The Lives of Sundry Eminent Persons, Part 1 · Biography 11
The Life and Death of Dr. Samuel Winter, who died An. Christi, 1666.
SAmuel Winter was Born Anno Christi, 1603 at Balsal, in the Woodland part His Birth, Parentage and Education.of Warwickshire, about Seaven Miles from Coventry, of Religious Parents; His Father was a Yeo man of good account. When our Samuel was about twelve Years old, it pleased God, by the Ministry ofone Mr. Slader, then Preacher at the Chappel of Knowl, in Balsal Parish (if I mistake not) who, in a special manner was brought thither by Samuel's Fathers Interest, and industry, to a waken his Conscience, His Conversion.and to make him serious about the things which concerned his everlasting Salvation; As also to stir up in him earnest desires of doing good to the Souls of others; for which end one Day as he came from School, about a Mile from his Fathers house he retired himself under a Hedge to pray; and among other Petitions, he begged of God His Prayer.that he would qualifie and fit him for the work of the Ministry and make his labours effectual, and succesful therein: At which time he (at least thought that he) heard a voice saying to him; God hath heard thy Prayer, and designed thee for that work, and thou shalt be an Instrument of converting many Souls to God: This exceedingly cheared God's answer.up his Heart, insomuch as, coming home, he applied himself to his Father, humbly requesting that he might be trained up for the Ministry. His Father asked him the reason of those desires? He told him, what a Prayer he had made to God, and what return he had from God to it.
His Father, being much affected herewith; soon after sent him to the Free-School Is sent to School and University.in Coventry, where, through his extraordinary diligence and industry, he made so good a progress in Grammer-learning, that, though at near Fourteen Years of Age, he understood nothing, or very little of the first Rudiments of Grammer, yet within a few Years he became fit for the University; and accordingly he was sent to Cambridg, and placed in Queens-Colledg, and had, for somtime, that famous Dr. Preston for his Tutor. At the Feet of that Learned Gamiliel, those Natural, and Gracious abilities His prosiciency.which he brought along with him, were much improved; and partly by the direction and help of so excellent a Guid, and partly by God's Blessing upon his unwearied studies, he attained to a great measure of Knowledge, both in the Tongues and Arts, and also in Divinity.
When he had Commenced Master of Arts, being as yet unwilling to enter upon that great and dreadful work of the Ministry, he left Cambridg and went to Boston in Goes to Boston.Lincolnshire, where he lived under the Ministry of Holy and Learned Mr. Jobn Cotton, out of whose Family (somtime after) he married a Wife, one Mrs. Ann Beeston, a Gentlewoman of a good Extraction, and one that had a considerable Portion, that Match being of Mr. Cotton's contrivance.
After his Marriage, and his continuance with his Wife, in Mr. Cotton's Family, he fell into a dangerous, and violent Feavor, which, in the judgment of his Physicians, His first Wife. His Sickness.was desperate, and left no hopes of his Recovery. His Wife being much affected and afflicted herewith, he would often comfort her, telling her that he should not Die at this time; for that God had not yet fulfilled his Promise made to him in his Youth, wherein he had assured him that he should be an instrument of converting many Souls unto him. And accordingly he recovered, and then resolved to apply himself to the work of the Ministry.
And being more ambitious to do God and his Church-service, then to advance himself His rocovery. His first Place. Ministry successful.in the World, he removed from Boston to a small Living, near Nottingham, called Woodborow, where by his painful and powerful preaching (many out of the Neighbouring Towns flocking to his Ministry, as the Doves to their Windows) the Seeds of Grace (through God's blessing upon his Labours) were sown in the Hearts of many, which sprang up, and some of them remain unto this Day. This place he always highly esteemed, and would often call it, His first Born.
From Woodborow he was removed to the City of York, in which great and populous City he continued a Lecturer for some time, and as there he had great opportunities His remove to York.for service, so had he great success, receiving there a manifest Seal to his Ministry, in the Conversion and Confirmation of many. But our Civil Wars breaking out about that time, he could stay no longer at York. Yet, though the Door was shut up against him in that place, an other large and effectual Door was opened for him elsewere. For Cottingham (a great Town within three Miles of Hull) being then destitute of a Pastor, thither he was (by a more than ordinary Providence) brought: And in that place, for about the space of Eight Years, he continued to be a burning and a shining Light, as it was said of John the Baptist: Burning in his Zeal and Doctrine, His Diligence.and shining in his Holy, and Exemplary Life and Conversation. There he was exceeding Active, and Industrious for God.
He thought no pains too great whereby the Peoples Souls might be edified. He His Diligence and Faithfulness.preached twice every Lord's day to them in publick: He expounded the Chapters which he read, and Catechised the younger Persons: In the Evening he repeated the Sermons in his own Family, to which many of the Neighbours also resorted. On the Week days he took occasion to go from House to House, instructing the Ignorant, and endeavouring to build up his Parishoners in their most Holy Faith; and God was pleased so to bless his Labours, that he became instrumental of begetting many Sons and Daughters unto God, as also of confirming many, who attained (partly by his publick Ministry, and partly by his private pains) a great measure of Grace and Gifts, so that they made Conscience of the strict Observation of the Lord's day, of Closet and Family Duties, and of other Spiritual Services required by God as fruits of His great success.their Faith.
He was so meek and affable in his deportment towards all Men, that his Company was pleasing and delightful, even to many of those that had no relish of his Doctrine. His Affability.At Cottingham he buried his loving and dearly beloved Wife, who left him five Sons: which loss yet was (through God's merciful Providence) abundantly repaired in his second Marriage about three Years after) with Mrs Elizabeth Weaver, the Daughter His second Marriage.of Christepher Weaver, Esq; with whom he had a good Portion, and she proved to be excellently quallified, for the good and comfort both of him and his Children: And God was pleased so to bless her Prudent managment of his outward affairs, that when he died he left a plentiful Estate to his Children, besides all those Acts of more than ordinary Bounty, which, both in his Life, and at the time of his Death he testified his Faith by.
Anno Christi 1650. the Powers who were then in Being, resolved to send over four Commissioners into Ireland, for the settlement of that distracted, and almost He is ordered for Ireland.ruined Kingdom; and judging it necessary to send with them a godly, able, and Orthodox Divine, they ordered that Mr. Winter should attend these Commissioners thither. Which order of theirs, being sent to him to Cottingham where he then lived, he looked upon it as a clear Call from God. Yet for his better satisfaction, he advised also with his Friends, and begged direction from God in a business of so weighty concernment; after which he chearfully embraced this Call, hoping that God would bring some Glory to his own Name, by the Labours of him his unworthy Servant, in that Kingdom. And so, not consulting with Flesh and Blood, which might have suggested to him that it would be an unadvised Act, and disadvantagious to him to part with …o tractable, and loving a People, and with so good a Rectory (it being above Four hundred Pounds a Year) and to cast himself upon Strangers, neither knowing, nor capitulating with them what his Salary should be for the maintenance of himself and his Family. And so, Resigning up his Living, he prepared for his Jorney.
At his coming over into Ireland, the Commissioners allowed him but One hundred Pounds for the first Year, which yet he chearfully accepted of though it did not defray the charges of his Transportation, with such necessaries as he provided for the He goes into Ireland.comfortable accommodation of himself and Family: Much less did it repair the losses which he sustained shortly after his Landing, when the Irish Army took from him diverse Horses of a good value, which he carried over with him. A great part of his worldly delight consisting in keeping good Horses.
In this his first Year he attended the Commissioners in several Journies, which they made into the Four Provinces of Ireland, was their Houshold Chaplain, performed Family, His frequent Preaching.Duties, and Preached in publick every Lord's day wherever they came: And in the City of Dublin (where they resided the greatest part of their time) he preached somtimes twice every Lords-day in Christ church before the Commissioners, the Lord Maior, & Aldermen of that City; many Gentlemen & others resorting to his Ministry.
Not long after, some other Ministers coming from England to Dublin, the Commissioners (for the ease of Mr. Winter) used to request one or other of them to preach in the Morning, reserving Mr. Winter for the Afternoon, at which time was the greatest Auditory. But he, being willing to be out of imployment, set up a Lecture, where he preached every Sabbath Day in the Morning at Seaven a Clock, He sets up a Lecture.in the Church of St. Nicholas, within the said City: And this Lecture was frequented by the Commissioners, Civil Magistrates, and many others, so that he had a very frequent Congregation; and to encourage poor People to come to Church, he caused some white Loaves to be distributed among them always when the Sermon was ended at his own cost.
About this time the Commissioners taking notice that Trinity Colledge by Dublin, through the iniquity of the Times, and the distractions of that Kingdom, was left desolate by the Fellows and Students, and thereby brought almost to ruine, they thought it their Duty, for the advancement of Religion and Learning, to endeavour the restauration of the same: And for that end they appointed the said Mr. Winter, to be the Provost, or Master of it; where also, after a time, he commenced Doctor of Divinity, having with singular Applause and Approbation, performed all Acts and He is made Provost of the Colledg.Exercises belonging thereunto. He also out of his care and zeal to promote so pious and profitable a work, in a short time he encouraged, and procured the return of divers of the Fellows and Students to the Colledge, as also the coming over from England His Prudence and Faithfulness.of several hopeful young Schollars, whereby the Colledge was suddenly filled and replenished with many Religious and hopeful young Men, who were likely to prove Instruments of God's Glory in the work of the Ministry and other ways.
And by the great pains which he took with them, instructing them, both in Humane and Divine Learning, Preaching and Expounding the Sacred Scriptures to them, and often Praying with them both in the Colledge Chappel, and somtimes in his own Lodgings, he gave as great Hopes of the flourishing of that Seminary of Learning and Piety, as in any Colledge in Christendom. And there they to retaliate his care and pains, gave him an Honourable Testimonial under the Colledge Seal, which is here inserted.
Omnibus Christi Fidelibus ad quos praesentes Literae pervenerint, Salutem in Christo He is made Doctor.Domino sempiternam. Nos Vicecancellarius Ʋniversitatis, & Socii seniores Collegii Sanctae & Individuae Trinitatis juxta Dublin, Testanour Virum venerabilem Dominum Samuel Winter, Anglum, Verbi Divini Praedicatorem fidelem, verae Religionis vindicem acerrimum, & de Collegio S. S. Trinitatis in Illustri Academia Cantabrigensi Liberalium Artium, & S. Theologiae olim studiosum, adductum fuisse ad nos cum uberrimis Testimoniis ingenuitatis, probitatis, Doctrinae, & Scientiae, Theologicae (quorum meritorum suorum & studiorum luculentissimum Documentum jampridem, tam publice quam privatim in celeberrima Civitate Dubliniensi laudabiliter & egregie dederit) ad capessendum Gradum Doctoratus in Theologia; & illorum, plurimorumque doctissimorum de meliore not a virorum, optime habilem, idoneum, & dignum testimoniis judicatum fuisse, munere; officio, dignitate, & honore Doctoratus in Theologia. Nos itaque quibus ejus virtutum excellentia, meritorum copia, diuturna studia, pervigilesque labores innotuerunt, habita ratione scientiae, eloquentiae, doctrinae, facultatis Theologicae, peritiae Disputandi, interpretandi, concionandi, & aliarum Viriutum, & morum ejusdem Samuelis Winter, quorum omnium certissimum specimen laudabiliter, egregie, magistraliter, & more Doctoreo dederit publice è suggesto per tres Dies in Collegii sacello. Nos igitur in venerando Ʋniversitatis nostrae consessu, eundem Samuelem Winter unanimiter, omniumque suffragiis in Christi nomine approbamus, & sic approbatum Doctorem in universa Theologia solenniter pronuntiavimus, declaravimus, & fecimus. Quod nostrum Testimonium ut omnibus innotescat, subscriptis singulorum nominibus, & publico Collegii nostri Sigillo corroborari & muniri curavimus: Decimo septimo Die Augusti, Anno Domini Millessimo; sexcentessimo quinquagessimo quarto. Hen. Jones. Pro-Cancellarius. Miles Symmer. Williamson. Nath Hoyle. Johannes Stearne, Adam Cusacke.
Whilst Dr. Winter continued Provost of that Colledge, he had occasion to go to a place His great Success.called Monouth, a populous Town, about ten Miles from Dublin; where (according to his custom in most places where he came) he Preached and found the People very attentive to his Ministry, and desirous to be instructed in the way to Heaven: whereupon, at the earnest request, both of the Minister, and of divers others of the Inhabitants he rode over to them every three Weeks, and Preached, which he conti…ed for some Years, and God was pleased to blessed his Labours for the Conversion of many English and Irish that flocked to hear him.
The Reason of his leaving that University and Kingdom is well known unto many, He comes back into England.and he came away to his great outward prejudice, the Colledge being indebted to him in a considerable Summ of Monies, which he had disbursed for the use thereof, some part whereof, since his Death they have paid to his Son.
Being returned into England, he and his Wife sojourned with some Friends, somtimes in and about West-Chester: Somtimes at Coventry, and other somtimes with his Wives Relations in Hertfordshire, and Rutlandshire; in which places (through God's blessing) he became an Instrument of much good, not only in the Families wherein he abode, but also to several Neighbours with whom he conversed.His Industry.
Thus we have a brief Narrative of the most remarkable passages of this Holy Mans Life; we are now come to the last Scene, wherein we shall find that saying verified and made good, Vita qualis, Finis talis: His Humble, and Holy Life being concluded with a Comfortable and Glorious Death. His Sun did not set under a Cloud, but shone out with a more bright and greater lustre then is ordinarily seen. It was his main Design and Business to glorifie God in his Life, and God did highly honour him at his Death, as will appear by that which follows.
Whilst he was in Rutlandshire, on Thursday, October the 13th, Anno Christi 1666. he rode to a Neighbouring Town to assist in carrying on a day of Humiliation, wherein, His sickness.having wearied his Body and spent his Spirits, he was fain to defer his return home till the next day. On the Lord's day following, he exercised twice for the Instruction of the Family wherein he abode; and at his going to be Bed, he found himself not well. On Munday he continued ill, yet arose, came down and performed Family Duties.
At Dinner he could eat but little, and at Night went ill to Bed, yet slept pretty well, only both those Nights he complained of a pain in his right side, and he had frequent provocation to Vomit, but without effect. Oft he found himself a cold; yet when he came a little to the Fire, he was too hot in his own sence, insomuch as his Friends about him judged that it would turn to an Ague.
Wednesday and Thursday his Distemper continued, and on Friday finding himself still to grow weaker and weaker, he desired his Will might be fairly engrossed, which lay by him written with his own Hand, and withal, he laboured to perswade his Wife to be content and willing to part with him: Adding, That it would not be long e're they should meet again: and then he put up earnest Prayers unto God for her, and for other of his Relations.
Upon Friday he sat up all the Day, but still continued under his Bodily Distempers, and finding his strength to decay, he would often repeat that of the Psalmist, The Zeal of thy House hath eaten me up. On Saturday he Sealed and published his Will, complaing all that Day of the Cramp in his left Leg. In the Evening he went to Bed, and in the apprehension of those about him, slept well that Night.
About six a Clock on the Lord's day Morning, he raised himself up in his Bed, and with a chearful and loud voice called to his Wife, who lay in a Bed by him, saying, A Vision of Glory.Sweet Heart, I have been this Night conversing with Spirits. And, as in a Rapture, he cryed out, O the Glories that are prepared for the Saints of God! The Lord hath been pleased to shew me this Night, the exceeding weight of Glory which in Heaven is laid up for his Chosen ones. Saying further, That he had studied, and thought that he knew as much what the Glory which in Heaven was, as another Man: But he now saw, that all the Divines on Earth were but Children in the Knowledge of the great Mystery of heavenly Glory, which the Lord that Night had given him a clearer sight of, then ever formerly he had. That it was such a Mystery as could not be comprehended by the Wit of Man, with many other such like Expressions; and he had his Soul so wonderfully elevated, that he could not declare what he found and felt therein.
Then he desired that his Relations, and the rest of the Family might be called up, that so he might make known unto them that immense weight of Glory which that Night had been revealed to him. When they were Assembled he did with vehemency and intension of Spirit, endeavour to discover the same unto them in the expressions aforesaid: But he was so swallowed up in the Contemplation thereof that he could not utter what he desired.
And so he continued all that day, and even till he died in very high Raptures, and great acclamations by way of Thankfulness unto God for the Lord Jesus Christ, the Raptures.Fountain of that Glorie, and for those evident Discoveries of the same unto him.
Towards the Evening of the Lord's day, an honourable Person, together with his Lady, and some other Friends came to visit him, with whom he discoursed about Heaven and the things of God as understandingly, servently and fluently as if he had enjoyed his best Health: His understanding and Memory continuing as strong and vigorous as ever: In his Discourse he quoted sundry Texts of Scripture, citing the very Chapter, Verse, and Words, and explaining the meaning from the Hebrew and Greek Originals. After this Discourse, which continued about the space of two hours, finding himself weary, he betook himself to Bed, all the Company withdrawing into another Chamber. And after an Hours repose, he desired that the said Honourable Person, with his Lady, and other Friends might be called in again, that he might speak somthing more unto them, and when they, with the rest of the Family were come into his Chamber, he told them that he thought he had but a short time to live. That he was going unto Jesus Christ, with him to partake of the fulness of Joy, and of those Rivers of Pleasure, which God had so lately discovered unto him, and which he had reserved in Heaven for those that love him and keep his Commandments. O (said he) if you had but a thorough sight thereof, it would make you all to love the Lord Jesus Christ and Holiness, which is the only way prescribed by God to attain to this Happiness. And so he went on to magnifie the Riches of free Grace, through which alone the Saints do come to enjoy that exceeding, exceeding eternal weight of Glory, which neither Eye hath seen, nor Ear heard, nor can enter into the Heart of Man to conceive of.
He also exhorted them, not so much to trouble themselves in getting assurance of Good Counsel.Salvation, as to examine themselves carefully, diligently whether they were in the way of Sanctification: And for this end, he commended two things to their serious Meditations, about which he advised them dayly to ask their Souls these two Questions: What am I? And where am I? What am I? Am I a New-Creature? Am I born again? If so, then I have New Thoughts; New Words; New Company; and a New Conversation: All old Thoughts, Words, and Actions will be done away. Secondly, Where am I? Am I in the narrow Path that leads to Life Eternally, or in that Broad Way that leads to Death and Damnation? He told them, that if any there present were still in the Broad Way, it had been better that they had never been Born. And (said he) If you will make this your continual Meditation, you cannot miscarry. And if you find your selves to be in the Narrow Way of Sanctification, let God alone with the Rest, to give you an Assurance of your future happiness, which he will certainly do in his own time.
He further declared to them, that as by all his Preaching, through all the course of his Ministry, he had discovered and published this way of Holiness through Christ to be the only way to Heaven, so could he now at his Death set out no other way: And that if he were again to begin his Ministry, he could hold out no other way to attain unto Glory. And so with much weariness of Spirit, looking up towards Heaven, he begged of God that the words of a Dying Man might make a deep impression upon the Hearts of his Hearers; and that as God had made him an Instrument of converting many Souls unto him in his Life, so he would bless what he had now spoken, that some one Soul might be brought to Jesus Christ, by this his last Sermon.
Then▪ he further proceeded to other Holy Discourses and Instructions, quoting sundry Texts of Scripture for the proof of what he spake naming the Chapters, Verses, and Words of the Texts, which he opened, and explained out of the Originals, with that accurness and strength of Words, with that Zeal and Fervency of Spirit as was admirable, so that he drew Tears from the Eyes of all that were present, whether Younger or Elder. And lest any there present should think that his Understanding and Memory were grown weak, or that he was overcome through the abundance of Revelations which he had the Night before, to let them know that he had spoken unto them the words of Truth and Soberness, and that with a perfect understanding of what he spake, he made to them this Narrative following.
He told them the manner of his Education in Religion from his Childhood, and of the Vanity which did attend his youthful Dayes; and where and how God did appear unto him for his Conversion at Twelve Years of Age, and of the assurance which God had given him (as is before related) that he should be an instrument of Converting many Souls to God: as also of his proficiency in Learning from that very time.
He further declared (with Tears trickling down his Cheeks) that he had many and many a time in private, before he went to Preach, put God in mind of his Promise so made unto him, and earnestly besought him to make good that Promise, by giving a Blessing to that good Word of his, which he was then going to deliver, that some Glory might redound to his Holy Name thereby: To which his Prayers God had often been pleased to give a gracious Answer, and to let him know it by the Conversion of some by those very Sermons.
One of his Relations then present, fearing that his Spirits would be weakened and spent by that his continued Discourse, requested him to repose himself for a while; to whom he replied with much earnestness and strength of Voice: No, were I sure that this should be my last Night (as indeed it proved) and the last Sermon that I should Preach, I would continue it two Hours longer: Adding, that he was not afraid of Death: And turning his Head backward, he said, Death is a Coward; he comes behind me: he dares not look me in the Face. And he further said, The Devil hath oft assaulted me in my Life time; but God stood by me and gave me strength to resist him, so that he could never hurt me.
All the Day following he lay in heavenly Contemplations and Raptures, often breaking forth in Praises unto God for Jesus Christ; and would somtimes desire his Wife, and other Friends to tell him whether he were in the Body or out of the Body, for he could not tell. And a Minister being then in the House, he desired that he might be called in, and when he was come, he propounded the same Question unto him, who answered, That he was in Life, and among his Friends on Earth, and therefore in the Body: To this he replied, It is true, and therewith rested satisfied, and desired the Minister to pray with him; which he did accordingly.
His Wife told him that some Friends there present hoped that he might yet recover and live: To which he answered, Can a dead Man live? Will God work Miracles? And shortly after he said, God is doing great things in the World: And he much bewailed the sad estate and condition of the Church of Christ.
In the Afternoon finding Death to approach, he often cryed out, O the Power of Death! not that he feared it: For it shrunk from him: but he found such a Power in Death as none could know but those that were under it. He also wished that his Sons had been present that they might see what the Power of Death was, and what it was to die. He desired also that some Neighbours in the Town might be called in, that he might Preach his last Sermon to them: And indeed, to this very present time his Spirits, Speech, and Memory continued very active and strong.
About four a Clock in the Afternoon his Wife, and his Wives Brother and Sister, His Death.standing by his Bedside, asked him how he did? He answered, very weak: adding, That he was going to Jesus Christ; and bad them not to be afraid of Death: with which words he put forth his Hand, and said, Brother, Sister, take Death by the Hand: be not afraid; Death is a Coward; he flyes from me: They found that his Hands were cold and clamy, whereby they perceived that he grew near to his end: and himself not long after, feeling that the dissolution of his Earthly Tabernacle, was now approching; lifting up his Eyes towards Heaven, he cryed out, Come Lord Jesus: And presently, with a smiling Countenance, he added, Art thou come? And so he breathed out his last, and fell a sleep.
Thus Reader, thou hast had a prospect of the more considerable Passages of this blessed Mans Life and Death. Pause hear a while, and take a second view of all again, and then surely thou canst not but wish (though it is desired for thee, that it may be from a better Principle then was in Baalam) Let me die the Death of this blessed Man, and let my last end be like his. But in vain shalt thou wish for this, if the Pattern of his Holy and Exemplary Life be neglected by thee.
We read of a Person of a loose Life, that hearing what a comfortable end St. Bernard made, said to his Companions; I would willingly die like St. Bernard, but I would live with and like you: 'Tis too certain that very many are of the same mind: But as it is impossible, but that an Holy Life should have a blessed and happy Death (Mark the perfect Man, and behold the Ʋpright: For the End of that Man is Peace, Psal. 37. 37.) So it is as impossible (in an ordinary way) that a loose and wicked Life, should have other than a miserable and uncomfortable Death, though some delusive, fading flashes of seeming Peace and comfort they may somtimes have which are but as a Blaze of Thorns which is suddenly extinct: For God himself hath said it, There is no Peace to the wicked (Isa. 48. 22.) And again: The wicked are driven away in their wickedness: but the Righteous hath hope in his Death. Impius dum spirat Sperat: Sed Justus cum expirat sperat. The wicked while they live, hope, but with a vain, and ungrounded hope: But the Righteous hope when they die, with a lively, and well grounded hope that never leaves them till it brings them to the fruition of the thing hoped for.
There yet remains somthings to be spoken which could not well be reduced to any one part of the Narrative of this worthy Persons life, because they did (like so many Golden Threads) pass through the whole Web: Or like the Spirits in the Blood, which run through the whole Body; and therefore these were thought fit to be reserved to the close of all, that the Reader may have a view of them altogether. And they are such Gifts and Graces as were very remarkable in this Man of God: For so I call him, not only because he was a Minister, and so God's Servant in a more peculiar sence; but also because of those eminent and excellent Virtues appearing in him, by which God did set his Mark or Seal upon him, as his peculiar Treasure. And these Graces were so conspicuous in him, that all that knew and were acquainted with him, will readily attest to the Truth of them: And they may be thus ranked in Order.
1. His great Humility and Meekness of Spirit.
2. His Diligence and Industry in his Calling.
3. His Zeal and Fervour, manifesting it self in his Praying, Preaching, Conference, and strict Observation of the Lord's Day.
4. His Liberality and Bounty upon all good occasions.
5. His great Candor, and Ingenuity.
6. His Faith and Patience.
7. His Power and Prevalency in Prayer.
First, To begin with his Humility: as that excellent Grace which embellished and His Humility.gave a lustre to all the rest, and is often enjoyned and pressed in the sacred Scriptures, and was most admirable in the Life of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who proposes himself as a Pattern to us in that Grace especially. And surely all that knew this worthy Doctor, will readily acknowledge this to have been very eminent in him; and that, not only in his Words and Garb, and some trivial Actions, which may easily be personated and counterfeited (as they were in that Frier, who always went seemingly dejected, and looking downwards towards the Earth, until he was chosen and made the Abbot of the Monastry, and then he altered his Mode, and gave this Reason of it; That he had long been looking for the Keys of the Abby, and that now, having found them, he needed no longer to according to his former custom.
But in our Doctor, Humility was of an higher strain, of a more Noble Original, and deeplier radicated in his Heart. And truly it was the more admirable and Exemplary in him, having divers singular endowments which might have elevated and puffed up his Heart with Pride; as, a plentiful Estate; was of a considerable Rank in the World, and of great Abilities: But these were poor things in his esteem. He could condescend to Men of the lowest Rank. He used to magnifie the abillities of ohers whilst he thought and speak meanly of his own, and was not offended if others did the like. He could easily bear the Contradictions of others, and stoop to the meanest Offices if thereby he might do good to Souls. It's well known that he would go to the poorest Neighbours Houses in his Parish, and there sit and discourse with them about the great and weighty concernments of their Souls; Qustioning with, and instructing them in the Principles of Religion; and at his Departure would give them some Money, that by his Deeds he might add the more weight to his Words, and make his Prudence.next Return the more Welcome. And this he did, not to gain Proselytes to himself, or a Name among Men, but to win them to Christ, and to be a means in furthering the Eternal Salvation of their Souls.
Secondly, His Diligence and Sedulity in his Calling was very Great and Exemplary. A hard Student he was all a long, and so he continued to the last. 'Tis scare credible, Industry.but to those that saw and knew it, what a great number of Books were found in his Library, filled with Transcriptions out of the Authors which he read over; Besides, pieces of Controversies, and Observations of his own. And indeed, there were few Books that he Read, but he took Notes out of them, and made Marks in them of what was most considerable. To which if we shall add all his Manuscripts (which had been the Summ of near Twenty Years Study) lost in the time of the late Wars, we cannot but conclude him to have been a most Faithful, and painful Labourer in the Lord's Vineyard. His daily Practice declared him to be a Person very careful to redeem time, and as fearful to lose, or mispend and waste it.
As soon as he was up in the Morning, whilst he dressed himself, either his Wife or Time improved.a Servant read to him some Chapters in course, out of the Old and New Testament. When he was drest, he retired himself into his Study, where he ordinarily continued till he was called down to Prayer and Dinner: After which, for better digestion, he intermitted his Studies, and took opportunities of Discourse with Friends and Neighbours that came to visit him, who knew that to be the only time wherein they might find him at leasure: For he used to forbid them coming to him in the Forenoon, that so his Studies might not be interrupted. And then after two or three Hours intermission, he returned into his Study again, where, for the most part, both in Summer and Winter he continued till about Eight a Clock at Night, seldom eating any Supper, or very sparingly.
When in the Evening he was come down, calling his Family together, he read a Chapter in course, gave the Sense of it, went to Prayer, and so to Bed, often grudging the time that he spent in sleep, and eating. Here also may be added, that as it was his ca…e to be well prepared before he went to Preach (for he would not offer either to God or Man that which cost him nothing) so did he strive to get his Heart into a right frame for Preaching, that from the Heart he might speak to the Hearts of his Hearers, as he used often to say: And to obtain assistance from God therein, he used by private Prayer to beg God's Blessing upon his Labours. It was his frequent saying, That he was as circumspect and diligent in studying what he was to deliver, as if he expected no assistance from Christ, yet when he came to Preach, disowning his own endeavours, he wholly cast himself upon Jesus Christ for strength and assistance as if he had not studied at all. And that God many times suggested such matter into his mind in the delivery of his Sermons, as he had not thought on before, which also he observed, God did abundantly bless to the com…rt and edification of his Auditory.
He would often say, That his Opportunities were his Riches, and he was alwayes careful to improve them; whence it seldom came to pass that he Preached without making some real impression upon his Hearers, which was discovered by the Tears that fell from many of their Eyes.
Thirdly, His Zeal and Fervour deserves our serious consideration. It was the Counsel His Zeal.of a Grave and Holy Divine, That Christians should take heed that their Old Judgments did not abate their Youthful Affections: And certainly there was in this our Old Doctor, such warmth of Affections as is seldom seen in so ancient a Man, and yet it was mannaged with such Christian Prudence, that he exercised it, not about light and trivial matters, but about the greater and more substantial Points of Religion, and that through the whole course of his Life. Whether he Preached, Prayed, or Discoursed about Holy and Divine things, all was performed, and accompanied with much Zeal and warmth of Affections: He was Fervent in Spirit, serving the Lord, Rom. 12. 11. O how glad was he of an Opportunity of Preaching, and if (after the black day) his Liberty could have been purchased by Money, what would he not have given for it?
He was very affectionate in Prayer, and yet were his Affections so moderated and tempered with Prudence and Judgment, that though upon extraordinary Occasions, he could enlarge and exspatiate himself therein, yet in his Family Prayers he was usually short, that so he might not make Religious duties a burthen to those that joined with him. And as his Prayers were fervent and mixed with Faith, so he had this Honour from God that he had many signal Returns and Answers to his Prayers, as shall be shewed afterwards, as can be attested by many yet living, who had benefit by them, or were Eye or Ear witnesses of them, and that both for Soul and Bodily Distempers and Afflictions.
He was Conscientiously strict and careful in the observation and Sanctification of the Sabbaths Sanctified.Lord's days; not permiting any Discourses in his presence, but such as were suitable to the Day, and to the Duties thereof: And he would Rebuke and Reproove such as took liberty to Discourse about their Worldly businesses upon God's holy Day.
Fourthly, His Liberality and Bounty were as Eminent and Exemplary as any other His great Liberality.of his Virtues and Graces. As God gave him a large and plentiful Estate, so he gave him a free and large Heart, which was a double Mercy. He was Rich in Good Works, ready to Distribute willing to Communicate: Laying up in store for himself a good Foundation against the time to come, 1 Tim. 6. 18, 19. He was often heard to say, That he could fare hardly and go meanly, that he might be the better enabled thereby to relieve the ne…ssities of them that were in want: And it is believed that few of his Estate and Rank …xceeded him herein. Seldom did any necessitous Persons come to him; seldom did he hear of the wants of others, though at a distance from him, but they tasted of his Bounty.
He gave large Summs of Money every Year for divers Years together, to Pious and Charitable uses, as his Wife can testifie, who kept an account in Writing of the several Summs so disbursed by him. Towards the relief of the Poor persecuted Protestants in Piemont he gave Thirty Pounds; and as much the same Year to another Charitable use. He gave also several considerable Summs yearly for the maintenance and encouragement of some poor Schollars in the Colledge by Dublin, besides a large Summ of Money disbursed out of his own Purse, towards furnishing the Library there with good Books. As as he had thus sundry ways exercised and declared his Bounty whilst he lived, so at his Death he gave large Legacies to Pious and Charitable uses, and God made good that Promise to him, Isa. 58. 10. If thou draw out thy Soul to the Hungry, and satisfiest the afflicted Soul: Then shall thy Light rise in obscurity, and thy Darkness be as the Noon day.
Fifthly, To this Grace of Charity may be added his Candor, and Courteous deportment His Candor and Courtesy.in mannaging of it, which gave a great lustre to his Bounty, according to that of the Poet:
Dat bene, dat multum, qui dat cum Munere Vultum.
His Meekness was such that he was not apt to be offended with others, much less His Meekness.was he apt to offend others. He always interpreted to the best Sence that which might seemingly have ministred occasion of disgust, by which obligingness, and excellent Temper, he drew Love and Respect to himself where ever he came, and with whom soever he conversed; whether in private Families, or in his more publick imployments.
Sixthy, His Faith and Patience calls for our serious consideration, of both which, Faith and Patience.as he had given good proof in the whole course of his Life, so they eminently shone forth when he came to die. In the time of his Sickness he shewed an humble, holy, and chearful resignation of himself to the Wise and Merciful disposal of God, his Heavenly Father. Not one repining word was heard to proceed out of his Mouth: He was Dumb and opened not his Mouth, because it was the Lord that did it, Psal. 39. 9. There was not so much as an impatient or uncomly motion seen in him: But being full of Death not feared.Faith and Christian Patience and Courage, he feared not Death, but was well resolved and prepared against the stroke of it: And would often say, O how happy a thing is it, by Death to be above a possibility of sinning.
The Heathen Philosophers called Death, The most terrible of all terribles, and the Sacred Scripture calls i…, The King of Terrors. It is storied, that one hearing a Person highly commended for his rare and excellent Virtues, said, Let us stay till his Death, and then we shall be the better able to judg of all these things which make such a glittering shew in him for the present. And certainly to be able to look the King of Terrors in the Face, without an appaled Countenance, and to meet the last Enemy [Death] with joy and comfort is no small evidence of a true and strong Faith: And this was evidently discerned and seen in this worthy Doctor at the time of his Death.
He often declared in his Health, that in his younger Days, he had been sorely vexed and perplexed with Satana Temptations; but at last, meeting with a plain, honest Christian (such an other probably as was that Shepherd with whom Junius met) to whom, complaining of his Fears, he first rebuked him, and then instructed him, Good counsel.saying, You look at the Reward without minding and attending your Work, in that you desire and expect assurance, before you have well resolved of doing your Duty. My advice therefore is, to mind what God requires of you in your present station, and be serious and diligent therein, and assurance will come in God's due time. This advice, he professed, was of great use to him all his Life after; so that from that time forward he was not troubled with such perplexing Thoughts as formerly he had been: But he lived and died in Peace both with God and Man in the Great Climaterical Year of his Age, October the 22th. Anno Christi, 1666.
7. And lastly, His power and prevalency in Prayer was very remarkable, and more than ordinary.
The wise Solomon tells us (Prov. 12. 2.) That a good Man obtaineth favour of the Lord, that is, he hath what he will of God. Id quod vult a Deo impetrat▪ quia ejus His Prevalency in Prayer.voluntas est ipsissima Dei voluntas, nec aliud vul…; as Mercer hath it out of Rabbi Levi. 'Tis written of Luther, Iste vir potuit a Deo quicquid voluit: That by his Prayer he could prevail with God at his pleasure: Melancthon, and Myconius, being sick of desperate Diseases, were both recovered by Luther's Prayers. Sozomon, saith of Apollonius, That he never asked any thing of God in all his Life which he obtained not. Blessed is he that hath what he will, and Wills nothing but what he should. The Persons of Saints (saith a Reverend Divine) are like secret Pledges of common quiet, and their Meditations and Prayers are a Shield to the Earth against the Wrath of Heaven. Faithful Prayer (saith another) is able, after a sort, to alter God's mind, and to transfuse a Dead Palsy into the Hands of Omnipotency, as Exod. 32. 10. where God is fain to bespeak his own freedom, Let me alone, &c.
We have many Examples in Scripture of the Power and Efficacy of Prayer. Jacob would have a Blessing, and therefore by Prayers wrestles with might and slight; Prayer Powerful.and this he doth in the Night, when alone, and God about leaving him, and upon one Leg. He had a hard pull and yet prevailed. The Woman of Canaan (Mat. 15. 23.) came for a cure, and a cure she would have, and she had it at last, with an high commendation of her Horoical Faith in Prayer. God heaps Mercies upon his Suppliants, (as Naaman did upon Gehazi) and blames them for their Modesty in asking: Hitherto (said he) ye have asked nothing, that is, nothing to what you might and should. Ask and have, that your Joy may be full, Joh. 16. 24. Many other Scripture Examples might be produced, but lest any should think that those were extraordinary, and that the like are not to be found in our Days, take notice of these Instances following.
When Mr. Winter, in his younger Days was cast out of his Living, his first Wife, The first Instance.having many Children, fell into great Grief, and perplexity of Mind, fearing lest she and hers should come to want. Mr. Winter was much troubled to see his Wif's discontents, and thereupon plied the Throne of Grace for cure thereof; and one Day, as he was riding abroad, and crying earnestly unto God about this matter, he thought that he heard a Voice, saying unto him, Because thou hast not spared thine Estate for my Glory, neither thou, nor any of thine shall want. At his return home he told this to his Wife with Joy, saying, That he would not for all he was worth, want that comfortable answer to his Prayers.
When an Order was sent to Mr. Winter from the Parliament that then was, to attend A second Instance.their Commissioners into Ireland, his Wife was very unwilling thereunto, and some of their near Relations came on purpose to diswade him from going; himself also was very fearful of the Seas. In this his great strait, he retired into his Study (as his usual manner was in like cases) and there with much earnestness, he spread the matter before God craving his Guidance, and direction therein. And the Lord was pleased to set it upon his Spirit, that he should go, and be carried in safety thither, and there become an Instrument of converting many Souls to God. When he had declared this to his Wife, and Friends, they acquiesced, and so he resolved upon that Journey: And according to this Gracious Promise of God, though they took Shipping in the midst of Winter, and went with a Master that was not very well acquainted with those Seas, yet they found the Seas calm, and their Passage so speedy, that whereas some other great Persons went out before them, and with a more experienced Master, yet they arrived in safety about four and twenty Hours before them, insomuch as the Captain of the Ship said, That in his whole Life he had never known so calm and speedy a Passage before.
Not long after Mr. Winter's coming into Ireland he went with the Commissioners A third Instance.unto Kilkenny, in which place Collonel Jones his VVife fell very sick of the Yellow Jaundise, and some other Distempers; for which cause her Husband invited certain Ministers, and some other Friends to spend some Hours in Prayer unto God in her behalf. And Mr. Winter was the last Man that prayed. But before he began, he went to her and asked her, Whether she had Faith to be healed? She answered, She thought she had. Then he went to Prayer, and wrestled exceedingly with God for her recovery: And when he had done, he went again unto her, and advised her to be very careful and diligent in the use of all good means for the recovery of her Health; adding, That she should live, and not die at that time: at this saying of his, his Wife and Sister were much troubled, and told him in private, that they would have given much Money, rather then that he should have spoken so confidently of her recovery, there being so many Anabaptists present at that time: And they feared that if his Words proved true, they might thereby be confirmed in their Enthusiastical conceits; if otherwise, that then they might take occasion to scandalize his Person and Ministry: But he again told them that she should not die at that time.
Yet after this she continued very weak for a Month or more: her Doctors gave her up for a dead Woman, whereupon Mr. Winters Wife again blamed him, for his confident saying, That she must live; to which he smillingly answered, Well, she is not yet Dead, At length her Disease so prevailed, that she lost the use of her Senses, and her Servants that stood weeping about her, said, Now she is near death indeed. The Saturday following, as Mr. Winter sat at Dinner, a Messenger came to him from Collonel Jones, to tell him, That if he would see his Wife alive, he must come away presently, for that she was now a dying. At this Mrs. Winter was much troubled, because of her Husbands former confidence in Promising her Life: But Mr. Winter made no great hast to be gone, saying, That he knew well when God answered his Prayers, and when not.
After he had dined he went to the House, where he found the Collonel sitting by her, ready to close her Eyes so soon as Breath departed out of her Body, for so she had enjoyned him in the time of her Health. She lay speechless and without the use of her Senses, not answering, nor moving her Eyes, though her Husband, and Mr. Winter called unto her, whereupon her Husband judged that she had lost her Hearing. Mr. Winter requested that he might pray with her; but her Husband refused, saying, That she was Sensless, and had been a dying all that Morning. Mr. VVinter urged again that yet he might pray with her: No (said the Collonel) it is to no purpose: She is now a dead VVoman. Yet Mr. VVinter urged the third time, that he might pray, saying, Her Life is yet in her; and whilst there is life, there is hope, and so he went to Prayer, which he performed with much earnestness and importunity, joyned with many Tears.
When Prayer was ended, Mr. VVinter, going to her Bed-side, she looked upon him, and with a smiling Countenance, said, O, see the fruit of Prayer! O, see the fruit of Paryer! Set me up, and give me something to eat: I am cured, but not by the Art of Doctors: only Free grace, and fervent Prayers have prevailed with God for me. They asked her, What she could eat? She answered, any thing. They gave her some Bread and Butter, of which she did eat pritty heartily. Then did her Husband send for her Doctors; but she had them not to provide any more Physick for her, saying, That she would take none; for she would not dishonour God: nor wrong prayer so much (by which she was now cured) as to take any more Physick: Nor could she, by any means be perswaded to it.
On Munday following in the Afternoon, Mrs. VVinter heard that Mrs. Jones was walking in her Garden, which she wondring at, went to see her, and found her there indeed. So soon as she saw Mrs. VVinter, she went to meet her, and said, O, see the fruit of Prayer! Mrs. VVinter, blessed God for her recovery; whereupon she said, My Doctors would have me take some more Physick of them: but it is God that hath cured me, and he only shall have the praise of it. I will take nothing of them: they shall not boast that they have cured me: For God by Prayer hath done it. It's Prayer alone that hath done it. And indeed hearin God made good that gracious Promise of his, Jam. 5. 15. The Prayer of Faith shall save the Sick, and the Lord shall raise him up.
Some Months after, Mr. VVinter with his Family, removed to Dublin; and after sometime the aforesaid Mrs. Jones fell sick again, and her Sickness prevailed so far upon her, that, growing very weak, she was confined to her Bed; whereupon on a Lord's day, Mr. Winter and his Wife, and her Sister went to visit her: when they came, A fourth Instance.they found an other Minister with her; but she called for Mr. Winter to pray with her. A Lady that was present, coming to Mrs. VVinter's Sister, said, O! do you think this good VVoman will recover, or not? She answered, I know not yet: but when my Brother Winter hath done Prayer, I will tell you more. When Mr. Winter had ended his Prayer, she came to her again, an said, What think you now? She answered, She believed that she would not recover, and so said Mrs. Winter also. The reason whereof was, because they observed that in his Prayer, he was more earnest in Praying for the Spiritual, and Eternal welfare of her Soul, then for her Bodily health.
When they were returned home, Mrs. VVinter asked her Husband, what he thought of her? He answered, She will die. And this he said, Because when in prayer he would have begg'd of God to restore her to Health, he could not do it; but could only pray for her Eternal happiness. Faithful Prayer is ordained of God to be a means to obtain what we want and desire, and therefore 'tis never put up in vain, but shall have an answer, 1 Joh. 5. 14, 15. For where God gives a Tongue to speak, he hath an Ear to hear. 'Tis the Observation of a Reverend Divine of our own: That when God intends not to hear, he lays the Key of Prayer out of the way; as being loth that such precious Breath as that of Prayer is, should be without it's full and clearest success.
After this Mrs. Jones grew worse and worse, and continued in a languishing condition for some Months. She had several Doctors, who sed her with hopes of recovery, Mr Winter prayed oft with her, but still after the same manner, insomuch as his Wife told him, that she thought he did not love Mrs Jones as formerly, because he prayed not for her Life: he answered, that his Love was the same, but he was so bound up in his Spirit, that he could not pray for her recovery, and therefore he conceived that she would die.
At length Mrs. Jones finding her self very weak, sent for Mr. Winter to pray with her, and after Prayer, she said unto him: Sir, I fear you love me not so much as formerly. God heard your Prayers for me when I was dying at Kilkenny, but now you do not Pray so earnestly for my life as you did then. No (said he) I neither do, nor can do it, tho I love you as well as ever: For when I would Pray for your Life, my tongue is turned to Pray for your Eternal Welfare. Therefore I believe that you are not a woman for this World, but will shortly be in a better. Think you so, said she, hereupon she sent for a Collonels Wife, between whom and her self there was some difference, and they were reconciled together. She sent also for her Husband, and imparted her mind to him: Adding, that she saw that she must die, for that Mr. Winter could not Pray for her, as he did in former Sickness: And it pleased God shortly to take her to himself.
At an other time Mrs Winters Sister going for England, left her only Son with her; A fifth Instance.And after a while the Child fell into an high Feavour, and one Morning the maid with whom the Child lay, came to her Mrs and told her, she feared the Child had the Plague, for that he had many Spots in his Bosom; And the Plague, at this time, was in Dublin. Mrs. Winter presently sent for a Doctor, who, when he had seen the Child, said, that they were either Plague Spots, or Feavour Spots, and that he much feared the Childs life. Hereupon Mrs Winter went to her Husband in his Study, and acquainted him with these things, requesting him that he would be earnest with God in begging the Childs Life. At Noon, when her Husband came down, we asked him, what he thought of the Child? He bad her not to perplex and trouble her self, for the Child would live: And before the next day the Child began to amend, and within a few dayes was perfectly well.
Mrs VVinter herself was somtime under a strong Temptation to become an Anabaptist, A sixth Instance.being strongly perswaded that it was the way of God: And she proceeded so far that she had been Dipped, but that she feared it would reflect upon her Husbands credit. Her Husband took much pains with her to reclaim and settle her in the Truth, yet could she not be convinced of her Error, but continued Night and Day in great perplexity of Spirit, only she relyed upon that gracious Promise of Christ. John 7. 17. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the Doctrine whether it be of God. And at last she resolved to set a day apart to seek unto God for satisfaction in this doubtful Case. But it fell out that, that very day, they were earnestly invited to dine wirh Doctor Jones, and Mr. VVinter had promised to go: But his Wife said, she could not go, because she had set that day apart upon such an occasion: Her Husband answered her; Thou must go, for I have been Praying for thee, and God hath assured me that thou shalt be satisfied, and that quickly too: And so accordingly it came to pass. For she was so resolved, and satisfied from Heaven, that afterwards she was able to Dispute with the Female Anabaptists, yea, and to confute them; Insomuch as some of the Officers who were of that perswasion, would suffer their Wives to come no more unto her.
Whilest they were in Dublin Mrs. VVinters Sisters Husband, being upon his occasions A seaventh Instance.in London, he fell very dangerously Sick, Sr. Francis Pridjean, and an other Doctor were his Physitians, who after a time gave him up for Dead. An other of Mrs. VVinters Sisters wrot her word of it; Adding, that she believed before that Letter could come to her Hands he would be Dead and Buried. As soon as they received it, his Wife desired that that afternoon might beset apart to seek God, in her Husbands behalf; and accordingly some Ministers and Christians were invited to meet together for that end: When the time was come, Mrs. VVinter requested her Husband to come away, for that the company were met together: He bad her go before; For he must endeavour to know of the Lord whether he was yet living or no: For (said he) do you think that I will Pray for a Dead Man? when some of the Ministers had Prayed, Doctor VVinter came in. They Pray'd with submission, that if he where yet in the Land of the Living, the Lord would be pleased to be his Physician, and to direct and bless all good means to him for the recovery of his Health. But in the close of the day, when Doctor VVinter came to Pray, he shewed much confidence, that he was yet alive, to the amazment of all that heard him. But his Sister in Law who knew his manner, and had much experience of the succesfulness of his Prayers, between Hope and Fear could not contain herself from crying out, when Doctor VVinter had concluded and was risen from his knees, he went to her, and took her by the hand, saying: Be of good comfort, for your Husband is alive, and shall recover, and you shall see him again with Joy. She crying out aloud, said, Ah, Brother, I fear he is Dead: Do you think he is alive? I know (said he) that he is alive, and repeated over his former words again: And accordingly in their next Letters they heard of his recovery.
At another time Mrs. VVinters Sister (who was with them in Ireland) fell into a dangerous Relaps after a Feavour, being great with Child, and within two Months An Eight Istance.of her time; At which time she fell into a great bleeding at the Nose. She had three Doctors and Chyrurgions, who used all their Arts, and yet could not stop it. At length she fell into Travel, and two Midwives were sent for to her: She was fain to sit upright in her Bed, and could not ly down because of her violent bleeding. Her Midwives and Doctors gave her up for a dead Woman; And she grew so weak, that her Sister VVinter not enduring to see her die, left her, and went to her own Chamber, were she found that her Sisters Husband had caused Doctor VVinter to arise (it being in the Night) and to Pray for his Wife, which accordingly he did with much earnestness; And it pleased God, that presently after news was brought them, that she was delivered of a dead Child.
Hereupon Doctor VVinter and his Wife went to see her, and found her still Bleeding; And the Doctors and Chyrurgians were sent for again, who agreed to open a vain and let her Blood: The Chyrurgion struck her right Arm, but no blood came, the Doctors bid him try the other Arm; He answered, That it was to no purpose, for she had no Pulse for some hours before; Yet the Doctors caused him to do it, and then some few drops of Blood came. But most of this time Doctor VVinter was Praying for her in the next room, and she somtimes over heard him, but could not speak. Afterwards she told them that these thoughts were in her Head; Yonder Good Man would fain have me live, but it will not be.
Indeed one of her Midwives bid her prepare for Death; For she could not live: To whom one of the Doctors said, that sure she had forgotten Lazarus: No (replied the Midwife) I have not forgotten him: But God must work as great a Miracle now, as he did then, if she recover. Yet for all this, it pleased God that she did recover, and afterwards one of the Doctors told Mrs VVinter, that he never saw one so near unto Death, to live; And that to him it was a Miracle. Here you see another sweet return to Doctor VVinters Prayers, and his Sister would often acknowledge that it was by the power and prevalency of his Prayers that she was restored to Life; and so others judged also.A Ninth Instance.
The last time that the Soldiers pulled the Parliament in Pieces, Doctor Winter and his Friends in Dublin were in great Fears of the Confusions that were like to follow; Whereupon he kept weekly Fasts with his Congregation for a great while together? And one time as he was Praying in imitation of Abrahams praying for Sodom, he used such like expressions: Lord wilt thou also destroy the Righteous with the VVicked? Peradventure there be fifty Thousand Righteous within these three Kingdoms: VVilt thou also destroy, and not spare these Nations for fifty Thousand Righteous tbat are therein, &c. And when he came to the last number of ten Thousand, as he kneeled against a Post in the Room, he saw a great shining Light about him, and heard perfectly a Voice saying: The Nations shall be spared for ten Thousand Righteous Persons sake.
Upon this gracious Answer, he turned his Prayer into Praises and Thanksgivings unto God for this speedy return to his earnest Request, insomuch as all the company could not but take notice of it, tho none of them heard the Voice but himself only. Mrs. VVinter upon some occasion was absent at this time; Yet a Gentlewoman that was present told her after, that her Husband that day was so enlarged, and Elevated in Prayer, that he exceeded himself, and that she never heard him do better as also that his Petitions were answered before he rose from his Knees. Mrs. VVinter, asked her, how she knew that, she answered, by his large Thanksgivings after he had done pleading with the Lord for these Nations. Also a while after, a Gentlewoman coming to see him, who had been present that day, embraced him, saying, that he was a man greatly beloved of the Lord, for he could no sooner ask but he was answered, and his Petition granted. And the very week after, they heard that the Pride of the Soldiers was abated, having meet with a check.
Doctor VVinter afterwards told his Wife, that he perceived that a Voice might be spoken to one in a Room, where many were, and yet none else might hear it. And when he lay upon his Death-Bed, his Wife asked him again about it, and he said that he did as certainly and plainly hear it, as he heard her then speak: She asked, if the Voice were like unto hers? No (said he) It was another manner of Voice. Thus we read, Act. 22. 9 That the men that went with Saul to Damascus, saw indeed the Light, and were afraid: But heard not the Voice that spake to him.
At Dublin there was one Mrs Smith, a Merchants Wife, who had been many A Tenth Instance.dayes in Labor, her Child was Dead within her, she had good experienced Midwives, and one Man-Midwife, and yet she could not be delivered. At last, one Morning they sent for Doctor Winter to pray with her, telling him, that she could not live till Night she was so far spent. But it fell out that he was out of Town, when they sent. At Night he came home, and then they sent again for him, her Husband sending him Word that she was not yet Dead, but very neer unto it.
Doctor Winter (tho he was very weary) went to the House, and Prayed very earnestly unto God for her. And when his Prayer was ended, he spake to the good Women about her, to raise her up, and to use all good means for her Delivery saying, That say should Live: But they (being hopeless of her Life and Delivery, desired that she might be no more tortured, but be suffered to Die in Peace.) Yet Doctor Winter importuned them to make one tryal more, which at last they consented to, and had good success: For in a short time she was safely delivered of a Dead Child. This Mrs Smith proving afterwards with Child again; a Friend of hers said to her, she hoped now it would be better with her then it was the time before: (said she) Doctor Winter is gone, and I must now Die: which also came to pass, for she could not be Delivered.
After Doctor Winter returned into England, he, with his Wife sojourned for a An Eleaventh Instant.Month in Doctor Drakes House, in which time his second Daughter fell sick of the twisting of her Guts: She had two able Physicians, Doctor Trench and Doctor Cox. She lay in very great Torments from Munday till Saturday Night, and the Doctors had very little Hopes of her Life. On Saturday in the Evening Doctor Winter came in, and meeting her Sister, he enquired how she did? Her Sister answered, that now she thought she was very neer unto Death; For that the Doctors haveing perscribed somthing to be given her in a Spoon, her Teeth were so set that her Aunt and she had much ado to open them to put it into her Mouth: But (said she) Sir, what do you think of her. Give me (said he) a Candle that I may go into my Chamber, and anon I will tell you whether she shall Live or Die. When he came down, she meet him at the Foot of the Stairs, and asked him, what he thought of her now? He answered, Your Sister will Live. And so going up into her Chamber, he spake to his Wife, and bid her use all good means possible for her recovery: For (said he) She must not Die at this time. His Wife begged of him not to be so confident, for that she was now very near unto Death, and there were no hopes of her Recovery; Yet he told her Mother and Aunt, that she should recover and live. His wife was much troubled at it, notwithstanding her many experiences. But the next day signes of recovery began to appear, and within a little space she was perfectly well.
Some other Instances of his Power and Prevalencie in Prayer might be given; But these may suffice, as evidently Demonstrating that the Lord our God is a Prayer-Hearing God: That, Never faith to the Seed of Jacob, Seek ye my Face in Vain.
Probably the incredulous World will not believe these things to be true: But Judge them rather to be Romances, and Fancies, then Realities: But there were so many Persons of Quality and Conscience at the first publication hereof, Living, who could, and would attest the Truth of them, that there is no place left of distruct and doubting to those that are Sober, and Judicious. Amos 3. 7. Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his Secrets to his Servants the Prophets. John 16. 23. Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in my Name, he will give it you. v. 24. Hitherto you have asked nothing in my Name, Ask and you shall recieve that your Joy may be full.