The Lives of Sundry Eminent Persons, Part 1 · Biography 4

The Lives of Sundry Eminent Persons · Part 1 · Biography 4

p. 18The Life and Death of Mr. Thomas Wilson, who dyed Anno Christi 1651.

THomas Wilson was born at Catterlen, in the County of Cumberland, Anno Christi, 1601. His Parents were Sober, Honest Persons: His Father had a competent Estate, and was of the best sort of Yeomen in those Parts. When our Thomas was His Birth, Parentage, Education, Prosiciency,fit for it, he was sent to School to Blentow in the aforesaid County, where, under the care of Mr. Wilkinson, his Schoolmaster, he profited even beyond expectation, and far excelled all his Contemporaries. And he was observed in his Youth to have a sharp wit, a firm memory, and to be indefatigable at his Book, which occasioned his Friends to hope that in time, he would prove (as afterwards he did) an Instrument of doing much good.

His great Proficiency at School, encouraged his Father (when he was fit for it) to send him to the University of Cambridge, where he was admitted into Christs Colledge, when he He goes to Cambridge.was about seventeen years old; in which place he spent not his time, as too many others did p. 19in evil or idle courses, but devoted himself wholly to his Studies, insomuch as he was taken notice of, both by the Master and Fellows of the Colledge, for his great diligence and studiousness: It might have been written over his Study Door, Nulla Dies sine Linea: No Day passed over his Head without some progress in his Learning: But though he did spend His Studiousness.most of his time in Academical Learning (his acuteness, in which did appear above twenty years after he had left the University) yet did he not this while neglect the Study of Divinity but in order to his serving the Lord, and his Church in the work of the Ministry (if God should see it fit) he read both Positive, and Polemical Authors: But of all Books none was so esteemed, or read so much by him as the Holy Bible. So that it may be said of him as the Holy Apostle Paul saith of Timothy, From a Child he knew the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make us Wise to Salvation. Himself told an intimate Friend, that before Scriptures studied.he was Batchelor of Arts, he had read the whole Bible, with the Annotations of Junius and Tremelius three times over.

Some time after he had taken his Degree of Batchelor of Arts, he was removed from the University upon this occasion. Mr. John Bristow, a Reverend Minister, and Pastor of Chauswod in the County of Surrey, wrote to Mr. Mead of Christs Colledge (that eminent Person for Learning, who was his Tutor) to send him an able and Religious Scholar, to teach He leaves the University.School in his House, Mr. Mead soon pitched his thoughts upon his Pupil, Mr. Wilson, not knowing how hetter to fit and gratify Mr. Bristow, and glad he was that he could answer his request so well.

At Mr. Bristow's he continued about four years, instructing the Youths committed to his charge with great diligence, and faithfulness: He made conscience of improving his time, and trust reposed in him, and gave his Scholars more cause to bless God for their education His Faithfulness.under him, then Secrates had for being brought up under such a Master as was Plato. He hath professed that he knew no calling, except that of the Ministry, wherein a Man might be more servicable to God and his Church, than that of teaching Youth, It is noted by some that one chief cause of Julians Apostacy and profaness was, that he was bred under two Heathenish Tutors, Libanius and Iamblicus: But it was the happiness of the Inhabitants of Chawswood that they had their Sons brought up by one who had both a dexterity, and fidelity, to instruct them both in Humane and Divine Learning.

Mr. Bristow observing Mr. Wilson's fitness, and Ability for a greater and higher employment than that of instructing Children, and taking notice that his Heart was set upon the work of the Ministry, (to prepare himself for which, he made use of all his vacant hours from the School,) he judged it not convenient to deprive the Church any longer of so able and worthy a Labourer, and therefore though it was a considerable loss to himself and the Parish, to loose so good a man, yet he preferred the publick good of the Church before his private, and advised Mr. Wilson wholly to betake himself to Preaching.

The first Candlestick wherein this Light was set, was Capel in Surry, where he continued He enters upon the Ministry.for some time, directing his People by his holy Example, and judicious, diligent Preaching the way to Eternal Life. And though the Parish gave him little or nothing for his pains, yet was he never the less faithful and laborious for the welfare of their Souls: For he sought not theirs but them; not their Temporal Goods, but the Spiritual and everlasting His Faithfulness therein.Welfare of their immortal Souls. Here he had the Love and Esteem of all godly People, both Ministers and private Christians, round about; and indeed by his holy, heavenly, and humble Conversation he was such a Loadstone as wherever he came, he drew the Hearts of all sober Christians after him: What Nazianzen said of Athanasius may be truly said of him, that he was Magnes & Adamas; A Loadstone in his sweet, gentle Nature, and yet an Adament in his stout and resolute courage against all Errours and Profaness.

His continuance at Capel was not long, but upon some Reasons, by the means of the aforesaid Mr. Bristow, he was removed to Farlington (near unto Portsmouth in Hampshire) His Remove.an ignorant, heathenish People, whom he endeavoured (so long as he staid among them) to Instruct and Reform. Though there was little of Religion amongst his Parishoners, nor scarce any savour of Good, yet whilst he abode there, the Church was much frequented (Christians flocking in to hear him for diverse Miles round about) and when he was called thence, his loss was much bewailed by them.

He staid not long in Hampshire; and sure he had very good grounds for his frequent Removals, and afterwards it appeared that God intended so able and useful an Instrument His Remove.for more publick and General Service, not thinking good to confine such great Gifts and Graces to such small Parishes.

His next Removal was to Tedington near to Kingston upon Thames, in which place he p. 20continued some Years, and (through the Blessing of God) his Ministry had great success, and much acceptance among such as feared God, during his abode at Tedington, he (being then about Twenty six Years old) had a desire to visit his Native Country, where his friends and Relations lived: And it pleased God so to assist him in his Labours among them, that in this journey he became profitable to the conversion of many Souls unto God. While He visits his Country.he was in Cumbarland he was requested to preach in Penroth, a great (if not the greatest) Market Town in the County, where, time out of mind, there had been a considerable Market of all sorts of Food kept every Lords-Day, till Nine a Clock in the Morning. But after he had preached two or three Sermons, he prevailed so far with the Ministers and chief of the Town, that it was proclaimed the Tuesday following, (which was on their Reformation.Weekly Market-day,) That no Person, for the time to come, should bring any Victuals or Ware whatsoever, to be sold on the Lords-day, but that Saturday should be the time for the sale of those Commodities. And for many years after the People did forbear to sell or buy any thing in the Town upon the Sabbath-day.

His next Removal was from Tedington to Otham, within two or three Miles of Maidstone in Kent; the occasion whereof was this: There were many serious, understanding His Remove into Kent.Christians in Maidston, who were much troubled and dejected for the dulness and deadness of the Ministry under which they lived. The Children craved Bread, and their Spiritual Fathers (by Profession and Office) fed them with Stones, so that their Souls were ready to famish for want of Food: Hereupon Mr. Robert Swinnoch, an active godly person, and one of the Aldermen or Jurats of the Town, procured the Presentation of Otham upon the Death of the Incumbent: After which he consulted with his Friends and Christian Neighbours, how he might procure an able Minister for that place, herein aiming, not only at the Good and Benefit of that Parish, but of the Christians also of Maidston, who, with a little trouble and Travel, might reap the fruit of his Labours at Otham.

In pursuance of this Design, some of them repaired to London, where (by Gods Providence) they heard of Mr. Wilson, to whom they presently took their Journey, and heard him Preach at Darking in Surry to their great satisfaction, After Sermon they acquainted him with the cause of their coming, and the sad condtion of the godly People in those parts where they lived, and requested him to accept of the Presentation of Otham. He who was never hasty and rash, especially in such matters of Weight and Concernment, asked the judgment of his Neighbour Ministers in the Country, and some in the City of London, who, after deliberation, did agree and concur in this, That in regard of the necessities of those that feared God, in and about Maidston, and the great opportunities that he might now enjoy there, of doing good to many Souls, he ought to embrace this Call. And accordingly upon the Declaration of their Opinion, he was presented to Otham, where His great success.the Lord was pleased wonderfully to bless and prosper his Ministry, for the Conversion and Building up of many of his Hearers.

Mr. Wilson was a man that divided the Truth of God aright: A work-man that needed His Prudence.not to be ashamed: A Boanerges: A Son of Thunder in preaching the Law, to awaken secure, sensless Sinners, so that his Hearers might say of him, as one of the Antients said of St. Paul's Epistles, Non tam Verba quam Tonitrua audiebant: That they heard not so much Words as Thunderclaps, when they heard him open the dreadful Curses of the Law, and the terrible Wrath of God against Sin and Sinners. Many an one hath come to him as the Gaoler did to the Apostles, trembling, and crying out, Sir, what shall I do to be saved? To such he was a Barnabas; A Son of sweet Consolation, and could so display that exceeding Riches of Divine Grace in the Lord Jesus Christ, as to attract and draw their Hearts to a ready and chearful compliance with, and a hearty acceptation of it. He, as a faithful Steward, gave to every one his own Portion: Terrour to whom Terrour belonged, and Comfort to whom Comfort, whereby (the Holy Ghost setting in with the Word) a numerous Issue of New-born Children were begotten, and brought forth to Christ. Here he preached, according to the Apostles Command, in season and out of season; Not only His Indefatigableness.twice every Lords-day, but also every Holy-day, and at diverse Funerals, yea, though the Person interred were so poor that nothing could be expected for his pains.

Whilst he was Minister at Otham, many from Maidston, and Seven or Eight Miles round about, did ordinarily repair to his Ministry, and joined in Communion with him at the Lords Supper. But the number of those that flockt to him was so great, that his Church could not contain them, which was a great Eye-sore to the prophane World, and caused several Ministers about him to envy and much to malign him.Envy.

Before his coming, there was an evil custom at Otham, for the Fulling Mills thereabouts Sabbath reformed.to work every Lords-day; but he convinced the Owners so throughly of the Unlawfness p. 21thereof, that they presently gave over, and suffered their Mills to stand still on those days for many years after he left them.

But the only wise God who governeth the World, saw sit for some time, and for Reasons best known to himself, to lay aside this very useful Person: For he had not been many years at Otham when the Book for Sports on the Lords-days came forth, and was presented unto him that he should publickly read it on the next Lords-day in his Church, He is suspended.which he refusing to do (whereof he gave divers Reasons) was suspended ab Officio & Beneficio. Upon his Suspension his Cure was committed to such Ministers as he could not with comfort own, nor join with, whereupon he removed his Habitation to Maidston, Removes to Maidston▪and he was a great help in private to the Christians there, whilst his Suspension continued, and from them he received some supplies towards the maintenance of himself and his Family.

Whilest he continued at Maidston he was still sollicitous for the good of his People at Otham, and therefore to encourage them to unite among themselves, and to a Gospel Conversation; as also to convince his Adversaries, who had causlesly traduced him to be a Favourer and an Abettor of Schisms and Divisions, he wrote a Letter to his Parishioners, wherein His Letter to his People.he exhorted them to fear the Lord and honour the King, and to walk in Love each toward other, &c. And not to nourish in themselves a dislike of Government, or Contempt of those whom God had set over them, &c. This Letter was publickly read on a Lordsday to his Congregation, by one Dr. Tuck, which he did that so all his Congregation might know his judgment, and the advice which he thought necessary to give them; yet was it done without the Appointment of Mr. Wilson.

The News of this Letter, and the publick Reading of it was quickly carried to London, New troubles.where it gave such distaste to some, that both Mr. Wilson and the Dr. were cited to appear in the High-Commission Court, and to answer for what they had done. Both of them appeared several times to their great trouble and cost, and notwithstanding all they did, and could alleadg in their own Defence, yet were they enforced to continue their Attendance upon the Court for the space of three Years: In this case Dr. Tucks trouble was far the greater, because (his Body being unable to bear riding) he was necessitated to make these long Journeys of Thirty Miles at a time on Foot.

During Mr. Wilson's Suspension, a Neighbour Minister being greedy of his Living, commenced a Suit against him, to eject him wholly out of Otham; but his Patron [Mr. Swinoch] Malice.made good his Title, and so the malicious design of his Adversary was prevented.

His Suspension continued to the Year 1639. about which time the Scots entred into England, He is absolved.a Parliament was called, and then Archbishop Laud took off his Suspension. But his Troubles and Sufferings were not yet at an end: For Anno Christi 1640. Septemb. 30th, he, and other Ministers, were cited to appear at a Visitation of the Archbishops at Feversham in Kent, to answer for their not reading the Prayer which was made against the Scots, as also to take a new devised Oath, commonly called, The &c. Oath. But when he, and New troubles.his Brethren presented themselves at the place and time appointed, they understood that the Oath should be wholly waved, and the only Question should be, Why they did not read the aforementioned Prayer? Upon this they consulted together, whether it were best for them to appear before the Archbishops Vicar General or no: It was alledged by some, that the Parliament (which they apprehended would be some Relief to them) was to meet November the third following, and therefore they judged it prudential to hold off for the present; and in case they should afterwards be cited to appear at Canterbury, that they should only appear by a Procter, and so protract time so much as might, to see what the Parliament would do in this case.

But upon a serious weighing the Arguments on both sides, it was concluded that they should appear, and leave the success to God, however he should please to dispose of them. Hereupon Mr. Edward Bright of Gondhurst, and Mr. Wilson immediately repaired to the Inn, where Sir Nathaniel Brent [the Vicar General] with the Archdeacon, and some inferiour Officers sat. They no sooner appeared, but Mr. Bright was pointed out by one present to the Archdeacon, who thereupon asked him his Name, and whether he had read the Prayer against the Scots or no. Mr. Bright answered No. Whereupon the Archdeacon presently suspended him ab Officio & Beneficio, without admonishing, or giving him any time to consider of it, which rash Act was deemed, even by the Favourites of that Court, to be neither Prudential nor Canonical. Though Mr. Wilson stood by, and saw His Courage.such harsh dealing against his Brother, and perceived the Service much hotter than he expected, yet did he not fly from his Colours, no, nor so much as make a Retreat; but being called, answered to his Name, and being asked whether he had read the Prayer, he gave a p. 22negative Answer, adding this Reason, because in the Rubrick before the Common-Prayer, it is enjoined, that no Prayer should be publickly read, except those that were in the Book His Prudence.of Common-Prayer, as this Prayer against the Scots was not.

This unexpected Answer so puzzled the Archdeacon, (who was not the readiest or acutest to make a Reply) as caused him to have Recourse to Sr. Nathaniel Brent for Advice, who, upon Information of Mr. Wilson's Reasons, very ingenuously left the Archdeacon to himself, to do as he should see cause, refusing to meddle therein. Upon this the Archdeacon (the edge of his Fury being somwhat abated) proceeded more deliberately with Mr. Wilson than he had done with Mr. Bright, and gave him fourteen days time to consider of it, and then to give in his answer at Canterbury.

But notwithstanding this intermission, the Archbishop had not yet done with Mr. Wilson: For in March following he was again prosecuted by him. Upon a Holiday in that New troubles.Month Mr. Wilson Preacht in publick, and after Sermon he, with some other Friends, met at the Parsonage House, whereof one Mr. Butcher (a man eminent for Piety) had a part, to repeat the Sermon and to pray. After these Duties were ended, in a room, which was peculiar to Mr. Butcher, one knockt at the Door, to which Mrs. Wilson was about to go, but suddenly started back, fearing that it might be a Messenger sent to apprehend her Husband: But the Messenger immediately came into the Room where Mr. Wilson and his Friends were, and putting off his Hat, enquired which was Mr. Wilson, pretending that he had some private business with him. And though Mr. Wilson was there in his Gown, having newly Preached and Prayed, and thereby was easily to be distinguished from all the rest, yet God so ordered it by his good Providence, that the Messenger observed him not.A special Providence

Presently after the Messenger came in, Mr. Wilson stepped behind some of his Friends, and Mr. Butcher wisely stepped forward, and told the Messenger that the Room wherein they were was his, and bad him look for Mr. Wilson in his own Rooms. Upon this the Messenger withdrew into the Hall, and in the interim Mr. Wilson went up the Stairs into his Study, where he concealed himself until Night, and then escaped to the House of one Mr. Hall, in the Park of Maidston. The Pursivant looking about in vain, went again into the Parlor, and missing one whom he had seen there before, charged upon all there present that they had conveyed away Mr. Wilson, and told them that they must find him out. He produced also his Warrant, under the Hands of many of the Privy Council, of whom the Archbishop, and the B. B. of London were two, requiring him to attach the Body of Thomas Wilson, Rector of Otham, and bring him before them.

The Pursivant having shewed them his Warrant, required and commanded Mr. Butcher and one Mr. Morgsan to assist him in searching the House for Mr. Wilson; but notwithstanding all his diligent search, he missed his Prey: For Mr. Wilson could not be found. The Messenger was very angry that he should see, and yet thus loose him. But when, in some threatnings to the Persons present, he had vented his Choller, he grew somwhat cooler, and after some private Discourse with Mrs. Wilson, he took his leave, saying, that he had been a Messenger to the Council-Table Thirty six Years, and was never served so before. For he confessed that he heard him Preach that day in publick, and yet when he saw him so soon after, and that in his Gown, yet he did not know him. But God (who in the like sort hid Athanasius) had a Hand in it, Whose Kingdom rules over all, Psal. (103. 19.) He hath sundry strange ways for the Preservation of his People.

The Circumcellians laid an Ambush in the way where they knew St. Augustine was to go, Strange Providences.but by a good Providence of God, his Guide, missing his way, led him about another way, whereby he escaped their Hands. In Qu. Maries days, Stephen Gardiner, B. B. of Winchester, sent after Mr. John Fox, who afterwards writ the Acts and Monuments, as far as Ipswich to apprehend him: The Barque in which he was was newly gone out of the Haven when the Messenger came to take him; the next day, by reason of Storms, he was driven back into the same place again; but before his Return, the Messenger (despairing to meet with him) was departed. And since those days Mr. Parker (a very learned and godly man) was prosecuted by Archbishop Bancroft, for his Book against the Cross, &c. On a time the Archbishop having Intelligence that Mr. Parker was in a certain Citizens House in London, thinking that now he was sure of him, sent one presently to watch at the Door of the House, to see that none should stir out, till others came with a Warrant to search it for Mr. Parker. The Person sent, sat him down at the Door, boasting that none should come forth but he would know what and who they were.

Mr. Parker and his Friends within, were much troubled what to do, and how Mr. Parker might be secured: At last it was resolved that he should attire himself like a Citizen, and so venture out: by this means he might possibly escape, and if he staid within, he p. 23would certainly be taken: Accordingly he came forth thus cloathed, and Gods Providence so ordered it, that the Waiter espying a Maid which he loved and courted passing by on the other side of the Street, stept over to her just as Mr. Parker came forth, so that though he stayed but a very little while with her, , and immediately returned again, yet the Bird was flown: Mr. Parker was gone: And when the rest came with Power to search the House, the Person whom they sought for was not to be found.

Thus Mr. Wilson hid himself in the Country from the Storm till the Parliament was begun; and then he repaired to London, and continued there, sometimes changing his Apparel, that he might not be commonly known, till his Liberty and Freedom was procured by the means of Sir Edward Deering, one of the Knights of the Shire for Kent, who, in one He is restored to his Liberty.of his Speeches which he made in the House, gave this Character of Mr. Wilson.

Mr. Wilson, (said he) for so is your Petitioner named, is a Man as Orthodox in his Doctrine, as conformable in his Life, as laborious in Preaching as any we have, or that I do know. He is now separated from his People to both their griefs; for 'tis not with him as with others, who are glad to set a Pursivant on work, that they may have an excuse to be out of the Pulpit. It is his Delight to preach.

By this means he obtained his Liberty, and returned to his Charge and wonted pains at Otham. But sometime after he was by the Parliament chosen a Member of that Reverend, He is one of the Assembly.Pious, and Learned Assembly of Divines which sat at Westminster; upon which he sedulously attended for the most part of the Week, and notwithstanding his pains there, supplied his Cure each Lords-day, though it was Thirty five, or Thirty six Miles from London. He was much esteemed in the Assembly for his solid, and judicious Discourses upon sundry occasions, and for his meek and humble deportment among them.

His last Remove was to Maidston, the Shire Town of Kent. And indeed who was so sit His Remove to Maidston.for so populous a place (where there is but one English Congregation) as one of such vast Parts, exemplary Piety, and of so strong a Constitution of Body as he was? And as soon as the way was open for his admission into Maidston, (through the Ejection of the former Incumbent by the Committee of Plundered Ministers) his old Hearers there, whose Hearts were knit close unto him, longed for his Settlement among them: But the Parliament having made an Order, that plundered Ministers should first be provided for, where any Livings were vacant, they of Maidston could not for the present obtain their desires: For one Mr. Smith (an able and holy man) was by the Committee of Plundered Ministers sent down to that place, yet Mr. Smith had not been long at Maidston, before news was brought that the most able and eminent Ministers should be removed to Cities and great Towns, that they might be capable of doing the more good, and in particular, that Mr. Wilson should be transplanted from Otham to some more considerable place. Upon this Report the People of Maidston were much startled, fearing that they should lose their beloved Pastor.

To prevent which, they applied themselves to Mr. Smith, desiring him to accept of some other Living, that Maidston might be free for Mr. Wilson. Mr. Smith seriously considering the vehement desires of the good People after Mr. Wilson, yielded to refer the business to six judicious Ministers of the Assembly, whereof three should be chosen by him, and three by them of Maidston. The Ministers met accordingly, and having heard what could be said of both sides, and weighed the matter throughly, gave their Advice that it would be best for Mr. Smith to leave Maidston to Mr. Wilson, which he did accordingly, having a considerable place [viz. Harrison] about seven Miles from Maidston provided for him, to which, so soon as he could with convenience, he removed. And thus at last, by Gods good Providence, Mr. Wilson, and the People of Maidston (who at first brought him into Kent, and who were long before joined together in Heart,) were now joined together in Relation, and Habitation, among whom he continued with much Love and Faithfulness, till God called him out of this World.

Although Mr. Wilson now left Otham, yet did he not leave to take care for the Souls of his People there; but still retained his Title to that place, lest (if he had resigned it) the His Prudence and Piety.Patron should put in an insufficient or unworthy Minister, and himself provided for them a pious, learned, and painful man, to whom he gave the whole profits of the Living. For he held not the Title to the place upon any covetous or worldly Respect, but meerly upon Respect to the good of the Peoples Souls.

When he had been sometime at Maidston, his first care was to promote the Reformation A Reformation.of the Church, and to see to the due Administration of the Sacraments, according to the Rule of Gods Word: For which end, in his Ministry, he discovered to them the necessity of Church-Ordinances, and of Discipline, with the qualifications of the Subjects p. 24thereof, &c. And then (God accompanying his holy Endeavours, notwithstanding the obstructions he met with, not only from the prophane, but also from some that professed the Fear of God,) he in time brought it to a good Issue, and put it in practice, to the great Comfort of them who were truly godly. Upon the Dissolution of the Assembly, he being freed from his Attendance there, applied himself wholly to the work of the Ministry, with as great pains and diligence as a man could possibly do.

On Saturday Night he usually continued very late at his Studies, yea, often till Midnight, that he might the better prepare himself for his Work on the Lords-day. On Sabbath His great pains.Morning he usually arose by two or three a Clock, and was much displeased with himself if he passed that hour. About seven a Clock he came down to his Family, whom he called together, and read some portion of Scripture to them, which also he expounded, and required those that were present to give him an account of what they remembred of his Exposition: Sung some part of a Psalm: Prayed with them, and concluded all between Eight and Nine a Clock, that they might be all ready to attend the publick Ordinances.

About Nine a Clock he went to Church, and commonly began with singing two staves of a Psalm; after which he Prayed briefly for Gods Assistance in, and for Gods Blessing Sabbaths sanctified.upon his own holy Ordinances; Then he read some part of the Old Testament, and expounded (somtimes three, or four, or more Verses, as more or less matters was contained in them) for the space of an hour; For he had an Hour-Glass in his Desk to guide him therein: He had an excellent faculty and dextery in expounding the Scriptures. His custom was, first to Analize the Book, then the Chapters as he came to them; then he gave the several Readings, and Expositions of the Verses which he handled. He had Junius, Tremelius, Piscator, Calvin, Beza, and several other Comentators ad unguem, insomuch that in the Assembly of Divines, if at any time they doubted what was the Opinion of any of the aforenamed Authors, Mr. Wilson was called forth to satisfie them. After he had declared the several Readings, and the Judgments of Expositors, as there was occasion, he drew Observations from the Coherence, Dependance, and matter of the verses which he briefly illustrated and applied.

Having ended his Exposition, he spent about an hour in the Pulpit: And when he came home to his Family, he constantly went to Prayer with them before Dinner, wherein he begged that the Truths delivered out of the Word might be written by the Spirit of God upon all their Hearts, so as to bring forth fruit in their Lives. Then, usually eating little or no Dinner, he went into his Study till his Family had dined: And then coming down he spent some time with them in singing, and other Religious Exercises. In the Afternoon at Church he did as in the Morning, only his Exposition then was upon some part of the New Testament.

After the publick Duties were ended, many of his Neighbours came to his House, where he called his Family together, required of them, and of others present, an account of his Sermons preached that day; and most of those that were present would tell him somwhat; one what the Text was, another the Division of it, another the Doctrine, another the Reasons, and others the Explications and Uses, methodically as he had delivered them, all whom he would help and encourage. Hereby their Understandings and Memories were much improved. For they, knowing before hand his custom, were the more attentive in hearing, and the more careful to remember what they heard, whereas when the Master of the Family repeats all himself, Children and Servants (who naturally have an aversness to, and hatred of all that is good) are usually heedless in hearing, and mindless both in publick and private of what they hear. After Repetition he sung a Psalm, and concluded with Prayer, and so went to Mr. Swinock's to Supper, who had been his quondam Patron. And by that time they had supped, there would be a hundred, or more, gathered together to Mr. Swinocks House, to join with him in the conclusion of the day: And among these were persons of all Ranks, the Mayor, Jurates, and their Wives, who by their Examples encouraged others to the service of the great God.

After Supper he came forth amongst them, began with a short Prayer: Then he read the Verses he had expounded in publick in the Fore and After noon, and asked them what Observations were raised from such and such a Verse, till he had gone over all the Verses. Then he enquired what the Texts on which he had preached were, what the Doctrines, Explications, Reasons, and Uses, all in order as he preached them: He seldom named any one Head himself, but still heartened them to speak, and only assisted them when they were at a loss. Then they sung a Psalm, and he concluded with Prayer about Ten a Clock at Night.

p. 33Once a Month he administred the Lords Supper to a considerable number of solid, serious, Christians, which he performed with that Life and Warmth in Prayer, and opening the Scripture, Monthly Sacraments.that some of his Communicants have thought themselves in the Suburbs of Heaven when they have joined with him in that Ordinance; in which he usually spent about an hour and an half. Thus he sanctified the Lords-day, spending Nine or Ten hours in publick and private Worship, besides what time he spent in secret Duties, in which he was no Niggard: So that the Lords-day, which was a day of Rest to others, was a day of the greatest Pains and Labour to him; yet was it easie because delightful to him: And at the end of the day, when those that took not half his Pains, have complained of their weariness, he would be exceeding lively and chearful: Such was his great Love to his Saviour, and to the Souls of those that were committed to his Charge. The Sabbath was to him a Day of Light and Gladness, and a good Day.

Yet he thought it not enough thus to instruct his People on the Lords-Days, but the Town being very populous, and the Parish large, whereby he was uncapable of going His great pains.from House to House, in the Week-days he laid out himself in the service of his Lord for the Benefit of his People. For every Thursday (which was their Market day) he preached a Lecture, unto which many Ministers resorted, and sat with delight under his Ministry. On Fridays he met in private with as many of his People as would or could come together, unto whom he sometimes expounded the Word, sometimes Preached, and always sung and prayed with them.

Also upon Mondays or Thursdays (for he altered his day as he saw occasion) he appointed Days of Conference.a Conference in the publick Meeting-place, where the Question, which before was made known to them, (as what was the Nature of Repentance, of Faith, &c. and what the Signs, what the Means, and what the Motives, &c.) His People were prepared to give in their Answers, and he so demeaned himself therein, that by his wise and courteous Deportment, and pleasing Language, he won their Hearts, and by this means he drew them to the study of the Scriptures, and other good Books, that so they might be able to speak to the purpose.

As they spake, when he saw occasion, he would help and assist them, still taking care to keep them in the way of Truth, and to see that none did go beyond their bounds by encroaching upon the work of the Ministry. When they had done speaking, he would gather together their scattered Notions, bring them into an orderly Method, apply to them suitable Texts of Scripture, add of his own what he thought necessary, and so rendered the Meeting exceeding profitable and comfortable to his Flock. Christian Communion managed with Prudence, is that which keeps our Religion in Breath, and without which it will be ready to die.

When he saw fit to lay down this way of Conference, instead thereof he took up Catechising He catechised.in the Week-days in publick; and this he continued till he had gone through all the Town, except some few out-houses, whom also he intended to have Catechised, but was prevented. He did work the work of the Lord, who sent him into the World for that end: He spent himself, as the Silkworm to cloath, and as the Lamp to give Light, to others: He buried not his Talent in a Napkin of Idleness, like too many Ministers, who will rather suffer their Children (to whom they ought to be Nurses) to cry and starve, than be at the pains to draw forth their Breasts unto them.

Mr. Wilson was of a Noble and Communicative Disposition, very free upon all occasions to impart knowledg unto others; not like a Whirl-pool that sucks all to itself, but as a Fountain that disperses its streams for the Refreshment of many. Seldom were any in his His painfulness.Company, but they might (if it were not their own fault) receive good by him. He was neither vain in Ostentation, nor niggardly in Reservation: Some may think that he did ill in taking so much pains constantly, both on the Lords-days, and on the Weekdays, and upon all occasions, to the shortning of his Life; But he never thought that he could labour too much for his Lord and Master, and that God makes no difference between nequam and nequaquam: An idle and an evil Servant. And for this cause it was, that when he was advised by his Friends to be mindful of his Body, and not to work it so hard, he was deaf to all such Counsel, and was ready to say with Mr. Calvin, (when he was persuaded by his Friends to take care of his Health) Would you have my Lord when he comes to find me idle? And with Dr. John Reynolds of Oxford, when the Drs. persuaded him non perdere substantiam propter accidens, replied, Nec propter Vitam vivendi perdere causas. Coming to a Friends House, when he had travelled neer Forty Miles that day, yet notwithstanding his great weariness, he would needs spend some time in Expounding a Portion p. 34of Scripture to the Family, besides Singing and Prayer (which he never omitted) before he would go to Bed.

St. Augustin's Wish was, That when Christ came to call him hence by Death, he might Time redeemed.find him aut Precantem, aut Predicantem, either Preaching or Praying: And truly such seemed to be the desire of Mr. Wilson, by his Indefatigable Labours in his Masters business. He was never given to any Recreations (tho never so innocent,) but he was exceeding sparing in his Expence of time. A little after Dinner he would sometimes sit and discourse a while; but usually, if he was at home, his Study was the constant place of his Abode. He was Helluo Librorum, an Indefatigable Student, stealing time from his Sleep (and that when his Body needed and called for it) to his Book. It is recorded of Mr. Bradford, Martyr, that he slept not above Four Hours in a Night, and that his Book went not out of his Hand till Sleep came: And that Mr. Latimer rose, Summer and Winter, at Two a Clock in the Morning. And of another Martyr its said, he was spare of Meat, sparer of Sleep, but sparest of Time. So Mr. Wilson made much Conscience of his Expence of Time, especially upon the Lords-days.

When he was invited to a Feast, his Zeal for God's Glory, and the good of Souls was His Zeal.such, that commonly after Dinner he would call for a Bible, sing a Psalm, expound some Verses of Scripture, and pray with his Friends. Mr. Will. Fenner of Essex (that eminent Servant of Jesus Christ) meeting Mr. Wilson once at Mr. Butcher's House, was so extreamly taken with his active, chearful Spirit for God and Godliness, that he said to Mr. Butcher, I am even ashamed of my self to see how Mr. Wilson gallopeth towards Heaven, and I do but creep on a Snails pace.

Though he was a good Linguist, and well read, both in ancient and modern Authors, yet (ordinarily) he Preached, though always with Evidence of Reason, yet still in a plain, His manner of Preaching.and clear Stile, by Doctrine, Reason and Use, that so he might be understood by the meanest Capacity. His constant Preaching shewed that he was an able workman: His Doctrines were clearly raised from his Text: His Heads pertinent to his Subject, and he had a rare faculty in applying suitable Scriptures (which is the principal way of convincing mens Judgments, for it is the Authority of God that must do the Work) to all his Heads. On the Lords-days in the Afternoon, for some considerable time, he Preached over the Heads of Divinity, and therein he discovered so much Learning and Judgment in his plain Preaching, that if these Sermons had been preached in either of the Universities, they would have been highly approved.

He was so much esteemed for his great abilities, that there was scarce any publick Occasion for Sermons in the Country, but he was chosen to preach them. Somtimes he preached His Family Duties.bfore the Judges of the Assizes, and twice before the Parliament. He was not of the number of them, who are zealous abroad to get themselves a name, but cold and careless at home, not much minding what becomes of their Families: But as David, He walked in the midst of his House with a perfect Heart, and brought up his Children in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord. He was as good within as without Doors. Every Morning and Evening be read some part of the Scriptures, expounded it to them, sung part of a Psalm, and prayed. He used often to ask his Children Questions about the Principles of Religion: Examined them on the Lords-days about his Sermons, and caused them to learn sundry portions of the Scripture without Book.

It is Recorded of B. B Hooper, that he so governed his House that in every Corner of it there was some smell of Virtue, of good Example, honest Conversation, and reading the Scriptures. If it was not so in Mr. Wilsons House, surely the fault was not the want of a good Governour. He Prayed often with his Wife apart from the Family, and himself spent much time in secret Prayer, knowing that of Lactantius to be a great Truth, Non est vera Religio quae cum Templo relinquitur: That's no true Religion, when we leave it behind us at Church.

He was very exact and watchful always to set a good Example before his Children and His holy Life.Servants, knowing that such are led and formed more by the Eye than by the Ear; and what their Superiours do, than of what they say: and indeed his whole Conversation was a practical Exposition upon the Gospel; and what he taught on the Lords-day in his Doctrine, he preached over all the Week in his Life. He was exemplary in his Converses with all men, and spake much by his carriage, even when he was silent, and spake not a word. His good works were unanswerable Syllogisms, invincible Demonstrations to convince his Neighbours, whereby he drew their Hearts, and engaged their Affections after the Beauty of Holiness. He practised what he preached, and did what he taught. See 1 Tim. 4. 12. Be thou an Example in words, in Conversation, in Charity, in Purity. Tit. 2. 7. In all things shew thy self a Pattern of good works

p. 35Maidston before Mr. Wilson's coming was a very prophane Town: They used to have Morrice-Dancing, Cudgel-playing, Stool-ball, Crickets, and mnay other sports openly, and Sabbath reformed.publickly on the Lords-day; yea, they would jeer, and deride such as professed Godliness, and went abroad to hear Sermons on the Lords-days when they had none at home. Commonly after the Evening Service, many used to go to the Ale house, others to walk in the Fields: And it was their constant custom to ply the Conduits on the Lords-day, for drawing of Water. Indeed the former vain, and sinful customs of Sports was reformed before he came; But by his preaching he prevailed with them to forbear vain walking abroad, fitting idly at their doors, as also to fetch their Water on Saturday Nights, which they were to use on the Lords-day: Insomuch that though the Town was large and full of People, yet you should hardly see one person in the Streets after the Sermons on the Lordsday: So that when the Mayor hath searched the Inns, and Ale-houses, he hath scarce found one Townsman there.

One of the Judges at an Assize taking notice of it, said publickly, That in all his Circuit he never came to a Town where the Lords-day was observed so strictly. Yea, by his Ministry he so wrought upon the People, that the very Pot▪hearbs were gathered and made ready on the Saturday, and the provision for their Dinners was fitted for the Fire against that day. He was much of the mind of those Primitive Christians, who when any of them were asked, Servasti Dominicum? Hast thou kept the Lords-day? Answered, Christianus sum, omittere non possum: I am a Christian, I cannot neglect it. The Sanctification of that day is exceeding useful to keep up the power of Godliness in our Hearts and Lives. And as God on that day bestows great Blessings upon them that humbly and reverently worship him, on that Queen of Days, that Market-day of our Souls, (a. 58. 13, 14.) so he hath inflicted dreadful Judgments on the Prophaners of it, and when men have neglected to punish them, God hath taken the Sword into his own Hand, and done it himself. See sundry Examples of it in my first Vol. of Examples.

One Example there was in Maidston before the Reformation wrought by Mr. Wilson. On a Sabbath day as some Children were playing in the Streets, near unto a Wall, against which some Waggon-Wheels were set up, there came a sudden gust of Wind, which blew down a Wheel upon one of the Children, and crushed it to death.

Upon the Week-days also (such was the Blessing of God upon his Ministry and holy Reformation in the Town.Example) many Families did set up Religious Exercises both Mornings and Evenings, so that if you had walked through the Great Street about Nine or Ten a Clock in a Morning, you might hear them singing in many Families: For it was their manner, together with Reading and Prayer, to join singing.

He was of a couragious and undaunted Spirit, not discouraged by any obstacles, which His Courage.lay in his way of Duty. He feared God and none else: He was like St. Chrysostom, who, having a threatning Message sent him by the Empress, bid the Messenger return this Answer, Nil nisi peccatum timeo: I fear nothing but Sin. And like Dr. Rowland Tailor, who in the time of the Marian Persecution, being persuaded by his Friends to fly, said, I know the Cause to be so good, and the Truth so strong on my side, that I will (by Gods Grace) appear before them, and to their Beards resist their felse doings; for I believe I shall never be able to do God so good Service as now.

He shewed his Courage also in his bold reproving of Sin: For as Christ said of the His Zeal.Church of Ephesus, He could not bear those that were evil. Elijah durst reprove Ahab, and Mr. Wilson feared not to reprehend the greatest, when there was cause for it. If men were bold in sinning, he was as bold in telling them of it, and in giving their Sins the due Accents. Yet as a wise Physician, he could distinguish between Pimples and Plaguesores; between Infirmities and Scandals, and dealt with them accordingly.

He was very zealous for God and his Glory, embracing all opportunities of doing him Service, and wherever he came he promoted the strict Observation of the Lords-day; and this he did the rather, because he observed what dishonour was done unto God by the profaness and contempt of Gods Ordinances by some, and by the Errours, and wilful withdrawings from the Ordinances by others, which he bewailed bitterly to his dying day He opposed Schisms.Some, who it's hoped had the root of the Matter in them, questioned his Call to the Ministry, nay, suspected his Call to be Antichristrian, and so separated from him, though they withal acknowledged that he was their spiritual Father, and had begotten them to God through the Gospel, to whom he might say as the Apostle Paul did to the Corinthians: Ye are the Seal of our Ministry: Do we need, as some others, Letters of Commendation to you? Ye are our Epistle, known and read of all men; For as much as you are manifestly declared to be the Epistle of Christ ministred by us, written not with Ink, but with the Spirit of the Living God, p. 36not in Tables of Stone, but in fleshly Tables of the Heart, 2 Cor. 3. 1, 2, 3. How frequently and affectionately did he urge that upon them which separated from him, Isa. 11. 6, 7, 8, 9. This causless sinful Separation lay near his Heart, even when he lay upon his Death-Bed.

The great danger of their immortal Souls, as also of those who did wholly cast off the His Zeal against Heresies and Schism.care of their eternal good, caused him in the course of his Sermons and Expositions, when the Scriptures led him to it, to reprove their sins sharply, according to the Command of the Holy Ghost, and he could do it foreign, cuttingly, that he might be sound in the Faith, Tit. 1. 13. 'Tis reported of St. Bazil. that one hearing much Commendations of him, had a great desire to know what manner of man he was: Hereupon in a Vsion there was represented to him a Flame of Fire, with this Motto, Talis est Basilius: Such an one is Bazil. And truly such a Man was Mr. Wilson, meek and cold when at any time himself was reproached and abused, but as hot as fire in the Cause of God. The Zeal of God's House did even burn him up. Errours and Heresies were very odious to him, such was his love to the Truth. It might be said of him as it was of St. Austin, that he was Haereticorum Malleus, the Maul of Hereticks: And as of Mr. Arthur Hildersham, that he was Schismaticorum Malleus, The Hammer of Schismaticks. He often quoted and commented upon those Scriptures, Heb. 10. 25. 1 John 2. 19. with much warmth and vigour, that, if it were possible, he might reduce and bring back such as went astray.

And though such as were touched in their sores were angry, and said it was passion, and that his natural heat was Kitchen-Fire, the effect of his natural Spirit, yet those that were judicious knew it to be otherwise, viz. That it was a Coal from the Altar; true Zeal; the Fruit of Gods Spirit in him; knowing that he was set up for the defence of the Gospel, as Phil. 1. 17. Some of those that separated were very dear unto him, of whom he might say as David, It was not an Enemy that reproached me, then I could have born it willingly: Was it he that hated me, that did magnifie himself against me? But it was my Friend and mine Acquaintance; we took sweet Counsel together, and (formerly) walked to the House of God in Company, Psal. 55. 12, 13, 14. But as dear as they were to him, the Truths of the Gospel were much dearer. Amicus Socrates, amicus Plato, sed magis amica Veritas. He was a man of such clear convincing Light, and as its said of Apollos, (Act. 18. 24.) foreign, able, strong, mighty in the Scriptures, that had they been wilfully blind, or very weak Ey'd, they must have seen their Errours. It's observed by some as a special Providence, that the same day in which Pelagius the Heretick was born in our Britain, St. Austin, the great Confuter of his Heresie, was born in Africk; God so disposing it that the Poison and the Antidote should come into the World together: So was it a good Providence to Maidston, that in a time when so many Errours sprung up, there was such an able and faithful Husbandman to watch them and root them out; Otherwise many more than did, might have faln from their own stedfastness, and been led away with the Errours and Heresies of the Times.

He was not only sound in the Faith, and held fast the Form of sound words, (2 Tim. His Faith.13.) But also, as Abraham, he was strong in the Faith, (Rom. 4. 20.) And in the greatest dangers and difficulties could rely upon God, and trust him with himself, and all that he had. He met with much opposition (as is before declared) both from open Enemies, and seeming Friends: For Satan knowing him to be so great an Enemy to his Kingdom of darkness, both by his Exemplary Life, and sound Doctrine, raised great Winds and Storms, if it were possible, to put out this burning and shining Light: Yet still he remained undaunted in the midst of all, not moved by any of those things, neither counted he his Life dear unto him, so he might finish his course with joy, and the Ministry which he received of the Lord Jesus, (Act. 20. 24.) He minded his own work, consulted his Duty, and left Gods work (the Issues and Events of all) to God himself.

He was an immoveable Rock, though the Waters beat sore upon him, and had often His Courage.that saying of Luther in his Mouth, Mallem ru…re cum Christo, quam regnare cum Caesare; I had rather fall with Christ than reign with Cesar. He knew God could and would take care of his own Cause and Interest, whatever became of him and other Instruments. His Spirit could argue as Luther did with Melancthon, Si piam & justam causam defendimus cur Dei Promissis non confidimus? Praeter hanc vitam misellam Satanas & Mundus nihil nobis eripere possunt: At vivit, & in sempiternum regnat Christus, in cujus tutela consistit veritas: Is nobis aderit, is causam hanc, quae non nostra, sed ipsius est, ad optatum producet sinem. If the cause be good that we defend, why do we not trust God, who hath made us such gracious Promises? The Devil and the World can take nothing but our frail and miserable Lives; but Christ lives and reigns for ever, &c.

p. 37Mr. Wilson was a Man that had lived much above the World; the great things thereof were little in his Eyes: Though his Habitation was on Earth, his Conversation was in His heavenly-mindedness.Heaven. Indeed he had but a small Estate considering his great Charge; but a poor man may be as earthly and covetous as one that is rich: For Covetousness doth not lie in the Chest, or in Bags, or great Mannours, but in the Heart. But he was Master of, not Slave to that little which he had. His Mind was sitted to his Estate, and notwithstanding he had many opportunities and advantages for the getting of Riches, if he had sought after them, yet he never made use of them for that purpose. He was wholly taken up with his Treasure in Heaven, and was so far from minding of earthly things, that he seldom or never meddled with them, but left the management of them to his pious and prudent Yoke-Fellow. His indifferency to the things of this Life was admirable. A little before the Insurrection in Kent, Anno Christi 1648. there was an Hundred Pounds brought into Mr. Wilson's Contempt of the world.House, being a Legacy given to his eldest Daughter, by Mr. Brigg, a gracious man, and one of the Jurats of Maidston, (which was the greatest Portion that any of his Children had,) which Money, in time of the Insurrection, was by the Souldiers (when they searched his House for Arms) discovered, and taken away, (though it was soon restored again) Mr. Wilson being then at London.

When afterwards the Country was quiet, and Mr. Wilson was returned to his House again, an intimate Friend asked him whether he was not much troubled when he heard that his Money was gone? He answered, That he was no more troubled when he heard that the Money was carried out of his House, than he was when he heard it was brought into his House. The same Friend asked him what frame of Spirit he was in when he went from Maidston? For the Town and County being in Arms, many of the mean and prophane Rabble reproached him, when he was going out of the Town, and took his Horse by the Bridle, and twice or thrice led him back again, crying out, Wilson, Wilson, where is your God now? He answered his Friend thus: Truly I thought (when they blasphemously said unto me, where is your God?) on that Text, My God is in Heaven and hath done whatsoever he pleased. Psal. 115. 3.

Great were his Gifts as well as his Graces: God was pleased to bestow upon him very His natural Endowments.large natural Endowments, whereby he became much the more capable of doing good. He had a quick apprehension, a clear Understanding, a deep and sound Judgment, and a most tenacious Memory. He was none of those Preachers whose Tongues are galloping, whilest sober Reason and convincing Sense standeth still, or at best doth but creep. He discovered his strong Judgment in few words. His Body was of a strong Constitution, and truly so was his Soul. He would presently find out the meaning of hard Authors, and whatsoever he read was his own: Few have the like strength of Memory. Though he was His Memory.careful to write down his Sermons, Heads, Proofs, and Explication, yet in the Pulpit he never made use of any Notes.

He made a good use of his Memory; it was not like a Childs Pocket, stuffed with trash, but as the Ark, wherein the two Tables were laid up. He had scarce his equal for his Remembrance of the sacred Scriptures: He was tried for a good while together: One took a Bible and read a Verse in one Chapter, and another a Verse in another, and so went forwards and backwards, both as to the Books, Chapters, and Verses of the Scripture, and he all along told the Reader the Verse, Chapter, and Book, without mistaking any one Text; and himself said, That he believed he could tell the Book, Chapter, and Verse, which any should read to him all the day long: Much whereof appeared in his Prayers; For on a Fast day he hath prayed an hour together, and most of the time in Scripture Phrases. The Word of God was dear unto him, his daily Delight and Meditation.

And that which made all his parts useful, was, that he made Hagar to wait on Sarah; Prudence.and as David consecrated the Spoils taken from the Gentiles to the Temple: So he dedicated his natural accomplishments to his God, and made them serviceable before his own honour.

Notwithstanding all his great, natural, and gratious Accomplishments, he was cloathed Humility.with Humility: None thought so meanly of him as he thought of himself: His Face, like Moses's shined, so that all his judicious friends could not but observe and admire it, yet he knew it not: He had not the least affectation or shew of Ostentation in his deportment, Language, or any other way.

Empty Vessels make the greatest sound; those which are full are the more silent. Ignorance and Pride, Emptiness and Arrogance are usual Concommitants: He knew much, yet the more sensible he was of his Ignorance, Nothingness, and Unworthiness, and walked the more humbly with his God. As a Bough laden with Fruit or an Ear with Corn, the fuller p. 38and weightier, the more they bend downward: He (as a Violet) hung down and hid his Head, though his Fragrancy and Sweetness discovered what he was.

In his Apparel he was always grave and sober, never minding the whimsical Modes or Fashions, but ever kept to the same manner of Attire. A Friend standing with him at his door, when a great Gallant antickly habited went by, whereupon he privately said, I have made a Covenant with mine Eyes, why should I behold Vanity?

This good Man was surely excellently accomplished, seeing he had such rich natural Gifts, and such great gracious Habits, which, as the Diamond to the Ring, added true His rare Accomplishments.value to his Naturals. Alas! What are all natural Abilities without Grace, but as Ciphers without a Figure, insignificant, and in Gods account standing for nothing? Nay, usually the greater Parts, the greater profaness: Satan makes much use of such acute Wits, as sharp Swords to do the more mischief: At best they are but as Toads with Pearls in their Heads, and Poison in their whole Bodys. But Mr. Wilson had this happiness to have his great Gifts adorned and enameled with great Graces, whereby he hourly became the greater Instrument of God's Glory.

When he was about Twenty six years old he married the Daughter of Sir—Zinzan, who being in a Consumption before she was married to him, (for Love of him, her Parents His Wives, and Children.judging him much below her,) died within seven or eight Months after she married him.

About a Year after her death, he married Mrs. Damaris Cable (Daughter of Mr. James Cable of London, Merchant,) who was a meet help to him both in his civil and sacred concerns: By her he had Eleven Children: His eldest Son [Samuel,] who feared the Lord in his Youth, died young, the other Ten he left all living at his death with his desolate Widow. He had little of this worlds Goods to leave to his many Children, not above a hundred pounds a piece, and that after the decease of his Widow; yet he left them much if we consider the many fervent Prayers which night and day he poured out before the Lord in their behalfs. It's recorded of a good and gracious Woman, who, when she lay on her Death-Bed, said thus to her Children; I have little to leave you; but this I must tell you, there is not one room in the House which is not perfumed with Prayers for you. Often did this holy man cry out, O that my Children might live in thy sight! Lord come down by thy Spirit into their Hearts, lest my Children die, lest they die eternally. He had the happiness promised to the good man, Psal. 128. 3. Thy Wife shall be as a fruitful Vine by the sides of thine House: Thy Children like Olive Plants round about thy Table.

That Piety which did shine so brightly in his Life did sparckle wonderfully at his Death. His Sickness.The Messenger which the Lord sent to call him hence (for Morbus est via ad Mortem) was a violent Fever, which he welcomed, as knowing it was sent by a gracious Father, to call him home to his Fathers House. No guest comes at any time amiss to him that keeps a constant Table: No Providence, no nor Death itself can come any time amiss to him that is always ready, and that dieth daily while he lives. Mr. Wilsons Lamps were burning, his Oil was ready in his Vessel, when the Bridegroom came.

His Fever had continued but a little while before his Friends did Prognosticate, that it His carriage in his Sickness.would prove Mortal, and remove him from them, whom they loved as their own Souls, and under whose Ministry they had sat with so much delight. But what he had been in the course of his Life, the same he continued to be to his Death. Though his Disease was violent, and his Fits often acute and sharp, yet he never complained. Groan he might, yet he did never grumble. His pain might cause him to mourn, but it did not make him murmur: He reverenced the Rod in the Hand of his Father; and that Cup which his Father gave him to drink he submitted to. In his extremity his Faith and Patience did eminently shine forth to the Honour and Glory of God, and to the great comfort of those about him, and those that came to visit him.

Being sensible of his approaching Death, he was exceeding sollicitous for the Town and His care for his People.Parish whereof he was Minister. It is an excellent Speech of Laelius (in Cicer. de amicit.) Mihi non minori curae est, qualis Respublica post mortem meam futura sit, quam qualis hodie sit: My care is as great what shall become of the Common-Wealth when I am dead, as what it shall do while I live. So this good Man was very sollicitous what should become of his People when God should call him away. As Moses before he died was careful to appoint a Successor that might lead Gods People (which he had brought unto the very Borders) into the Land of Promise, the Earthly Canaan: So Mr. Wilson before he died took care for a Successor that might further that good work that he had begun, through Grace, in many of his People, and to be helpful to conduct them to their heavenly Canaan. And for this end he sent for some of the Town, who were prudent and gratious, and advised them to consider of some able and godly Minister to succeed in his place: And he commended p. 39unto them Mr. John Crump, a worthy Minister, as the fittest that he know, to be their Pastor; and accordingly Mr. Crump did succeed him, not only in his place, but also in his Faithfulness and Diligence, and Serviceableness to the great comfort, and advantage of the People.

And as Jacob before his Death called his Children together, to direct and foretel them He blesseth his Wife & Children.what should befall them, so Mr. Wilson called his Wife and Children to him, and desired his Wife not to be discouraged at his Death, nor to sorrow as those that have no hope; but to continue to serve God in Christ, to trust God, and be chearful in him; adding this for her comfort, that though now they must part for a time, yet that there was a time coming when they should be joined again, never to part any more, his Children were most of them young, but those that were capable of Instruction, he exhorted to labour for the Fear of God betimes; and directing his Speech to his elder Daughter, he said, Look you to it that you meet me not at the day of Judgment in an Unregenerate State. And so he commended all his Children to the Lord, and left them with him in much Faith in the Covenant which God had made to him and his.

When Christian Friends came to visit him, he always endeavoured to requite their His Counsel to his Friends.kindness by giving them godly Counsel and Exhortation: He advised them to be frequent in reading the holy Scriptures, to prize highly, and to meditate much upon the Promises; to be holy and blameless in their Conversations; by no means to forsake, but stick close to all Gods Ordinances, and to hold on in Communion with Gods People in the Town. 'Tis reported of Epictetus, that when he had broken his Leg, he discoursed with his Friends as if his Soul had been in another mans Body; and when the Bones of Mr. Wilson were fore vexed with the violence of his Disease, he used to discourse in such a composed Heavenly His patience.manner, as if he had ailed nothing.

When one or two of those who had separated from Communion with him came to visit him, he did with much affection bewail their Schism, and prayed that God would bring them back again; and told them that he could willingly lay down his Life, so they might join in Communion with the other godly People in the Town.Schism reproved.

As Jacob when he was dying worshipped, leaning on his Staff, (Heb. 11. 21.) so he on his Death-Bed was frequent in praying to, and praising God. Two nights before his death (though he was very sick and weak) yet he made his Bed his Pulpit, out of which he preached to some that came to see him, concerning the pretiousness of the Promises, and bad them to look on that Text, 2 Pet. 1. 4. Whereby are given unto us exceeding rich and Promises commended.pretious Promises, that by these you might be Partakers of the Divine Nature, &c. And concerning the pretiousness of Christ to believers, he desired them to turn to 1 Pet. 2. 7. Unto you that believe he is pretious. And Oh, with what affectionate Expressions did this Minister and Member of Christ commend his Head, the Pearl of inestimable value, and the Promise which he had so dearly purchased, saying to them, That one of those Promises was more pretious than all the World!

He kept a pure Conscience while he lived, and through Gods Mercy, had a peaceable Conscience good.Conscience when he died. 'Tis said of Oecolampadius, that being asked on his Death-Bed, whether the Light did not offend him, clapping his Hands on his Breast he said, Hic sat lucis: Here is Light enough within: Mr. Wilson all the time of his sickness manifested much Calmness and Serenity of Spirit. 'Tis recorded of Dr. Taylor, Martyr, that when he came within two Miles of Hadley, the place where he was to suffer, he fetched a Frisk and said, God be praised, I am almost at my journeys End: I have but two stiles to go over, and then I am at my Fathers House.

The Apprehensions that Death drew near were very comfortable to Mr. Wilson. A Gentlewoman of his Society coming to take her leave of him, (being about to remove out of Comfort at Death.Maidston) he pleasantly said to her, What will you say (good Mrs. Crisp) if I get the start of you, and get to Heaven before you get to Dover? When another came to visit him, he asked her what she thought of him: She answered, Truly Sir, I think you are not far from your Fathers House: To which he replied, That's good News indeed, and is enough to make one laugh for joy.

When others spake to him of his Death in a mournful way, he said unto them: I bless God who hath suffered me to live so long, to do him some service: And now I have done the work appointed me, that he is pleased to call me away so soon. Thus in the Breathings of his His death.Faith and Hope, he departed this Life, and commended his Spirit into the Hands of him that redeemed it, and that on the Lords-day, upon which Day he used to work so hard, which now was the day of his Eternal Rest, where he keeps an endless Sabbath, Anno Christi. 1657.

p. 40He needeth no Picture nor Monuments to preserve his Memory. His good Works (though transient in themselves, are yet permanent in the Hearts of many) and praise him in the Gate: For as Agesilaus dying said, If I have done good that will be my Monument; if ill, all the Statues you can make will not keep my Good Name alive.

When he died he was about Fifty two Years old; of a strang Constitution for strength, and might in the course of Nature (if God had so pleased) have lived much longer: But he brought forth good fruit early, and was ripe when others of his age began but toblossom, and therefore it was no wonder though God gathered him to himself so soon. He was in his Meridian, when others were but just peeping above the Horizon, and therefore might well set before them.

It was much desired and prayed for by many that he might have lived longer, but God's time is best, and his time is come: He had fought a good fight, he had finished his Course, he had kept the Faith, and his Master called him to receive his Crown. It may be said of him as one said of B. B. Juel, Diu vixit, etsi non diu fuit: He lived long and much in a little time. He did not waste out with the Rust of Idleness, but did wear out with Labour; yet he was a Light that did not blaze out needlesly and unprofitably, but burnt out for the enlightning of many, and directing them in the way of Life; which Life himself now enjoyeth: And happy are they whom when their Lord comes shall find so doing: Of a truth I say unto you, he shall make them Rulers over all that he hath. Luk. 12. 43, 44.

A Testimony given by a Reverend and godly Neighbour Minister concerning Mr. Wilson.

MR. Wilson's natural parts (saith he) were generally known to be very high: In depth of Judgment, readiness of Memory, and quickness of Apprehension: He was best His Character.at much in a little, with clearness of Judgment, and exactness of Method that I have heard, or am ever like to hear, His spiritual Endowments for Graces and Gifts were answerable. In his Ministerial Abilities, he was taller by the Head and Shoulders than most of his Brethren: His indefatigable pains were answerable to his parts, which wore out his Spirits, and spent him for good, to be the sooner with God: And that which to me adorned all, was the depth of his Humility in the height of his Sanctity. He had well learned that hard Lesson, to receive much from God: and yet to be little in his own Eyes. His Memory is yet pretious to my Thoughts: The general loss is great, yours in particular at Maidston greater. I shall heartily desire that his indefatigable Labours, and pious exemplary Life may still live in your Lives, in which he, though dead, yet speaketh, &c.

On the much lamented Death of Mr. Thomas Wilson, Pastor of Maidston in Kent.

IF Grief can help to versifie,

And passion Poets make, I'le try,

Though long deceas'd, to sigh a Verse

To offer at a Kingdoms Hearse,

And not sit mute in discontent:

Sorrow will kill that hath no vent.

I could my Soul in sadness steep:

I could whole Floods of Waters weep.

I could, as Niobe, bemoan

My self, till turn'd into a Stone:

I could become an Heraclite,

And spend in Tears each day and Night:

Or, Hermit lilke, to some close Cell

Retire, and say, vain Mirth Farewel.

Alas! I'th World what can I view?

But what bids me bid joy adieu.

I see Monsters of Vice abound,

Ev'n Hell appearing above ground,

p. 41And Devils of the Humane Race,

Daring th' Almighty to his Face:

Such as can teach Nero to sin,

To whom no age hath equal bin.

I see the Shepherds laid to sleep,

Who tender were of th' harmless Sheep;

Whilst ravenous Wolfs and Bears survive,

Who only to devour them strive.

I see to▪set the greatest Lights,

And hastening on us darksom Nights.

All this I see, and cann't prevent,

And is't unlawful to lament?

What Marble is not wet with Tears,

When such a doleful Change appears?

The Great Assembly, once renown'd,

(Whose Fame in foreign parts did sound)

Displac'd on Earth, in haste remove

Their Sessions to their House above.

Seraphick Twiss went first, 'tis true,

As Prolocutor, 'twas his due:

Then Burroughs, Marshal, Whitake, Hill,

Goug, Gataker, Ash, Vines, White, still

Sharp Swords soon'st cut their Sheaths, Pern, Strong,

Spurstow, Tuckney, Calamy, they throng

The Gate of Bliss, as if their fear

That Heaven would fill e're they got there.

But why such haste? Death, hast no measure?

Dost think't no theft to rob the Treasure

Of th' Church? Or art become so wise,

To seize first on the richest Prize?

Or are thy Laws so strict they cann't

The Benefit of th' Clergy grant?

Or is't thine aim to cast the Stone

Where thou maist kill many in one?

Thou need'st not shake the Pulpit-Glass,

Look with what haste the Sand doth pass.

Their work, though great is quickly done,

And too soon out of sight they're gone.

They cann't themselves, who others save,

No though great Clerks deoline the Grave.

Scarce have I fully dri'd mine Eyes

For one, but straight another dyes:

Now Wilson's gone, that gallant Mind,

That lofty Soul that thither enclin'd

Whilst here, and always did aspire

To join with the Coelestial Quire:

Whose Head a living Library:

Whose Heart the Ark wherein did lie

The Law: whose Prayers could Heaven storm:

Whose Preaching Sodoms did reform.

Oft did he break the stony Heart,

Then bind it up with heavenly Art.

His Life the Gospel did expound,

And its Comment in the Text was found.

Had I as many Mouths to fill

With praise, as he in Tongues had skill;

p. 42All were unable to set forth

His great, his large, his matchless worth.

Had I his Grace, his Gifts, I'de vic

With a whole Kingdoms Ministry.

He's with the rest the praise to sing

Of our most loving Lord and King.

There no dissenting Brethren be,

But all as one in one agree;

One Mouth, one Mind, one Heart, one Way;

No strife which side shall bear the sway.

(All doubts resolv'd, all knots unti'd,

All Truths in th' God of Truth espi'd)

With hottest love they there embrace

Each other full of perfect Grace:

Their Glory's great, their Wealth is vast,

But O the pleasure they do taste

I'th Tree of Life, and in the sight

Of that blest Face that's all Delight!

What Tongue can tell? what Mind can think

What joy 'tis of this Spring to drink?

Go fawning World, tempt me no more

With thy skin-deep and fading store:

Thy best, thy whole is but a Toy

To that these happy Souls enjoy.

My God invites to Angels fare,

To which thy Trash cannot compare.

On Swinish Husks why should I feed

When I may eat what's Meat indeed.

Lord why should I contented be

Whilst I am thus absent from thee?

Can there be day without the Sun?

Or Bodies live when Souls are gone?

Thou art my Sun, my Soul, and I

Absent from that do daily dye.

What do I here when all's above

That is deserving of my Love?

My God, my Christ, my Friends are there,

My Heart, my hopes; what do I here?

O let my Heaven-born Soul expire

Itself in Salleys, and desire

Only to rest and make its stay

Where thou art All in All for aye!

O come thou down with speed to me,

Or take me quickly up to thee.

G. S.

An Epitaph upon Mr. Thomas Wilson.

Lo here of Wilson but a shadow slight,

He was a Star of more Illustrious Light:

Such Wilson was in Life, such in his death,

God grant we so may live, so yield our Breath: