A Collection of the Lives of Ten Eminent Divines, Biography 13

A Collection of the Lives of Ten Eminent Divines · Biography 13

p. 449The Life, and Death of Mr. Ignatius Jurdaine, who dyed Anno Christi 1640.

IGnatius Jurdaine was born at Lime-Regis in the County of Dorset, His Birth and Education.Anno Christi 1561. And when he was yet young, he was sent by his Friends to the City of Exeter, to be brought up in the profession of a Merchant, and from thence, being about fifteen years old,His Conversion. he was sent into the Isle of Garnsey; and God by his good providence having brought him to that place, did also there effectually call, and convert him by his Grace: So that from that time he resolved to be like that wise Merchant in the Gospel, Mat. 13. 46. to part with all for that Pearl of great price, whereas others did make it their great work, and highest design to get the pelf of the world, and to load themselves with thick clay, Hab. 2. 6. And in testimony of his thankfulness to God, he left by Will a considerable Legacy to the poor of Lime where he was born, and to the poor of Garnsey, where he was new born.

God seasoning his heart with Grace in his younger years,His holy life. the general course of his life, did for the future relish of it, according to that of Solomon, Prov. 22. 6. Train up a childe in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. For as he was trained up in Religion from his youth, so he continued not only in the form and profession, but in the life and power of it, until his old age, and death.

p. 450In the whole tenour of his life, his piety was most eminent;His early rising to converse with God. and indeed, there have been few observed to hold such const…nt, and close communion with God, as Mr. Jurdaine did. It was his constant practice for many years together, even to his old age, to arise between two and three of the clock in the morning, and that even in the coldest seasons of the year and to spend the time in secret meditation, and prayer, until six a clock, which was the appointed time for his Morning-sacrifice in the Family; at which time he was called from his secret devotions to the exercise of Religious Family-duties. And if at any time he had over-slept himself (as he accounted it) and did not rise until four a clock, he would much bemoan himself, for the loss of so much precious time, wherein he might have enjoyed sweet, and comfortable communion with God: Surely, had he not experimentally found much sweetness in this his spiritual converse with God, as David did, Psal. 104. 34. he could not have continued so constantly therein. And having thus awaked with God in the morning, and renewed his acquaintance with him day by day, its no marvel that he did walk with him all the day long after.

In all his affairs and dealings,He is slandered, and vindicated. his care was to walk very exactly, and sincerely, according to St. Pauls direction, Eph. 5. 16. But though in all things he studied to approve himself to God, and to walk as in the sight of God, 2 Cor. 2. 17. yet could he not escape the malicious censures of men, who charged him to do all in Hypocrisie. He well knew that he had the imputations of dissembling, and hypocrisie cast upon him, by men void of charity and sincerity; but the testimony of p. 451his own conscience did more comfort him, than the uncharitable censures of men dejected him; and he used upon that occasion to take up the words of Job, Till I dye I will not remove mine integrity from me, Job. 27. 5. Many have oft heard him to profess, that he would not willingly commit a sin to get a world, though the evil which he would not do that did he, as Rom. 7. 25. (as it is incident to the best of men) yet did he bewail it with grief of heart.

The sincerity indeed both of his intentions and actions hath been questioned by some, who were not ashamed to say, that under colour of doing Justice (when he was a publick Magistrate) and providing for poor, he robbed the poor, and helpt to keep his own house▪ which was due to the poor: But for that falshood that was thus charged upon him, there were none that could ever better clear him from it than himself, not onelyonly his conscience witnessing for him before God, but his books (wherein he kept an exact Record of all the money which he received by way of mulct from Swearers, Drunkards, &c. according to the Law) and the Officers that distributed the money testifying his integrity before men; so that might truly say with Jacob, Gen. 30. 33. My righteousness shall answer for me, and so it did herein both before God and men.

Nay, he was so far from depriving the poor of their right, that he added much of his own, distributing sixpences and shillings even when he had no money in bank.

He had not onelyonly the testimony of his own conscience, and of good men, for his upright and just p. 452dealing, but even of such who had little goodness in them. A prophane Gentleman jee…ing at his heavenly discourses; another of good quality, though of little piety, replyed, Well, Gentlemen, you may laugh at him, but on my conscience, he meaneth well, and whosoever of us goeth to Heaven, shall meet Mr. Jurdaine there.

He was a man that made conscience of all the duties and exercises of Religion both in private,His heavenly Conversation. and in publick: His frequent discourses of Heaven, and the way thereunto, and assurance of his interest therein, did declare that his heart and conversation were much in Heaven. He used … take occasion to confer of spiritual, and heavenly things with all sorts of men that he conversed with. One should seldome hear him speak but of heaven and heavenly things. His heart was so full of heaven that he could not but utter, and breath it forth in his discourses with men, and especially with those whose hearts and faces were towards Heaven: When he was at Table receiving his dayly food, he did usually minister occasion of holy discourses, and diverted vain, and unprofitable talk, to such edifying speeches, as might minister grace to the hearers, according to that exhortation, Eph. 4. 29. He took occasion from earthly things to speak of heavenly; as from the sweetness of the creatures, to speak of the infinite sweetness which is in God; from feasting on earth, to the sitting down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdome of heaven, Matth. 8. 11. and feasting with God and his blessed Saints there. And when the Table-cloath was taken away, he would often say, In heaven there is no taking away, here we are soon p. 453satisfied, and cloyed, but there will be such a feast, that we shall be continually delighting our souls with it, without any cloying. And his manner was to close his meals with singing some short Psalm.

He delighted much in reading good,His much reading. and holy books, and especially that Book of books, the sacred Scriptures, wherein he most delighted, and thereby shewed that he had the property of a godly man, set down, Psal. 1. 2. & 119. 97. The word of God was his meditation all the day long, yea both day and night. He did not onelyonly read the Bible above twenty times over, but he read it with special observation (as appeareth by the Asterisks, and marks in the Bible which he used) making particular application to himself. The like course he took in reading over that usefull Book of Mr. Rogers his seven Treatises, and other practical books, wherein he was very conversant, and his collections out of several Authours do abundantly testifie. And he took so much delight in reading that voluminous and excellent Book of the Acts and Monuments of the Church, that upon occasion he told a Friend that he had read it seven times over.

His zeal for God and his glory,His Zeal. and against Idolatry, prophaneness, and other evils, whereby God was highly dishonoured, was most eminent, and remarkable. He was a man of an Anti-Laodician temper; he had well learned the Apostles direction, Rom. 12. 11. To be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, and not the time. He was far unlike Ignatius Loiola, the Founder of the Order of Jesuits, who was a man of fire that was set on fire by …ell to promote the cause of the Prince of darkness; but he had an holy fire kindled in his heart from p. 454heaven, whereby he did burn with zeal for the advancement of Gods glory, and an holy indignation against sin, and errour. He would (if it had been possible) have burnt up all the dross, and fi…th that corrupted the Truths of God, and that was contrary to the wayes of holiness; and therein he was very like to Ignatius the Martyr.

Neither did his zeal carry him beyond knowledge,His Prudence. like that of the Jews, Rom. 10. 2. when in his zeal he used often to cry out, Fie upon discretion; For he condemned only that counterfeit pretence of discretion, which was taken up, and pleaded against true and regular zeal: And truly if carnal discretion be set up, and cried up, like the worldlings Idol, it is the part of true Christian zeal to cry it down.

He was a very strict and conscientious observer and sanctifier of the Christian Sabbath, His strict observation of the Sabbath.or Lords Day. He did then rise very early as on other dayes (if not earlier) and called upon those in his Family to rise early on that day, saying, This is Gods day, and as we do expect that our servants should rise early to go about our work on our dayes, so God expects our early rising on his Day, to go about his work and service. And he used carefully to attend upon Gods holy Ordinances. The feet of them that dispenced the Gospel, were beautiful in his eyes, as Rom. 10. 15. more beautiful than their faces to many others. He was one of those Saints, that sate down at Gods feet to receive his word, Deut. 33. 3. as Disciples used at the feet of their Teacher, implied, Act. 22. 3. and he was very desirous, and willing to learn of any that came with the Lords message unto him. He was a M…ason, an old Disciples, Act. 21. 16. yea a Disciple p. 455when he was old: It never came into his heart to cast off Ordinances, no not when he had attained to an high measure towards perfection. He was a constant writer of Sermons, even when he was old, and that, not for his own benefit alone, but for the good of his Family, to whom he did constantly repeat the Sermons. And if he found himself overtaken with drowsiness in hearing the word (an infirmity incident to age) his manner was to stand up, and to rouse up himself that he might hear the more attentively. He knew that Religion consisted not in hearing, repetition, and profession, but in practice; and therefore his care was to digest his hearing, and knowledge into an holy conversation.

His love was so great to the Ministry of the word,His love to Ministers. and the Lords holy Ordinances, that he did intirely love, and affect all faithfull and painfull Ministers, though their gifts were but mean; but he could not away with a lazie Minist…r, though he was never so learned. Where fidelity, and learning meet together in one Minister, Oh! how highly would he reverence him.

And being desirous not to go to Heaven alone,His desire to have others saved. but to draw others with him, his usuall course was, when he went with his Family to Gods house, to make an exhortation to his children and servants, that they should consider into whose presence they were going, and whom they were to hear, even that great God, to whom they were to give an account of every word, which they should hear; and therefore he required them carefully to store it up for their practice, and not to say, My Father, or my Master would not afford p. 456me time; for if they did, he would protest against them in the day of Judgement. And as he was going to the Congregation on the week-dayes, he would often finde some of the Country people that were come early to the Market, and then would ask them where they did live, and when they answered five or six, or more miles off, he would thence take occasion to shew them how vain a thing it was to pursue the world, and to neglect the care of their precious and immortal souls; and would ask them, how they could rise so early to get the world, and not rise as early to get interest in Jesus Christ, and to attain the favour of God, and assurance of eternal happiness. And then looking back upon his Family, he would say to them, You see here how these people can rise betimes to get a little part of the world, and you will hardly rise early to get the assurance of the favour of God, which is far better than the whole world.

As he returned from Sermons, he would be speaking to them that went with him of what they had heard, exhorting them to be mindfull of it, and to put it in practice; and when one of the company was troubled, hearing him to press such things upon them, told him, that he had heard many good Sermons at St. Peters [the Cathedral] but never heard one at the great Conduit before; he presently replied, Sirs, are ye troubled to be put in minde of the word of God? I pray God the time come not, when you are in hell, that you wish you had not onelyonly practised the Sermons which you heard at St. Peters, but had received good counsel from the Word, at the great Conduit also.

Thus by his diligent attending upon, and carefull p. 457applying the means of Grace,His Assurance and Gods blessing upon them, he attained a very great measure of assurance, even to a kinde Plerophory, such as the Apostle speaks of, 1 Thess. 1. 5. Much assurance, and Col. 2. 2. Full assurance of understanding, by which he was carried as with full …ails, to holy duties. And truly, if we connsider the measure, continuance, and constancy of it, there are few Christians that have attained the like. Assurance was much in his tongue, and in his heart; it was that which he earnestly laboured for, and obtained by fervent prayer, and diligent use of the means. God gave him the Testimony and Seal of the Spirit, and so assured him of his eternal love in Christ, as also of his Adoption, and eternal happiness in Heaven. God gave it him as part of his reward for his sincere, and faithfull service.

At sometimes he had more than ordinary comforts,His joy unspeakable. and incomes of the Spirit for the strengthning of his Assurance: As for instance, At a time he being at a Sermon, and attending heedfully to those discerning and differencing marks of uprightness, which were then laid down, and one mark being more powerfully pressed, and coming fully home to his condition, he being in a deep and serious meditation, and reflecting upon himself, and finding, it to be truly in him, it seemed to him as if one struck him upon the shoulder, encouraging, and saying, Be of good cheer, thou art the man: upon which he had presently such inward joyes, and ravishings of spirit as were unexpressible.

And as by diligence he obtained,How he maintained his Assurance. so he carefully kept his assurance by frequent trial of himself, and his spiritual estate towards God, he used to try himself p. 458by all the marks of sincerity which he found in the Scriptures, heard by the Ministry of the word, or read in the books of godly Divines, and thereby he did clear up his evidences for heaven; and he did not onelyonly try his estate by some marks, but he kept a narrow watch over his heart and wayes, and thereby his assurance was preserved; and he kept it for a long time together, even for thirty years, and more: and being asked whether he never met with any temptations of doubting of his estate towards God, he gave this answer, That he had been, and often was sorely assaulted by Satans temptations, which were set against his Faith and Assurance, and that he had been foiled in respect of the application of some particular promises; but he was not thereby driven from his holdfast of Christ, or from the assurance of his interest in the Covenant of Grace; yet still he acknowledged that his assurance, and all his ability in spiritual things, was through Christ that strengthened him, as Paul, Phil. 4. 13.

As he had this assurance himself, so he was alwayes forward to stir up others to labour for it;He stirred up others to labour for it. there were scarce any that he met with, if he supposed that their faces were heaven-ward, but he would be questioning with them about their assurance; blaming them if they did not diligently seek after it, and encouraging them to labour for it. And when some did ask him how they should get it, he gave them this answer, that they should importunately seek it of God, and not give him any rest till he granted it unto them; I would (said he) lock, or bolt my Chamber door, and beg it of God, and never give him rest till I had obtained it; and p. 459then he advised them that they should daily try themselves by some marks, and he often mentioned three that he used to try himself by, 1. A sincere desire to fear the name of God, as Nehem. 1. 11. 2. A sincere endeavour to do the will of God in all things required, as Psal. 119. 6. 3. A full purpose of heart to cleave to the Lord, as Act. 11. 23. and these he did not onelyonly speak of, but pressed them with much earnestness, as longing that others should partake of that high priviledge, and heavenly gift with himself.

If he met with any Schollar, and such an one especially as applied himself to the study of Divinity, his usual question to such was, What evidence have you for heaven? You Schollars have the best opportunities of all men for the getting of assurance; you are still looking into Gods book, and into other good books, and should acquaint your selves with your spiritual estate towards God, and so have a greater measure of assurance than others.

The like course he took when he met with any others, as occasion was offered, or if he found none, he would take it of himself: Once when he was a Parliament man, being at London, and coming accidentally into the shop of an intimate acquaintance, a man of great estate and imployment, and an Alderman of the City, he expressed his wondring at so great trading for the things of the world, and thereupon demanded how he could in the midst of such wordly business attend the weighty affairs of heaven? His Friend answered, that he hoped he looked after the good of his soul. Mr. Jurdaine replied, How can you attend upon the worship of God every morning? His p. 460Friend answered, that though he could not attend upon it every morning, yet he failed not of it in the evening; Well Sir, said Mr. Jurdaine, I will tell you in plain tearms what I would have you …o do, I would take all these goods, and throw them out into the street, and let them rather be cast away, and perish, than that they should be a means to ruine my soul unto all eternity.

From this Assurance it was that he was so fearless of Death:His desire of death. He knew that Death was an enemy, as the Apostle saith, 1 Cor. 15. 26. But that through Christ, it was become a Friend to open the Gate of Heaven. Whereas Death in it self is as Bildad saith, Job 18. 14. the King of Terrours, or as the Heathen said, Of all Terribles the most terrible; yet he, being assured of his interest in Christ, found it not so to him; for he looked upon it as having lost its sting through Christ. Indeed, he made it so familiar to him by his continuall meditation of it, that he was so far from fearing it, that he did delight to speak of it, yea earnestly desired it, and with joy expected it, whereby he discovered his great proficiency in the School of Christ. It was his usuall saying, that if Death were offered him on the one hand, and the Kings Crown on the other, he would take the Crown, and throw it into the Kennel, and choose Death far before it: He knew that he should be a great gainer by Death, and thereby obtain the Crown of life and glory, Jam. 1. 12. 1 Pet. 5. 4. and that he feared not, but rather hoped for Death. And this was further manifested, in that when the Plague was very hot in the City of …xeter, and he being in the highest place of Authority there at that time, when the poor flocked about his house for relief, though he p. 461would not causelesly expose himself to danger, yet being in the discharge of his Duty, he feared not the infection; but often professed, that if by Gods disposing, the Plague should seize on him, he would kiss, and welcome it as the messenger of Death.

Nor was the meditation of Death then in his minde onelyonly in times of danger, but at all times; there was not a day wherein he did not speak of it, and not onelyonly when there was occasion offered to talk of it, but he would take occasion to discourse of that subject: As when he was invited to a Feast, he would tell the messenger that he would come if he did live so long: And when he went out of his house upon publick or private businesses, he would (as it were) take a solemn leave of his wife, telling her, that he knew not whether he should return to his house again.

Yet did he not so much desire Death as to undervalue the blessing of life,Yet carefull of life. or to neglect the means for the preservation of it; for he acknowledged it to be a great blessing, and he was willing to live as long as the longest lived man, if it were Gods good pleasure, and if he might do him service. And when he was sick, or in any danger, he would carefully make use of the means, that he might thereby serve Gods good providence for his recovery or deliverance, saying, that though he must trust in God, yet he must not tempt him by seeming to trust in him.

His minde was not so much upon Earth,His heavenlimindedness. and Death, as upon Heaven, to which he was assured Death would be a passage for him: Sure his heart was much upon Heaven, or Heaven was much in his heart, as appeared by his frequent discourse of it both day p. 462and night; and our Saviour Christ tells us, Mat. 12. 34. That out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. All that knew him, and looked upon him without a prejudiced eye, would say, that he was a most heavenly minded man; a man that lived in Heaven as much as most that lived upon earth. When in the night he looked upon those glistering lights of Heaven, Ezek. 32. 8. the Firmament adorned with those Stars of light, Psal. 148. 3. he used to raise up his thoughts and speech much higher, even to the glory of the highest Heaven, saying, If these visible Heavens be so glorious, how doth the Heaven above them exceed in glory, where God alone shall be the light, and yet the Righteous shall shine forth as the Sun in the Kingdome of their Father, Mat. 13. 43. There was scarce any occasion administred, or any special act of Gods providence that did occur, but it would draw out some speech of Heaven from him; as when any cross, or loss befell him in his affairs, he would say no more, but, Heaven will pay for all. And when in a journey he fell from his horse, and lay for a while in a swoon, as soon as he recovered, his first words were, Well, I see that I am now deceived, I thought that my horse would have cast me into Heaven.

These are some few heads of the breathings of his piety, to which much more might be added; and truly they which knew him will marvell, not that so much is said of him, but rather that there is so little.

He was as eminent for Justice as for Piety, when he was advanced to the chiefest place of Government in that City,His Justice. to be Mayor of that honourable Corporation: He was an eminent Magistrate, and that not p. 463only in the year of his Majora…ty; but ever after as long as he lived. He looked upon it, not as a place of honour onelyonly, but as an office of trust, wherein he might honour God, and execute justice amongst men, and reform those evils which abounded in those times in that place: He did not glory so much in having the Sword carried before him (though it was a singular badge of honour to that City, that the Kings swo…d should be taken from his side, and delivered to the Mayor to be carried before him, as a signall testimony of his favour, and their loyalty, and courage in the insurrection of Perkin Warbeck) as he was desirous to draw forth the sword of Justice against evil doers, and not to carry it in vain, Rom. 13. 4.

He was observed to be an impartial Administrator of Justice,His Impartiality. and one that without respect of persons did punish evill doers, of whatquality, or condition soever they were that did transgress the Law, whether they were Citizens or strangers that came thither, if complaint were made to him, they should not escape condign punishment, as the Laws of the Land, or custome of the place did award. As for instance.

There was a Gentleman of quality that was complained of to him for swearing five Oaths,Examples of it. and for some other misdemeanours: Mr. Jurdaine thereupon sent a Constable with a Warrant to fetch him before him: but the Gentleman gave the Constable threatening language, so that he durst not execute his Office: Whereupon Mr. Jurdaine sent one Constable more for him, who brought the Gentleman before him: And he being in his Court when he came, after divers good admonitions given him, he told him, that p. 464though he was never so great a Gentleman, he could no more go to Heaven whilest he took such courses, than he could eat that stone (pointing to a great stone in his Court) and then required him to pay five shillings for his Oaths, which he did: Then he told him that he must put in sureties for the good behaviour: This the Gentleman refused to do, alleadging that he was a stranger: Whereupon Mr. Jurdain… commanded the Constables to carry him away to prison till he would find sureties, which accordingly they did; and as he was going into the prison door, he desired that he might return back again, and he would give Bail: When he came to Mr. Jurdain… to do it, he again gave him many good instructions, and the Gentleman (though he was a man of a very high spirit) gave him many hearty thanks for his good counsell, and promised amendment for the time to come.

The Master of Bridewell could witness how many disorderly persons were sent thither by Mr. Jurdains Warrants, more than by any other Justices in his time.

The Stocks, and Whipping-post could testifie what swearers, drunkards, unclean persons, and such like notorious offendors were punished, principally by his indifferent execution of justice. And if any of the offenders that were liable to the censure, and penalty of the Law, desired to be spared, he would tell them; Here be my children whom I dearly love, and yet if any of them should commit such offences, they should suffer as you must do: and therefore I cannot remit of the penalty of the Law.

What excuses, or fair pretences soever they made, p. 465he caused the Law to be executed upon them; yea and that the more severely, because of the greatness of the crime, and the greater dishonour that redounded to the Name of the most high God thereby.

When some scandalous offenders, for the gross sin of uncleanness were accused, and questioned before the Court, and some present (for by-respects) pleaded for them, desiring to have them spared, he wished the Watchmen that were at the Gates to keep out the Plague (it being a time wherein some neighbour-Towns were infected) should be called home: For (saith he) the Plague is in the Guild-Hall of the City: Adding further, that if they did not execute the Law upon them, he would complain of them to the Council Table: And thereupon, after much contest, there was Order taken for their severe, and just punishment.

He was ever very vigilant, especially in the year of his Mayoralty, when the government of the City lay upon him, both to prevent, and remove disorders: Insomuch as he would go himself with the Constables to search for idle, and disorderly persons on Sabbath dayes at night, and at the end of the Assizes, and Sessions, and in Fair weeks, &c.

Yea,A great reformation wrought by him. he did not only execute justice, but he shewed himself zealous therein, manifesting the greatest indignation against those evils whereby God was most highly dishonoured, as swearing, and Sabbath-breaking. Indeed swearing was most odious unto him, and had there been a greater penalty than was at that time appointed by the Law of the Land, he would most readily have inflicted it. But by his punishing as many p. 466as were brought before him, it struck such an awe into the generality, as that some that lived at that time in the City, and near the place of the greatest concourse of people, the Corn-market, observed that they did not hear an Oath sworn for many years together.

He did not only maintain his zeal against swearing, and swearers of the ordinary sort, and rank of men, but even of the highest that came within the verge of his authority. As for example;

A Gentleman of great quality, and much favoured at Court,His Courage. was heard to swear five or six times in the City. Mr. Jurdaine having notice of it, sent some Constables to demand the penalty for swearing. The Gentleman was of an high spirit, and at this time accompanied with the chiefest of the County of Devonshire, and there were divers hot spirits about him. The Constables pressed towards the room where he was, saying, that Mr. Jurdaine had sent them to demand the aforementioned penalty: and it was like to have broken forth into a great, and dangerous contest; but a prudent Gentleman, of a more moderate temper, and one that feared an Oath, stepped forth to them, and told the Constables that this Gentleman was of an high, and impatient spirit, and had great company about him: I fear therefore (said he) that the event may be of sad consequence if you pursue your intentions at this time; yet the Constables seemed unwilling to depart till they had what they came for; the Gentleman seeing this, said, I will now pay the six shillings to you for him, and I promise you faithfully that I will take a convenient time to admonish p. 467the Knight when it shall do him more good than the rigorous exaction of the penalty of the Law can at this time, and so they departed.

It is credibly related that Mr. Jurdaine being summoned to appear in the Star-chamber, for an act of Justice, wherein it was supposed that he went somewhat beyond the strict letter of the Law, being there in the presence of some of his Judges, who were Noble men, and hearing them to swear divers Oaths, he told them, that they must pay for every oath that they had sworn, or otherwise he would make it farther known.

When he was Mayor of Exeter, He reforms the prophanation of the Sabbath.he did much reform the open prophanation of the Sabbaths. For whereas the Hullers had wont to set their Mills agoing on the Sabbaths, he put a stop upon them for that whole day, knowing that that whole day was to be dedicated to God, and his worship, and service; and whereas it was usuall to sell fruit and herbs, and other things on the Lords holy day; as also Bowling, Cudgel-playing, and other prophane pastimes were then much used, by his zeal and vigilancy, and by the care of other Officers under him, they were wholly left off, though not without much reluctancy, opposition, and some danger at the first; for there were commotions and tumults, and great resistance made against him; but by his constant zeal for God, and his day, and Gods blessing upon the same, they were at last suppressed and quelled.

And not onelyonly when he was Mayor, but ever after, being a Justice of Peace, in which Office he continued for twenty and four years, he was much taken up in p. 468the execution of Justice, yea sometimes for the whole day from morning till night: So that he did not onelyonly execute Judgement in the morning, as Jer. 21. 12. after he had been with God in the Mount of heavenly meditation, but all the day long, as Moses sate to judge the people, and the people stood before Moses from the morning untill the evening, Exod. 18. 13.

And when he was out of power as a Justice,His zeal, and courage. he discovered his zeal as a Christian, against prophane swearing, and for the strict observation of the Sabhath, wherein there is a remarkable instance of both at once; and it was this, Mr. Jurdaine returning from the Parliament in the company of a person of Honour, he was invited by him to stay at his house that night, being Saturday, and the Sabbath following, he (having observed that Noble personage to swear, as they travelled together) told him, that he would not go into his house, for that he was a Swearer, and he feared that the house would fall upon his head: Answer was returned, that he need not fear that, for the house was newly built, a fair, and strong house: To this he replied, yea but the flying Rowl of Curses shall enter into the house of Swearers, and shall consume the timber, and stones of it. But to obtain his company, the Lord pressed the inconveniencies of his lodging in an Inne on the Sabbath day: Mr. Jurdaine replied, But I will never go into your house, unless you will engage your self, that no Oath shall be sworn, …nor cursing uttered by your…, your Lady, nor none of your servants or Family: This was faithfully promised; Yea but then (said Mr. Jurdaine) how shall the Sabbath be kept? the answer was, That he should have an honest Sermon p. 469in the forenoon. And what in the afternoon, said he? Except we shall have a good Sermon in the afternoon also, I will not go in. That likewise was granted, and (as it is said) all was faithfully performed.His mercy to souls.

He was not for judgement only, but for mercy also: and he shewed mercy to the souls of them that were brought before him, as transgressors of the Law, and to be punished according to their demerits: For he would labour to convince them of the hainousness of their offences, that so he might bring them to a sight of their sins, and to repentance for the same.

He did much encourage the Officers under him to a diligent, and faithfull discharge of their duty: and indeed they stood in much need of it, meeting with many discouragements from some others: and when he found them somewhat backward through timerousness, or other by-respects, to execute his Warrants upon persons of high place, he would exhort them to be active, and forward in doing their duty, telling them, In good earnest (for that was his usuall word) that if he had as good a Warrant from God, as they had from him to apprehend offenders, if he were required to apprehend the Devil himself, he would not be backward to put it in execution.

His zeal was not only in distributive justice as a Magistrate:His justice. but he was conscienciously carefull as a Christian, in commutative justice, in his commerce, and dealings with men, wherein he made the Word the rule of his practice: and if he found at any time that he had swerved from that rule, he would retract it, that so neither his own conscience, nor other men p. 470might reproach him for walking disorderly, and besides the rule: and that appeared, not only by his avoiding all usurious Contracts, but also in making restitution of all that had been gotten thereby.

He had sometimes taken usury for Money lent to a person about Lime, which he had received for divers years: for at that time he held it lawfull, by reason of the practice which he had observed in some forreign States, and the concurrent judgements of some Divines of note, who spake in favour thereof: but upon his perusall of the Writings of other godly Divines of our Nation, and by conference with some worthy Ministers of his acquaintance, he was so convinced of the unlawfullness of usury, that he did not only forbear the practice of it for the future,He restores Use-money. but restored the interest formerly taken: and took no more for the loan of Money, than the party borrowing would voluntarily give him.

He did much bewail the common course of too many, who sin against God, both in getting, and spending their worldly estates. For (said he) as they get it unjustly, and by indirect means, so for the most part, they spend it leudly, and lavishly in satisfying their sinfull lusts.

Neither was he more famous for justice, than he was for charity,His Charity. and that both in his life, and at his death: In his life-time he was a free-hearted man, and open-handed. He was a great patron of the poor: Another Job in that respect: He could truly say with him, as Job 30. 25. Was not my soul grieved for the poor? No doubt it was; and the bowels of his compassion did yearn towards them: He was an Advocate, p. 471and did earnestly plead for them, and especially for Gods poor, honest poor persons, whose hearts, and faces were set Godward, and Heavenward, and his hands were very open to relieve them: He did that for them, which many of far greater estates had not hearts to do.

He would often say, that he wondered what rich men meant, that they gave so little to the poor, and raked so much together for their children. Do you not see (quoth he) what becomes of it? and would reckon up divers examples of such as heaped up much for their children, and they, within a short time had scattered, and consumed all: and on the other side, he often spake of such as had small beginnings, and afterwards became rich, or of a competent estate: giving a particular instance in himself: I came (said he) but with a groat, or six pence in my purse to this City: had I had a shilling in my purse, I had never been Mayor of Exeter. And therefore leave children but a little, and they (by Gods blessing on their labour, and industry) may become rich: But leave them a great deal, and they are in danger to be beggars.

His care for the poor was most remarkeable in the time of the great Plague in that City, which was anno Christi 1625. For in the Maiors absence he was chosen his Lieutenant, or Deputy, and he, seeing the deplorable condition of the City, accepted of it, and then he wrote divers Letters to many Towns in Devonshire, and to some in Dorset, and Sommersetshire, by which meanes he procured severall summes of Moneys, for the suppliall of the wants of the many hundreds of poor, that at that time were in a very distressed p. 472estate: One that was an eye-witness related, that he had seen morning after morning coming to his door, sometimes thirty, sometimes forty, yea fifty, or sixty, or more, wringing their hands; some crying that their husbands were dead: Others that their wives were dead: Others that their children were dead, and that they had not any thing wherewithall to bury them. Some again cried that their Families were sick, and they had not wherewithall to relieve them. Others that they had divers children, but they neither had bread, nor Money to buy it for them. Some cried for bread: Some for Physick: Others for Shroudes for their dead: and he not only heard them patiently; but his bowels yearned towards them, and his hands were stretched out for their relief. For, standing within his own Shop, with his own hands, he ministred supplies unto them all, and so dismissed them for the present. And the next morning when there was a renewall of their sad complaints, his charitable care of them was renewed also: and thus he continued morning by morning, even for the space of near three moneths, till the return of the Mayor into the City.

Besides his great care of supplying the wants of such poor as came unto him, he had a speciall respect to poor House-keepers, and Tradesmen, such as were ashamed, and unwilling to make their sad, and necessitous condition known; and a peculiar care of the godly poor, concerning whom he used to advise with the Constables, and Churchwardens of every Parish, and according to their need, would proportion some relief, and help unto them, and send it by the hands p. 473of the said Constables, or Churchwardens.

And his care for the poor was not only in that extraordinary season (as their exigents did require) but so long as he continued in the land of the living: And he was so constantly exercised in this great work of charity, that he did it, as it were, naturally: as the Apostle speaks of Timothy, Phil. 2. 20.

But though he did well, yet heard he ill even for this, and by some it was cast in his teeth, that he made beggars: and when he was asked by a man of place, and estate, what he would give to keep the poor from begging? (supposing that he would not be so forward therein, as he was in relieving them) he freely offered a great part of his estate, upon condition that the other would do the like: But when he saw his forwardness, the other pulled back his shoulder, and would not joyn with him therein.

He was given much to hospitality:His hospitality. He would not eat his morsels alone by himself, as Job 31. 17. He well remembred the Apostles direction, Heb. 13. 2. Be not forgetfull to entertain strangers. He was most loving, and friendly to them, and especially to such as did suffer for conscience sake: As those godly Ministers who were silenced for Non-Conformity (although his own judgement was well satisfied in that point.) To him they did continually resort, and by him they were kindly entertained: Insomuch as by the profaner sort, he was cried out on as an Arch-Puritan: But by those that took Religion to heart, he was honoured with the title of Ga…us mine Hoste, and of the whole Church, as Rom. 16 23.

If we consider his last Will, and Testament, we p. 474shall find in it very great and unparalleled acts of charity: As he gave one third part of his temporall estate to his wife, and another third part to his children, according to the custome of the City, so out of the other third part, he left very large Legacies, especially to the poor.

We will here omit many Legacies given to Ministers, and others, and point only at some that were more remarkeable; and take them in his own words in his Will; First I give to all the poor of this City, and County that receive pay of Parishes, and also to those that dwell in Almes-houses, I give five shillings to each, to be paid at my Buriall. I give to one hundred more poor people ten shillings to each, to be given to such as my Overseers shall think to have most need, the honest poor to be chiefly looked unto. Also I give to the poor of Lime, where I was born, and to the poor of Garnsey, where I was new born, five pounds to each place. Also I forgive all the Moneys owing to me, if it be under the value of twenty shillings to each. (These smaller summes which he had lent to the poor were very many:) Also my Will is, and I give now more to fifty poor people of this City, and County, twenty shillings to each, by my Overseers, or the major part of them. Thus out of that estate which God had given him, he gave again by way of gratitude to God, viz. to the poor, who are Gods receivers. God gave him, and left him a competent estate (after his many, and great losses) and which is more, he gave him an heart to honour him with his substance, Prov. 3. 9. and to lay it forth as became a faithfull Steward, in the service, and for the honour of his Lord, who had intrusted him with it.

p. 475It's true, some did wonder, and others did sharply censure him for his extraordinary charity, and liberality, and especially for that he left no greater a part of his estate to his wife: But this may be said in his defence: That the strait, and close hearts of others, are no fit pattern to measure his large heart by. And besides, God had opened his hand in giving very liberally unto him blessings, both spirituall, and temporall, and especially spirituall, even the graces, and comforts of his Spirit: and he enjoying such sweet communion with God even above most other men, what marvel is it if he did more for God than other men use to do? And as for his wife, as he left her the third part of his estate, so likewise he made her Executrix of his Will, and thereby much more had come to her than there did, had not some Debts (which he accounted good) failed and come short both of his, and her expectation: Besides, he did assure himself, that her Brother, who was then living, and a man of great estate, would be ready to supply any of her wants.

Thus we have heard what Mr. Jurdaine did for God:How God honoured him. In the next place let us see also what God did for him. Besides all those graces, which were eminently in him, and whereby he was enabled to act so zealously, and vigorously for God, which all were Gods free gift: and that comfortable assurance that he had, which was part of his reward: The Lord also advanced him from a mean, and low estate, to the highest place of honour, and dignity in that City. His beginnings were but small, as appears by his answer to some that threatened to follow him with Suits, and p. 476not to give over till they had not left him worth a groat: To whom he chearfully replied: That he should be then but two pence poorer than when he came first to Exeter: For (said he) I brought but six pence with me hither; and yet, through Gods blessing on his labours, he gat a competent, and comfortable estate, whereby he maintained a large Family of children, and servants; kept hospitality: was liberall to the poor, and open-handed to any pious use, even far beyond many who yet had larger estates. But when he had the greatest temporall estate, he set no great estimate upon these fading, perishing things: He set them not up in his heart (as worldlings use to do) but trod them under his feet: And usually also he set them very low in his ordinary discourse of them, and especially when he was speaking of Heaven, and heavenly things. And yet he did not forget to acknowledge Gods goodness in bestowing any of these outward things upon him. He found by experience that they were but uncertain riches, 1 Tim. 6. 17. And that they had wings, and would fly away, Prov. 23. 5. But he did not run crying after them, as they use to do who set their hearts upon them: whereas he saw, and acknowledged Gods hand as well in taking away, as in giving: as Job did, Job 1. 21. and therefore was quiet, and content, having experimentally learned, in some good measure, that excellent lesson with S^t Paul: I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content, Phil. 4. 11. By vicissitudes, and changes of estates, God did exercise his faith, patience, and contentation.

Having passed through the severall inferior Offices, p. 477he at last ascended to the highest place of honour in the City,He is chosen Mayor, and Burgess of Parliament. to be Mayor there, wherein (as hath been shewed) he demeaned himself as became a Christian Magistrate, and his ambition therein was highly to honour God, who had thus honoured him. And afterwards he was twice chosen to be a Burgess of Parliament, wherein his zeal for God, and against the corruptions of the times, was abundantly manifested. He was a great stickler to have the Bill passed for the punishment of Adultery with death: but those times would not bear it: Surely some of the Lawmakers knew some speciall reason for it.

When he made a motion for the passing of that Bill; one, or more of the Members in the House, cried out, Commit it Mr. Jurdain, commit it; upon which a great laughter was occasioned; whereupon he presently said unto them (in a zealous manner like himself) Do you laugh when a man speaks for Gods honour, His courage.and glory? Upon which there was a more than ordinary silence in the House. The Bill was at that time laid aside, but in a following Parliament, it was called upon by the name of Mr. Jurdains Bill. He was also (as it's said) the first man that promoted the Bills for the more strict sanctification of the Sabbaths, and against Swearing.

Yea, God did not only advance him to places of honour, and dignity in the eye of the world: but gave him an high place also in the hearts of his people; and therein God made good his promise, 1 Sam. 2. 30. Such as honour me, I will honour. His name was very precious in the esteem of those that knew his worth, both whilest he lived, and since his death.

p. 478Indeed it is confessed that he was a by-word unto many,He is reproached by the wicked. and that his name was taken up by way of reproach, but it was by such as were upbraided, and reproved by his holy, and gracious conversation: And he valued not their reproaches, knowing that his Lord and Master did suffer much more in this kind, and that this was but a Chip of that Cross, which, as he was commanded, he was willing to bear: Yea he was well content to drink of this bitter Cup after his Master, and with him, he despised the shame, Heb. 12. 2. which the men of the world cast upon him: Nay, he accounted it his honour to suffer shame for the Name of Christ, as the Apostles did, Act. 5. 4. But some there were that brought shame upon themselves, whilest they thought to cast contempt, and scorn upon him. Amongst other instances, this one was remarkeable: That being chosen Burgess for the Parliament, not without much opposition, and going up to London to clear the Election, at which time there was an accusation sent up against him by a man of no mean place, and power, That he was the Host of the Schismaticks: Whereupon some presumed that he would have been sent back with disgrace: and accordingly there was a Sermon prepared by one to jeer him at his return; this being his Text, Psal. 114. 5. What ailed thee—thou Jordan that thou wast driven back? Thus men of prophane spirits will dare to make the sacred Word of God to serve their own base lusts and ends. But Mr. Jurdaine, instead of being driven back, was confirmed in the place to which he was chosen, and so shame was cast into the face of this wicked scorner▪ and his Sermon, or Invective rather, proved abortive.

p. 479And as Mr. Jurdaine stood up boldly for God, so did God stand by, and for him, and assisted him, and carried him through many troubles, and dangers that did threaten, and even compass him about. One act of Gods providence, amongst many others, was most notable, in delivering him out of trouble. He having done an act of justice (as was hinted before) in punishing an unclean person, whose offence was aggravated by some hainous circumstances, being moved with an holy indignation against the offence, he went (as it seems) besides the letter of the Law in some circumstance: Whereupon some friends of the person punished (being stirred up with fury for the disgrace that reflected upon them, without weighing the dishonour that was done to God, and the foul blot that was cast upon Religion) resolved to prosecute him to the uttermost for it, wherein they put him to great charge, and trouble, by prosecuting him in the Star-Chamber: and when the cause was to come to a finall determination, it was much feared by many of his friends, and through the boastings of his adversaries, that some heavy censure would have passed upon him, to his crushing, if not to his utter undoing. But when his friends on earth failed, he flees to Heaven for succour, and defence, and cried unto God in Davids words,The power o… prayer. Psal. 22. 11, 19. Be not far from me, O Lord, for trouble is near: for there is none to help: O my strength, hast thou to help me. And he set apart the evening, and a great part of the night, by fasting, and Prayer, to engage God of his side, who hath the hearts of all men, even of the greatest in his hands, to turn them as he pleaseth, Prov. 21. 1. And behold, p. 480the next morning he received a reall, and gracious answer from Heaven, being not only acquitted, but commended by the Lord Keeper, God stirring up the hearts of divers in that high, and arbitrary Court, to speak for him. Thus the Lord was a very present help to him in the time of trouble, Psalme 46. 1.

After he was thus (through Gods mercy) freed, and returned to his house, he piled up the Books, and Papers of all the proceedings in that troublesome, and vexatious business, under his Cupboard in his Parlour, which was the place to which he did often resort, and where he had that daily sweet, and heavenly communion with God aforementioned; and being asked the reason why he left so many Books, and Papers to lie in that manner? His answer was; These I keep in my sight as memorials,His Prudence. and monuments of Gods mercy in freeing me from my troubles.

Many other particulars might be instanced in: but by that little which hath been said, you may guess at the great worth of this holy man. Only give me leave to adde the observations, and testimony of Mr. Thomas Manton, who knew him well, who speaks thus of him:

Mr. Ignatius Jurdaine may in some sense be stiled the wonder, and Phoenix of his age, and place of abode: concerning whose piety, and frequent communion with God, his constant heavenliness, his charity in giving, lending, and entertaining: his doing justice with impartiality, and diligence, we have already heard: and therefore give me leave only to suggest a few other passages, and observations.

p. 4811. That for his temper, he was a man of a raised zeal, and heroicall spirit, one of those rare examples which the Lord giveth the world now and then, and therefore his actions are not to be measured by an ordinary standard.

2. Seldome or never did any come into his company, but he would discourse with them about holy things, asking the younger sort, how they did hope to be saved? The more grown, if they professed Religion, whether they had any assurance? which if they denied, he would tell them, that he was even ashamed of them. In good earnest (would he say) I would study the Promises, and go into my Closet, and lock the door, and there plead them to God, and say, that I would not go forth till he gave me some sense of his love.

3. His entertainment at his Table was free, and sufficient, but frugall, and sober: If his Wife at any time excused the slenderness of it, he would say, Brown bread, and Kennel water is good fare with the Gospel. I have oft heard him say so: There is somewhat a like saying of Mr. Greenhams, and possibly Mr. Jurdaine might borrow it thence, it suiting so well with the temper of his spirit.

4. A formall man had once preached a Sermon at the Cathedrall, about Heaven: the discourse was for the most part frothy, and beneath the dignity, and worth of such an Argument. Mr. Jurdaine was present as well as my self: After Sermon I went to his house (being to receive a Letter from him to Oxford) and after many good instructions, he asked me, if I had been at the Sermon that morning? I p. 482told him, yea. And did you (said he) hear those wonderfull things which God hath provided for them that love him? And so he readily picked out all those passages which were any way subservient to use, and profit. It was wonderfull to me to see how an holy heart could draw comfort out of any thing. The Sermon as Mr. Jurdaine repeated to me, was another kind of Sermon, and seemed to be savoury, and spirituall. I remember with what warmth, and vigour he spake of it, even till this day, and hope that I shall never forget it.

5. This is not to be forgotten, his sending a Letter to the late King, and expostulating with him about setting forth the Book concerning sports, and recreations on the Lords dayes, which was inclosed in another to the Bishop of Exeter, to desire him to convey it: and notice being given to the Bishop that Copies of it were divulged (possibly by the Transcriber) he thought he could not conceal it with safety, and therefore carried it to the King, who when he had read it, in a great anger said, He would hang him. But the Bishop (a pious man) fell upon his knees, and besought his Majesties pardon, alleadging, That God had not a better servant, nor his Majesty a better Subject in the whole Land. When the Bishop returned from his moneths attendance, Mr. Jurdaine went to visit him, and after civilities past, the Bishop said, Ah, Mr. Jurdaine, would you put me upon so hot a service? You know there are many eyes upon me (meaning the Archbishops party, who suspected him as a favourer of Puritans) Yea, my Lord (said Mr. Jurdaine) there are eyes p. 483upon you, the eyes of God, and his holy Angels, to see how you discharge your duty, and office as the Kings Chaplain, and Bishop of the Church.

6. Now and then, when he had leasure, he would usually go to his neighbours shops, and admonish them to take heed that the cares of the world did not deaden their spirits to heavenly things, telling them, if they had many thousands it would not still the cry of conscience, purchase the least favour from God, nor so much as ease the pain of the teeth, or keep off one fit of an Ague; yea, if money were thrown to the Dogs, they would not so much as smell at it.

7. He would often perswade his Fellow-Magistrates to a liberal provision for the poor; and when they would ask him, where they should have money? He would answer, God will provide, rather than the poor shall want, let us sell our Gowns.

8. When he did distribute money to the poor with his own hands in a time of great infection, and some asked him if he were not afraid of the Plague? What (said he) afraid of Gods Visitation? Let us fear rather the Plague-sore of our owne hearts.

9. In his troubles in the Star-chamber, when one told him, he was sorry that the Lord Keeper was against him: He answered, I have a greater Lord Keeper than him: The Lord is my Keeper, I shall not be afraid.

10. It is not amiss to set down what others thought of him: I remember a godly man observed him, that in every business (though he advenfar) p. 484the Lord carried him through with reputation, and so compared him with another of great parts, who, though godly, was alwayes toiled in every undertaking. Drunkards, and frequenters of Ale-houses, were afraid of him: He was their usual Bugbear; their memento in the middle of their excess was; Its time to be gone, Mr. Jurdaine will come by and by.

The ordinary sort of men were convinced of his integrity, insomuch as carnal and vicious men at a time of election of Burgesses for Parliament would say one to another, If you choose any, choose Jurdaine, he will be right for the Commenwealth, and will do the City service. He was twice chosen Burgess for the Parliament, and once Mayor of the City, and once Deputy Mayor in a time of great Infection by the Pestilence.

The Reverend Minister that preached his Funeral Sermon, amongst others, had this expression: Look upon his Will, and you will think him the richest man in the City. Though many exceeded him in estate, but few or none in making provision for the poor. Delinquents seldome went from him without conviction. A Noble mans servant that had scorned him, being brought before him, and convicted for having sworn rashly three times, Mr. Jurdaine demanded his Fine, and shewed him the hainousness of the sin, with which the man was calmed, and though he came from his companions braving, yet he returned with the acknowledgement that he was a good Justicer; and when they asked him, what Jurdaine did to him, he answered, p. 485He gave me good Law, and fair words.

I have heard above thirty years ago, that some godly persons in Exeter were convented before the Bishops Court for keeping some private dayes of Humiliation; whereupon Mr. Jurdaine went to the Bishop (who was a godly man) to intercede for them. The Bishop told him that such Conventicles were forbidden by the Law, the State being jealous lest the seeds of Sedition or Heresie might be sown in them: To whom Mr. Jurdaine replied, My Lord, Do you think that the Lord Jesus Christ, when he comes to Judgement, will say concerning these, and such like poor Christians, Take them Devil, take them, because though they sought me by fasting and prayer, yet they did not observe every circumstance with so much prudence as they might have done. Whereupon the Bishop dismissed them.

I am now come to the last act of his Life,His Sickness. his sickness, and the period of that, his Death. In his sickness, which was very painfull, he being sorely afflicted with the Stone, and Cholick, yet did he manifest more than ordinary patience,His Patience, not opening his mouth in any word that might savour of repining, or discontent at his present condition; but meekly and patiently submitting to Gods afflicting hand, and waiting for his long-expected, and much desired dissolution. He did then much act faith in Jesus Christ, and his gracious Promises, and his assurance remained unshaken, though Satan was then busie with him by his temptations: But being strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might, he did resist him. Some of his nearest Friends that observed his confident Assurance in the course of p. 486his life, and of his happy estate in heaven after death, did suppose that Satan would have set upon him with so much violence, as to have shaken his Assurance, as no doubt he had will enough to do; but God who had him in chains, would not permit him to do it: But he went out of the world as a Conquerour out of the Field, being, through Christ, victorious over all his spiritual enemies. One particular in his sickness may not be omitted, which was, his taking all occasions of exhorting and encouraging others to constancy in the faith, zeal for God, and making sure of Heaven; and when his spirits began to fail him, he would say, I cannot speak much more to you now; R…member what you have heard from me in my health. He was willing also to incite others that were absent to the discharge of their Duties. The Mayor of the City that then was, sending to see how he did, he called the messenger unto him, and said, Remember me to Mr. Mayor, and tell him from me, that he have a special care of these three things: To do Justice: To provide carefully for the poor; and to make sure of Heaven. His gracious speeches in the time of his sickness, were many, and more than can be here expressed.

Having fought the good fight of Faith,His death. and finished his course, he sweetly, and quietly resigned up his soul into the hands of his blessed Saviour and Redeemer. He departed this Life, July the 15. Anno Christi 1640. being the Sabbath day.

The Sabbath was his delight on earth, and on that day God gave him to enjoy an eternal Sabbath with him in Heaven. As he had sweet communion with God in the use of Ordinances for many years on that p. 487day, so he went to enjoy an immediate communion with God on that holy day; and after all his labours he entred into rest, even that glorious Rest in Heaven, Heb. 4. 11. His departure hence was in the Seventy ninth year of his age, and, according to his account for the New-birth,His Funeral. in the Sixty fifth year. For so long he reckoned since the time of his effectual Calling. At the celebration of his Funerals, there hath not been known any man to be more lamented than was he, the loss being so great, not to the City alone, but to all those Western parts, the influence of his example, as a zealous Magistrate and Christian, reaching far and near.

After he had served his own Generation by the will of God, he fell on sleep, Act. 13. 36.