The Lives of Sundry Eminent Persons, Part 1 · Biography 10

The Lives of Sundry Eminent Persons · Part 1 · Biography 10

p. 81The Life and Death of Mr. John Machin, who Died Anno Christi 1664.

JOhn Machin was the Son of John Machin of Seabridge, near New-Castle, in the County His Parentage.of Stafford. His Mother Katherine was of the Vernons of Audley, in the same County. His Father was a wise man, of a good Estate, and an Antient Free-holder: That Estate of Seabridge having continued in the Name of the Machins, from the 23d of King Henry the Eighth, and our John was the Seventh Generation of the Name that have inherited that Estate.

This John was born at Seabridge, Octob. 2. Anno Christi 1624. and Baptized the same Birth.day at New-Castle. He was the only Son of his said Parents, and was therefore carefully brought up by them in his Youth at the best Schools that were thereabout; especially under pious Mr. Orme of New-Castle, and deservedly famous Mr. John Ball of Whitmore, who Education.brought up several Youths in School-Learning, together with his own Sons.

Our John was first intended to be sent to the Inns of Court; but his Parents tenderness of him, and unwillingness to part with him to such a distance, was, probably, a hinderance of that design. Whereupon being taken from School, he was imployed about Husbandry for some years, and followed some youthful Recreations. In particular, he was given to Cock-fights, whereupon himself (in some Memoirs) wrote thus: Twenty years did I live the Devil's Bond-slave, which indeed is Time lost, and not Living in a good sense, (Eph. 2. 1, 2, 3.) And he often said to one of his Dear Friends, as they w…re walking together about Seabridge, O with what an heart full of vanity have I in daies past gone this way! And at another time. This way have I followed sin, where I now follow Christ: I am now ungoing, and unravelling my sinful Journies: But I that have tryed both, find these the better waies.

He was then very ready to hearken to any motion of Marriage made to him, yet did not then close with any. One at Ʋtoxiter he was nearest to a conclusion with, but she dying in the mean time, it proved an occasion of his going to the Ʋniversity He goes to Cambridg.For his Father was induced, by the advice of a Friend to let him go to Cambridge for a Quarter of a Year: Scarce intending that he should be admitted into any Colledge, but to abide there for some short time to learn farther breeding; and he gladly accepted the Motion, and went thither in December, Anno Christi, 1645. And there finding some Kindred and Acquaintance, he was admitted into Jesus Colledge.

p. 82The first Year it pleased God to make a gracious change in him, of which he thus His Conversion.saith: The Time of my Conversion was in the Twenty first Year of my Age (as I remember) The Place was Jesus Colledge in Cambridge. The Texts that most overturned me were, Eph. 6. 12, 13, 14 & 1 Cor. 16. 22. The one Preached on by Dr. Hill, the other by a Stranger. He often shewed some of his Acquaintance the Seat in which he was first wrought upon, and told them early be loved the sight of it, and that ever after he chose to sit in that Seat, rather than in any other, if possibly he could croud into it. This was one evidence, among many others, of the eminent success which God gave to that faithful plain Preaching of that Holy Man of God, Dr. Hill, who went over that whole Epistle to the Ephesians, in a Lecture, ever Lord's Day in the Morning at six of the Clock, which he continued for several Years.

Learned Dr. Arrowsmith also about the same time Preached over a succinct Body of Divinity in Aphorisms in St. John's Colledge, in the Evenings of the Lord's Day (part whereof is since published) of which our John hath often said, That he found his Heart so moulded to the Truths delivered, upon the hearing of them, that it was greatly to his Spiritual Joy, and satisfaction.

No sooner did he find this blessed change in his own Heart, but his Friends at Seabridg Fruits of it.found it in his Letters, which spake the new frame of his Soul, and were most instant and Pathetical perswasions to his Father and Mother and Sisters to look after their Souls, and to mind the things of Eternity: which also he seconded afterwards by his Holy, and Exemplary conversation, and Society with them; so that he was an Instrument to Convert all his three Sisters and that early, unto God: and to prevail very hopefully with his Parents in like manner, as appeared afterwards.

Whilst he was in the Ʋniversity he so followed his Studies, that being of ripe Years, and having very good natural Parts, and religiously making Conscience of his expence His Industry.of Time, he made a good progress in Learning, and was not inferior to any in the Colledge of his standing when he left the Ʋniversity. And though, in his Preaching, he made no shew of Learning, as some do: Yet he made good use of it, and understood well the necessity of it for the enabling of him to his work.

About the time of his Great Grandfathers Death, which in March, Anno Christi, 1647. he was sick of a dangerous Spotted Feavour at Cambridge, and that unto His Sickness.Death, as himself, and most about conclude, which he thus mentions: That it was in Jesus Colledge, in a middle Chamber, next to the Chappel on the Right Hand: But (saith he) God having some work for me to do, had Mercy on me (Phil. 2. 27.) saved me, and brought me back again: To say with the Psalmist, Thou hast delivered my Soul from Death: Wilt thou not deliver my Feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the Land of the Living? Psal. 56. 13. And again, I shall not Die, but Live, and declare the works of the Lord: The Lord hath chastened me sore, but he hath not given me over unto Death, &c. Psal. 118. 17, 18.

In this Sickness the Lord dealt most powerfully with his Soul, planting therein great and firm resolutions, of serving his God eminently in case of Recovery, which accordingly (by the assistance of his Grace) he faithfully performed: And hereupon he set up a meeting of some Schollars for Religious purposes, which continued in the Colledge for several Years after his Departure, to the restraining (at least) of Piety.some, and to the great Spiritual advantage of many others; which he managed with such Prudence and Caution, that they could not easily become the Nurserys of Faction, or false Doctrine, what ever the Ignorance, and Malice of sensless frothy Persons did slanderously vent to the contrary, We may see a farther account of him, and of his His Prudence.usefulness in the Colledge in these few Clauses in several Letter that were sent to him from some worthy Members of that Society:

Dear Friend, I received your loving Letters, which breath nothing but Piety and good His Commendation.affections. The next Companion to him who is both the Founder, a Fellow and President of the Colledge of Graces, and Comforts of Believers, is he whom God hath warmed with the same Principles to be instrumental for the enlivening them in others—I bless God the Society you were the Founder of in the Colledge, do grow hoth in Number and Measure.—And you have here my real Thanks, in that you have been instrumental in setting Religious meetings on Foot, wherein you reap much of the answer of your Prayers, in that they carry it so Prudently yet, as I hear nothing but what Malice and Guilt tax them withal.—In all my serious Thoughts I see yo… represented to me, either as a Pattern of strict walking, or of upbraiding my little serviceableness; But alwayes a Blessing and Comfort in this, that I have known you, and the manner of your Life, and that I reap the p. 83benefit of your Prayers and best Affections, which is a Treasury I alwayes desired to prize above all the Jewels in the World, &c. And from an other eminent Person thus:

My dear and precious Friend: I received yours, and your Lines sweetly refresh me. O that I could hear oftner from you: It glads my Soul to see your constancy. O that your Example might be a Motive and Incentive to me, to be more steady, setled, and fixed upon God in the wayes of God, &c. These are but a taste of the many Letters he received from Cambridge, wherein several do bless the Lord that ever they saw his Face.

But his Activity in God's Service was not a little disturbed by the Malice of Temptations.Satan, who frequently after his Recovery from Sickness, disturbed and tormented him dreadfully in his Dreams, so that he hath often, immediatly upon his waking, run in his Wastcoat into his Study, and betaken himself to his earnest and servent Prayers against that subtile and mischievous Fiend.

Anno Christi, 1649: he Commenced Bachiler of Arts, after which he went into He is Batcheler of Arts. Ordained.the Countrey, and spent part of a Year among his Friends, and in visiting some Neighbour Congregations where the Ministry of the Word was wanting. The same Year he was Ordained Minister at Whitchurch in Shropshire; before which he engaged all the Prayers that possibly he could, not only of Friends near-hand, but of some that were far distant, for a Blessing upon that Ordinance: And when we consider how Pathetically he engaged them (Thus in one of his Letters: Pray and prevail for us) what a conjuration of Prayers there was in several places upon that Day, and the rich Crop, and Harvest reaped afterwards, surely it deserves the reflection of those Ministers, who never won a Soul to Christ, from what Principles, in what manner, and for what ends they first entred into this surest Function.

Though he was not disposed for the present to settle in any place, yet was he unwilling to go about his work without Ordination; and that which induced him to continue unfixed for a space, was his enlarged desire to do good to Souls, and that not only of his Kindred and Friends, but also of all Neigbours so much, and so far as possibly Zeal.he could. He even travelled in Birth for such as had not seen his, that Christ might be formed in them: And the largness of his Heart herein was frequently expressed in his most earnest Prayers unto God for the enlarging of his Kingdom in Countys, Towns, and Families, which he would name with the greatest Affections both in his Prayers and Letters, oft crying out, O that all Staffordshire and Cheshire might be saved!

By this time he had Acquaintance, yea, and intimacy with all that were eminent for Piety in all places thereabouts, and his great care was to stir up the Grace of God in them. And he was extraordinarily qualified and prepared by the Lord for this work, and that in a special juncture of time when the heat of Controversies were managed by Sword, Pen, and Pulpit, which had sadly prevailed to justle out the lively Sense of the main things wherein all were agreed: And diverse Ministers were so taken off from these greater matters by other work which the Enemy had found them, that to Preach Death and Judgment, of Christ and Conversion were almost new things to many of the People. But this good Man was singularily fitted, to recal that great Work back again into the Hearts and Hands of his Brethren, himself having never engaged into the Controversies of Church or State: And set out with all his might upon the main things, and did promote and drive on the Work of Conversion where ever he came.

And truly his Success was great: For in his Fathers Family in Seabridg, the Lord made him eminently instrumental in the Conversion of his three Sisters. His Parents too greatly favoured the wayes of God: and much furthered him in his work, and were chearful entertainers of such good People as upon sundry Occasions resorted thither: And there was such an habituated course of gracious Converse set up in the Family, by his staying with them the first Year; that an eminent Minister at his first coming thither, beholding their Order, Zeal, and forwardness in Christ, could not forbear to insist the next Day upon those words of Moses, Numb. 11. 29. Enviest thou for my sake? Which was the result of that dealing, he was forced to with his own Heart upon that occasion. And this Oyntment upon Aarons Head, ran down to the Skirts of his Cloathing: For he was a precious Savour to the very poor Servants of his Father's House, with whom he was unweariedly importunate to labour for Holiness, and he prevailed with some of them, which was a notable presage of the future success of his Ministry upon others.

Himself takes occasion to write thus concerning his Father: My Father John Machin p. 84did more for our Family than his Progenitors, building both the House and Barns from the Ground, &c. But most of all he may be remembred for bringing up me his Son to, and at the Ʋniversity, who was (through grace instrumental to bring the Gospel in its power into our Family, which was more Glory to the same then if the Materials of the House had been all turned into pure Gold, whereof let these Scriptures (upon the Chimny Stone in the Parlour) be Witnesses, where it may be said, Blessed be he and they who brought his Name hither to Record it. To God alone be the whole Glory.

The Scriptures upon that Stone were these: Gen. 28. 15-22. 2 Chron. 6. 7-42. 2 Sam. 7. 18.-25. 1 Chron. 29. 10-20. Psal. 116. 1. 12.-19. Psal. 118. 17. Gen. 32. 10. Jer. 30. 21. Ezek. 48. 35. 1 Sam. 7. 12. Exod. 17. 14, 15. Exod. 20. 24. 1 Cor. 15. 34. 1 Chron. 28. 9.

His usual way after Preaching was to Repeat, and to assemble together as many as Industry.he could to the Place where he lodged, and their to spend as much time as he was able, in pressing things farther upon them, and in holy and pertinent Discourses, with unspeakable heat and vigour; which made one of his Kindred say, That he liked his Cosin Machin well, but that he made his House a Chapple when he came to him.

All this time he was unfixed, as himself wrote to a Friend of his in Cambridge, thus: I am yet placeless, Charities Servant, desired to many Places, but in part resolved Charity to Souls.to fix at Ashburn for every other Sabbath, reserving the other for the service of Necesity and Charity, which may be found in these Parts.

And this he did accordinly, as himself hath left upon Record. In the beginning of the year, 1650. (saith he) I was called to Ashburn in Darby-shire, where God was with me two Years, and though my labours were not in the Town so successful as I desired, yet I had God's presence much comforting my Soul, and the Souls of many Christian Friends there about.

During his abode there he was with a Quaker upon his Death-bed (presently after A Quaker.the springing up of that Sect in Stafford-shire) and the more earnestly he prayed with the sick Person, the more he raged: which was an Argument to him, and to several other of the Company then present that Quakerism was a Degree of Possession.

Whilst he continued at Ashburn he was a painful and laborious Preacher, and very useful, and all his spare Dayes he laid out to the utmost advantage of the Gospel, by forecasting for Heavenly work in the Moor-lands, and other dark Corners in Staffordshire, where the Gospel in the power of it, had scarce ever come before: So that he might truly say, with St. Paul, that he gloried not in another Mans Line: he sowed where few had effectually sowed before, nor did they then but by his procurement. There was no Man like minded in those Parts, who did so naturally care for the state of Souls: For indeed, he sought not his own, but the things of Jesus Christ. His manner Zeal.was, to engage his Brethren in the Ministry that were intimate with him, and that knew the sincerity of his Heart, and his gracious Design herein, to meet him in those Parts, and to Preach at several places near to each other, sometimes Three or Four Dayes together: And the People were ordinarily so tractable, that they (to his great Joy) would flock from place to place after the means of Grace: and he had the comfortable Testimony of God's approving his Work, in the great good that many Souls received thereby.

See his heavenly Spirit by this Letter which he wrote to one of the Ministers Wives that thought her Husband too long from her, when he was imployed with him in this work, in July, Anno Christi, 1652.Heavenly-mindedness

My dear Friend (saith he) I do heartily bless our God for what he hath done for you and especially for your Soul. I pray you believe that you heard these words following as coming out of the Mouth which first spake them, Psal. 27. 14. Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thy Heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord: And say in Faith as you may in his Language also, Psal. 138. 8. The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me: Thy mercy, O Lord endureth for ever, &c. It is to me a great sign what the Lord hath done for you, that you are so willing to part with your (I know) dear Husband, for the Lord's sake, and his works sake, but He is, and it is worthy. Think still it is to the Lord: and should a Husband be between a gracious Heart, and Christ our Lord? God forbid that we should think so, who have had already in Hand for every Step, Word, and Thought for him, from him more weight and worth, then a Wedg of Ophir's Gold, besides those Thousands of Years in Glory, which are yet in Reversion, &c. And werein I cannot thank you and him, my Lord shall: For else his Words fail, and I will complain, as Heb. 6. 18. 2 Chron. 25. 9.

p. 85After two Years stay at Ashburn, the Lord cut out work for him elsewhere; and he saw no reasons why he might not part from them: Concerning which he thus He goes to Atherston.writes. From Ashburn I was called to Atherston in Warwick-shire, where I spent one Year in a Lecturers place, and the Lord did abundantly Crown my poor pains on a sudden with Conversion-work, which made me say, as Cant. 6. 12. Or ever I was aware my Soul made me like the Chariots of Aminadab. But I saw not the Lord's mind, and will to continue me there, in which I saw the Lord's, and for the time was content; for I wanted nothing, having a Seabrig-home for supply: And I had my Hearts desire in Back to Seabridge.oportunities to extend my Labours in Stafford-shire and otherwise, some Lords Dayes, and many Week Dayes, no one gain-saying: which I saw was for the destruction of the Devils work, and an aking Tooth he carried against me: But two things stay'd Thought in my Travels from Place to Place, and House to House: My Saviours leading the Way, (Act. 10. 38.) And this: the more the Devil hates me, the more the Lord loves me.

This Year was the time wherein he should have Commenced Master of Arts, which also he inclined to do, chiefly to give Testimony of his respect to Learning, and the Schools thereof, in a time wherein too many decryed them: But his Estate being enough to make him a Compounder, whereby some Extraordinary charges would be expected from him; more then he could well spare: And with this consideration he sat down, thinking that he might imploy that money more to the Honour of God, and the Gospel, then to part with it for the Honour of a Degree, though he could willingly have been at the single charge upon the former account.

Concerning his Remove to Astbury in Cheshire, himself thus writes: I was ordered, and To Astbury.and called to Astbury in Cheshire, Novemb. 17. Anno Christi 1652. But exprest not my full consent till the Spring following, at which time I left Atherston.

About this time his Father Died, of which he thus saith; He Died March the 12th. Anno His Fathers Death.Christi 1652. Being the Sabbath Day, about Ten of the Clock at Night, and in the 55th year of his Age, with these words in his mouth, (Psal. 39. 5.) Behold thou hast made my Daies as an hand-breadth, and mine Age is as nothing before thee. Verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. And said to his Mother and Sisters, who stood by weeping; Why do you weep? you have a God that will be better to you than Ten Thousand Husbands and Fathers

He wisely observed, when such an unthought of loss befel him, how he was employed▪ at that instant; concerning which he saith; At the time when my Father Died I was at Prayer, and that with the most remarkable impressions I ever had, both in pleading for mercy for him, and on a sudden I submitted to the Lord's Determination. Many observable warnings he had from the Lord of this Event before it came to pass: As, his serious and solemn Exposition, and Application of that portion of Scripture, Job 21. 23, 24. in the Family, before any Sickness appeared (March the 9th.) Secondly, His earnestness to know the state of his Fathers Soul before they parted the next morning: As also to thank him for his Love and Care in his behalf, and to understand his Mind and Will concerning himself and his outward Estate, whilst he yet continued in perfect health. Thirdly, The Day following, having occasion to send home, he, by the Messenger, recommended to his Father that Scripture, Isa. 38. 1, 2, 3. These, with several other notable passages, and pious improvements he made hereof, which gave him hopes that the sad Providence was in Love to him, and in mercy to his Father, unto whom he could not come time enough to see him in the Land of the Living.

Not long after he removed to Astbury, and changed his condition, concerning which himself thus writes: The good Hand of my everloving Father, so disposing it, I had some Acquaintance He Marries.in Derbyshire, and I especially found one forward in the Profession at Mickleaver, near Darby, who might be to me as Rebecca was to Isaac, by Name, Jane Butler (Daughter to John Butler) on whom my Thoughts much settled, with submission to my heavenly Father's Will, and she became my Wife, Septemb. 29. Anno Christi 1653. at Utoxeter; whom God gave to me, and with her what I expected in an humble, gracious Woman, (Prov. 31. 11, 12. & 29. 30, 31.) Her price was above Rubies; her portion of outward Estate very considerable.

His managing of this weighty business, was in such an holy and heavenly manner, that all their meetings on that account were improved to the utmost advantage of both their Souls; and their Marriage was fixed upon one of his Lecture-Daies, where two of his Brethren Preached, and joyned in the solemnization thereof. And after two Daies stay with his Wife, he went a long Journey about the work of the Lord for many Daies following, whereby he made it evident how much the greatest worldly comforts were made subordinate to God's Glory and Interest, and were so far from hindering, that he was rather enlarged, and fitted thereby to walk in the Waies of God.

p. 86His first contrivance of setting up a Lecture, was some months before his Fathers Death; A Lecture set up.and no sooner was the Estate fallen into his hands, but he resolved to consecrate a share of it to God, and would not serve the Lord with that which cost him nothing His intentions about it, himself thus expresses; I intend a monthly Lecture to be Preached in these following Towns of greatest concourse; viz. in New-Castle, Leek, Utoxiter, Lichfield, Tamworth, Walfal, Wolverhampton, Pencridge, Stafford, Eccleshall, Stone, Muckleston, in the County of Stafford, the last Friday in each month, allowing (of the Lord's fulness in my hands) thirteen shillings and four pence to the Ministers that Preach, to convert Souls, and one Shilling to be Liberallity.given to twelve of the Poorest People that come to Church: In all eight pounds twelve Shillings a year. This was the resolution of an heart engaged to him; of one that would honour the Lord with his Substance, and is J. M. July 31. Anno Christi 1652.

And presently after his Fathers Death he thus wrote concerning this business: I believe that the Lord could have given him more Daies; but yet do will that 8 l. per Annum for Zeal.ever be set apart for the Gospel, out of mine own Estate, that Immortal Souls may be won, and God's Portion in the World be encreased, to be disposed as aforesaid, or as my Brethren, Mr. N. and Mr. S. my Dearest Fellow-Labourers shall judge, and find most abundantly and effectually to accomplish Christ's end and mine, saying, as (Rom. 10. 1.) My heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

This Lecture he set on foot this Summer. The first Day was at New-Castle, Aug. 4. 1653. where his two aforesaid Friends did Preach: As also the third course at Utoxiter Sept. 29. following, being the Day of his Marriage. And this business was so much in his Heart and purpose, that when some scruple was made about it in the settlement of his Land at Marriage, he wrote thus: Whether I change my condition or not, I have cause, and I call to mind my Promise to the Lord and his Gospel in the thing I intended, which I think will now be preferred before the change of my condition.

And that the Holiness of his Heart, and bent of his Soul in this business may appear, he inserted these passages into his Will, which he made Novemb. 16. 1653. not two months His Will.after his Marriage, he thus writes: I commit my Soul to God, my God, and my Saviour, that Created, and Redeemed it, even into the Bosom of the Father of Spirits: My Body to my Father Corruption, and to the Worms my Mother and Sister, (Job 17. 14.) In hopes that he will make good to me (who with them have sometimes endeavoured to serve him) his Promise of Eternal Life, Rom. 2. 7. As for my Dear Beloved Wife, I freely return (and I pray it may be with advantage) to him who hath lent her, to whom I leave, Joh. 17. 24. Rev. 21. last. Jude 24. Psal. 84. 10, 11. Hoping that I leave her an Heir together with me, or rather with Jesus Christ, of a Kingdom that cannot be removed. If the Lord shall graciously give me Issue (I pray it may be of his Herîtage, and prepared for a Room in Heaven) to it I would leave, 1 Chron. 28. 9. and I pray God see it executed according to my Will. And it is my willconcerning my Heir (if the Lord give one) that he may be a Samuel, lent to the Lord, and his Service in the Ministry: For I can say, he is an Asking of the Lord, as was Samuel: And that he may have mine Inheritance, performing my Will concerning my Lecture, &c. And concludes thus; Praying, that whoever rules here, may keep open House for God and his People, to whom I would in Faith say, as Psal. 31. 5. Into thy Hand I commit my Spirit: Thou hast Redeemed me O Lord God of Truth: Hereto subscribing with my Heart and Hand, J. M.

And in a Schedule of the same Date, he writes as followeth: Some particulars concerning the thing that hath long been in my Heart to do for God, written as my last Will, as an occasion of some standing Service when I am not. The Motives are God's Glory; Christ's Kingdoms encrease; and Poor Souls Salvation; an expression of my Thankfulness, for what God hath done for our Family, and for me the least and last of it. And the rather, because I am here, in mine own apprehension so little serviceable in speaking, doing, and suffering for him, and nothing at all advantagious in Writing, as others have been, and I could have desired. These Motives, together with that blessed Experience I have had of its advantage already, through God's sealing work with it, makes me to think my self favoured more of God, if I may do this for him: and I doubt not but he can and will, if need be, give me and mine, much more than this; as is said, 2 Chron. 25. 9. And if I could say as David, 1 Chron. 29. 13, &c. I would think it little betwixt him and me, who hath said; Whosoever shall give a Cup of cold Water to drink in my Name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. And my prayer is, that those which come after me (whose it might have been) may think that it's better bestowed than the rest.

1. The thing is a double Lecture, namely, of two Sermons once a month, chiefly intending Souls Conversion.

2. The Ministers: The most Orthodox, Able and Powerful, that can be procured for Love to Jesus Christ and his Service, or the Will of the Dead; chosen by my Trustees successively.

p. 873. The Trustees: Four Ministers, and four Laymen. The Ministers I leave in Trust, and question not their faithfulness herein for Christ's sake, are my dearest fellow-Labourers in our Lord's work, Mr. N. Mr. S. Mr. B. and Mr. J. with whom I only leave for their direction, 1 Cor. 15. 58. Mat. 28. 20. The Lay-men whom I put in joint Trust are Mr. B. Mr. M. Mr. B. And plain-hearted T. H. all those Faces I hope to see in Heaven. With them I leave for their refreshment, when they take some steps about it. Mat. 25. 39, 40. For Eternity is the place I would be for, to which when gone, I am but a little before, and you but a little behind.

This Lecture by his constant cost and care, he kept up from August the Fourth, Lecture laid down:Anno Christi, 1653. Monthly, until January the Second, 1659. Whereof he kept an exact account in a Catalogue, wherein he took notice of the Day of the Month, the Place, the Persons that Preached, and their Texts, with some hints of the Congregations, their number, and seriousness: And he continued it, until the times would neither encourage, nor bear it, and thereupon it not only fell, but also (wanting Publick Liberty for such an Exercise, according to the purpose of his Heart) he suspended his intensions, and disposed his Land otherwise.

In May, Anno Christi, 1654: He began to keep House at Astbury, concerning which, he thus saith: I was intertained without exception, or interruption: And though for some Years we met with troubles, yet did the Lord stand between me, and all my troubles, so that many times I was as a Man wholly free, and was made amends for all my Sufferings of that Nature, by the Lord's Presence, sweet and Lord's Supper administred.powerful in his Ordinances, especially in that of the Lord's Supper, which was there set on Foot in March, Anno Christi, 1654: and continued without interruption Monthly, or once in six Weeks till, Anno Christi, 1660.

The Lord did mightily strengthen his Hands and encourage his Heart in this Ordinance, and he took great care in Preparation for it, spending the Friday before the Sacrament in Publick Prayers and Preaching God's Words, and the Day after the Thanksgiving.Sacrament in Thanksgiving, in his own, or in some Neighbours Family, especially where there fell out in any Communicants Family, any occasion of special Thanksgiving: As recovery from Sickness, or the like.

By the coming of another Incumbent unto Astbury, he had only oportunity of Preaching there each other Lord's Day, and for the other he had liberty to Preach abroad upon Charity, which yet he heartily rejoiced in, and was ready freely to help Fasts.any of his Brethren, so that he was seldom a Day at ease. And now he had oportunity of being acquainted with the Ministers and Congregations in Cheshire, where Prudence.the Lord blessed his labours to the benefit of many Souls.

His labours here were much encreased by his assisting in many Fast-days unto which he was very ready, and would gather up such special things as any in or out of his Family desired to be recommended unto God in Prayer upon such days, & would press such as were present to perticularize their special things, that they might not come unto God upon an uncertain Errand, which things he would usualy write down in a Paper, that so they which assisted in the duty might read it, and so be the better enabled pertinently to Pray one for another. He did much desire to make these and all other Ordinances very serious, and to rescue them from that formality which two frequently accompanied them, being little satisfied with the work done, unless he found somthing done thereby upon his own, and the Hearts of others. He knew that great benifit and comfort was to be had in these Duties and Ordinances, and he would not rest contented without it. He diligently also observed the success of them, and if God at any time with drew himself from him, he made it his Business to seek his God till he found him again, as also the Cause of his with-drawings.

What strong Affections he had in the Duties of God's Worship was manifest to all Zeal.that joined with him, that they might easily see and discern the ardency of them; especially in singing of Psalms, which he did with such apparent intension of of mind, and Heart as is not ordinary, and diverse yet living cannot but remember with what Faith and fervency he would pronounce Amen, Amen at the end of every Prayer. And after holy Duties usually his Heart was greatly lifted up in the wayes of God: And though he sped never so well in it, yet he had not done with an Ordinance when it was over, but had both Heart and Art of improving it, and would then dexterously put on to holy Discourses: and not only Publickly urg things for fashion sake, but would afterwards follow it with all his might, as if (being the Lord's Ambassador) he waited for an answer to him that had sent him.

p. 88He was most unwearied and indefatigable in holy Duties, and was never observed Prayers ardent.to give out in them, though somtimes upon special Occasions, they continued all Night therein. After one of these Dayes of special Communion with God he, together with two or three of his choice Friends, retired into private, and there he urged each of them to name some one thing that they would cheifly beg of God, and so each of them prayed over those particulars, and what impressions and affections were then raised in their Hearts cannot be forgotten: Also to promote and encrease Knowledg and Holiness, he help up a Conference, both to his own and his Peoples great Benefit; and that no time might be lost, nor any ones Mite be neglected, he would take the Answers of those that were absent at the appointed times, as occasionaly Conference.he met with them, and somtimes before the whole Assembly were met together upon Dayes of Prayer, so that he was always doing, and designing the best advantage of the Peoples Souls upon all occasions.

Whilst he was Minister at Astbury it pleased the Lord to give him four or five Children, concerning whose Birth, he thus writes in his Memorials: The first Will I made was presently after our Marriage, and in it I spake of a Son Samuel, as if I had seen him by Faith, though he was not then in being, and it was full a Quarter of a Year, before we had any sensible hopes of a Child, which was given us about March the 9th. 1653. In May following we began Houskeeping at Astbury, we received the Birth of our asking of God, (1 Sam. 1. 20.) Samuel, who was Born, November the 13th. chiefly called Samuel, because he was asked of God by Father, Mother, and many Christian Friends there and elsewhere, with great Ends propounded at such times of Prayer: Namely, that he might be one to bere God's Name hear in his Church on Earth, and one to take up a Room prepared for him in Glory: The Lord be Surety for thee my Son: The Lord forbid thou should'st come short of these ends: Prayeth thy Father. Thus did he set upon his Head the Remembrance of the Mercy of God in his Birth, as the Servants of God of old did make the very Names of their Children the means of remembring the Signal Mercies Prayer prevalent.of God to them: This Child in the first Year of his Life, was, by Sickness, twice under the Sentence of Death, but Prayer that obtained him recovered him.

An other great Deliverance to this Child he thus Recordeth: Memorandum (saith he) that July the 10th 1656. the Lord prevented the Death of my Son Samuel, which Providences specialin all probability might have been with my own Hand, bowling a Stone with all my might towards the Child (whether I saw him before it went out of my Hand I know not) But it's motion was directly towards his Face, coming up the steps in the Garden-walk; and the visible means of prevention in God's Hand was an other Stone, that turned it out of the way a few steps before it came to the Child. This was an awakening Providence to me and my Wife, and sent us to God on our Knees, partly for Humiliation, partly for Gratulation. This Stone he kept in his Study, and (without Superstition) made it his Remembrancer to continue his Thankfulness to God for this great Deliverance. Some such observations he recorded about his other Childrens Birth and Names.

When this Winter was ended, he removed to Whitley, Anno Christi, 1661. May 17th: And of his success there he gives this account: After somtime I found that God was with me in his Ordinances, to make Conversion-work: And in Providences, to prevent evil, and to reach good things to us. Let it be remembred to his Praise, that October the 23d. 1661. my Son John was within a step of drowning, and Providence ordered me to be within sight at that very time, though I had been from home the Fortnight before, And not an Hour after my Daughter Sarah was almost choked with a Thred, to our great affrightment: But we saw the Lord's Hand very notably in her preservation, as we had done the Spring before from Sickness, in answer to Prayers, Psal. 103. 4.

An other merciful Preservation of his Son John he thus Records. Memorandum, that our Son John had a notable escape from drowning as he and his Brother were coming from School, June the 18th. 1664. But Blessed be God who is present when Parents are absent.

At this Place he continued to labour in the Lord's Vineyard till that black Day, August 24. 1662: at which time, he with very many of his Brethren were Civilly slain, being unsatisfied to conform as the Act of Ʋniformity then required. But no Man suffered his Death with less Reflection upon Superiors, or with more grief for so sad a dispensation. Yet there he continued, labouring for the advantage of the p. 89Peoples Souls with all his Strength, and the Lord made him a great Blessing to all the Country round about: And God's Providence so ordered it, that the Neighbouring Gentry (though of a differing Perswasion, yet) offered nor to molest him at all, being convinced of the Innocence and Peaceableness of his Spirit, and of the uprightness of his Ends therein.

Before I give an account of the last part of his Life, you may take this just Character of him.His Character.

1. He was of an excellent Spirit in Solomons sense, Prov. 17. 27. as slow to passion, as most have been known. One that lived some time with him, gave this testimony, that he Patience.remembred not that he ever saw him transported with Passion; but angry he would be at Sin, yet still after the example of his Lord and Master, Grieved for the hardness of their Hearts, Mark 3. 5. His Reproofs were always so moderated and mixed with Love and Compassion, that the Offender could not but see, that his great aim was at his good.Prudence.

2. He had good Natural Parts, and was no Novice in any of that Learning that might Learning.fit and qualify him for his Work. For tho he was more abundant in publick Preaching than most of his Brethren, which must needs hinder his Private Studies, yet what time of vacancy he had from this Work, he carefully redeemed for his Book, and took in Philosophy, the Tongues, History, Positive, and Practical Divinity in the course of his Studies, being never well unless at his Study, or in secret Duties, or holy Conference, tho (as it was once said of Industry.Plato's Houshold-stuff) it may be truly said of all his studies, there was Nihil in Pompam, Omne in Usum; nothing for Pomp, all for use. And like of one of the Architects in Plutarch, who, when another, had made an Artificial Discourse of his dexterity to contrive a new Building before those who were to make their choice of them; He only said, All that this Man hath said, I can do: So this Holy Man had the knowledge of doing, what others could learnedly Dispute and Discourse of: he could …earnedly live in every point as became a Learned Preacher.

3. He had an extraordinary Measure of Holiness and Heavenly mindedness, according Sanctification.to the observation which a judicious Divine sometimes made of him; That he had more than ordinary Degrees of Sanctification. He was of a quick understanding in the fear of the Lord, and had the Tongue of the Learned to speak a word in Season to the State of all Souls.

This indeed was his Master-piece, and was become natural to him. He had a singular Ingenuity in improving Scripture Similitudes, and indeed every thing that did occur, with unimaginable dexterity: every Tree, and Bird, and Stone would be a Text, upon which he would aptly enlarge himself, having an admirable wit to spiritualize every thing, and to gather occasion of profitable discourse in all companies, and almost upon every Subject, and it did clearly appear, That out of the abundance of his Heart his Mouth spake.

He had a great Holy Jealousy and Fear of himself: A dear Friend, that knew him well wrires thus of him. Never was any Man more watchful against Relapses, nor more jealous Holy Jealousie.to maintain his first love to the height, I have (saith he) sometimes told him that it was not usual for converts to retain that Land stood of Comfort, that intension of Zeal, and extension of Affection which flourished so in him, and was preserved in the height: and therefore must he expect an abatement in time, and the current thereof to be contracted, and setled in a narrower Channel. He is his Letters often reflected on these words, Ore tenus, intimating that he still was what he was before, not without admiring God's Grace to him, whereunto he ascribed Humility.all that he was. And indeed he was so habituated to Spiritual Communion with his God, that he could not with Patience endure his withdrawings: And he was far more sensible, and sooner aware of it than many others are, that can, to their great loss and prejudice, entertain other Delights instead of God's Face and Favour: But this holy Man did most eagerly seek, upon all occasions for him whom his Soul loved, and would not be satisfied till he found him.

He was a great Observer of the frame, and bent of his Heart at all times. A worthy Christan watchfulness.Minister writes thus of him. I (saith he) have admired at the constant frame of his Spirit. He was not subject to that deadness and indisposedness, which other good Men seem to be troubled with: His Heart was continually burning with an holy Zeal. Take a taste of the excellent sweet frame of his Heart in this short passage in a Letter to a Friend: My dear, dear, dear Brother, I pray thee report the loving kindness of the Lord unexpressible, unto a poor, vile, empty, altogether undeserving Worm: For I have found an Answer this Day; this Day more then ever to our Prayers, and can say, The Lord's work Humility.will on, tho Hell, say No: And still Believe, Preach: Pray and Believe (Lam. 3. 25.) I am constrained to say as, Isa. 63. 7. Neither thou, nor any of my Friends can conceive p. 90how good the Lord is to me, even to me. I pray thee and others think and study how good he is to me, to me, to me!

He kept a constant watch over his Thoughts, especially over his last Thoughts His watchwhich slept with him, and his first Thoughts which he awaked with, and usually they were some precious portion of Scripture or other, which he would Discourse of with his Friends, with great content and chearfulness.

He kept a Diary of his Life which he wrote in Characters where ever he came, A Diary.wherein he set down what Scriptures he found most sweetness from; what was the state of his Soul towards God; and such other remarkable passages as did occur each Day, from the Year 1650. to the Year wherein he died.

His Love to the Word of God was Superlative: It was his Meditation Day and His Love to the Word.Night. Constantly every Morning he used to pitch upon some Verse, which he would endeavour to fix upon his Heart, and was ever unwilling to leave it, till he had sucked some sweetness, and Spiritual nourishment from it: by Meditation he was often chewing up the 119 Psalm, especially in the time of his sickness, daily drawing the Vi…ture of one Verse into his Soul, as appears by his Diary. And this he did, not formally as a Task, but with that effectuall seriousness and relish, that his Family at home, and his Friends abroad (by his Letters) might easily perceive what dainties he had been feeding upon. And at every vacant time he would be looking for a Word, and would find out by his casual turning down of a Leaf in his Bible, (which was his way) such passages as were very remakable, and not observed by him before. A Scripture thus met with was as Food to him, exceeding sweet to his Taste: He would make much of it, and usually would not leave it till he had improved it to the good and benefit of others; either by speaking or writing; endeavouring that others might see what he saw, …d feel what he felt in the Word of God.

An other Practice he had also wh… shewed him to be both a good Textuary, and a good Christian, and that was usually to take leave of his Friends and Relations, by leaving some Scriptures with them, and those, such as were most suitable to their condition. Nay, he hardly sent commendations to a Friend but it was accompanied with some pertinent Text of Scripture, so that he seemed, to breath no other Air but that of Scripture. His Bible was his constant Companion in the Day, and usually his Pillow at Night: and many scores of lively, Emphatical Expressions he had found His Prudence.therein, which his constant reading, and diligence of others could never light on. And where ever he came, he would engrave some Scripture or others upon the Chimny-pieces, Walls, and Trees, which was so constant, and peculiar a course with him, that his Acquaintance knew well that he had been in such a Place, by the Marks which he ordinarily thus left behind him: His delign herein being to do good to Souls; that the very novelty of seeing such things might set People upon enquiring and looking on those Texts in their Bibles, not knowing what good one such Verse of the Scripture might do, God setting it on.

At least he found this advantage to himself, that when he came to a review of them, he was put in mind of that frame of Heart he had when he wrote those things, and so might taste over again what he before felt in those passages of the Word of God: He sedom wrote a Note or Letter but he concluded with some suitable Text of Scripture (the Word of God dwelling plentifully in him.) And in the Memorials before mentioned, he intermixed them with Scriptures upon every occasion, adding in the Conclusion, The Texts of Scripture herein mentioned, are best worth thy finding, and noteing in thy Life, as they were in mine.

His Moderation to all sorts of godly People, though of differing Perswasions, was remarkable: his Heart and heat being wholly taken up with the great and necessary His Moderation.Points in Religion which all true Christians agree in: And, making the Substance of Religion, his work and business, he never had leisure, or pleasure to trouble himself with controverted Circumstances, nor would put his Soul out of tune with such things as had caused such jarrings and discord among Christians. He was never (or very seldom, and then not out of choice) heard to Discourse of the dividing Conrtoversies of the times.

He was exercised with a peculiar Tryal soon after his entrance into the Ministry, Temptations.and that was by strong, and horrible apprehensions in the Night season, as if he were cut in pieces with Knives, or the like, and he was in as real Agonies, and distress as if he had felt the pain of such Torments indeed. This he apprehended to be the Buffetings of Satan: They used to follow Dayes of great pains, or Dayes of great p. 91inward Comforts, and he was often forced by them to leap out of his Bed in the Night, and to betake himself to Prayer for ease and delivery. He would very Pathetically bewail those gloomy Nights, and (what cause so ever they proceeded from) they were great occasions to realize the apprehensions of Hell to him, and to keep him humble.

Secondly, In his Relative Duties he was abundantly Diligent and Faithful.

First, In his Family; he walked in a perfect way in the midst of his House. There he constantly read the holy Scriptures: A portion of the Old Testament in the Morning, and of the New Testament in the Evening, and sung some Verses of the Psalms in Order.

After Reading, he examined every a one what they Remembred and Observed out Family Duties.of the Chapter, and would open and enlarge upon each Portion, and tell them what was most observable and Practical in that Scripture. Neither did he consine Religion to these Family Duties (as too many do, who from Morning to Evening Prayer scarce ever think or speak of Spiritual things) but he familiarized holy Descourse in his House all the Day long as there was any occasion and oportunity. He alwayes repeated at home the Sermons which he heard abroad. The Lord's Day Sermon he used to repeat the Saturday in the Afternoon following, or some other Sermon as a preparation to the Sabbath following. Upon the Evening of the Lord's Day he would take his Children in private, and their instruct them and teach them how to pray.

He constantly Catechized his Children and Servants twice in the Week, and caused Fasts.them to get some Verses of Scripture by Heart, and also part of their Catechisms every day. He had often private Fasts with his Family alone, and was frequent in secret Humuliation also. His ardent desires aften the Sanctification and Salvation of his Children, and Kindred, was farther evident by a Discourse which he wrote for his Son, upon 1 Chron. 28. 9. And an other which he called A Word to my meer Natural Friends upon Isa. 55. 7. wherein the precious breathings of his Soul after their Spirirtual and Eternal welfare are largly manifested: And upon the same account he gave Twenty of Mr. Baxter's Call to the Ʋnconverted, among his Kindred and Servants, in diverse of which he framed and wrote such pertinent Dialogues as were most suitable to the State of their Souls.

2ly, In his Ministry he was indefatigable. He was in Labours oft: In Journings His Industry.oft. So that we may truly apply to him what the Apostle Paul said of Timothy, Phil. 2. 20. We have no Man like minded that doth naturally care for the State of Souls. His great forwardness and earness in this Work: his travelling, and toiling, and procuring all the help he could for the carrying on this Work, could not have been more if he had forseen the shortness of his own Days, or the length of our Night. And the more universal was the influence of his Labours, in that he was strangly stirred up to Preach in several parts of the County. Both Ministers and People generally promoting and accepting his holy and sincere Endeavours, where Envy or Prejudice did not manifestly interpose.

When other Ministers, or himself have been imployed in the usual Courses of the His Zeal.Day, he would often choose rather to stay and Repeat the Morning Sermon to the people at Noon, then go to his Dinner, according to the Example of his dear Master before him, Joh. 4. 33, 34. And indeed his Zeal for the work of God would carry him to do more then the strength of his Body, and the convenience of the people could well bear: But as it was sincerely meant by him, so it was generally well taken by them, and God made it answerably beneficial in the event.

Father Latimer having sharply reproved some great Offenders in his time, was complained of for lack of Discretion, which he hearing of, said, He was glad they had nothing else to charg him with but want of Discretion, it being evident thereby that the substance of his Reproof was true: So all that could be charged upon this worthy Man of God was, that somtimes he wanted Prudence in the length and frequency of his Labours. A thing for which he might be well excused, seeing so few transgress in that kind.

This good Man, such was his heavenly Spirit and Way in his work, that though Conversions.the matter he brought was ordinary, yet the manner that he delivered it in, was not ordinary, and he had great success in the Conversion of many Souls: One that knew him well, and oft accompanied him when he went abroad, saith thus: I cannot forget how the People after Sermons would meet him with Tears in their Eyes, some following him, others thanking him for his pain, and shewing by their very Countenances that they p. 92had met with God in the Ordinances: And it's certain, that he that winneth Souls is wise. If that great Man on his Death-bed could profess, That one Soul converted by his means, ministred more Honour and Comfort to him, then all the Honour and Grandeur which he had enjoyed; with what Glory is this holy Man gone off the Stage, who was an Instrument in the Hand of God's Spirit, to convert many, and to convince and quicken more.

His converse was a continual Sermon (as was old Mr. Dods;) he never went Conferences.abroad but the Minister and the warm-hearted Christian went along with him. He was the same out of the Pulpit as he was in it, and a lively Comment upon those words of the Apostle: Let your Speech be alwayes seasoned with Salt, that it may minister Grace to the Hearers.

Some that travelled with him many Miles, usually, upon a Religious account, have been almost ravished in their Souls with his holy and heavenly Discourses; and into whatsoever House he came, either publickly in the Family, or privately in his Chamber he would go to Prayer.

He was undauntedly bold in reproving Sin: Many that accompanied him in his Journeys, when in the Inn he hath heard any one Swearing, have observed how he Courage.would Thunder against the Swearer, thus: Who was it there that durst abuse the Name of the God of Heaven? And he would ever on purpose as he talked with his Friends on the way, choose some weighty Word to utter as he met with People that passed by, that so it might stick with them; and this Bread of his that was thus cast on the Waters, would somtimes return to him after many Dayes.

He had a singular presence and readiness of Heart, and Matter to speak to whomsoever he met on the way, and great condescention also to explain himself: wherein any Heavenly mintledness.one did not understand him: As once on a Snowy Day, meeting suddenly with a Man driving his Horses before him, who thus saluted him; Well met Sir: I but (said Mr. Machin) we shall be better met, if we met in Heaven. Few poor People ever went from his Door without a powerful spiritual Almes, and he would order them to have larger Relief who were most ready to attend to his heavenly Counsel.

He had an excellent faculty in Discoursing with People on the Way, into whom he would handsomly insinuate himself, and would deliver to them very material, and Prudence.yet familiar things of Eternal concernment; he would find out their Ignorance; mightily amaze and convince them, and thereby lay a happy Foundation of farther acquaintance upon this best account. And he framed diverse Dialogues on such occasions, which are dispersed in the hands of several Friends, which (if they were published) would shew his excellent Genius this way. One instance hereof is very remarkable.

Riding one Morning to a Lecture, he met with some young Men that were carrying their Cocks to a Cock-fight; he overtaking them, said thus to one of them: Note.Friend, our Lord and Master Jesus Christ never came into the World to set up such Sports as these. These Words, and some further Discourse (though the young Man went on to his Pastimes that day) stuck like an Arrow in his Side, and he could not be quiet till he had learned what Minister this was, after which he gained acquaintance with him, and so laid these and his other Sins to Heart as made a blessed change in his course of Life.

He was a Zealous improver of good Society: his ordinary Visits were seldom concluded without Prayer before he parted with his Friends. And when diverse good Zeal.People were all Night together, he would engage them to pray one for another, and one after an other: and he would cause them to produce their several Evidences for Heaven. He would somtimes raise up the Company an hour before Day that they might pray and weep together, that the Fire might not go out upon the Hearth of their Souls, being by these means so constantly blown up and kept alive: yea, the very Crumbs of Piety that fell from him at his Table, were most Heavenly and refreshing, and a plain Argument that it was his Meat and Drink to do his Fathers Will, and to finish his work.

He had ingenious Devises and witty Artifices (flowing from his rooted affection to God) whereby, after some solemn Dayes, he would engage his Christian Friends to a closer walking with God: Take an Instance of one or two of them, as himself left upon Record.

p. 93Articles between Christ and Two Souls.

1. That we be his willing, loving, and obedient Spouses.

2. That we labour by all means to know more of his Mind, and then to tell it one to an other, and draw to the Practice of it.

3. That we be alwayes Jealous, lest each other take his room, and to be indifferent and moderate in every thing and to every one but to him and his.

4. That whatsoever Creatures are betwixt us, they be improved to the highest advantage betwixt Cerist and our Souls.

5. That we connive not at Sin in each other, but be tender of one anothers Souls and Bodies.

6. That we love and live each Day as the last.

7. That we faithfully endeavour the performance of each others Will whilst living, and when dead, so far as Reason and Religion may bind.

8. That we be in every Condition more willing to go live with Christ, our Husband, then to stay here one with an other for Pleasure-sake.

9. That we endeavour seasonableness and suitableness in every Duty, &c.

An other was to this Effect.

Seabridg, October 8th, where God's Name was that day recorded. Before the Lord, and in his strength I promise to draw near to God, believing that he will draw near to me. I pass away and part with mine own power to him, that I may be his and not an others. Subscribing with Heart and Hand, Praying and Believing that the Lord will undertake for me, that I never go back in a Thought; or else this will stand in full force against me at that Great day to come, Phil. 4. 13. H. N. Can. 8. 5. J. M. Psal. 119. 106. J. M. Zech. 8. 21. M. M. Psal. 119. 80. N. B. Isa. 38. 10. E. H. 2 Cor. 3. 5, &c.

He highly esteemed the prayers of his Friends, and was a very faithful Remembrancer of them that desired his prayers; which he used to do with that heartiness, Sympathy, and enlargedness of Heart, that it would work much upon their Hearts, His Prayers.and engage them to more seriousuess in their own business, and in Affection to him, that so kindly concerned himself in their Affairs. And he would plead with God very fervently in their absence, not only to satisfie his Conscience, and to make good his promise of remembring them, but sought with strong cries to prevail for them. And besides that frequent course which he held, of puting all present to tell him, before Prayer began, what they would have chiefly beg'd for them at the Throne of Grace, by which means they were sent into their own Souls, to study their present, and spiritual Condition.

Concerning this a dear Friend saith thus: he gave this Rule touching praying for Friends, which I have ever since endeavoured to make my Directory in that case: Alwayes when you think of your Friends, let it be with a Praying Thought. He would Note.somtimes cause his intimate Friends to write down in his Day-book, what special things they should intercede for in one anothers behalf till their next meeting.

His Letters were frequent and very heavenly set: He commonly set time apart for writing such Letters; and he seldom wrote about any business, but Religion was His Letters.interwoven, and such plenty of apt and sweet Scriptures and Postscripts, yea, somtimes some Texts of Scripture would be endorsed on the outside of his Letters, when they were sent by a Friends hand. In this profitable and useful part of friendship he was frequent and abundant. Probably there yet remain many Hundreds of Letters in the hands of his Friends where there was scarce a Word but about Religion.

He was eminent in real Charity. He sympathized with those that were in straits and affliction, and had a ready hand to help them. He was liberal according to his His Charity.power, yea, and beyond his power. In his accounts to his Father from Cambridg he seldom found less then Twelvepence a Week to the Poor, besides somtimes half a Crown at a time. After his coming into the Country it was his delight to engage others, and to stir them up by his own Example in his liberal Contributions upon good occasions, giving Twenty-shillings, yea, somtimes five Pounds at a time to Charitable uses. Somtimes he would make a stock for such as were poor and pious; somtimes to help a Minister out of his straits, which hath occcasioned the Bowels of many to bless God in his behalf.

To be brief; he was a Star of the first Magnitude in the impartial Judgment of those that knew him throughly. An eminent Divine, writing familiarly to him, saith p. 94thus: Dear Brother I earnestly desire corespondence with thee: Thy Letters are precious and weighty to my Soul: Thou art more in my Heart, and Eye, and Thoughts than all the Acquaintance I have in the World: I have seen that in thee that hath not a little convinced me of the Reality of Religion. These are not the Words of a Flatterer, but the overflowing of a Sincere Heart, &c.

If we view him in his Natural and Moral accomplishments; in his Graces; in his Relations; in his Publick, and Private behaviour, and in his true Humilty and Sincerity, which crowned all the rest, we must needs say, That he feared God above many, and hath left but few such Ministers behind him.

He was very apprehensive of his Death long before it came. In a Letter, dated Death foreseen.May, 1659: concerning an Old Disciple, he saith: Will he not let me see him before I die? And in an other in November following, he hath these Words, Lam. 3. 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 32. To which let Thoughts be directed when no more is to be seen, or heard of me, but that I am Thy Friend in store: Not lost, but laid up, J. M. And in March, 1663. He complained of frequent dejectedness and Melancholly: And this passage he had in a Letter, June 28. 1664. I have been very Melancholy some while by fits, whence this proceedes I know not: But the All-wise God whose ways are past finding out, knew well that the shadows of the Evening were coming upon him.

As he was removing to Seabridg, he took in his way the House of a worthy Gentleman, Death prepared for.where he treated of these Words, Act. 20. 24. Neither count I life dear unto my self: So that I might finish my course with Joy, &c. Which he studied, and Preached as his last farewel to this World, being in a weak and sickly condition: And not long before he had made many Sermons upon Revel. 22. 3, 45. which were a sweat preparation to Life everlasting.

At Seabridg he grew worse and worse, and in the issue it proved an high Malignant His Sickness.Feavor. Hereupon his Wife was sent for, who at her coming found him in his Bed, and he told her, that he was ill, but whether it were Life or Death he would not choose, but his Father should for him. The fit season of opening a Vein (by reason of the Physitians absence from home) was missed, and so his Distemper prevailed. Once looking his Face in the Glass, he brake out very affectionatly into these Words: Ah Adam, Adam, What hast thou done? What a beautiful, happy Creature wast thou; but now how Poor, and sorrowful art thou? Ah Adam, What hast thou done? These words greatly affected some that were with him.

His Distemper grew higher, and his Spirits lower, which were deadned in him, insomuch as when his Wife and Children were about him, and she said to him, Love, thou saist nothing to me, nor to thy Children; he only answered, that he had said to her, and to them too. O how good therefore is it for Wives and Children to observe and remember what Parents and Husbands say to them in health, not knowing which Counsel may be their last, and that must stand for their Death-bed charge to them.

September the 4th. being the Lord's-day, though by reason of his Disease he was scarce sensible, yet perceiving it to be the Lord's-day, he would needs be holpen up, and supported by Pillows, that he might kneel, and be in a praying posture, though he was disabled from the performance of the Duty.

Upon Tuesday, September the 6th, Anno Christi, 1664: This Holy Man breathed his His Death.last, being the 17th day of his Sickness, and in the Fortieth Year of his Age; and was buried September the 8th at Newcastle, with a particular Eulogy by the Preacher, and with the deep grief of all the Congregation. Scarce any that began no sooner, and lived no longer, hath done so much good in the World, as he did, in his Capacity.

A Pious Divine, who at this time is a Dignitary in the Church, gives this Character of him; I am (saith he) so well satisfied, as to his extraordinary Piety in general, which I never yet heard, or believe, that he departed from, that I wish my everlasting Portion may be with him: And afterwards he adds: To conclude, I never knew one more publick spirited, more sensible of Mens spiritual necessities, and more ready (to his abillity) to supply them: More zealous for God's Glory, more delighted, incessant, importunate, and succesful in Prayer, and more thankfully sensible of the Returns thereof, then this Holy Person was; of whom this degenerate World was not worthy, and therefore, having been abundant in the work of the Lord, God hath satisfied him with never ending Experiences, that his Labour (from which he now rests) may not be in vain in the Lord.

Hallalujah