A Collection of the Lives of Ten Eminent Divines, Biography 9

A Collection of the Lives of Ten Eminent Divines · Biography 9

p. 248The Life and Death of Mr. Richard Capel, who dyed Anno Christi 1656.

Mr. Richard Capel was born in the City of Gloucester, His Birth, and …arentage.Anno Christi 1586; of good Parentage, descended from an ancient Family of the Gentry of his own name, in Herefordshire, and of alliance to the Lord Capel, (but he had learned with brave Philpot, to tread that under his feet.) His Father was a stout man, and an Alderman of that City; a fast friend, first to Mr. Thomas Prior, and afterwards to Mr. John Workman, (having had a principall hand in drawing of him thither) both of them men of great sufficiency for the preaching of the Gospell, and instruments that the Lord made much use of, for the advancement of the true saving knowledge of himself, and for the setting up of the reall, and substantiall power of godliness in that City, during the time that they exercised their M…nistry there. His elder Brother yet lives, and is an Alderman in that place.His Education.

After he had been trained up at School, and well fitted for it,His Preferment at Oxford he was sent to the University of Oxford, where his diligence, and proficiency was such, that he was chosen Fellow of Magdalen-Colledge, and had the breeding up of some there, who afterwards proved excellent, and eminent Scholars: as Dr. Frewen, (who was alwayes a thankfull man to him for his education) p. 249and famous Mr. Pemble, who ended his dayes at his house,His attendance at Cou…t. &c. His attendance at Court upon the chiefest favourite (in the dayes of that learned King James) gave him opportunity of advancement, i… his thoughts had been bent that way: but he sought not great things for himself; yet continued at Court till the death of Sr. Thomas Overbury, that learned Knight, and his very good friend, and then he had adieu to that course of life.

As for his inward storms they were very many,His Tem…tions. and exceeding bitter, (which also were accompanied with many bodily infirmities, which attended him in his younger years) but it was well for him that he bore the yoke in his youth: and there was none that knew so much of his temptations and desertions, as th…t eminent, and learned Divine, Dr. Harris, by reason of that intimate acquaintance he had with him in those dayes (being his kinsman) which also was occ…sioned the more, by the often recourse he had then into those parts, for the fetching of some spiriruall refreshing from that man of God, Mr. John Dod, who was both able, and willing to speak a word in season to a broken and co…rite heart.

For the eminency of h…s parts,His excel… …. there were very few that could match him. The most, even of our most high-flown Eagles, have commonly some peculiar gift wherein they most excell, and by it …o very good service to Christ, and his Church: but this man had grasped all good learning, and made every thing his own so evenly to see to, that he was very expert in the same, and would (with Cato the elder) be up in the height, in all th…t ever he was to act in.

p. 250Melancthon used to say that Pomeranus was the Gramarian: that himself was the Logician: that Justus Jonas was the Orator: but that Luther. was all in all: here was one that was not inferior to Luther. If he pleased to turn to the School, or to Case-Divinity: to Augustine, or Chrysostome: to Galen, or Hippocrates: to Aristotle, or Tully: to History, or Philosophy: to Arts, or Tongues: who could tell but himself, which of them he was best versed in? He was a very living Library, a full storehouse of all kind of good literature, no less than a little University, the mirrour of those parts, and above the envy of most. The least draught of his Pencil, would have told any Protogenes, he had been the Apelles. He excelled in all that ever he would set his hand to, unless it were in his utterance in the publick Congregation, and therein indeed he had a great defectiveness.

God … him great understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do.H…s knowledge of the times. He stood upon the Watch-tower, and saw what was hid from most mens eyes; and being quick of sent, in the fear of the Lord, he gave timely notice to some that stood in place: which had it been heeded, we had never been so fearfully pestered with those Hydraes heads that are now starting up afresh daily to the great disturbance of our people.

Simler said of Melancthon at his going from the University of Tubing, that none of the learned men there, how many soever they were, had so much learning, as to know the great learning that was in that man. Too too many amongst us were even sick of the same disease, that knew not the depth that was in this mans p. 251brest.A universal Schollar. There were many men in this one man, even all Scholarship epitomized in this profound Clerk: and yet for all this, he had that great blessing, which he himself observed as a singular favour vouchsafed to Dr. John Reynolds, that great Oracle of Oxford, that he never set on foot any manner of new opinion.

The like is observed of learned Dr. Whitaker, st…led the Oracle of Cambridge, His-Modesty.and the miracle of the world. A mercy that most men of superlative parts use not to be too rich in. There is scarce any strong brain, without some strong fancy. If the great wits of our times had kept themselves close to the steps of these rare Divines, we had never seen the sorrows that we now sigh, and groan under, and would be glad to be rid of if we knew how.

For the excellency of his preaching he excelled most men.Hi… excellent Preaching. He was an In…erpreter one of a thousand. His understanding was strangely opened, for the understanding and opening the Scriptures. He would bolt out that out of the holy Book of God, that would not come into any other mans consideration; yet it should be genuine, and evidently appearing to be the dri…t, and meaning of the Holy Ghost.

An intelligent man could never sit at his feet,H…s communi…iveness. or be in his company, but he should meet with that there that would never fall from any other mans mouth, nor ever drop from any other mans Pen. His words were as Goads, and as Nails fastened by the Master of the Assemblies. They were edged with so much reason, re-enforced from the lively Oracles, that they could not fall to the ground in vain. It's no marvell therefore that the Cream of the whole Country where he p. 252lived (as they could have opportunity) would hang upon his Ministry.

Yet he used to be very plain in all his expressions.His plain preaching. He would not deliver what he had from God in an unknown tongue, nor yet in words, and phrases which were too sp…uce, and trim. He had learned his lesson we…l of that great Apostle, and Doctor of the Gentiles, who came not with enticing words: nor with any other, but such as the very Catechu…n…ni, the youngest beginners might understand. He kept close to the footsteps of our choicest Worthies: as famous Mr. Dod (who used to say, that so much Latine was so much flesh in a Sermon) Mr. Cleaver, Mr. Hildersam, and such other holy men of God, led by the self same Spirit. He would deliver the whole, and wholesome truths of God, in such an holy, and wholsome way, that it bred very good bloud in the hearts of his hearers. He would stoop so low as to speak to the poor Country people in their own proper dialect, so as they could not but even see, and feel, and find out God, and be occasioned to speak of him all the week after. If he met with a deep mystery, he would make it plain to the shallowest capacity. Whatever Subject he sell upon, he would handle it so Divine-like, that the hearts of his Auditors would be wrapt up into Heaven, whilest they heard him winding, and turning a point of Divinity, like a workman that needed not to be ashamed.

Whereas, now adayes, whilest some of our great Divines,Note. seem to be too much taken up with quaint, and Historicall flourishes, there is a sensible decay of the power of God amongst us. An Exotick, or p. 253strange tongue in the publick Congregation (whatever men think of it) is set out as a sign of Gods displeasure, 1 Cor. 14. 21, 22. It feeds such humors as should rather be purged out. It had no good effect in the Church of Corinth. Mens wits will waxe wanton, when they be not over-awed by the plain power of Gods Word. When Preachers keep not close to the very words of our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Tim. 6. 3. and to the Doctrine that is according to godliness: but love to be tampering with another Doctrine, though not with another in the main; but even in the manner of delivery only, (as when it savours too much of the pomp of humane eloquence (saith Calvin) when it differs from the stile of the Holy Ghost, (saith Danaeus) the people be in danger of turning aside to vain jangling, to perverse disputings, desiring to be teachers, and such like matters. The Gold upon the Pill may please the eye; but it profits not the patient. The Paint upon the Glass may feed the fancy; but the room is the darker for it. The Sword of Gods Spirit can never wound so deep, as when it's plucked out of these gaudy Scabbards. Nakedness deforms too too many in these dayes; but it is the best garnishing, and Ornament the truth can have. A sober dress best becomes a grave Matron. There be words as well as things which the Holy Ghost teacheth, 1 Cor. 2. 13. The Arrows fetched out of Gods own Quiver will pierce the deepest, and make the people fall the soonest under Christ. The weakness of God is stronger than men. Pauls weapons were mighty. The sincere milk of Gods Word will make Christs Babes to grow best.

p. 254This curious age is too too much given to the affectation of words, and phrases, and cadencies: and holy Dr. Sibs was wont to say, that great affectation, and good affections seldome goe together. The swelling words of vanity may tickle the ear, tip the tongue, and please in matters of discourse: but when it comes to push of Pike, they afford but little comfort. Mr. Capel had another manner of wisdome than that of words. He was an able Minister of the New Testament, not of the letter, but of the Spirit, that hath given, doth give, and will give life, 2 Cor. 3. 6. Having this hope then, he used great plainness of speech: and by the manifestation of the truth, he commended himself to every mans conscience in the sight of God, and thereby hath so well seasoned the Country where he lived, that the fruit of it (without doubt) will remain, and be seen many years after.

His Prayers were lively, and fervent. He was a man that had a very large measure of that Spirit of grace, His …ervent Prayers.which is a Spirit of Supplication. He was so well fitted with abilities to open his mind to God, as if (with blessed Bradford) he had been almost ever upon his knees. He could tell his own errand, or any other mans, at the Throne of grace, with as good freedome, and to as good purpose, as any man living. He would not be rash with his mouth when he came before God, nor set out what he had to say there, with painted eloquence, or Court-like complement: but his mouth used to be filled with such savoury Arguments, as very well became an humble Suppliant. He was far from those battologies, and miserable extravagancies, that too many prayers are stuffed with. He p. 255would pour out his soul to God at all manner of times, upon all manner of occasions, with all manner of Prayer, and Supplication, and with that admirable variety of all sorts of quickening and feeling meditations, that it would even ravish the hearts of those who had the happiness to be partakers with him therein.

Yet for all this,Set forms of Prayer lawful he was clear in his opinion for the lawfulness of the use of set Forms of Prayer, according to the tenet of all our best, and most judicious Divines, and according to the practice of all Churches, even the best reformed, saith Mr. Rogers, now, and in all former ages. So saith Mr. Hildersam: yea, and Mr. Smith himself saith upon the Lords Prayer (though as then he was warping, and afterwards wandred far in the wayes of Separation) that it was the practice of the ancient Church, and of all the Reformed Churches in Christendome: of the Churches immediately after the Apostles; nay (saith he) of the Church in the time of the Apostles, as may probably be gathered out of 1 Cor. 14. 26. This hath also been the practice of the best lights that ever were set up in the Churches of Christ. It is very well known that the flower of our own Divines went on in this way, when they might have done otherwise if they had pleased, in their Prayers before their Sermons. Nay, Mr. Dod himself would seldome end his devotions in his own Family but with the use of the Lords Prayer. Nay yet more, Mr. Cartwright (Hist. Christ. p. 3. p. 535.) thinks it very probable that Christ his own self made use of a set Form at meales.

It is not good to cast stones of offence in the way of our weak Brethren, who being of meaner parts, want p. 256ability, memory, and audacity to conceive Prayer, especially before others, that they be not taken off from, nor disheartened in this so comfortable, and necessary a service of God: nor may we lay a trap, or snare for our own feet. Who knoweth what times may pass over him? If God should plunge us into the Ditch, and leave us labouring in the noose, the loftiest of us all may be faign to take relief from, and to make use of these poor contemptible props, and crutches (as some deem, and call them) When the soul is so troubled that it cannot speak; but Chatter only, like a Crane, and Swallow, Psal. 77. 4. When it is so full of grief that it can do no more than sigh, and groan, and make a confused noise, as Psal. 55. 2. it will then be glad to catch at any thing to give it self vent by. Dr. Harris tells us of a second Bradford, that in time of his distress, was fain to adopt Mr. Bradfords words, and to spread them before God as his own, because he had said more for him (as he thought) than he could say for himself. I knew (saith mine Author) a rare, and eminent Divine indeed, that would be as often upon his knees as any man that ever I conversed with, that would sometimes be in such damps, that had no more to set before God to give his heart ease by, than the words of David in the one and fiftieth Psalm. Well might then this knowing Divine of ours, that had been so tossed with tempests, be tender of that, that might be so usefull for poor trembling hearts in a stormy day.

Get to God therefore as thou canst. Sad judgements be upon our people. Spirituall judgements are p. 257the forest judgements. What if thou hast but the same words? as Christ, Mat. 26. 44. thou maist be heard as he was, Heb. 10. 11. The song of Moses was a new Song, because tendered to God with new affections, Rev. 14. 3. & 15. 3. What if thy petitions be broken, and confused? as Exod. 14. 10, 11, 12. This poor man cried, saith David, Psal. 34. 6. when he was in a poor case indeed, like a Bedlam, 1 Sam. 21. 13. and yet he was heard.

The little lisping children have sometimes a grant of their requests, when those that are of greater maturity seem to be set aside. Whilst Moses held up his hands (though in a poor way) Israel prevailed. Who can tell what God may do? Abraham left asking, ere God left granting, even for a filthy Sodome. Remember Mr. Latimers, once againe, once againe: Tug, and wrestle. We may come to see, and our people may bee made to know, that their heart is turned backe againe to the God of their Fathers, 1 King. 18. 37. But to return to Master Capel.

He was of a sound, and setled judgement. He pitched at first upon a good foundation,His sound judgement. and being nourished up in the words of Faith, he continued in the things he had learned, and been well assured of, knowing from whom he had received them, as 1 Tim. 4. 6. He was well grounded in his opinion: one that stood like a brazen wall, as firm as a very Rock in the middest of all the dashings and clashings of tempestuous times. He saw with a clear eye through all the painted glosses of those that were given to change; and therefore was not moved at all with any thing that was said or done p. 258in that kinde; he was true to his Religion, and clave close all along to his first principles,His constancy holding fast the Faith that was once, and (as he himself would often express it) but once delivered to the Saints. He lived and dyed a true Orthodox Divine, according to the known Doctrine of the Church of England. He knew full well, for all the great talk of the Gospel, as though it were but newly dropt out of the clouds, that there is not any other Gospel, but the everlasting Gospel, Rev. 14. 8. that was preached before unto Abraham, Gal. 3. 8. and hath been entertained all along still by Gods faithful people, and shall be so continually to the end of the world. Yet some there be that are no mean pretenders to the Gospel, and notwithstanding the same, are in great danger of perverting the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as Gal. 1. 7.

This constant, and stable man was set up as a sure Sea-mark. Let us stand to his steps though we stand alone. God and a good conscience are alwayes good company. Elijah was but one, yet did he very good service. One Athansius in the East, one Hillary in the West, was of mighty great use in a staggering time. What if we meet with storms. It is but a poor Religion that is not worth suffering for. It will turn to a Testimony, Luke 21. 13. When the wilde humour is spent, men will return home again. A Statue of Mercury wil be looked upon then. Those poor silly souls that be tossed to and fro, and whirled about, and about again with every wind of Doctrine, The danger of inconstancy in Religion.Eph. 4. 14. will be glad of such a sight in the day of their visitation; whereas they which know, or should know more of God, be not steddy in their steering, but vary in their p. 259course, poor bewildred hearts will be at their wits ends, not knowing which way to turn, nor to whom to go, nor whom to walk after.

As there is but one God, so there is but one Faith, & one Baptisme, and one way to eternal life, and one Rule for us all to walk by, why be we not then all of one heart? why walk we not all in one tract? So many men as we see, so many mindes there be. Every monethmonth almost produceth a new Faith. It is easie to swim with the Tyde: To perswade the heart of the rectitude of that that is favoured by the times, and yet to pretend still that it is from more light. We may talk of the Spirit, but its certain that Schisme is a fruit of the Flesh. The old way is the good way, Jer. 18. 15. He shall stumble, and ensnare his feet that swerves from the antient paths. What is got by gadding? Men itch for change still, and there is no rest but with our first Husband, Hos. 2. 7. It is good to be all of one minde in God. Where there is not unity in Judgement, there is scarce unity in affections. We are too fierce against such as close not with our Notions. It was Bell, Book, and Candle once: It is not much better now. Wilde fire flyes amain: We cannot all cut to a thread; there will be some variation in the Compass: But whilst we aim at the white, the odds is to be passed by without bitterness. Why should there be such huge Rents and Divisions in the Church? Where is our mutual forbearance? We have not yet learned our Lesson well, to wait one for another till God shall reveal it, Phil. 3. 15. Whilst we be so sharp in our contests, Satan makes his Markets: Religion goes to wrack; our differences are widened. Some are ready p. 260to give up all, seeing there is no better Harmony: Others could well wish themselves out of the world, that they might be delivered (as Melancthon said) from the implacable difference, even amongst some Divines. Oh! that we could hearken unto God, who would have the truth followed, but in love, Eph. 4. 15. If the Word will not prevaile, the Cross will come, and make a Hooper, and a Ridley imbrace one another.

Let us fall upon that one,How to be constant therein. and onelyonly solid way of God, it will ever be our glory. Get we to God, he can stablish our unresolved hearts, 2 Cor. 1. 21. See that the judgement be so rightly set, Isa. 33. 6. and the heart so firmly knit to God, and his Truth, and then we shall not waver. Tamper not with opinions, 2 Pet. 3. 17. nor with opiniative men, 1 Tim. 6. Rom. 16. 17, 18. Nor yet with Books that scatter Tares. This grave, and prudent Divine gives a very good caution to this purpose in his Treatise of Temptations, from famous Mr. Dod, a man of vast experience. An honest heart may be sorely puzled with a forked Argument. The Martyr could dye for Christ, that could not dispute for him. Some pretend that they must try all things: But they speak besides the Book. Who will try Ratsbane, or a sharp Sword whether it will pierce into his bowels? Some think that they can withdraw when they see danger; but Satan is subtle: Venome will get …n before we be aware, and error will stick, and eat like a Gangrene. What gets the Fly that playes with the Candle? They that nibble at the bait, shall hardly escape the hook. Again, gingle not with tearms that be improper in matters of Religion; they savour of singularity, breed rents and divisions between Preachers p. 261and people, and take off the minde from things more essential. Learned men have observed, that Hereticks gat great advantage by the unwary speeches of the Fathers. Some of Calvins expressions that were not so well pondered, have done no great good to some in our times. Nestorius fell into his Heresie by defending an improper speech of his; and Eutyches thinking to mend it, fell into the other extream. Dr. Thomas Tailor speaks much to this point to very good purpose in his Progress to Holiness, p. 134, 135, 154. and concludes, that if we will keep the faith of our Fathers, we must keep the words of our Fathers.

Our Mr. Capel was a man of a single heart:His single-heartedness. He was (with Jacob, Gen. 25. 27.) a plain man, i. e. A downright honest man, as the Original signifies. A very Nathaniel, an Isralite indeed, Joh. 1. 47. in whom, though there was some infirmity, yet there was no guile. He had much of the wisdome that is from above, and was as far from Hypocrisie as most men living. If all others were of his temper, Momus had no need to complain of the want of a window into any mans breast. He was what he was indeed, and in truth, without dissimulation: He was very high in his conformity to those Primitive Christians, Act. 2. 46. and left a brave President to all that would be what they should be in this particular.

We of this doubting and deceitful Generation had need to look about us,Hypocrisie complained of and see what was here set before us in very legible Characters, that we may learn to be more above board in our dealings. We are faln into an age, like that of the Prophets, wherein every p. 262one hath too much of the Hypocrite. We may well cry, Help Lord, for the faithful fail: with a double Heart and double tongue do they speak. The most be for all Tides and Times, as mutable as the Weather-cock: For any manner of Mode, so as they can serve their own turns by it. Some can be any thing but what they should be. We have need to beware of men where every brother will supplant. The Hypocrite with his mouth destroyes his Neighbour, Prov. 11. 9. It is indeed good to be wise as Serpents, but withall we should be innocent as Doves. Though it be just with God that the deceiver shall be deceived, and some like it well, yet is it not just in those that do it. They that turn aside to crooked wayes, shall be led forth with the workers of iniquity, Psal. 125. 5.

Plain dealing is a Jewel, yea though it be in sin, as this acute man tells us, in his …entat. Part. 3. Its a dainty fine thing in our confessions, repentance, and in all wherein we act. He that useth it (what ever men say or think) shall neither live, nor dye a beggar. Downright honesty is the best policy. It is delightful to God, Prov. 12. 22. and it will be a comfort to us, 2 Cor. 1. 12. This is our rejoycing, and we never eat …ur meat with more gladness, than when we do all with singleness of heart, Act. 2. 46.

Mr. Capel was a very useful man in his life. He was (with Melancthon) born for the common good,His Usefulness and lived for the publick benefit of the whole Country.

Whilst he was at his Pastoral charge, he gave himself fully, and wholly to Reading, to Exhortation, and Doctrine; and his profiting appeared unto all men: so that he was generally, and that justly reputed a man p. 263approved of God, His frequent preaching.rightly dividing the word of truth: It is well known what pains he took, and to how good purpose, during the whole time of his abode there, which was about one and twenty years. He preached constantly twice every Lords day; and besides preached a Lecture constantly every week, though he had but an infirm body, till by reason of sickness he was taken off: And then besides his Sabbath-dayes work, he preached onelyonly upon the Festival dayes. His lips were touched with a coal from the Altar. It may truly be said of him, as it was of Musculus, that his words pierced like a two-edged sword. He could when he pleased be a Boanerges, a son of Thunder; but his bent was most to be a Barnabas, a son of Consolation. He was a true Evangelical Preacher, and comforted many a drooping heart by his labours in publick, and gave abundance of satisfaction in private to many troubled spirits that used to resort to him out of all Countries, both far and near.

He also shewed himself to be a Tree of Gods own planting,He leaves the Min…stry by bringing forth more fruit still in his age. When the times were such (some flying so extreamly high, the Ceremonies being pressed with rigour, and grievous penalties inflicted) that he (being tender in matters of Conformity) must needs quit his Pastoral charge,at Pit…combe. which was Novem. 27. 1634, he betook himself then to his little Cell (as Samuel did to his Ramah) that had never been looked upon if he had not come thither (no more than Islebium, and Bretta, if not for Luther and Melancthon) and there he had more health and cheerfulness of spirit than formerly, p. 264which he improved well for the publick advantage: For,

There he fell upon the Practice of Physick. He practiseth Physick.He indeed had bent his studies that way before hand (foreseeing what would follow) yet would he do nothing in that kinde (it not being his Calling) so long as that great work of the Ministry lay upon him: But when he had quit the more special tye of the care of mens souls, he then took himself to be at more freedome, and having a License sent him by the Bishop of Gloucester to authorize him, he fell upon the cure of mens bodies; and being of great sufficiency, his fame was quickly spread abroad. He was looked upon as a very Trismegistus, or a second Aesculapius▪ He could do much at the diving into a disease, and in applying such medicines as were proper and fit. Not like some that will be tampering with that Profession, and give their doses at adventure. He was quick, yet in cases of difficulty and danger he would weigh things well. In desperate diseases he would adventure far, according to the rules of Reason, what he gave should be safe. He mixed all with his own hands, he would stoop to the meanest, and serve all at an easie rate. His Receits amounted not to the half, nay not to one quarter of a common Apothecaries Bill. He was blessed by God with great, and good success, and had resort, especially towards his latter end, out of his own, and other Countries, so that he had not leasure to sit at his own meals in quiet. Yea many times he was quite tired out till God called him to rest.

His words were seasonable and savoury:His fruitful discourses. His tongue was a Tree of life: His lips fed many. Whosoever p. 265came near him, should have something dropping (if he did but heed it) that was worth carrying away with him. It is true, he would be pleasant, and jest more freely than many did, or could well like. (Some of his best friends wished that it had been otherwise) but there will be something of humane infirmity cleaving to us all in this world. Yet the times are to be considered, and the nature of a many with whom he had to deal, that could no more away with a downright blow, than some can away with sound Doctrine. Yet there was never a prudent heart but it might have picked sweet out of that which some did most of all distasie. It is said, that Erasmus did more hurt to the Pope by his jesting, than Luther did by his ruffling: So this man gave a deadlier blow to the iniquity of the times in his jocular way, than most others can do in their most serious undertakings; yet would he be as serious as any man living upon a just and fit occasion, and would be as tender to trouble the spirits of the meanest as heart could desire. Urbanus Regius having had one dayes discourse with Luther, said, that it was one of the sweetest dayes that ever he had in his life: Some can say as much of this rare man, when they had him (as all might have had him) in the right veyn.

He was singular in that faithful advice and counsel which he used to give to all of all sorts upon every emergent occasion.An excellent Counselor. It was said in old time, They shall ask counsel of Abel, 2 Sam. 20. 18. and so they ended their matters. The common conflux of almost all in those parts, was still to his house. Oyntment and perfume rejoyce the heart, Prov. 27. 9. so did the sweetness of this man by his hearty counsel. To some he was as another p. 266Nestor; others found him ever a most faithful Achates, and such made him (as Tully did his Atticus) their constant Assylum, and his dexterous counsel (like Ariadnes thred) led them out of many a perplexed Labyrinth. He was (as that famous Augur in Homer) one that could see things past, and present, & guess shrewdly also at those that were to come. Oldmens counsels (they say) are young mens lances: Mr. Calvins were very profitable, so were Mr. Capels: Many a young beginner, and tired conflicter, did fetch all their best weapons out of this mans Armory.

He preached the Gospel freely for the most part of his last twenty years.He preached freely. Freely he had received, and freely he would give. Not that he thought it unlawful for a Minister to take maintenance, or to take that maintenance by Tithes, which hath been publickly set aside in this Land; for his Tithes he paid himself, and that freely and duly too (all the whole time of his preaching thus freely) and that to one who did not much in the work of the Ministry; and he did it upon this ground, because he knew it to be his due. I will not dispute this point at this time with those that be hampered in their opinions, but heartily wish them, with all those that in these times are such enemies to Tithes, and are so extreamly defective in making conscience to pay them, to consider what hath faln from the Pens of holy men that have been far enough off from being this way interessed.Tithes asserted Mr. Cartwright saith plainly, that they that take away the Tithes of the Ministers, and turn them to their own use, would doubtless crucifie Christ again if he were here upon earth. Beza speaks of some that leave Christ, as the p. 267Souldiers did, which crucified him either stark naked, or but sorrily clad; and so to do (saith he) is not to love God, but the goods of God more than God. Dr. John Reynolds saith, Our Ancestors provided houses, Glebe-lands, Tithes, and other profits for the maintenance of Pastors; and a little after he saith, The Churches Goods allotted to the maintenance of Pastors and Teachers, are not profane, but sacred; and therefore the sin of them that purloyn them, is Sacriledge, not Theft, wherein God is spoyled, Prov. 20. 25. It is a snare to devour that which is holy, and after the vows to enquire. Ananias and Saphira were made a dreadful spectacle, for filching of a little of that that was set apart for God. The Eagle fired her whole Nest by one poor piece of flesh plucked from the Altar. The people of this Land are cursed with a Curse, and they will not see the cause of it, viz. Their robbing of God, Mal. 3. 8, 9. in Tithes and Offerings. When shall we prove God, and see if he will not pour us out a blessing, as he hath promised, Mal. 3. 10. It would be a great joy to some that will get nothing by it, to hear Gods Israel once again tuning it out before the Lord, as Deut. 26. 13, 14. I have brought away the hallowed things out of mine house, I have not taken away ought thereof, for any unclean or common use, as Junius reads it. For then they might say with heart and hope, Lord look down from thy holy habitation, and bless thy people, and the Land that thou hast given us, as Deut. 26, 15.

The practice of this judicious man will sway with some, who was such a burning & shining light, the more to be admired that it blazed so long, and so clearly too, p. 268without any of this sublunary Oil. His mind was so fully satisfied with his small gain in the practice of Physick, together with what he had of his own temporal estate, that he would accept of nothing for his preaching of any man living, though tendred, and never so much pressed upon him. He took not himself bound (as the case stood) to labour in the work of the Ministry, there being another Incumbent in that place. What he did was meerly in love to God and mens souls. Indeed he met with many diversions, as the tempests of the times; his own domestick troubles, age creeping on, store of sick and sad people, and recourse of all sorts, so that he had scare an hour free for study; yet nothing would take him off from this imployment, till God took him off from all his labours.

As he preached,His holy life. so he lived down the iniquities of the times. He did not onelyonly cry them down by his publick Ministry, but gave them a more deadly blow by his contrary walking. Noah condemned the world more by what he did, than by what he said, H…b. …1 7. The way which Mr. Capel took, put some to a stand, caused others to relent, and repent, and encouraged others in the good and right way, whilst they had his patern that could not be contradicted. Now that he is gone, such have a harder task; but God will carry on his own work.

He was eminent for Self-denial:His Self-denial. Indeed Self-denial is in every mans mouth, but hardly to be found in any mans practise. Self hath ever been, is, and will be the great Diana, notwithstanding all mens fair pretences. We read of him that could give smoothe and golden words, Ruth 4, 4. 6. but when it came to p. 269the point, he would not mar his Inheritance. Self hath too great a stroke in the best of us all, both Preachers and Professors, both in Church and Commonwealth. It began to work betimes. St. Paul tells us in his dayes, that all sought their own things, Phil. 2. 21. and it is now grown to a greater head in our age, when we neither eat, nor drink, nor fast, nor pray, nor, do any thing to speak of, but too too apparently we seek our selves therein. How much then was this brave man to be admired, seeing all that knew him, can bear him witness, how far he excelled in this rare Grace! he could deny himself in his own understanding, and go after God in a way that he knew not, as Abraham, Heb. 11. 8. he could deny himself in his own will, when he that is above would lead him in a way that he would not, as Joh. 2…. 18. He could deny himself in his own affections also, when he came to be crossed in what he could have most desired, ever ruling them by reason, and Religion, as a wise man should do, subjecting himself to bear with quietness what could not be holp, without raising too much dust. It is strange to see how far he could deny himself in apparel, diet, attendance, and what not!

He was very exemplary for his contempt of the world.His contempt of the world. He had gotten the start of most men in that particular. He used to be beating upon this point mainly, both in his publick preaching, and in his private conference, and shewed the reality of what he pressed when he came to act himself. Indeed he could not say as Luther did, that he never had been tempted unto covetousness, but he kept himself from any noted taint in that kinde; nay from the least suspicion of p. 270that foul crime, with famous Dr. Whitaker. When he had things under his hand, he still charged his servants to do what few men practice, that they should never set up Corn, nor bring home Cattel, but take as the Market would afford. All that knew him knew that he was far enough from encreasing his estate by any indirect means; and never was there any man more willing to part with money upon a just and fit occasion. It is well known that he gave over a Living of good value, one of the best in those parts above twenty years before his death, and betook himself to a poor little corner, from which he would never be withdrawn, no more than Musculus from his Berne. And even there he might have picked mens purses if he had been that way given: But many, and many a time he put back money, and took but a small matter from those that were able, and would have been willing to have given him more; they sought to force him to take it, but he would utterly refuse it.

He was no less exemplary fo his great humility.His Humility. This was the Grace that graced all the good that was in him. He would be often speaking of what he had heard concerning Dr. John Rainolds, that he was as learned a man as any was in the world, as godly as learned, and as humble as godly. Mr. Capel loved, and reverenced this Doctor, and trod in his steps. He could speak with Tongues more than most men, yet would he never make use of them in the publick Congregation. He used to honour all men; to acknowledge the gifts, and parts of those that were far below him, and to rejoyce in them, as Hooper did in p. 271the blinde Boy. He would not meddle in things that were too high for him, nor intrench upon that that was beyond his sphere. He would not stand in the place of great men. He could refuse honours, as Musculus did, and contented himself with plain; and mean things. Its observed by Cajetan, the Flower of the Cardinals, that he would never be in his silks and braveries, but kept his old fashions to his lives end. Melancthon would not disdain to do that, which his meanest servant would scarcely have put his hand to. So was it with Mr. Capel, and he would bear things that went awry without distempering himself about them.His Moderation. Moderation he pressed, and moderation he practised. Staupicius told Luther concerning his behaviour, that in the first three years, he did all things according to the utmost rigour, and that would not do: In the next three years he did all according to the Laws and Counsels of the Antients, and that would not hit: And in the last three years, he did all according to the will of God, and yet neither would that succeed; and then he was fain to be content with what he could have.

Thus you have a taste, and but a little taste (in this that hath been said) of the precious Liquor that was powred into this earthen vesssel. To which might be added the quickness of his apprehension, the strength of his Memory, his sense of the publick evils, his passing by of wrongs and offences; his special regard to such as loved their Wives and Ministers, and the like: but where should I make an end? These, and his other eminent parts, vertues, and graces deserve to be laid in oyl-colours by the most skilful Pencil.

p. 272Towards his latter end he met with some pinching griefs,His Patience. which he did bear with invincible patience, and fortitude: He willingly submitted, because it was Gods will to have him so exercised. All of us must expect to drink of the self-same cup: our last dayes usually are our worst dayes, as Moll…rus observes; the clouds will then be returning after the rain. We must be taught to know, and speak it out, that we are but Pilgrims: we must be more truly and thoroughly taken off from the world; more ripened, and mellowed, and seasoned for God, and be made more serious in all our undertakings. Melancthon used to say, That if he had no cares, he should have no Prayers. Our comfort is, our time is but short; the most and best of our treasure is gone before: Our hope is laid up in Heaven. Get we more communion with God, more faith, more patience, and let us put on the whole Armour of God, and then we shall be able to stand, and to withstand in the evil day, and in the end shall be more than Conquerours through him that hath loved us.

This clear-sighted, and understanding man foresaw storms approaching, and rejoyced that he should be in his grave before they sell, whither also he came as a shock of Corn gathered into the Barn in due season. The Sabbath day was the last day of his life, the strict observation whereof he often pressed? He would say that we should go to sleep that night (as it were) with meat in our mouthes.

That Sabbath day being September the 21. 1656,His Death. he preached twice, taking his leave of the world by pressing faith in God. That evening he repeated both his Sermons in his Family, somewhat more largely than p. 273ordinary. He read his Chapter also, went to prayer, and so to bed, and dyed immediately, by that the words were well out of his mouth, being threescore and ten years old. Who can desire to dye better than Stephen did, calling upon God: He would often say, That if God saw it fit, one had better to dye of a quick, than of a lingring Death: And God answered his desires.

His Works.

A Treatise of Temptations.

Capels Remains.