The Lives of Sundry Eminent Persons, Part 1 · Biography 12

The Lives of Sundry Eminent Persons · Part 1 · Biography 12

p. 109The Life and Death of Mr. Thomas Tregoss, who died Anno Christi 1670.

THomas Tregross was born at Saint Ives, neer the Lands-end in Cornwal. The Family where of he was a Branch was not without Noble Blood running in His Parentage.its veines. Some are of opinion that it is more Ancient then the Norman Conquest, a Stem of the old Britans driven into and Planted in those parts. Our English History tells us that Duke William, commonly called The Conquerour, created John Tregoss a Baron, who tho he died without Issue, yet Henry Tregoss sat as a Baron in the Parliament in the Thirty Fift year of King Henry the first: And Robert Tregoss was one of those Lords that sided with Simon Montford Earl of Leicester against King Henry the third.

As for the ruines of this Noble Family, the principal cause thereof is very Remarkable, and ought to be buried in silence. One Mr Roscadden going on Pilgrimage, according to the blindness and Superstition of those times, his Wife had in his absence one, if not more Children: whereupon at his return, John Tregoss advised and perswaded him to settle his Estate upon some Friend, for the use and benefit of his Wife and Children, lest after his Death, the Heir at common Law should turn his Wife and Children out a Doors.

Mr. Roscadden entertained, and approved the motion, and intreated him to accept of the trust, which request John Tregoss readily embraced; But instead of a Perfidiousness:Deed in Trust, he made it absolute to himself and his Heirs for ever. And accordingly so soon as Mr. Roscadden was Dead, he entred upon all his Lands, and turned his Wife and Children out of Doors, who for some time, were sain to lye in an Hogstie, and every Morning went forth to the Dunghil, and there upon their Knees Imprecated and Prayed that the Vengeance of God might fall upon this Tregoss and his Posterity for this so perfidious and merciless dealing.

And after this Gods severe, but Righteous Judgments fell upon Tregosses Family. Plagued by God.For his Son Walter one day riding upon a Horse in a fair way, the Horse threw him, and broak his neck: And some of his Issue came to untimly ends, and it is observed that a curss hath remained upon the Estate ever since: And this Mr. Thomas Tregoss of whom we now write, was so sencible of it, that it cost him many fervent Prayers to God for the removal of that dreadfull Curse, as himself assured a bosom Friend.

Notwithstanding the Judgment of God upon this Family; Yet Thomas Tregosses Parents were Godly Persons, and reputed to be of the number of Old Punitans. And this was much manifested in the Religious Education of this their Son, whose His Education.tender years they took care to have timely seasoned with the Principles of Religion, and good Literature. At first indeed he seemed to be of a dull Capacity, till he was about the Age of seven Years, or somwhat after; But then he began to discover that he was of a quick apprehension and of a firm and tenatious Memory. And indeed he had from his youth a strong inclination to the Work of the Ministry, and would often (when he was but a Child) stand up upon a Stool, or Bench and after his manner Preach to his Play-fellows.

When he had attained to a compleat measure of Grammer Learning, he was sent He goes to Oxford.to Oxford and admitted into Exeter Colledge, under the Tuition of Mr. Francis Howel, then Fellow of the said Colledge; He soon percieved in him an awakned and quick Spirit, full of vivacity and serious intention, insomuch as he made good the p. 110Character which Aristotle gives of a hopefull young Man, foreign, To act vigorously, which he shewed in whatever Eercises he was engaged in. And he did not (as too many Youths do) frustrate, and abuse the expectations of his Friends and Relations, by squandering away those pretious oportunities, and encouragements afforded unto him, for the elevating of his Natural Capacity by the acquirement of Liberall Arts, and Philosophicall Sciences, wherein he made a very good Progress.His Blamlesness.

Neither was he without a good interest in the Judgment and Esteem of Judicious and Pious Persons, as appeared by the admittance which Reverend Doctor Conant gave him, in accepting him to be a Member of his Congregation. Also whilst he continued in the University, he began to be sensible of some woundings of his Consience. For one day hearing Doctor Conant upon that Text Hos. 6. 4. O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? &c. Some passages of that Sermon made so deep an Impression upon him, as that his Conscience was filled with no small Terror. When he went to his Bed, he was not without fears that he should never live to see another day. When in his Study, that he should never come out alive.His Terror.

And so long as the terrors of his awakned Conscience, and Sick Nights for Sin continued, he could not endure to hear a vain word, or to be a Spectator of what had but the appearance of Sin in it. Yet by degrees these Lights and heats of Conscience disappeared, and vanished away. Neither did they at that time determine and end in a thorow Conversion, as will be made more clear hereafter.

When he had spent some time in the University, he returned to Saint Ives, the place of his Nativity, and haveing there given them some tast of his Ministerial Gifts, His return to St. Ives.the Inhabitants of that place invited him to sit down among them, and to be their Minister. This request he at first modestly refused, but at length being overcome by their importunity, he consented to spend some time amongst them: Where His Ordination.upon he was August the Seventeenth. Anno Christi 1657. in that Church solemly set apart for the work of the Ministry: And there he continued by the space of two Years: A hard and close Student all the week, and a faithful and constant Preacher twice every Lords Day.His Mariage.

Before his departure from this Place he took to Wife one Margret Sparman, who proved a Gracious, Meek, Humble, Affectionate, and equal Yoak-fellow to him. And whilest he continued in this Town, there were two remarkable Providences that ought not to be forgotten.

The first was this. The Summer after his abode among them, much of the Fishing A Special Providenceseason was expired, and no Pilchards appeared, the Sense whereof greatly affected and afflicted the Inhabitants of the Place; That Town depending much upon the Pilchard Trade. Hereupon Mr. Tregoss advised, and perswaded them to joyn with him in Keeping a day of Humiliation and Prayer, unto which they consenting, and the Duty being performed, the very next day came in a great Shole of these Fishes, whereof a considerable quantity was chaught.

The other Providential Dispensation was this. The Summer following the Fishermen Another.having taken a great number of Pilchards upon a Saturday, all that Night was spent in ordering of them: And the Sea-men were very intent upon drying their Nets on the Lords day. This Mr. Tregoss rebuked them for: withall, giving them to understand, that they provoked the Lord deservedly to withdraw his Blessing from them, which fell out accordingly. For from that time to the end of the Fishing season they had no occasion, or oportunity of making use of their Nets again.

From Saint Ives Mr. Tregose removed in October Anno Christi 1659. To the His remove to Miler,Vicarage of Miler and Mabe where he continued in his constancie of Study, and Preaching till he was Ejected by the Act of Ʋniformity upon that dismal day August the 24th 1662. And then being prohibited, and excluded from the Publick Place of Prayer and Preaching, he ceased not to Preach in his own Family twice every Lords Day: which being known in the Neighbourhood, diverse who had the Comfort of his Ministry in publick, could not but Thirst after it in private.

This being divulged and known abroad, the news of it was carried to the Lord His first imprisonmentLieutenant of the Country, who for his refusing to take the Oath appointed for the Militia, committed him to the Custody of the Mareschal, with whom he continued about the space of three Months, yet not ceasing to Preach to his Fellow p. 111Prisoners, hearing others also that came to hear him. But at …an he was released by an order from the Deputy-Lieutenant.His industry.

In September Anno Christi 1663. Mr. Tregoss removed his habitation to the Baron of Kigilliack in the Parish of Badock near unto Penrin: where he still kept up his Lords-days meetings and exercises; unto which many came flocking as Doves to their Windows. And about the beginning of October Anno Christi 1664. He and his Wife lying awake in their Bed, they felt a great Earthquake, which made that Room to tremble and quake under them, as they apprehended. And that which ministred to them great cause of admiration, was, that no one else felt the same. But this was A Strange Providencebut a Prognostick and Symbolick Image of that trembling Heart-quake which Mr. Tregos… shortly felt in his Conscience.

For on the first of January next following, it being a Lord's day, it pleased God to direct him to Preach on that Text Luke 12. 47. And that Servant that knew his His Conversion.Lords Will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his Will, shall be beaten with many Stripes. Upon which Text he shewed what a dangerous Sin it is to Sin against Knowledge. But when the Duties of the Day were ended, the Lord brought his old Sins into his remembrance, and set them in order before him, especially one aboue the rest. Hereupon he betook himself to Duties, but drove on therein very heavily: Yet did the Lord by his Omnipotent Hand draw him on to persevere in the same.

One day among the rest as he was in Duty, he was assaulted with a strong Temptation, grounded upon that Text. Heb. 12. 17. For ye know how that afterwards, Temptation.when he would have inherited the Blessing, he was rejected; For he found no place for Repentance, tho he sought it carefully with Tears. He frequently endeavor'd to shake off the Chains and Cords of the Spirit, grieving that he was bound up from the World: And his performance of Duties …s accompanied with deadness and unbeliefe: Yet the Lord held him fast to his Work; forceing him to continue and persist in a way of Seeking.

Somtimes he feared that the Lord would leave him to run on in his former Sinfull The Spirit of Bondage.Courses; Yea, that he should not persevere to the end of one Day. But the Lord Magnified his Grace and Power above, and beyond his fears. Somtimes in reading the Holy Scriptures the Lord would set home Threatnings, and anon supported him by his Comfortable Promises, to keep him equally ballanced, between Hopes, that so he might not Sink, and Fears, that he might not Presume.

Thus for about the space of five Weeks, he was detained, and kept under the Spirit of Bondage and afflicting Terrors, having all this while no discoveries of Gods Gracious disposition towards him, till about the beginning of February following: At which time he took up a resolution to discover some Sins which most burdened his Conscsence: But then, by Gods good Providence he met with a passage in one of our English Divines setting forth the Greatness and Freeness of Gods Love, and of Christs Purchass; Which the Lord setting home unto him, he was somwhat quieted and refreshed in his Soul.

The next Day, which fell out to be a Lords-Day, he had a sweet, heart melting frame The Spirit of Adoption.of Spirit wrought in him for his Sins, together with a Lively Contemplation of Christs Sufferings, to which he was directed by an Eye of Faith. And now he, who formerly thought it an hard matter to shed one Tear for Sin, had now plenty. The Spirit of the Lord also bringing that Promise to his mind: I will forgive their Iniquities, and remember their Sins no more. And that of Christ to Thomas, Reach hither thy Finger, and behold my Hands, and reach hither thy Hand, and thrust it into my Side, and be not Faithless, but Believeing: And this was much promoted by his Reading the History of Christs Passion Yet was he not without some Fears and Doubtings still: Yea, at many times these Comforts, and Encouragements signified nothing at all to him. Yet after this, he was carried on in the exercise of Duties with more Enlargements, and Affectionate Workings of Spirit then formerly, especially at times.

And from this time he dated his Conversion. For albeit his Conversation, for some considerable time before was unreproachable, and his Labours in the Work of the Ministry indefatigable; Yea, and his Zeal for Non-Conformity remarkable, yet he judged the whole of his foregoing Life, Zeal, and Labors in the Ministry, to be no other then Splendida Peccata, Glittering Sins, and a continued series of Formality and Hypocrisie. And because some of his Friends, who well knew his former Conversation, p. 112could not but conceive that he had the Truth of Grace before this great Turn; He discoursing with a Friend upon this point, peremtorily affirmed, that he knew certainly that he had nothing of Sincerity before this late and great Work: And withall, he bewailed the Condition of the Church of England, in that generally Men were made Ministers, before they were made Christians.

Yea, he was not without many and great Fears, that many who in the Judgment and Esteem of Men, go for good and able Ministers, will one Day be found to be, when they come to be weighed in the Ballance of the Sanctuary, not so much as good and sincere Christians. These his Fears we may presume, he grounded upon his own Experience of himself (besides other common observations) who had the repute and esteem of, good and faithful Minister, before he was a sound and faithful Christian. And that which yet added further weight in his Judgment concerning himself, was this, in that though he had been painful, and constant in the work of the Ministry some years before this, yet he could not say, That God had made him the Instrument of the conversion of any one Soul, as the Seal of his Ministry, though afterwards he begat many Sons and Daughters unto God.

Some short time after this great change, which he strongly judged and concluded Strange Providences.to be the first sincere turning of his Soul unto God: Being brought very low, both in his Body and Spirits, he apprehended that his Death drew near. But then was that Scripture brought into his Mind, Psal. 118. I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord: Yet afterward being again under strong apprehensions of his Death approaching, he, looking into his Bible, God directed his Eye to that Portion of Scripture (Psal. 53. 5.) There were they in great fear where no fear was: which drove away that temptation: And not long after, with God's blessing thereon, by the use of means, he regained strength to go on in his Service.

Some short time after this, upon a Satu…ay, being very weak in Body, and almost despairing of recovery, he went up to his Chamber, as well as his seeble Legs could A strange Providencecarry him, where he fell down upon his Knees in Prayer: And whilst he was in this Duty, he suddenly and sensibly found, at least in his apprehension, that a great measure of strength was given in unto him, to his great astonishment. Whereupon he attempted to arise, and to walk, which he accordingly did, two or three turns about his Chamber, very strongly.

Finding this strange alteration, he called for his Wife to come to him, who soon espied the change, finding his pale Cheeks to be clothed with their wonted colour and complexion. And now he, that not many moments before, looked upon himself as drawing near unto the very brink of the Grave, was enabled to perform the Duties of that Evening; yea, the next days Duties (being the Lords day) with much vigor and strength. And after these signal marks of the Divine favour, and assistance, aforded both to his Soul and Body, he joyned with some other Ministers and Christians in keeping a Monthly Fast to humble and afflict themselves for their own sins, and for the sins of their Families, and of the Nation. And after these his first turning to God, he found a more then ordinary assistance, both in his Studies and Ministry, the Lord casting in abundant matter, and suitable Affections in the delivery thereof.

April the 30th i… Anno Christi 1665. being the Lords day, Mr. Tregoss, whilst he More of them.was in Prayer, was much distracted about his intended Preaching in Publick, whereunto he seemed to be drawn by a very strange, though manifest course of Providence, which he strongly resisted, till at last he was forced to yeild. That Week he had been wondering what the Lord would do with him. He could not study as formerly, but was induced, and over-ruled to read a Practical Discourse of Self-denial: And the Lord furnished his Meditations with many passages about Sufferings, and the Creatures Duty to be, and live in the Will of his Creator, and to resign himself wholly to his disposal. And when he had ended his reading, casting his Eye upon his Bible, the first Words he met with, were those, Mat. 9. 36. When he saw the Multitude he had compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as Sheep having no Shepherd.

At the reading of this Text he inwardly trembled, and the Lord seemed immediatly to intimate to him, that he should put on the like Bowels. But hereupon he questioned with himself, where he should find such an opportunity of Preaching in Publick? And presently Mabe (which is a Daughter-Church to Milar, and had Preaching in it; only every other Lords day) was presented, and suggested to his Thoughts: And after many Reasonings, and Disputes within himself, being backward to yield to the will p. 113of God: He at last resolved to send thither to enquire whether any Minister would be there the Lords day following? And answer was returned, that there would be none.

Yet still doubting whether he might look upon this as a Call from God, he cast his Eye upon his Bible, and met with that Text, Luke 11. 33. No Man when he hath lighted a Candle, putteth it in a secret place, or under a Bushel, but on a Candlestick, that they that come in may see the Light. This Scripture cleared all his doubts, and answered his objections, allayed all his carnal fears, and confirmed him in his resolution of Preaching in publick the next Lords day. And accordingly, when the Sabbath came, he went thither, and found the People willing to hear, and all things inviting him to embrace the present opportunity, and so he went on and preached without any disturbance, and the Lord assisted him in all the Duties till he had concluded them.

The report of this Days work was soon spread abroad, and came to the Ears of Mr. Tho. Robinson, a Justice of the Peace. The next Lords day, being May the 7th, the Morning proving, rainy, Mr. Tregross preached in his own House, upon the Text, Luke 21. 19. In your Patience possess ye your Souls; not expecting any disturbance that Day by reason of the fowl weather. But after the Sermon was ended, Mr. Robinson came He is persecuted.to his Door, and having entred, took the Names of those that were present: And required Mr. Tregoss to put in Sureti…s for the Good Behaviour, or to render himself to the Constable upon his Order, the Munday Seven-night after; Mr. Tregross refus…d to do the former, but promised to perform the latter.

After Mr. Robinsons departure, they met again in the Afternoon, and went through with the Duties without any disturbance. The next Lords day he preached again at Mabe without interruption. But when the Exercises were finished, he was served His second Imprisonment.with a Warrant to appear before Mr. Robinson at Hellestone on the Tuesday following. At his appearance he justified his Preaching with much evidence, and boldness. But notwithstanding all that he said, he was sent to Lancestone Gaol, there to remain for three Months. This he submitted to, not only patiently, but joyfully. In his passage to Prison he embraced all opportunities for the comfirming, and comforting of such Christian Friends as he met with by the way. And whilst he continued in Prison, his Spirit was very free, and much enlarged with those Divine influences, and refreshings which God gave in to him.

He spent his time in Prison in Reading the Holy Scriptures, in heavenly Meditations, in Fasting, Prayer, Holy Conference with, and Preaching to such as were his Prison Fellows, or that came to visit him. Few there were that came to him, but either they His Industry.did, or might be great gainers by conversing with him. Now the time of his imprisonment being expired, July the 29th, he was set at liberty, and after his return home he took the first convenient opportunity of keeping a Day of Thanksgiving, for the many experiences that he had of Gods goodness and mercies to him and his, during all the time of his Confinement.

But he had not been at home above four Days, when Mr. Robinson gave out, that he would'speedily send him back to the Place from whence he came: And in order thereunto, upon the Friday or Saturday after, he prepared himself to ride to the Market, there (as it were reported) to meet with another Justice of the Peace, who should joyn with him in a Warrant for a second Conviction of Mr. Tregoss for a Conventicler, and to prosecute some others also.

But whilst he was at a Tenement of his, his own Bull (which was never known to have hurt any before) followed him in a Field with much fury, and gave him some Persecutors plagued by God.mortal Wounds whereof he died soon after.

August the 20th, Mr. Tregoss went again and Preached at Mabe Church, it being the Lords day; and he went through with his work without any disturhance: The like he did on that Day Fortnight after; spending the intervals with much activity in his Masters Service elsewhere. Yet had he many disswasives by Christian Friends from Preaching publickly; but al… the Arguments which they urged, could not satisfie his Conscience: And therefore September the 18th, he was again committed to Lanceston Goal for publick Preaching: Whither he went with comfortable persuasions that God would be with, and carefully protect and provide for himself and his Family, which His third Imprisonment.God made good to the uttermost.

This his Second imprisonment in that place, conduced much, through the Lords blessing, to the good of many Souls. For the report of his Bonds being spread abroad many came to visit him, to whom he imparted freely his Spiritual Gifts, and by God's Blessing upon his labours, some Onesimus's were begotten through the Gospel, in his Bonds.

p. 114During this Imprisonment he took several Opportunities of Visiting the common His Industry.Prisoners, whom he endeavoured to convince of their Sins, and there dangerous estate by reason of the same, &c. Also while he was under this Confinement he enjoyed many Divine Suavities, and Spiritual refreshments in his Soul, especially in the time of Duties: He had also many sweet and gracious returns to his Prayers; and some Prophetick intimations of future Providences. As

October the 2d. He praying earnestly that God would vouchsafe him opportunities A special Providence.of doing him Service, the Lord was pleased to cause him firmly to believe that he should shortly be released from this restraint, and that he should be no more imprisoned in that place; which God made good unto him notwithstanding many attempts to the contrary. Also October the 7th, being much enlarged in praying for Patience, and submission to the will of God, he grew very confident that e're long God would farther try him. So October the 23d. God seem… sundry ways to intimate to him, that some great Affliction was near at hand, but that he should be delivered from it, all which proved true, as will afterwards be shewen.

Again, October the 27th. Being earnestly praying for the Nation, he was sttongly induced to believe that some great Judgment was not far off: About which time there was often brought into his mind, and cast into his Thoughts that Text of Scripture, Isa. 21. 16. Thus saith the Lord unto me, within a Year, according to the Years of an Hireling, and all the Glory of Kedar shall fall. He oft-times mentioned to some of his intimate Friends, what strong impressions this Scripture made upon his Thoughts, much wondring what it should mean: But a little before the Year exspired, the dreadful burning of London hapned, which fully Interpreted those afore-named Impressions.

December the 14th. He was delivered out of Prison, and upon his return home he His delivery out of Prison.kept a Day of Thanksgiving; and shortly after he set apart every Tuesday, which he kept as a Day of Humiliation, or Thanksgiving, either with his Family, or with others more publickly. January the 8th, being the Lords day, he went to Mabe, where he Preached both parts of the Day without interruption, which was accompanied with this remarkable Providence, that whilst he was at Mabe, a Constable, with an Officer from Pendennis Castle, came to his House to seek him, but by that A special Providence.means missed of him.

January the 12th. He begun a Journey towards the East part of Cornwal, and from thence he went into Devonshire. And the Lords day, and the Wednesday following his Another.House was searched for him; but Providence ordering his being from home, he escaped their Hands. In this Journey he went forth on the South of Cornwal, and returned by the North, exercising in all Places where he came, and received great encouragement by the fruit of his Labours.

At his return, February the 4th, going to Preach at Mabe, the Constable served him with a Warrant, to carry him under the Custody of the Mareschal, as a dangerous, and seditious Person; which yet he was so far from being guilty of, that neither in his Preaching, nor Conference he ever medled with the present Discipline, or Liturgy of the Church, much less with any State-affairs. Nay, he perswaded others to be obedient to the Higher Powers: And in his dayly exercises he put up many fervent Petitions for the Kings Majesty.

Being now under the Custody of the Mareschal of Bodmin, this his imprisonment His fourth Imprisonment.brought him into acquaintance with several Persons who reaped much good, and benefit by his Ministry. The Mareschal used him civilly, yet did he meet with more difficulties then in his former Confinements: But yet the Lord honoured him with the Conversion of many Souls. And he continued in this Prison till about the midst of September, Anno Christi 1667. And being on a time very earnest in Prayer for his enlargement, a portion of Scripture was presented to his Thoughts, which made so deep an impression upon him; as that he was raised to a great con…dence, that if he was delivered His release by the King.it should be by an Order from the Kings Majesty. And not long after, whilst he was under various Afflictions concerning his Family, the Mareschal received a special Order from the Kings Majesty for his enlargement.

In February, Anno Domini 1668. coming to Penrin to Preach his Munday's Lecture, His Sicknesshe fell sick of a Fever, which held him all that Week. And upon the Lords day Morning, the sence of his own weakness did somwhat affect him, because the People, who attended upon his Ministry, had none to supply his room: whereupon he had that Scripture impressed upon his Thoughts, Isa. 40. 31. They that wait on the Lord shall renew p. 115their strength, &c. This wrought so much upon him, that he resolved to arise: But all his Friends that were about him laboured to disswade him from his purpose, knowing His strange recovery.how weak he was, but they could not prevail. And when he had got on his Cloaths, he applyed himself to his Lords work; and as he proceeded, and went on in it, strength by degrees, was given in to him, so that he Preached thrice that Lords day, choosing that Text afore-named [Isa. 40. 31.] for his Subject; and to the great admiration and astonishment, as well of himself as of his Friends and Auditors, he found himself well at Night, neither did he feel so much as any relicts of his Distemper afterwards.

In the beginning of the Year 1669. the number of his Auditors was so much augmented, His remove to Penrin.as that the Rooms wherein they usually met would not contain them, which occasioned the removal of their Meeting into a large Barn, until, being summoned by the Proprietor of that Barn, to quit his House, he thereupon took up his Habitation in the Town of Penrin. Yet before his removal, a Mittimus came from the Quarter Sessions, grounded upon an Information given in by the Bishop of the Diocess, to send him to the Goal at Lanceston, for Preaching publickly.

The Constables coming to serve the Warrant, one of them more violent and furious A Strange Providence.then his fellows, whilst he reasoned with Mr. Tregoss, holding the Mittimus in his Hand, sunk down in the place, seeming at the present to be dead: But by the diligent endeavours of those about him, he was brought to himself again, whereupon he departed without executing the Warrant. And that which made this the more remarkable, was, for that this Constable was a lusty strong Man, and never sainted in all his Life before. And though they came again, some days after, to execute the Warrant, yet had they not power to carry him to Prison: For which (as it was reported) the other Constable was Fined at the next Sessions.

At the Summer Assizes, Anno Christi 1669. Mr. Tregoss having some Affairs which called him to Lanceston, in his Journey he was invited to visit some part of the North west parts of Devonshire; from whence, for Preaching in a private House in the Parish of Great Torrington, he was sent to Exeter Gaol, with several others of the He is sent to Exeter. Goal, but bailed.Town, and of Bideford; who being all Bailed, had for that time no other trouble then to Travers a Bill for a Riot, which was preferred against them.

In his return from Exon, he spent some few days at Crediton, in which place he contracted an intimate Friendship with a Person, who was Providentially cast there at that time, to whom he disclosed and unbosomed many of the choisest accidents, which befel him in most of his Life. And albeit they never saw each other afterwards, yet this Friendship was preserved inviolably, improved by Paper-Conversation, till Death made a disunion, or rather a Suspension for the present. This trouble which befell Mr. Tregoss in Devonshire, was an occasion of much good to many Souls in those parts; For it opened a Door to many Hundreds in Devonshire, who resorted to him in his Travels, and so became partakers of his Ministerical Gifts, which (through the concurrence of Divine Grace) were very effectual for the good of their Souls.

This made him to lay out himself Day and Night to the utmost of his Strength, His Industry, and great success.allowing his Body no more then extream necessity required, that so he might improve all advantages and opportunitys for the advancement of his Masters Service. The Bill which had been preferred against him at Exeter, necessitated him to attend the two following Assizes, where he was at last freed by Proclamation. But in the mean while, his return into those parts was of no small advantage for the Propagation of the Gospel. Some of those Persons who discovered their Malice against Mr. Tregoss, for Preaching at Torrington, were shortly after taken away by unnatural Deaths, not without some signal tokens of Gods displeasure against them, as will appear by this his following Letter to an intimate Friend.

Penrin, September the 16th. 1670. My dear Brother,

AT this Assize at Exon I was called to my Tryal, but no Persecuting Person appearing to give in Evidence against me, my Jury acquitted me, and a Verdict of Not-Guilty was returned. George Smith, the Deputy Maior of Torrington, who was a grand Enemy in this business, when the Conventicle was surprized, was attending at Lent-Assizes, but the Tryal being then put off, by this Assize God did disabled him for such a Journey, he having received, in a drunken Voyage, a fall from his Horse, by which his p. 116Shoulder-b…ne is dislocated, and he thereby rendred unable to dress or undress himself: And is lik… to abide so, to the day of his Death. His Wife also (that violent Woman) dyed of a …utors …ued by God.Timpany; a fearful Spectacle to all Beholders. She departed hence the Night of the Lords day in which I exercised at Torrington, in my Journing now to my home. I suppose you heard also of the bad end of another Persecutor there, one Dennis, Smith's Brother in Law, who so much rejoyced when our Meeting was broken up, affirming that the surprisal of that Conventicle, did him more good, and more rejoyced him, then all his losses did sadden him. His Wise also bitterly belched out these words concerning me: Hang the Rogue; hang him on the Sign-post, or next Tree, and never send him to Exon. This poor wretch did hang himself in his own Study, and thereby his Estate is forfeited to the Town.

Many take much notice how signally Gods hand hath been against them since that Meeting was disturbed. There are a very precious handful at Chimly, South▪Moulton, and the adjacent Parts, who gladly receive the Word. Their ready submission to the Truth in my former Journey, engaged my Heart to visit them again; and I hope our seeing one another hath not been in vain. Your Memory is very dear unto many of them, and your scatterings there. I wish they might see you again. A fruitful heavenly Lip to improve Truths imparted, by corresponding pressing Conferences, is much wanting among us: I pray you beg it for me, and your other Brethren now labouring. My complaints will not crucifie my unbelieve, Pride, and deadness: Pray you labour for me with God, with whom I leave you, and am

Your much obliged Brother in the Lord T. T.

Not long before his Death, he was strangly, he knew not how, taken up in conversing with the State of the Saints departed, who were Martyred for the Testimony His heavenly-mindedness.of Jesus, as he himself acquaints us in his Letter to his Bosom Friend; as followeth.

Penrin, October the 7th. 1670. My dear Brother,

I Am a Sympathizer with you in dear Mr. R's loss of so choice a Mate: But I suppose his so Exemplary living on God, will do much to quiet him in the loss of the best enjoyment, not everlasting: And the ground of Hope that she is safely Housed from the Storms we feel and fear, will, I believe, do more sweetly to reconcile him to this ungrateful, and Flesh-disgusting stroak. As for what God speaks to you by this Providence, I think 'tis plain: to wit: that you more eff…ctually dayly Die to what is not God and Spirit: And that you enure your Soul to more deep and fixed Thoughts of your own Dissolution. I hear that many very precious ones have been lately at London (through a malignant Distemper in their Bowels) called home. The Lord more fully warn them who survive, and us also, of those black, and tempting days which, probably, are near us. My thoughts have been much, of late, settled, I know not how, on conversing with the State of departed Saints, Martyred for the Testimony of Jesus. I have observed in special two passages in Mr. Foxes Acts and Note.Mon. The one of Mr. Rogers, the Protomartyr in Q. Maries Reign: Who in his Prison had this passage to the Printer of Mr. Foxes Book, then in Bonds with him. Thou (said he) shalt live to see the alteration of this Religion, and the Gospel freely Preached again: And therefore have me commended to my Brethren, as well in Exile as others, and bid them be circumspect in displacing the Papists, and puting good Ministers into Church, or else their end will be worse then ours.A Prediction.

The Printer accordingly lived, but what remains for us, who have shamefully frighted his Counsel, time will evidence. The other is from Mr. Holland; who thus bespake Bonner after his Sentence. This I dare be bold in God, to speak (which by his Spirit I am moved to say) that God will shorten your land of Cruelty, that for a time you shall not molest his Church: and this shall you in short time well perceive (my Brethren) to be most true. For A Prophesie.after this day, in this place, there shall not any be, by him put to the Tryal of Fire and Fagot. After which there was not one burned in Smithfield. Herein I principally consider that expression: That for a time they should not molest his Church: The Lord prepare me for a suffering Day, and if fair weather succeeds, we shall be more watchful in its improvement. As for our Condition it's full of Threats and trouble. Warrants are granted for the p. 117levying of two Hundred and twenty Pounds on me: Yet God hath kept them off: but I am expecting daily to be stript of all.

Our meeting Place is taken from us, through their threatnings of our Landlord. We now meet at my House, and once every Lords day ahove the number; but very few are free to attend unless with four. I am also threatned to be presecuted on the Corporation Law, so that I am constantly expecting an Imprisonment: But I shall endeavour to turn into the strong Hold as a Prisoner of Hope. I should very gladly understand more perticularly how it is with you in this troublesome and sickly time: However, the Lord clear up your interest, and grant you an open Door, if called hence, into his Presence with exceeding Joy. I shall commit you to God, beseeching him to guid and use you, and to preserve you blamcless to his Kingdom. I am

Yours most unfeignedly, T. Tregoss.

And this indeed was a Prophetick intimation of the nearness of his Dissolution, and entrance upon that Life, which he was immediatly more fully to partake of. It was an old Observation from a great Master of Wisdom (Padre Paulo Hist. Co…n. T…ent) That it is natural for Men near their Graves, from some intrinsick cause, unknown to themselves, to be distasted with humane affairs, &c. What this Wise Man observed of Men in general, I think, is most true of many holy Christians, who a little before their dissolution are frequently called off, and separated from humane affairs, to a fiducial converse with coming Glories, and the Life of just Men made perfect: which was the frame of Mr. Tregosses Spirit, not long before his Death, though he himself was not apprehensive that his change was so near.

After Mr. Tregoss came to reside at Penrin, he hired a House for a Meeting-place on the Lords day in the Parish of Mabe, where he Exercised without interruption, from Midsummer, Anno Christi 1669. to the Tenth of May, 1670. After which day there were two debauched Persons that turned Informers, hoping thereby to get God's Providence.fuel for their Lusts: who having procured a Warrant, required the Officers to attend them evety Lords day, and made Oath against Mr. Tregoss and some others for a breach of the Statute then in force against Conventicles: This scarred away most of his Hearers, especially those that had any considerable Estates. Yet, though there were many Fines laid upon him, which amounted to 220 l. yet the Lord so ordered things, as nothing he had was seized upon.

This Meeting being thus dissolved and broken, he resolved to drive the Nail that would go, and to Preach the oftner to a Statute-number: And herein his labours were so many and great, as though his Body were of Steel, yet could he not long hold out. For he Preached five times every Lords day, and in the Evening made Repetition His extraordinary. pains.of some part. He also continued the Tuesdays, and Thursdays Exercises, besides some others. He was often advised by his Friends to favour himself, and to moderate his pains: But the great Zeal he had for the keeping it on, and advancing the work of God did stop his Ears against all disswasives of this kind: But having at last worn out himself, and exhausted his Spirits, he fell into a Griping of the Bowels, occasioned by a Flatus Hypochondriachus, or Melancholly Wind, as his Physician affirmed; which brought him so low and weak, that his Friends judged him to be past recovery; and he himself expressed a longing desire to be dissolved, and to be with Christ.

But the Lord was pleased to reprieve him for a little longer, and set him once more upon his Feet, though he took not the Air. And as soon as he perceived a small recruit of his strength, he began to fall upon his work again: Yet this continued but for a very short time, before a Feaver seized on him, and put an end to all his Labours His last Sickness.and Troubles. His deportment during both times of his Sickness was like his Life, very sweet and heavenly. Upon the 18th of January, perceiving the Hour of his Dissolution to draw near, and be at hand, he took his Farewell of his Friends in a long Speech, whereof you have a part: as followeth,

I thought I should have some more turns with my Lord in his Gallary, but he hath turned His last Speech.his Back and is gone, and calls me to come after him. Indeed though I had some Distemper of Body, yet I did not think that Death was so nigh, till, putting my hand upon my Brow, I fel… the tokens thereof. Think, Think not therefore that it is a foolish phantasie that moves me thus to speak: For I know it to be right reason: And seeing the Lord hath left with me a few mouthfuls of Breath; Let me, who am your faithful Pastor, at the taking of p. 118my Farewel of you, drop a few words among you before he calls away this Breath of mine, and say, Breath no more through the Body, but lay it down in the Dust.

O my Friends! My Friends! You know that I have often warned you of evil Days, and n…w I must once more tell you that there is a dead Day, a dark Day a coming. O! what will this poor People do: O my Friends! Did we think that after so many Fasting, and Humiliation Days, after so many Thanksgiving Days, after so many Sacrament Days, we should see such a Day as this? O! But it may be, you will ask me such a Question as this: Do you realy believe that you shall Die? Indeed, Friends, there is nothing but Omnipotency that can bear me up. And if you ask what I think of my self? Truly Friends, I can say, that I have walked among you by the pure Copy of the Holy Scriptures, and Life of Christ: And through the Grace of God in Christ Jesus, I shall be presented spotless to the Father.

Indeed when I was young I had my youthly Vanities; but in the Year 1664. upon a New-years-day the Lord was pleased to meet with me, and then, and then, even then did he set all my Sins before me. And those very Sins which were small to me before, were, by the Spirit of the Lord in that Rod, made as bitter as Death it self: My slight Child-hood sins; my slender youthful sins, were now to me very hainous, and abominable. Wherefore, my Friends, I charge you to make Conscience of those sins: Yea, of the least of them which I have warned you …f.

Some may think me Passionate, and some may think me severe and uncharitable; but now I repent that I had not dealt more impartially and plainly with you. However, in the Truth of the Lord, according to mine ability, I have walked among you: And I hope that you will not think it tedious if I drop a few Words upon my Grave before I die. Then the Physician stopping him, intending to desire him to leave off speaking, lest he should spend his Spirits too much, Mr. Tregoss said,

Give me leave to speak, for I am upon the borders of Eternity; and I think you all look upon m… as a dying Man: You may therefore suffer me to speak as much as I can. I am going to my great, to my dear Father, to my best Friend, to him in whom I have Believed His Face I hope to see; in his Bosom I hope to lye down this Day. Oh! What unspeakable Glory is it to see the Glory of mine Everlasting God? O my Friends! I must tell you the Truth: Though sometimes there have been upon my pbantasie strange black Clouds, which made me to speak somewhat inconsistent, and were suddenly blown off again; yet little doth any one know the reviving Incomes I had then, even then from my God: And the last Lords day at Nlght, the Lord gave me some sweet turns with himself: O! It was a pleasant N…ght with me: I was up with God: and God was down with me. O! It was to me as the going up to Paradise. O! how sweet was it to me?

And, now my Friends, I must tell you, that through many Tribulations you must enter into the Kingdom of God: Some of you have told me your Thoughts concerning me, That I have walked in all good Conscience towards God and Man. O Friends! Whatsoever things ye have seen in me that were honest; whatsoever things were just; whatsoever things were of good report, pursue those things. Rely not upon the World; for the World will leave you cold and helpless. And now Friends, I must go to see the Lord, and this Body of mine must be laid in the Dust, and never rise more until the Resurrection Day. And must many of you go from this place, and come naked before the Face of God? O Friends, If there be any Hope; if there be any Love; if there be any Consolation in you, think on these things? You know I have. When I came to this Town, some may think I came to fill an empty Bag, and to get a livelihood among this People: But, God is my Witness, I had not this in mine Eye. I sought not yours, but you. And now Friends, Flesh, and Blood will say, 'tis hard to part with dear Friends, to part with a Dear Wife, to part with Dear Children: But as the Lord hath given them to me, so I now leave them with the Lord.

And I call you to Witness that I leave this dear Wife of mine with the Lord: and these dear Children of mine with the Lord, and to be protected by him; to be maintained by him; to be kept blameless to the Day of his appearance. Though Men may prove unkind unto them, as I suppose they will; yet the Lord, I know, will not. I must into Enternity. The Prophets do not live for ever; Neither can they Prophesie for ever. I have been but a young Branch, and you see, the Lord is cuting me down this. Morning. O Blessed Lord God! shall there not be a meeting in Paradise? Shall not thy Servant see thee, and love thee, and embrace thee, and be embraced by thee? Oh Lord! Give a good evidence to thy Servant, that he may know that he belongeth to thee.

Lord, thou hast given him the working of an Heart purifying Spirit. And are not these p. 119Tokens of thy free Grace? and of thine Eternal Love in Christ Jesus: And now Lord God, thy Servant must away, and be about other work, Thy Servant must away to holy Angels, and to the Spirits of just men made perfect. He must away to serve the Lord in his upper Chambers. He must away, Lord, and never look on these Earth things more. And, now O Friends, one I thing tell you; I shall come again with my Lord in most excellent Glory; and you then must come before him. But I fear, I fear, that then some of you will be in a very low, poor, and miserable condition. Well, I commend you to the Love, and Grace of God, the Eternal Father in Jesus Christ. And I pray you get your Hearts full of the Love of God, and of the Grace of God, and full of the Holy Ghost. And now think on these things that I have delievred unto you, in the Name of the Lord! I must go, and deliver up my accounts to God: And O, that I may deliver them up freely: That I may he able to say: I have run my Race; I have finished my Course: I have fought the good Fight: I have kept the Faith: And what remains but that I receive the Crown which the Lord Jesus, the Righteous Judge hath prepared for me. And now I commit my self to the Lord: And my Wife and Children to the Lord: I commit my Spirit to thee, O Father of Spirits. I commit my Soul to thee, O Dearest Lord: Keep these that do believe on thee.

These Words he spake with a more audible, and clear voice then he was wont to do in his ordinary Preaching. And about an Hour and an half after he had ended this His Death.Speech, he departed this Life, January the 18th. Anno Christi 1670.

Mr. Tregross was of a middle Stature, his Hair Black, his Face palish, not perfectly round, nor long. His Spirit was Masculine, Generous, and Great, agreeable to the His Character.Condition of his Ancestors. There was a sparkling vivacity apparent in most of his intense Actions. His natural Humour was not morose, but Assable; yet was he not without a tincture of dark Melancholly, which yet his Grace improved to a great measure of seriousness. He had also some sparks of Choller, which being spirited with warm Affections for God, brake forth in a pure Flame of Divine Zeal. His natural Judgment seemed deep and solid; his Will firm, and fixed; His Memory tenatious and faithful: His Affections tender and active. And the whole capacity of his Soul fit for great imployments.

But the more Illustrious and bright part of his Character regardeth his gracious Capacity, and Dispositions. His Personal Holiness was eminent and remarkable. And probably, His Holiness.few in this Age, have, for so short standing, made a larger proficiency in the Learning, and School of Christ, and his Service. After January, Anno Christi 1664. (From whence he Dated his Conversion) he banished both from his Heart and Life many Vanities whith he had been addicted to. Neither did he acquire his Godliness at so easie a rate as most Professors do. No, his Heart was first deeply wounded for sin, and afterwards delivered from it. He was for some while under many and great extremities by reason of a Spirit of Bondage, which yet made way for a Spirit of a Adoption. He was throughly and soundly convinced of his Spiritual Death by Sin, and that opened to him a Door of Life by Christ. And the intire change of his Heart much appeared, in the Change of his Life; and in his last end. Neither had he some particular Graces only, but a Combination, and complication of many amiable Graces, seemingly opposite, appeared visibly in him. How affable, and courteous was he, and yet how severe against Sin? What Meekness and Humility in his own cause? And yet what Courage, and Magnanimity in the cause of God, shone in him? How much fear, and Holy self-jealousie, and yet how much Christian boldness, and confidence was he possessed with? What an inflexible, and strong bent for God, and against sin seemed he to bave? And yet how flexible and complying with others for their Good was he?

He did not, as some, take Christ to ease himself of his work, or to secure his Lusts, but to kill them, and to quicken himself to Duty. His Peace of Conscience was maintained, His Sincerity.not by Peace, but by War with sin: It was not only from, but in God: He had not only a form of Christ in his Life, and Picture of him in his Fancy; but also the Image of, Union with, and Love for Christ in his Heart. He affected not so much to entangle his Thought with Disputes about the Controversies of Religion, as to get the Power of it stamped upon his own, and others Souls. His Faith did not lye level with Worldly Interest, but was opposite thereto. He climbed not, as some, to the top of an high Profession, without laying a deep Foundation in Self-denial: He borrowed not, as too many do, the Mask of Religion to conceal a rotten Heart: but was unsatisfied in his Heart-enquires after Grace, till he arrived to such a full measure thereof, as is not attainable by any Hypocrite.

p. 120His daily Progress in the Mortification of Sin, was very remarkable, and conspicuous. His Mo…tification.He knew full well that one reigning Lust would darken his Comfort, and harden his Heart; yea, bring all into Bondage and Captivity, and therefore he durst not gratifie any Lust in the least. He was content to give up every Lust to death for Christ, who gave up his Soul to Death for him. He thought it not much to part with any Beloved Sin for him who was his Beloved Saviour. Yea, he seemed to take more pleasure in subduing his unlawful Desires, then others do in gratifying, and fulfilling them. And lest his Flesh should impose upon his more noble part, he enured, and accustomed himself to many Bodily severities, and denied himself of such Natural refreshments, which most others indulge themselves in. Yet did he not content himself with external Mortifications, but maintained a daily Conflict with the whole Body of Sin in corrupt Nature. Yea, he would oft blame himself much for Spiritual sins; as Infidelity, Pride, unbelief, &c. Which others could least blame him for.

His weanedness from, and Crucifixion to the World was not less visible than his other His Crucifixion to the Wo…ld.Graces He seemed to have acquired a great indifferency of Spirit for things indifferent: To allow perishing things, but perishing Affections. As our blessed Lord Christ gave his Heaven for him, so he thought it not much to give his Earth for his Lord: He could not part with Christ for any Worldly Good, and therefore was willing to part with all for Christ. The firm, believing views he had of future Glories, obscured, and darkened the Worlds Glories to him, so that he seemed to admire nothing but approaching Glorys; or what related thereto. Poverty in Christ's way was great Riches to him; yea, far greater then a flourishing Estate in the ways of Sin. He knew how to abound in his wants, by contentedly wanting what the Lord though not fit for him; and thereby Crucifying his Desires, he made the Cross of Christ the more easie to him. His Desires were low, and therefore his Spirit was high above the frowns, and flatteries of this lower World, He seemed far better pleased in his mean and low condition, then Worldlings are in their highest. His Mind was too great to put a great estimate upon the empty Nothings of this Life. He brought his Natural desires into a narrow compass, and thence gained a great enlargment of Spirit.

By his frequent and long Sufferings he gained a great skill and dexterity in bearing His art in bearing the Cross.the Cross. By starving sin, and crucifying his Heart to the World, he took out the stings of his Sufferings. He knew that the Divine Will was more eligible then his own, and therefore he endeavoured to conform unto it, as well by Passive as by Active Obedience. He knew that he could not glorifie God more, then by being content that God's Glory should gain by his private losses. He durst not make Sin a shelter against Sufferings: Or bear false witness against God, by repining under the Cross. He was not so well pleased with sin, as to perfer it before sufferings: or so ill pleased with Sufferings as to fly from them, when he was called thereunto. Heinured himself to the Yoak of Christ, and so gain'd the Art of bearing his Cross. His Conscience continued under a lively sense of Sin, and that made him Dead, and in a measure sensless under sufferings. His will was so far broken, as that it could chearfully bend, and submit to the Cross; yea, to welcome Crosses, when in God's way he met with them. When God brought him into any Affliction, or Suffering, he waited there till God brought him out. He knew himself to be nothing, and that made him to bear any thing from God with contentment: And by knowing his own vileness, he learn'd to justifie God in every cross. His Spirit was generous & noble, like that of the Eagle which is not clamorous when it wants Food. He studied Passive obedience as well as Active: To be well pleased with what God did, as well as to do what was well-pleasing unto God.

He had a fit disposition, and qualification for the Cross, which made that easie to him which seemed intollerable unto others. As he durst not make men Lords of his Faith, so neither of his Happiness, by doteing on their Smiles, or fearing their Frowns; but as Worldy men content themselves with the World without God, so he endeavoured to content himself with God without the World. He had his present wants supplyed, by Ordinary, or Extraordinary ways and means, and therefore conceived it to be his Duty to trust God for the future. He knew that he had more of the Creature then b… deserved, and therefore was not anxious, and solicitous about having more. He was much taken up about the weighty things of Eternity, and therefore was little concerned about these lower, and baser things.

He had many Noble and Generous Dispositions, and Qualifications, but no one appeared more illustrious, and visible in him, after his Conversion, then his Zeal for His Zeal for God.and in, his Masters Service, and the good of Souls. O! What a rare, and excellent Quallity is a Publick Spirit for God? And how much was this holy Man invested, and adorned herewith? How little did his hot and flaming Zeal care to live, when the p. 121Honour of his great Lord seemed to bleed and die? How Moses like was he in Meekness, as to injuries done unto himself? And yet how impatient, and Elias like, as to injuries done unto his Lord? How modest and backward was he in his own cause? and yet how Magnanimus, and undoubted in the cause of God? How little was it in the power of the greatest men to frown him out of Duty, or to flatter him into Sin? what a Masculine Courage had he, joyned with a fixed resolution not to displease God to please Men? Yea, how much vigour, and strength did his Zeal gain by opposition? He seemed indeed naturally to have an Heroick Spirit, put how much did Grace transform this natural quality into a Divine Zeal? How much of Divine flame, and how little of wild-fire, and sinful wrath was there in his Zeal?

But notwithstanding his ardent zeal for God, yet was he of a very quiet and peaceable Spirit. He did not (Salamanden-like) delight to live in the Fire of Contention, His Catholick Charity.but was of a uniting, healing Spirit. He was not only a Patient, but also an Agent in seeking after, and persuing Peace. He judged our Church-divisions to be one of our greatest Plagues. He had a Catholick Universal Charity, and love for all: And albeit he hated the vices of wicked and ungodly men, yet he loved their Persons. But he had a special and perticular affection for all Saints, and that as Saints, making their Graces not their Opinions, the measure of his love. His Spirit; and Principles were so peaceable, as that he desired to avoid all needless disputes, that might breed strife. But when he was called to dispute, or to confer with those of different Judgements, he shewed forth much modesty, and meekness; Arguing not for Glory and Victory, but to inquire into Truth; Wherein he affirmed nothing, but what he endeavoured plainly and soundly to prove out of the Scriptures; and when he could not fully comply with other mens perswasions, yet would he not impose his own on them, as the Rule of their Faith, or Communion.

And tho he could forbear, and bear with all for their good, yet he could not bear with Sin in any, but was a severe Admonitor, and Reprover thereof in all. Yea, His dexterity in admonitions and reproofshis very presence was a powerful and perswasive admonition to such as he reproved. For there was so much gravity and sweetness mixed in his countenance, that one word from him would oft effect more, then many from some others, especially by his Holy Conversation, exemplifying what he urged upon others. From the Word of God he much convinced such as were defective in their Duty, and subdued their wills to the will of God. I my self (saith mine Author) heard him, in the presence of several Ministers, sharply reproving the sins of Ministers in mispending their time whilst they were together, in frothy and unprofitable Conferences, which reproof he managed with so much majesty, and yet with so much Humility and submission, confirming all that he pressed from the Word of God, that all that were present could not but conclude, that there was much of God in his so seasonable admonition and reproof.

Neither did his severity extend to the Sins of others only, but also to his own. He was a diligent, and curious observer of his own Spirit, its ends, intentions, His self examination.inclinations, motions, risings and fallings, as to Sin, or Grace. He alwayes kept a vigilant eye over his Heart, and every Night made perticular reflexions, on the passages of the Day past, with a strict examination how he had spent it: What his Conversation had been towards others? and how he had demeaned himself in his private Duties towards God? He examined, not only what he had done, but also from what Principles he had done it. And thus, by the knowledg of what he had done, he came the better to know what he was to do; By studying well the book of his own Heart and life, he became a good Student, and proficient in the mystery of Godliness, and of Sin. He was a Man of great observation, and of nothing more than of his own Spirit, its various vicissitudes, turnings, and windings, &c. Thus he came to have an intimate, and thorow acquaintance with his own Heart, and an experimental sense of the Holy Spirits working in him. Hence also he came to know what Sins he had to confess, and humble himself for. What Mercies to bless God, or to petition for: What burdens to groan under. At sometimes he found himself under great deadness and distractions: At other times under sweet inspirations and breathings of the Holy Spirit, and enlargements of Heart. Sometimes he sighed under sinking despondencies, black unbeliefe, and base Fears; At other times he was upon the wing of Faith, and full of courage.

He had his stated times for private and Family Duties. Faith and Prayer were his chiefe refuge in all his troubles. And indeed he seemed to drive a great Trade with p. 122His private Duties.Heaven by Prayer, wherein he was very powerful and prevalent. He had a very strugling, wrestling Spirit in Prayer, bottomed upon a deep sense of his own need, large desires, and lively workings of Faith. What strength he gained by Prayer, he lost not by careless neglects after Prayer, but improved it for God. His Spirit seemed unsatisfied in duty till he had met with God or something from God. Sometimes he was dull and indisposed in the beginning of a Duty; but before he came off, he found great assistance. When he found weakness the Lord gave in unexpected supplies of strength. When he was dejected or cast or cast down under any perplexing, disturbing fears, or difficulties from within, or from without, he had recourse to his Bible, and thence received frequently such sweet, and encouraging Promises, set home by the Spirit of God, as afforded abundance of refreshing, and reliefe to him.

His Family Exercises and Discipline deserve a perticular remark. He gave no tolleration to any known Sin, or omission of any Duty: He was very vigilant and diligent His Family Government.in preventing, or reproving the profanation of the Lords Dayes, even to idle words. Neither was he less careful of the Pious Education, and instruction of those under his Domestick charge. Every Morning and Evening, for the most part, he read, and expounded a part of the Sacred Scriptures, sung a Psalm, and Prayed with them. Every Friday night he examined their proficiency in learning, the Assemblies lesser Catechism, explaining some part thereof unto them. Every Lords day at night (besides other Duties) he delivered the substance of what had that Day been preached in the Sermons. And after such exercises he examined his Servants, and such children as were capable of what they remembred, not suffering any under his charge, who would not give an account of their Faith, and progress in knowledge. When he did not read a Chapter his course was to examine and instruct his Servants concerning the Fundamentals of Religion, which was a great means of improving their knowledge. And, besides his private retirements and Family Duties, he had his set and stated times every Day to spend with his Wife in private Prayer.

Neither was this his Religious care of instructing Souls confined only to his own Family, but it extended unto others also. He was endowed and invested with a singular His holy Conference.Gift of personal conference, which talent he carefully imployed for the good of many Souls; Being ready to take, yea to seek all convenient opportunities to treat with them about their Eternal estate. He was much in pressing Men unto Holiness. He was wont to propose questions to those with whom he conversed, and desired the like of them, which course the Lord made very successful. He esteemed it no small burden to be cast into any Company, where his time was spent in unprofitable Discourse, and when he was, by Providence, cast upon such, his manner was to put a stop to such unedifying conference, by spiritual Divertisments, or turning it to some Holy Discourse. When he intended to visit any Christian Family, his Method was; First to call his Wife and Mother, that they might joyn with him in Prayer for a Blessing on his intended undertaking; And being greatly sensible of the advantages that are acquired by Christian conference, he gave those of his Hearers, whom he judged most judicious, diverse directions for the right management thereof upon all occasions.

He had a great tenderness and regard to such as were sick: And when he was informed of their sickness he stayed not till he was sent for, and invited to come to His visitation of the Sick.them, neither did he rudely intrude were he could not expect to be welcome; but first imployed a Friend that might intimate his willingness, and readiness to come to them; And then, where he might be received, he failed not to visit them, and to administer such spiritual advice and conusel as he judged to be most proper for the state of their Souls: And to those who wanted a competent supply of conveniences he imparted not only of his Spiritual, but also of his temporal Gifts, according to what God had blessed him withal. He failed not to pray with them before his departure, and not to spare any labor or trouble in the discharge of this Christian Office and duty.

As for other more extensive parts of his Ministerial Gifts and labors, they were also very remarkable. His preaching was sollid and practical. He had a great pathos His Ministerial Gifts and Labours.and vehemency in seting home Truths upon the Conscience. His Sermons were full of plainness, and yet clothed with a Sacred Majesty. His words were familiar and yet very efficatious. He dwelt much upon awakning Truths, such as might pierce and sting the Conscience of secure Sinners. And yet to such as needed consolation, he was another Barnabas, full of sweetness. He had much of the Divine assistance p. 123as well in composing, as in the hearing Sermons. He oft said, That usually his Sermons were given him upon his knees. His manner and practice was, when he had pitched on a Text, to apply himself to Prayer, and whilst he was in that Duty, he had oft the Heads of his discourse given in unto him. As for enlargements, he was never barren, having a faithful Memory that treasured up all that he read, and an Elocution apt and able to deliver what he had so treasured up, upon all occasions. Those that knew him much admired that he could preach so oft, and yet so well. He was likewise endowed with a large and excellent Gift in Prayer, which he alwayes expressed in Scriptural Language, wherein he seemed to have much communion with God.

In brief, he was one of divine Lights and Heats for God. His zeal, in promoting His Characte… in brief.the wayes of God and his Glory, was ardent, and flaming. He was affable and courteous in his Speech; Serious and Grave in his carriage and deportment: Invincible in his Courage; Charitable to such as differed from him in their perswasions, so long as he saw that their design was to promote Godliness and Holiness. Temperate he was in the use of the Creatures. Frugal in husbanding of his precious time. Spending his spare Hours in walking, meditating, Praying, and conversing with Christians about their Soul-affairs. And indeed, he was of so Holy and Heavenly a disposition and temper, as all good Men, who knew him, reverenced him. To conclude, his greatest ambition seemed to be this, to act and suffer something more than ordinary for God, that so he might by a singular exemplary conversation, silence the reproaches of ungodly Men, and give check to the pride, vanity, and carnality of too many Professors in these wanton Dayes, which he sadly bewailed, as a shrewd Prognostick and presage of future desolations: Only he hoped there were some, and that the Lord would raise up more young Converts, who should be furnished with Spirits, and conversations for the enlargement of Christs Kingdom.

But more of his Hopes, Fears, and frame of his Spirit will appear by, and in these following Letters.

Penrin. October the 5. 1669. My dear, and respected Brother:

I May tell you sad stories of my Heart; O! how unbelieving, fearful, and faint found I it, on those short views I took of it: But that God, on whom my scandalous Heart hath raised so many false stories heretofore, and then gave my fears the lie, and yet continue I untouch't, and undisturbed to this hour. I do cast my self upon the disposing hand of God, to live and dye in my liberty, according to his pleasure. When I go forth, not expecting to see my Family again, and my frequent escapes, fill me with pleasing admirations of love, that (thro Grace) I return triumphing in his Goodness. How long this liberty may be indulged, I know not: But I know he will be a good God when he seizeth our freedom in the Gospel; And it will be the Rod of a Father, and may tend to our increase and settlement. I have had one very strange raising from the Grave since I saw you, the circumstances whereof compelled me and others to own a very visible finger of God; But a Narrative of this would be too tedious. I desire you would be importunate with God, that I might eye the approaching Glory, and the return of that great Shepheard, and might feed in hope, singly aiming at the Lords blessed interest, being contented with mine own greatest Decreases, might that be encreased and enlarged. Gods waterings and blessings must give life and fruit to all our poor and defective labourings. O! Beg that these may be eminently with me. Poor England I think is near heavy strokes, for her barrenness, sensuality, and enmity against the power of Holiness. The Lord grant that this may not come as a snare on you and me, but that we may be sober, and watchful unto Prayer. The gracious Lord who dwelt in the Bush, be with you, to teach, strenghen and warn you, that in his Hand you may be serviceable and glorious. In him I am, and ever shall be.

Your unfeigned Friend, yet unworthy Servant T. T.

p. 124Penrin Jan. 12. 1669. My dear Brother,

I Should rejoyce to hear how God is dealing with your inward man, and what measures of success you are Crowned with in your labours of the Gospel, and interest of the Son of God in the world. We may justly guess what God will do with us in the Land by his breathings with his Truths. I desire with much earnestness to know (seeing you have so many advantages beyond us in these poor Corners) how the Spirits of Professors stand quallified, so far as a conjecture may be made, by the visible tenure of their carriages. I generally find a general secure, earthly, lasie frame hath seized on those among whom I occasionally fall abroad: I hope better things with you; and that a more engaging relish, and taste of God and Glory, is fallen on their hearts, and a more refined pure Lip, seconded by a more humble, self-denying converses before the world. O! what a blessed Omen would this be, that God is upon healing terms of Grace with England. I must confess, in the place were I now labor, God is Travelling forth with a measure of the greatness of his might. Some most stubborn and obstinate wretches, attend the means, and our Meetings grow; the Spirit of Jesus hath made some to fall under him, and our hopes of greater things are encreasing, if the Lord for our unfruitful walkings blast not all.

My dear Brother, I need not tell you how sweet it is to be Tabernacling in Mount Tabor, by close believing Meditation, to see your Lord and mine, and on those veiws to rejoyce with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory: And by the same also to mourn over unkindness with bitterness, as for an only Son. Your received anointings lead me, and keep you there: Only I must tell you, Sermons much watered in the Closet, and steept in fervent Prayer, will ordinarily prove most quickning to the dead, and consolating to the Saints; And an heart dropt upon by such veiws, will lay a more than usual tincture of Heaven upon the mouth, which will have a choice influence in a Teachers treating with Souls, I must commit you to Israels Keeper, in whom you may repute me,

Your unfeigned well wishing Friend, and engaged Brother, T. T.

January 28. 1669. My dear Brother,

I See you have taken up a more than ordinary care for me, the ground of which, I suppose, is somewhat of God, your conjecture is upon me: In which I beg the Lord you may not be mistaken. If I should confess the truth to my bosome Brother, my heart is such a confused disordered piece, its principles and ends lying so veiled and hidden from my self, that most frequently I am mine own stranger; I know not who, nor what I am; whether God or self swaies me. Only this stayes me, that were the eye of my heart levelled as directly, and in as much singleness at the Glory of God in Christ, as I would have it be in my greatest strangeness to him and my self, I think I should be sincere. This therefore being much my state, I may admire at the touch of Gods finger upon your heart, to turn it to such a worm. I had no sooner the Letter, but I saw much of God by it; and in such Providences (through the Redeemer) I desire to hold some Communion with him. I shall hint at a footstep of the blessed walk of God to me, so far as your lines may require.

Seven or eight years since, I found among the Writings of a deceased Friend, two Bonds belonging to a poor Orphan; on the finding of which, I sent word to the Orphan of them, who came to the House where I dwelt, and gave order that one of her Debtors should be sued, for the calling in her mony. Accordingly that Bond was sent to a Lawyer, and the Debtor sued. But it being out of the way of my imployment to attend such a business, I acquainted the Orphan I should not follow that affair, but leave it to a Kinsman of hers to manage it, and accordingly regarding it no farther, he promising all fidelity for the bringing in from the Debtor the mony to the Orphan. In process of time, not having heard of the p. 125business, either from the Orphan, or her Kinsman, and therefore concluding that all things were regularly managed, and in equity between them. As I was alone in my imprisonment, I had a thought that stuck upon me: I must enquire what issue of the Orphans affair in her Kinsmans hand attained: And on an enquiry, sound out that the Orphan was abused and damnified 14 l. by this Kinsman, who yet had so saved himself, that no justice could be gained against him. On which I was under many disputes with my self, whether I were not obliged to take care the Orphan might be satisfied. I did propose the Case, but was informed in the Negative. However, because I intrusted it in his hand, I could not so clearly discharge my self, and therefore lately borrowed the Mony and paid it to the Orphan: Resolving, notwithstanding my present condition, rather to be the sufferer my self than that the fatherless Child, by the others injustice, should be injured; and was determined to eye the Lord for away to discharge that mony so borrowed. Within a very little time I had borrowed that 14 l. yours came, and within a little season from another, and now you write me of more, which makes up the sum. I have been somewhat moved under the graciousness of God: The Lord make me fruitful in my seasonable improvement of this dispensation. I should be very glad▪ might I see you at Crediton in my passing up to the Assizes. Many things have I to say which I must silence, till God open a door for a more satisfactory converse. You are minded by us here, and I desire to live on your thoughts, when nearest God.

I am yours in unfeignedness, T. T.

May 12. 1670. My Dear Brother,

YOurs of the 16th. of April, I received not till the 7th. Instant; your long silence I confess much amazed me: But now in your lines, and the reason in them given me of the suspence in those paper-intercourses, I rejoyce. Since my last lines to you, according to my engagement by Recognizance, I had an opportunity to spend some time with your friends at Crediton, Chimly, and Southmoulton; and am sorry, where there is an appearance of so encouraging an Harvest, so little stomack, and Spirit is found in adjacent Labourers. It hath been long my thought, that God hath yet a great controversie with the Nonconforming (tho the best) part of the Ministry of England; among whom, how few are there who naturally care for the state of the poor perishing Country, and what their hands find to do, do it with their might. This, with that Levity of Spirit, Unholiness of Lip, Reigning Selfishness, Earthly mindedness, Formality, Lukewarmness in Worship, Security, &c. visible upon the professing Body, doth as apparently, and dangerously threaten England, as the more branded Debaucheries. I could heartily wish (had the wise Lord seen it fit) your station had been fixed in your Native Soil, that you might be to the quickning of Bretheren, and Professing Saints; and also ready at hand to succour those poor Corners which seem to cry as the Macedonian in the Vision: Come over and help us. But you know your proper gift, and I presume, will carefully study, and answer your Calls. I did contract friendship in that Journy with Mr. S. whom I find of another Spirit, in whose society my Soul was refreshed. And Mr. F. of Dartmouth, I find a wel-tempered Man, whom else I met to rejoyce in, of my Bretheren, I scarce know any. The times now are very black, and clouds are gathering in every quarter: What the issue of our storms may be, a little time will much indicate. I wish I could say, Nubecula cito transibit. To give you my fears, I think this nothing to what must ensue. I have been long waiting for this, and do confidently believe this not the dearest Testimony that must be given to Gospel truths and duties. A National overwhelming Cluster of severe Judgments, I am sore afraid is at the door, sharper than what formally for some scores of years we have felt; tho, I hope, there will be a larger measure of God to sanctifie them for the reforming of his own, and converting the Rebels, then ever we yet experienced. This I confess, is some stay to me, under what I am forced to believe. I have often begged, if the Lord sees I am like to prove a dishonour to his interest, he would first shut me up in the dust.

p. 126Dear Brother, pray for me that I may do my work according to my convictions, humbly, and with success; And that after my teachings of others, and small sufferings, I may not be a stranger to the Light, love, and life by which the Saints are quickened, and so at last, a cast away. The Lord make you useful, and keep up your courage, and grant you a deliverance from rude and unreasonable Men, which, with desires of the like requests from you on my behalfe, will be now all,

From your most affectionate and engaged Brother in the Faith, T. T.