God, did clearly demonstrate his great humility, Poor worm! Sinful wretch! O pardon my transgressions for they are very great. Hereupon he would weep much, when he was told how much he was prayed for, wondring at Gods goodness, that so sinful a wretch, and worthless a creature should have so much interest in the hearts, and prayers of the people of God. And his language in his Will speaks how little he was in his own eyes; the words are these, I desire that at my Funeral there may be no pomp; but that so poor a worthless wretch may be privately laid in the ground.
And as his Graces were many,His Comforts …aith and Joy. so were his Comforts many, and great, which God vouchsafed as singular manifestations of his love to this his dear Servant, and Childe. O what Kisses of Christs Mouth, and what imbraces from the Arms of his Love were bestowed upon this Saint of the most High? He enjoyed all along his afflicted condition, an uninterrupted assurance of Gods Fatherly love in Christ. In his addresses unto God, he constantly claimed propriety in God, calling him, my God, and my Father. His inward peace, and joy were the support of his heart under all his grievous, and grinding pains. he was confident of mercies mixtures with all his greatest distempers, not at all doubting of the sanctification of them to him through Grace. Thus he spake many times in his applications unto God, Consider, and save me, for I am thine. How long, how long Lord, shall I not be remembred? yea, I am remembred, blessed be thy Name. This is a fiery Chariot, but it will carry me to Heaven: Blessed be God that hath supported me hitherto; and he that hath delivered, will yet deliver. Thou Lord never forgettest them that put their trust in thee. Alwayes when the extremity of pain was over, he would with smiles speak of Gods mercies. Though trembling took hold upon him when his violent pains began, yet would he with confidence say, Now in the strength of the mighty God, I will undergo these pains: O my God put under thine everlasting Arms, and strengthen me. Many times he told a bosome friend of his, that notwithstanding all his rentings and roarings (from which he expected no deliverance but by death) he would not for a thousand worlds change estates with the greatest man on earth, whom he looked upon as in a way of sin, and enthraled thereto. And this much bespeaks Gods Fatherly indulgence towards him, that Satan could never shake his confidence, nor assault his hopes all the time of his irksome, irksome distemper. And this was further very remarkable, that he counted all these inward cheerings, the fruits of Prayers that were made for him, though God saw cause to deny that ease, and recovery to his body which was so much begged; and withall, he valued those spiritual cordials, and refreshings far beyond deliverance from the Gout, and the Stone, yea and Death it self.
These things are the rather mentioned, to prevent that discouragement, or offence which some may be too apt to take at the violence, and continuance of his wasting and tormenting pains, notwithstanding his own godliness, and the uncessant prayers, both ordinary and extraordinary, which were made unto God in his behalf, for he found the sweet fruits of them in his own bosome, even when he felt the continuance, and increase of his bodily grief.
Another thing very remarkable in holy Mr. Whitaker, His love to the Saints.was his love to his fellow Christians, he was a man made up (as it were) of love. His delight was in the Saints upon earth whom he esteemed most excellent, and their society was a constant cordial to his spirit. His frequent visits of them that were in trouble, and his stirring up of others to the like practice, were testimonies of this his cordial love; which indeed was not verbal, but real. He was also abundant in works of charity,His Charity. few men of his estate did equalize him therein. He would often say, It is a brave thing when a man together with a full estate, hath a charitable heart. Sometimes upon special occasions he hath given away all the money that he had in the house. It was not unusual with him to give twenty shillings to a poor Saint, and he had many experiencences of Gods gracious returns in such cases. By his last Will he gave twenty pounds to the godly poor of his own Parish.
There were two Cases wherein his loves were most enlarged to the people of God,His Sympathy whereof you may take these two Instances; The one when the sufferings were publick. He often told an intimate friend of his, that Englands late breach with Scotland, and the blood that was shed, together with other sad consequences thereof, had taken such impression upon his heart, that the sorrow would never be removed till his death; and the sufferings both in Holland and in England in our late Sea-sights were an heavy burden upon his spirit. The other Case was in respect to the inward perplexity of such as were afflicted in minde; having moved a special friend of his the week before his death, to bestow a visit upon one in that condition, the very morning before his death (when speech was grievous to him in respect of his great weakness) he asked him whether he had remembred the party that was troubled in spirit? which was a remarkable evidence of his strong love to such. And besides what hath already been mentioned, I might here set down his many wrestlings with God to prevent the flood or troubles which he apprehended the Protestant Churches were now in danger to be overflowed withall; as also his compassionate respect to Congregations in the Country, which were like sheep wandring upon the barren mountains without a Shepherd.
And as his love s…owed forth to the Saints,He was much beloved. so was theirs no less towards him: Not to speak of the many frequent, and friendly visits of godly men and women in the Neighbourhood round about him; there was scarce ever heard of any man that was so much prayed for both in publick and in private▪ both upon ordinary and extraordinary occasions, as he was. There was no particular case so frequently, so affectionately spread before God in most of the Congregations about London as his. Three dayes were set apart by Ministers, and many other praying friends to seek God in his behalf, one in private, and two in publick, which also were observed much better than such dayes usually have been of late; yea, in remote Countries, besides the ordinary Prayers made for him, there were some Fasts kept also with special reference to his afflictions. The multitude of people that came to his Funeral, with the many weeping eyes, did clearly shew how much he was beloved. Here might also be remembred the readiness of the London Ministers to supply his place at home, and his Lectures elsewhere, as also the willingness of his Fellow-lecturers at Westminster to preach for him there, when he himself by reason of weakness could not possibly do his own work, but its needless, for still every where upon the naming of Mr. Whitaker, love is some way discovered by such as had any knowledge of him.
Whilst he was able, he never neglected his Minsterial service;His delight in Preaching. he hath often gone upon Crutches unto the Congregation of his own people, to fulfil his Ministry; yea, once at least he adventured to preach at Michaels Cornhil, when he was scarce able to get into the Pulpit, and his Friends with much difficulty holp him out of the Church homewards; and at other times when his legs would not serve him, he used to ride to Church. And when he was by extremity of pains taken off from his Ministry, he would sometimes profess to some special friends, that the pain felt was not so grievous to his spirit, as his inability, by reason thereof, to mannage his wonted work: Indeed it was his meat and drink, to be doing the will of his Heavenly Father. Many times these were his words, If I could but preach, I should be much better; and he would rejoyce with cheerfulness and thankfulness, when in the times of his weakness he found not himself more distempered by his preaching, and would mention such experiences, as arguments to move; and induce his friends to yeeld to his preaching when they disswaded him from it as prejudicial to his health.
Anno Christi 1654,Hi… Sickness. about the beginning of November, the violent pain of the Stone, did in such a manner and measure arrest him, that from that time he continued Gods prisoner, confined to his bed or chamber, till he was set free by a long expected, and much desired death. Most Physi…ians in the City were consulted with, and were from time to time very ready to serve him with their advice, who did unanimously conclude, that his sharp pains proceeded originally from an Ulcer in the Kidnies, but immediately from an ulcer in the neck of the B…dder, caused by a continual flux of ulcerous m…tter dropping down upon that part; and by reason of the acuteness and quickness of the sense there, his pains were almost continually in that place, though the fountain of them was from the Kidnies.
About two moneths before his Death, his pains grew more extream, yet Divine indulgence vouchsafed at some times some mitigation of them, and intermission both in the night and day: But notwithstanding the long continuance and extremity of them neither his Faith nor Patience did abate, yea they much encreased, and grew higher; and as he grew nearer his end, so his longings for death were much increased, yet accompanied with holy submission to the good pleasure of his gracious Father.
These were some of his expressions, O my God break open the Prison door,His holy Speeches. and set my poor captive soul free: But enable me willingly to wait thy time! I desire to be dissolved: never aid any man more desire life, than I do Death! When will that time come, that I shall neither sin more, nor sorrow more? When shall mortality put on immortality? When shall this earthly Tabernacle be dissolved, that I may be cloathed upon with that House which is from Heaven? Blessed are the dead which dye in the Lord, for they rest from their labours, and follow the Lamb whither soever he goeth.
So great was his love to his God and Saviour, that he maintained and expressed high estimations, and honourable thoughts of his Majesty, when he was under the most tormenting providences: He feared nothing more, than lest he should do or speak any thing that should red…und to the dishonour of his Name. These were some breathings of his large love, when through pain he was as in the fire, or upon the rack: Good Lord keep me from dishonouring of thy Name by impatieency! Oh, who would not even in burnings have honourable thoughts of God! who that knows thee, would not fear thee, O Lord, love thee, and honour thee? Lord, thou givest me no occasion to have any hard thoughts of thee! Blessed be God, there is nothing of Hell in all this! Blessed be his Name for Jesus Christ, and the Revelation of the everlasting Gospel! Who knows the power of thy wrath? If it be so heavy upon thy servant hore, how heavy shall it be to all those who shall endure it without mixture? Blessed be God for the peace of mine inward man, when my outward man is full of trouble! This is a bitter Cup, but it is of my Father mixture, and shall I not drink it? yea Lord, through thy strength I will: This is my burthen, and I will bear it.
Upon any abatements of his excruciating pains, he was constantly much in blessing God, using these, and such like expressions: O! what a mercy is it that there is any mitigation, any intermission! Lord make me thankfull. And turning himself towards those that stood by, he would bespe…k them thus; O help me to be thankfull! O lift up a Prayer for me that I may be thankful! O what a mercy is this! How much worse might this affliction have been! I might have been distracted, or laid roaring under disque…ness of spirit: By these, and many such like expressions and workings of his spirit, who perceiveth not the sparklings of his love to God? And to a dear friend he often said, Brother, through mercy I have not one repini…g thought against God.
The Sabbath sevennight before God released him, though his pains were very sharp, yet he bestowed most part of the time of publick Ordinances, in prayer, together with those that were about him, and his Petitions were most in the behalf of Ministers, that God would cloath his Ordinances with his own power, and enable his Ministers to speak to the souls of his people. Then did he also with many tears bewail his detainment from the Sanctuary, and Sabbath-opportunities of doing, and receiving good, which had been his delight: Professing also, that his being taken off from service, was a greater affl…ction to him than all his bodily pains. And because this apprehension (to wit, of his present unserviceablness) did much afflict him; this therefore was often suggested to him (which the Lord pleased to make a relief to his spirit) viz. that now by the practice of Faith, Patience, Contentment, and spiritualness (which he had formerly preached to, and pressed upon others) he was very profitable unto them who visited him, and might also prove very advantagious unto others who might be acquainted therewith, through Gods grace by Christ.
So great was his tender respect to his friends,His tormenting pains. that when his pains were coming with violence, he would intreat them to withdraw from him, that they might not be grieved with his roari…gs; and he used often to bless God, that his compassionate friends were not necessitated to abide within the reach of his doleful lamentation.
As his death drew more nigh, so his fits of pain were more frequent, either every half hour, or many times every quarter, yea two or three in a quarter of an hour, which did exceedingly abate his strength.
The night before God took him out of this vale of tears, Mr. Ash hearing that he was not likely to live another day, went early in the morning to take his leave of him, whom his soul loved, at which time he found his bodily strength much decayed; and perceiving that he could not speak without much difficulty, Mr. Ash spake the more unto him in reference to the approach of his happy hoped for change, and his discourse (through Gods mercy) was very refreshing his spirit. He told him also that many of his friends intended to set apart that day in seeking the Lord for him, and asked him, in what things e…pecially he desired to be remembred before the Throne of Grace? His answer was, Do not complain, but bless God for me, and intreat him to open the prison door. Then Mr. Ash laying his hand upon his cold hand, covered with a clammy sweat, took his last farewell of him with an aking heart; and upon his departure from him, the last words which Mr. Whitaker spake to him were these; Brother, I thank you, I pray God bless you, and I bless God for you.
That day was spent in addresses to God for him at Peters Cornhill, where Mr. Newcomen quickned and guided our prayers in his Sermon upon Joh. 11. …. Lord, Behold he whom thou lovest is sick; and Mr. Jenkin endeavoured to moderate, and regulate our sorrows from Luke 23. 28. Weep not for me.
Thus his friends having by prayers and praises (on his behalf) given him to God,His Death. and having prepared their hearts for the loss of him, the Lord was pleased that evening to take him to himself, June 1654, being above Fifty five years old.
After his death Mr. Holiard opened his body in the presence of Dr. Cox, Dr. Micklethwaite, and Dr. Bevoir; (some other more ancient Doctors would have been there, if, either their being out of Town, or present urgent occasions had not hindred) being opened, they found both his Kidnies full of ulcers, and and one of them was swelled to an extraordinary bigness through the abundance of purulent matter in it. Upon the neck of his Bladder, they found a stone, (which was about an inch and an half long, and one inch broad, weighing about two ounces when it was first taken out and withall they found an ulcer which was gangrenized, and this was judged to be the cause of his death. All other parts of his body were found firm and sound.
He was so humble, that he feared lest Gods people praying for him, should speak too well of him before the Lord.
He was a self-denying man, never daring to look after great matters in this world; whereby he condemned many whose self-seeking in earthly advantages, renders them very offensive and unsavoury in the Church of Christ.
Mr. Calamy speaking of him saith; If I should enter upon his Commendations, I might truly say what Nazanien doth of his Sister Gorgonia, that I have more cause to fear lest I should speak below, than above the truth: For he was a burning and a shining light in this our Israel: A Messenger, and an Interpreter one amongst a thousand: A Bazal…el in Gods Tabernacle: A true Nathaniel that by his integrity, humility, constancy, charity, publickness, and peaceableness of spirit, and by his diligence and f…ithfulness in preaching the Gospel, made his life both amiable and desirable. I will say of him, as it was said of Athanasius, that he was foreign, an Adamant, and a Loadstone. To all that conversed with him, he was as a Loadstone to draw their hearts to love him: But in the cause of God, and in reference to the truths of Christ, he was as an unconquerable Adamant. He was a Jeremy, both in mourning for, and in witnessing against the sins of the times. He was a second Whitaker, though not so eminent in Learning as to be (what is said o… …) Mundi miraculum, Academiae Oraculum, the miracle of the world, and the Oracle of the University; yet he was (which is also said of him) sound in the Faith; one that had no private opinion, that did not in veteri viâ novam semitam quaerere, seek out new paths of his own, but kept the old way, and the old path. That had a great wit without any mixture of madness.
He preached no less by the heavenliness of his Doctrine than by the holiness of h…s life; yea he preached as effectually by his death, as by his life or Doctrine, for so great was the patience which God measured out to him, that though in his extremity of torments he groaned, yet he never grumbled. Though he often mourned, yet he never murmured; nay, though he often roared by reason of the greatness of his pain, yet he alwayes justified and m…gn…fied God therein; and this he did so constantly, and in such a measure, that as it is said of Job, so it wi…l be said by the Saints that succeed us, for their mutual consolation, and encouragement, Ye have heard of the Patience of Whitaker: He had indeed an ul…rated flesh, but a sound and whole spirit, and that inabled him to bear his infirmity: he had a stone in the Bladder, but a very soft and tender heart: he had a gangreene in his body, but a sound soul, unstained by sin. I heard him often say with thankfulness, that under all his bodily sufferings, he had a blessed calmness, and quietness in his spirit, that God sp…ke peace unto him; that though he roared for pain, yet the Devil was chained up from roaring upon him.
On the Death of my dear Friend, Mr. JEREMIAH WHITAKER.
IF Death be but a servant sent to call
The souls of Saints to their Originall:
Dear Saint, thine was a Noble soul, to whom
Three Messengers were sent to call thee home;
A Stone, an Ulcer, and a Cangreene too,
Three Deaths to hasten that which one should do.
'…was not because thy soul was deeper set
Than ours, within its house of clay, nor yet
Because thou wert unwilling to depart
Thither, where long before had been thine heart:
They were not sent to hale by violence
A soul that lingred when 'twas called hence.
God shew'd how welcome one Death was to thee,
Who did so meekly entertain all three.
Thus many Deaths Gods Israel did inclose,
The Sea before, behinde a Sea of Foes;
On either side the jaws of Mountains high,
No way from Death, but unto Death to flye.
Not to destroy them, but to let them see
The power of love, which then would set them free.
Thus Jobs four Messengers which did relate
The doleful story of his ruin'd state:
And his three Friends which acted Satans part
(He on his flesh, and these upon his heart)
Who by disputing him unto a curse
Would make his spirits torments the far worse,
Were by Gods wise disposal sent to show
The strength he on his Champion would bestow.
Thus Painters put dark grounds where they intend
To overlay with finest gold, and lend
By deeper shadows lustre to that face,
On which they mean their choisest skill to place.
Thus workmen season much with Sun and wind
Those greatest beams which must the building binde,
Whilst smaller pieces haply are put in
When they come bleeding from the wood, and green.
Oft where is greatest grace, God's pleas'd to send
Great conflicts those great Graces to commend.
As the six-fingred Giants sword did bring
The more renown to little Davids sling.
The vanquisht Lion, and the conquered Bear
Prepar'd that holy Head a Cr…wn to wear.
The Angel wrestled first, and then did bless
And made the greater servant to the less.
Pain was too great for thee, Gods grace for pain,
And made the greater serve the less again.
Thy pains serv'd thee for glory, and did fit
The Head on which a Crown of life must sit.
This is Gods method to fetch joy from grief,
To turn our sorrows unto our relief,
To save by killing, and to bring to shore
By the ships planks which was quite broke before.
And thus a barren womb first took the seed
Which did six hundred thousand people breed.
That seed too must from knife and Altar rise,
And be before a fire a Sacrifice.
Great Preacher of thy Heavenly Fathers will
Thy tongue did many ears with Manna fill.
Thy life out-preach't thy tongue, O blessed strife!
Thy sickness the best Sermon of thy life.
Before each Doctrine must be prov'd a new,
Thine end was one great proof that all was true.
Before thou preach't by weeks, but now by hours,
Each minute taught thy mourning Auditors,
Each patient groan, and each believing eye
Was a new Sermon in Brachygraphy.
When Nature roars without repining words,
Grace in the mouth when in the Bowels swords,
In midst of torments to triumph o're Hell,
To feel Gods Arrows, yet his Praises tell.
Through thickest clouds to see the brightest light
In blackest darkness to have cleerest sight,
And with our Lord to cry, My God, My God,
Upon a Cross under the sharpest Rod.
This is indeed to preach; this is to show
Faiths triumph over Natures greatest wo.
Then welcome fiery Serpents, scorching sting,
Which did thee thus to th' Brazen Serpent bring.
Then welcome Whale, which though it first devour,
Renders at last the Prophet to the shore.
Well might'st thou bear the stone which Death did throw,
Who had'st the white Stone the new Name to show:
Well might'st thou be with such an ulcer calm
Whose soul was heal'd before with Heavens Balm.
When spirits wounds are cur'd though Nature groan,
An heart of flesh can heal a back of stone:
Let conscience have her feast, and let flesh roar,
This pain shall make the others joy the more,
As many times those Flowers most fragrant smell
Which nearest to some noysome weeds do dwell.
Thus have you seen the Forge most clearly glow,
On which the Smith doth drops of water throw.
Keen Frosts make fire the hotter, and deep night
Causeth Celestial Lamps to shine more bright.
And by a dear Antiperistasis,
The Childs distress sweetens the Fathers kiss.
A wounded body yeelds to a sound soul,
The joyes of this do th' others pains controle.
As in the day that the Sun beams appear
All other lesser Stars do disappear.
When Heaven shines, and Divine love doth reign,
The soul is not at leasure to complain.
Internal joyes his heart so well composes,
That they have judg'd their flames a bed of Roses.
Mr. Gataker, Mr. Whitaker.
But what shall England do from whence are lopt,
Two if her richest Acres to Heaven dropt.
By loss of these two Acres she's more poor,
Then if sh'had lost an hundred Lordships more.
'Twere a good purchase to gain these agen,
By giving to the Sea all Lincoln Fen.
Two little Mines of Gold do far surpass
Huge Mannors where th'whole vesture is but grass.
Learn we by them what all men will once say,
One Pearch of Heaven,'s worth the whole Globe of clay.
ED. REYNOLDS D. D.