The Lives of Sundry Eminent Persons, Part 1 · Biography 15

The Lives of Sundry Eminent Persons · Part 1 · Biography 15

p. 160The Life and Death of Dr. Edmund Staunton, who Died Anno Christi, 1671.

EDmund Staunton, was born of the Ancient and Worthy Family of the Stauntons His Parentage and Education.in Bedfordshire, Anno Christi, 1600. His Father, Sir Francis Staunton had divers Sons, of whose Education he was more than ordinarily careful, tho he should leave them good Estates, yet he thought it not enough that they should barely live upon the Estates which he should leave them. He was of Solomons mind, that Wisdom was good with an Inheritance (Eccle. 7. 11.) Yet was he of opinion too, that an Inheritance was little worth without wisdom to manage it. He abhorred the two Epidemical Vices of too many of our English Gallants (which commonly are procreative of many more) namely, Ignorance and Idleness. He resolved therefore to train up his Children in Learning, not only that it might be an Ornament to them, but that thereby they might be the more useful in Church or State.

Our Edmund (one of the Younger Brothers) being well furnished with Grammar Learning was sent to Oxford, and admited into Corpus Christi Colledge, where he so industriously followed his Studies, and was taken so much notice of for his progress in Learning, that whilst he was yet an under-Graduate, he was chosen a Probationer Fellow in that Colledge before eighteen of his Seniors, a Bedfordshire Fellowship falling void by the death of one Mr. Andrews.

Being about eighteen years old, he fell dangerously sick in the Colledge, was far A special Providence.spent, and near unto death, before those about him understood what his disease was, till a skilful Physician coming to him, he found it to be a Pleurisy, and ordered a Vein to be presently opened: Whereupon a Chirurgion was immediately sent for; But it was long before he could be found. At length the Messenger brought him from a Tavern, and tho he saw his way to the Colledge, yet he could not see to do his work when he came thither. He strake his Patients arm twice, but no blood came, having missed the vein.

In this condition the Sottish Chirurgion left him (it being late) all night. But when he had slept himself sober, he came the next Morning very early, and knockt at the Colledge Gates, which being opened, he ran hastily to his Chamber, and asked if his Patient was alive? And coming in, he presently opened a vein, which (it pleased God) bled freely, and the Patient, half dead before, soon after recovered.

Another strange deliverance he met with not long after. When he had commenced Batchelor of Arts, he went into the water alone to wash himself, and not Another deliverance.being skilled in Swimming, he fell into a deep hole, where his feet could feel no bottom: But by Gods good Providence, he caught hold of a tuft of grass by the Bank-side, and so made shift to recover himself, and to climb up the bank. Had this small help failed him, in all probability, he had there perished.

These merciful deliverances and preservations, probably were preparatory to that good work, and gracious change, which God about this time began in his heart. For about the year 1620, he himself thus wrote. I had many sad, and serious thoughts concerning my Spiritual, and Eternal Estate, and upon the advise of Dr. His Conversion.Barcroft, …bought Mr. Brinsleys Watch the second part, where the sins against the Ten Commandments are set down in order, and I fell upon the work of Self-Examination; wherein this seems remarkable, that reading over the several Sins therein mentioned, my p. 161Heart (such was the blindness and deceitfulness of it) cryed, Not Guilty of any one of them. Hereupon I began to suspect my heart, and calling upon God to enlighten mine eyes, and discover my sins to me, and then reading them over again, I judged my self guilty, yea, very guilty of most of the Sins there enumerated and set down.

After this I lay about two Months under a Spirit of Bondage, being full of fears and inward trouble, so that many times I durst not close mine eyes in the night; lest I should awake in Hell. I thought every night the Devil would come for me, and fetch me away: But anon the Lord was pleased graciously to shine upon me, and this remarkable passage I shall never forget. That being one Evening at Prayer all alone in the dark, (I remember the Chamber in C. C. C. and the Corner of the Chamber very well:) I was very earnest with God for the manifestation of his Love to my Soul, and the assurance of the Pardon of my sins, and at length I brake out into these Joy unspeakable.words (or in words to this purpose) Lord I will not out of thy presence; I will not go off from my knees till thou speak comfort to me, whereupon I was immediately filled with a strong perswasion of the Love of God to my Soul, and with Joyes unspeakable and full of Glory.

From this time he diligently applyed himself to Reading and Studying the Sacred He chooses the Ministry.Scriptures, and Divinity; and when he was Master of Arts, his Father willed him to choose his Profession, either a Lawyer, Physician, or Divine. The latter he readily pitched upon, telling his Father that he had for sometime already applyed himself to those Studies, and that he esteemed the turning of Souls to Righteousness to be the most desirable work in all the World, and that it would have the greatest Reward hereafter, tho the other two Callings where like to bring in greater Wealth and Honour here.

His tender Father would not cross, but rather encouraged him, and his pious resolution: And for that end he laid out to procure a good Living, or place of Settlement for him: In the mean while our Edmund was not idle: But being invited to His success therein.Preach a Lecture on the Lords-dayes in the afternoon at Witney, a Town about ten Miles from Oxford, he accepted the Call, and Preached there, well nigh half a year and had comfortable Seals of his Ministry in that place.

So acceptable were his labors during his abode there, that hearers from all places round about flocked unto him, as Doves flye to their Windows. This was not very pleasing to the Incumbent, who therefore spent the more time in reading Common-Prayers, and when he had spun them out all he could, he himself would go out of the Church, being followed by none but his Clerk, whom he would not suffer to begin a Psalm, but either the Lecturer himself, or one Mr. Martin, a Godly Man was fain to do it.

The Text of Scripture that he long insisted upon, was that excellent saying of Solomon, Prov. 23. 23. Buy the truth and sell it not; whereupon the Incumbent, as he met any going to Church as he went from it, would in a jeering manner say unto them, What? you are now going to buy the Truth?

By his Father and Friends he had now a place provided for him, namely Bushy in Hertfordshire, and he was the more willing to accept of it, because his continuance at Witney was precarious, and the envy and opposition by the Minister of the place was not to be removed. To Bushy therefore he removed where he had a welcome entertainment by the generality of the Inhabitants, but especially by those which had any favour to Religion. Here he Preached, and Catechized on the Lords-dayes, and other dayes, to the great benefit of his hearers that attended his Ministry, not His remove to Bushy. His labors and success.only of Bushy, but others that repaired unto him from Watford, and other adjacent places. An ancient Godly Minister yet living, gave this Testimony of him under his Hand: That that little time which Dr. Staunton (saith he) spent in Bushy, was not without good success, many persons in mine own hearing, have acknowledged that his Ministry was the means of their Conversion.

During his abode at Bushy (which was about two years) he repaired, or rather rebuilt at his own charges, the dwelling House belonging to the Minister. At this time also he Married a Wife, the Daughter of one Mr. Scudamore of Watford, a Man of good account in those parts, both for his Estate, and Godliness: By her he had one Daughter. Also being appointed to Preach a Visitation Sermon, he performed it with great applause and approbation: Yet because he sharply reproved Pluralites, and Non-Residency, some that were concerned and guilty were greatly p. 162offended; and one of them said, he might the better Preach against holding many Livings, having got so good an one himself.

And indeed Bushy was so good a Living, that one Dr. Seaton, of Kingston upon Thames in Surry, had a longing desire after it, and either finding, or making a slaw in Mr. Stauntons Title, he soon ejected him from it. But first there was a Tryal at Law about it, wherein the Attorny General Noy (who was of Counsel for Seaton, was so taken with the ingenuity of Staunton, that he moved for an exchange, and so brought it to pass that Seaton should have Bushy, and Staunton should have Kingston.

Now both parties were well agreed: Staunton preferred work before wages, and liked Kingston the better because his opportunities of service would there be greater, being of that Reverend Divines mind, who was wont to say, that his opportunities were Dr. Winter.his greatest Riches. But whilst he thought of settling there, he met with a disappointment: Seaton having now gotten Bushy would not part with Kingston, but either Staunton must be his Curate there, or he must be gone from thence: Hereupon Mr. Staunton repaired to Noy, and Related to him the deceitful, and disingenuous carriage of his Client: Noy was of too generous a nature to approve of such baseness, and therefore sending for Seaton, he told him plainly, that unless he would resign Kingston, he would soon pick an hole in his Title to Bushy. Divers also of the Inhabitance of Kingston (who highly prized Mr. Stauntons Ministry, and were willing His remove to Kingston.to purchase it at any rate, did so work with Dr. Seaton, that shortly after he resigned Kingston, to which Mr. Staunton had the Presentation, and soon after his Institution and Induction.

At Kingston he continued about twenty years, endeavouring faithfully to discharge the Ministry which he had received of the Lord. There he Preached twice on the His great pains there.Lords-dayes, and Catechised the younger, and the more Ignorant sort of People: Yet did he not satisfie himself in thus Teaching them publickly; But (tho the Town was large, and Populous) he taught them also from House to House, (Act. 20. 20.) Here also he set up a weekly Lecture, which was supplyed, in their turns by as Eminent Ministers as those parts of England did afford. And in a little while, partly by his powerful Preaching, partly by his Holy and Exemplary Life, he wrought a great, and general Reformation, both among the Magistrates and People throughout the Town. He was dearly loved by all the Godly party, and feared by those that were wicked. The good Seed that he there Sowed doth spring up to this very day, and many yet living can hardly mention him with their Tongues without Tears in their eyes. Nor was there any love lost between them: He would to the last call the People of Kingston (As Saint Paul did the Philippians, Phil. 4. 1.) His Joy and his Crown; And would often say, that were it not for some wrangling persons; a Minister might live as comfortable a Life among them, as among any People in England.

By his Ministry, as a work of Reformation was wrought upon the Town in general, His success.so also a work of saving Conversion was wrought upon many Souls in perticular: Himself in some Memoires hath recorded, that in the year 1648. When he was to leave the place, there were thirty Persons that gave him in a paper subscribed by themselves wherein they owned him for their Spiritual Father; and doubtless there were many thir…es in and about the Town, who would and could have made the like acknowledgment.

Anno Christi, 1635. Came forth the Book for Sports on the Lords-dayes, and an Injunction requiring that it should be read in every Church, such Ministers as refused to Read it, were for some time Suspended, among whom Mr. Staunton was one, being of Saint Austins mind, that it was better to go to Plow, than to Dance on the Sabbath day.

During the time of his Suspension he took his degree of Doctor in Divinity in Oxford, He Commenced Doctor.which he did (to use his own words) that he might put the greater honor upon his sufferings. When he Answered in Comitiis, and opposed in Vesperijs, he was wonderfully Applauded by all that were present. There were several Doctors in the Ʋniversity, whose fingers did itch to be dealing with him, because he was a Country Minister, and a Puritan, among whom was a Doctor of great note among them, who was so pittyfully Non-plust by Staunton, that the Auditors hissed at him, and one called out for a Candle that the Doctor might see his Arguments. Of this good Providence Doctor Staunton himself took thankful notice, giving all the Glory to God, p. 163and making use of that Scripture, him that Honours me will I Honour. At the same time also he Preached in the Ʋniversity, upon the Text, Mar. 8. 36. What will it profit a Man? to gain the whole World, and lose his own Soul: Of which Sermon he saith, that God did both graciously assist him in the Preaching of it, and wonderfully prospered it when Preach't.

When the Assembly of Divines was called at Westminster, Dr. Staunton was chosen One of the Assembly.to be one of that Learned and Reverend Assembly, and was of good esteem among them, insomuch that he was appointed to be one of the six that kept up that useful, and profitable Lecture every Morning in Westminster-Abby. He Preached also several times before the Parliament, and his Sermons were, by their Order, Printed.

Anno Christi, 1648. Visiters were appointed for the Ʋniversity of Oxford, who discharged President of C. C. Colledge.Dr. Newlin from his Headship in C. C. Colledge, and no Man was thought so fit to succeed him in that place as Dr. Staunton. That Colledge had been formerly happy in an Eminently Learned and Godly President, the Famous Dr. John Reynolds, and now it was blessed again with the Residence and Regency of this worthy Doctor.

Here he continued above twelve years, in all which time his Deportment, and behaviour His deportment there.was very Exemplary, not only to those that were of his own Colledge, but to the Heads of other Colledges also. Hear what account of his Conversation is given by a faithful Pen of one that was Scholar, and Fellow of that House most of that time when our Doctor was President there. Thus he writes,

At his first coming to the Colledge, he put in Execution, and that Vigorously, all such His diligence and prudence.Statutes as tended most to the advancement of Learning, and Religion, and was himself frequently present at all Lectures, and other Exercises, to Encourage the Studious and Reprehend the Negligent. He set up a Divinity Lecture every Lords-day, early in the Morning, in the Colledge Chappel, for the Initiating, and exercising of the Elder Students in order to fit them for the work of the Ministry. He constantly Catechized the Younger sort publickly in the Chappel every Saturday. He Preached once or twice every Lords-day, to the Edification, and comfort of many: Besides his constant course in Saint Maries, and the Colledge Chappel, and several Lectures in Country Towns, whereunto he was alwayes most ready, rather seeking opportunities than declining them. He had every week a meeting in his own Lodging for Prayer, and Spiritual Conference, as well of the Members of his Colledge, as of others, wherein himself alwayes bore the principal part, bringing out of his store of Experimental knowledge things both New and Old. He was constantly present at Publick Duties of Worship in the Chappel Morning and Evening, observing all, and reproving such as were negligent and remiss. He took great care to Introduce, and Elect into the Colledge such as he either saw or heard to have some appearences of Grace; At least, such as were dociable, and inclinable towards that which is good. Spiritual discourse was his meat and drink; And when he sat at Meals in the Colledge Hall, his constant course was, either from the Chapter then Read, or from some occasion or other to speak that which might tend to the Instruction of those that were present, and to call up their minds to some Heavenly Contemplation.

Anno Christi, 1660. Being discharged from the Colledge, where he had been so eminent He leaves Oxford.a blessing by his Prudent Government, and Pious Example, both which were so far effectual, that Religion and Learning scarce flourished more in any one Society in that Ʋniversity, than in that little Nursery, he judged it advisable to withdraw also from that City, in which he had sown so many Handful of precious Seed, which he alwayes well watered with his Tears. For few Preached with more Affection, and less Affectation: But when the time of his departure came, some yet Living know, and well Remember with what sad hearts his dear Friends, Scholars and Citizens, parted with him, as those did with Saint Paul, Act. 20. latter end: They all wept sore and fell on Pauls Neck and kissed him; Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his Face no more, and they accompanied him out of the City. So did these from the Famous University and City.

Having left Oxford he Recommended himself to Gods Providence to choose a He goes to Rickmersworth.fit Habitation for him, where for the present he might six himself, and his first Station was at Rickmersworth, a small Market Town in Hertfordshire, where he had not been long but he had a very kind welcome from the Gentry, as a Gentleman, and from private Christians, as a Minister of Jesus Christ.

p. 164His first and principal design, after he had been there a while, was to make way His prudence and painfulness.for the Settlement of an able Minister among them, reckoning that one of the best accommodations to an House was wanting, where that was wanting: And he used to say that Rickmersworth were a good place if there were better water, meaning a better Ministry; and that his design took no better effect, it was not through any neglect or default of his, having used all means in his power to have brought it to pass: Yet himself quickly found the way to the Pulpit; and because the entrance was narrower than in some other places, he sought out a wider door, and more effectual, and indeed he found out above twenty more in other places, scarce one Sabbath passed, but he Preached the Gospel of the Kingdome in a new pulpit: And tho he was old and somewhat infirm, yet rarely did he content himself with once, but Preached twice a day.

Thus this good Man, in labours more abundant than many others, in the Morning sowed his Seed, and in the Evening witheld not his hand (so liberal he was of his Spiritual Alms) not knowing whether should prosper, this or that, o… whether they might not both be alike good (Eccles. 11. 6.) And like Saint Paul (Rom. 15. 19.) from Rickmersworth, even round about unto the utmost Borders of the County, yea, in the Neighbouring Counties also, he was willing to be spending, and spent in the service of his great and good Lord and Master Jesus Christ.

Hereby we may easily see that our Doctor had not lain idle in the University, till he was rusted and Cankered away, and so fit for no other use in the House of God, but as it was said of Joseph, that his Bow still abode in strength; So was it with him, his parts memory, and affections still continuing vigorous. Thus he continued constantly Preaching till that black day, August 24, 1662. Which imposed silence upon all Non-Conformists: Yet neither after this time was he willing to Fasting and Prayer.be idle: For almost every week he assisted in keeping one day at a private Fast, either in his own, or else in some other Godly Ministers, or Christians Family, as to humble himself for his own sins, so for the sins and abominations which had overspread the Kingdom: And it cannot be easily forgotten with what brakeness of Spirit, and with what a melting Soul he would still take up some hours in those dayes, either in Preaching, or Prayer, or both: For indeed he was mighty in Prayer, as well as in the Scriptures, as its said of Apollos.

Having thus spent about two years, his Wife now labouring under some weaknesses, he gave over House-keeping, and retired into a Chamber or two in a private Family, at some Miles distance, where he was very useful, and quickly Leavened that He doth good.whole Houshold: His Ministerial gifts and graces were such, as he persumed all with whom he conversed. As long as he continued there, there was a little Church in that House, so that both Governor, Children, and Servants had great cause to bless God for his presence among them, and for his Holy Conference, and exemplary Conversation, which was so profitable unto them.

From thence he removed to an another private Family (and probably his frequent removes were, that he might have renewed opportunities of doing the more good to men, and the more service to God) where he was entertained as an Angel of God. This Family was near to Saint Albans, in which Town he was an Instrument of doing much good, to correct extravagances among some people there, which he effected by his sober principles, and great moderation of Spirit, and the Noble exercises of self-denyal, and Charity, being no burden to any, but being crafty, he caught them by guile, 2 Cor. 12. 16.

His last remove was to a place called Bovingden, a little Village, which probably had never been taken notice of, if this eminent Servant of Christ had not made his abode, and ended his dayes there. He was brought thither by the Invitation of a very Religious and Noble Gentleman, who freely accommodated him with all the conveniences of an Habitation of his in that place: But our Doctor told a friend of his, that His Charity.whatsoever he saved that way, he still expended it in Charitable uses, and made Conscience of giving it, either in Mony or Books to poor Families in that, or some Neighbouring places. He distributed several Hundred of Catechisms, and of Mr. Baxters Call to the Ʋnconverted amongst them.

During this abode here he dayly attended the duties of that Family wherein he lived, instructing those that were therein; and if any of the poor of that place chanced His frequent Preaching.to come in, he would bid them welcome, and say, That Christ came along with them, p. 165and tell them, that the poor hath the Gospel Preached unto them. In this place he enjoyed great privacy: which he greatly prized: And had he been born for himself alone, he could alwaies have chosen to live thus alone. Many worthies in the world have preferred retirement before the greatest preferments in Church or State, and have Judged Scepters, and Myters not worthy to be compared with it: But he was of another Spirit, and could not thus satisfie himself: He had often that saying of Saint Paul in his mouth, Wo be to me if I Preach not the Gospel. He was of Reverend Mr. Calvins mind, who would not that his Lord should come and find him idle. Wherefore he rode often to Saint Albans, or to some other adjacent place, and once or twice a year to London, and Kingston; And seeing he could not Preach in a Church to many, he contented himself to Preach in a Chamber to a few. 'Tis not the place or multitude that commends our Preaching unto God, many excellent Sermons have been Preached in despicable places and Auditories. Saint Pauls meeting place in Macedonia was by a Rivers side, and his Auditors a few of the weaker Sex. Our Saviour himself once Preached a long Sermon to one timerous Nichodemus (Joh. 3. 4.) And some other times in the open Air; and to one silly Woman Joh. 4. 7.

Thus this Eminent Man of God like a Candle or Torch, with giving light to others, His Sickness.consumed and wasted himself, July the eighth, Anno Christi, 1671. And of his Age seventy one: He was seized all on one side with the Dead Palsie, by reason whereof his Speech much failed him, so that he spake little and seldom. A friend coming to visit him, and asking him how he did? He answered in the words of the Prophet: In measure God debateth with me, and in the day of the East wind, he stayeth his rough wind: A while after he said to a Friend that stood by him; I neither fear Death nor desire Life, but am willing to be at Gods disposal. At another time he uttered these words very audibly; I know that my Redeemer liveth, and by and by he repeated the fifth verse of the thirty first Psalm in Meeter:

Into thy Hand Lord I commit

My Spirit which is thy due:

For why? Thou hast Redeemed it,

O Lord my God most true.

So long as he was able to speak he pressed the By▪standers to many wholesome duties; as, to make sure of Heaven in the time of health: To keep their Evidences fair and unblotted. To remember, and keep holy the Sabbath day (whereof himself was a careful observer.) When he could no longer speak himself he desired others to read the Scriptures to him, directing them those Portions which he most desired, which were, for the most part, some of Davids Psalms. And he was either without any great pain, or without feeling of it.

July the tenth his Speech was quite taken from him, but yet his understanding and memory continued: About the space of four dayes, he lay (as all about him might perceive) in a very comfortable condition, oft lifting up his Eyes and Hands towards Heaven with a smiling and chearful Countenance. An upright Life usually ends in a peaceable Death. A little before his Departure, a Minister Praying His Death.]with him, he shewed signs of great affections all the while, and Prayer being ended, he took him by the Hand, and held it fast, expressing great signs of Joy in God and of thankfulness unto him. And on the 14th. of July, this shining light went out, to receive his wages from his great Lord and Master Jesus Christ.

He was Buried at Bovenden, afore-mentioned, July the seventeeth, Anno Christi, 1671.

Whilst he lived at Kingston, and whas busily employed in begetting Sons and Daughters unto God, God gave him many Sons and Daughters begotten of his own Body, ten of which lie buried in one Grave in the Parish Church of Kingston, upon whom he hath laid a fair Stone with this Epitaph fairly Engraven on it.

p. 166Here lies the Bodies

Children which the Lord graciously gave to Edmund Staunton, D. D. Late Minister of Kingston upon Thames, now President of C. C. C. in Oxford, by Mary his Wife, Daughter of Richard Balthrope, Esq; Servant to the Late Queen Elizabeth.

Ten Children in one Grave! A dreadful sight;

Seven Sons, and Daughters three; Jobs number right.

Childhood and Youth are vain: Death Reigns o're all,

Even those that never sinn'd like Adams fall.

But why o're All? In th' first Man every one

Sinned and fell; not he himself alone.

Our hope's in Christ the second Adam; He

Who saves th' Elect from sin and misery.

What's that to us, poor Children? 'Tis our Creed,

God is a God to th' Faithful and their Seed.

Sleep on (Dear Children) never more to wake

Till Christ doth raise you, and to Glory take.

He was very careful and dilligent in the great Duty of Self-Examination, which Self examination. Evidences from Heaven.also he often pressed upon others. Concerning which he thus writes.

Evidences for Heaven, which (if my heart deceive me not) are in me, through the gracious workings of Gods Spirit upon me: They are,

First, Effectual Calling. That this is a good Evidence appears from, Rom. 8. 30. 2 Pet. 1. 10. The Calling I had was about the year, 1620.

Secondly, Change of Company: Choosing the Society of the Godly; shunning the Society of the wicked, Psal. 1. 1. and 26. 4, 5. and 119. 115. Act. 9. 26. To this my heart answers affirmitively, Feb. 4. 1629. And do thou so still, April. 3. 1663. And still so, May 2. 1666. And again, April 2. 1668. &c.

Thirdly, Ʋniversality of Obedience, Psa. 119. 6. and 139. the two last verses. To this my heart answers affirmatively, Februrary 4. 1629. And doth so still, April 3. 1663.

Fourthly, Love to the Godly as such, 1 Joh. 3. 14. To this my heart answers affirmatively, Feb. 4. 1629. &c.

Fifthly, Sincerity. Endeavouring to approve my heart more to God, than my wayes to Men: Aiming more at Gods glory, than mine own profit, applause, &c. 2 Cor. 1. 12. My heart answers affirmitively as before.

Sixthly, Kindly meltings and mournings for sin, upon the sense of Gods free Love in Christ, Zech. 12. 10. 2 Cor. 7. 9, 10. My heart answers affirmatively, &c. Going to Hemsteed to Preach, as I was Meditating on the Rode near Langely, of the Love of God in Calling such an one as I am, when thousands more Noble, more Mighty, more Wise and Learned, &c. Lye in Ignorance and profaneness, I burst out into a fit of weeping, and my heart by and by was filled with abundance of Joy and rejoyceing.

Seventhly, Zeal for God and against sin, John 2. 17. 2 Cor. 7. 11. My heart answered affirmitively, &c.

Eighthly, A Love of, and longing for Christs appearing: 2 Tim. 4. 8. Heb. 9. 6. Rev. 22. 17, 20. I cannot say there hath been such a longing in me after Christs coming, at least, not so full and frequent, as in many others: yet in Prayer and Meditation the thoughts of a future Estate wherein I should never sin more, but be satisfied with Gods likeness, have been very sweet and comfortable unto me. Once upon the Rode (in a day of my greatest rejoycing as to outward Comforts and Mercies) it Lightned, Thundered, and Rained much. My thoughts were, what if this should be the day of Judgment? What if I should see Christ coming presently in p. 167the Clouds? The answer of my Soul was, Welcome, Welcome, Welcome: This filled me with much peace and comfort.

Ninthly, Speech gracious, or with Grace: Prov. 10. 21. Ephe. 4. 29. My heart answers affirmatively, Feb. 4. 1629. When I have met with any Ignorant persons willing to be instructed, it hath been my manner (to God be the Glory and praise of it) to set good discourse on foot, and to forward it, when others have begun it.

Tenthly, Blessing God for, and rejoycing in the gifts and graces of others. Joh. 29. 30. My heart answers affirmatively, Feb. 4. 1629. &c. Tho my heart is apt enough (the Lord humble and help me) to envy and detract from others; yet (through mercy) I find.

1. An heart blessing God for others gifts and graces out-shining mine.

2. Rejoycing that others do greater and better services, and bringing more Glory to him than I do or can.

Eleventhly, The Spirit of Prayer: Act. 9. 11. Rom. 8. 15. My heart answers affirmatively, Feb. 4. 1629, &c.

Twelfthly, A careful Sanctification of the Sabbaths Commandments, 4th. Isa. 56. 45. and 58. 13, 14. My heart answers affirmatively, Feb. 4. 1629, &c.

According to the Psalmists Counsel and other good Mens custome, he was wont Meditation.to commune with his heart in the night season, when there is the greatest silence, and least interruption.

He also kept a Journal, or Diary, of Gods Mercies: And amongst his many A Diary of Gods providences to him.Collections in this kind, take these few instances which he wrote, and left behind him.

When being about ten years of Age, I fell sick of a Feaver, and was given up for dead, of mine own accord (I think my good God suggested it) I asked for Butter-milk, which taking, by little and little, my Fever abated, and I recovered.

When I was about fourteen years old, swinging in a Rope in my Fathers Kitchin at Birchmore, which was paved with Freestone, and of an high Roof, which I endeavouring to touch with Back and Belly, when I was very high and my Face downwards, the rope brake, and I fell down flat, and there lay Speechless and as Dead. But anon (the Lord appearing for my help) I brake out into a violent bleeding at Mouth, or Nose, or both; And so by degrees (through the blessing of the Lord) revived, and recovered.

Going to Bed in my Tutors Chamber in Oxford, and having a Wax-Candle in a Roll by me, burning on a Deal-box full of Linnen, I fell asleep: The Box and Linnen were burnt, but the Bed not touched, tho close to it, &c.

When I was Minister at Kingston, I drank Ink one Morning instead of Muskadine, yet had no hurt.

April 8th. 1659. at Oxford, my Wife being in her Closset very late, which was hung with much Linnen round about, and I in Bed and a sleep in the Chamber adjoyning, the Candle taking hold on the Linnen, set it on fire, which flamed round about her: She (the Lord assisting of her) bestirred her self, pulled down the Linnen, trod it under foot, and mastered the fire. I was not waked, nor she much damaged.

Feb. 1. 1666. At the Bell-Inn in Aldersgate-street, London, between eight and nine a Clock at night, missing my way to my Chamber, I went upon the Leads unrailed, pitching my Staff before me; I went so nigh the Precipice, or downfall into the yard, that I found no footing for my staff: But a step between me and death! O what shall I render, &c.

Another commendable excellency in this Holy Man was his Laboriousness in the Preaching frequent.work of the Ministry. Somthing of this you had before. His great care was to fulfil the Ministry which he had received of the Lord, his heart was in this work: He did Hoc agere: This was his foreign, It was his Meet and Drink. He would often say, that he feared to hear that rebuke from Christ another day. Thou evil and sloathful Servant, Mat. 25. 26. Wicked because sloathful. When he came to visit his Friends, if they did not ask, to be sure he would offer his pains among them. What? He would say, is there no work for a Preacher here? But tho his Sermons were sometimes offered, they were never ordinary ware.

p. 168He never offered to God, in that way, that which cost him nothing. He alwayes His Preaching.disliked immethodical and indigested Preaching: Indeed he was a work-man that needed not to be ashamed of his work, and yet he was as great an Enemy to quaint, as he was to Crude Preaching: Next to painfulness, he liked plainness in a Preacher, which two are not inconsistent. Ministers are termed Gods Interpreters, yet many times their Sermons are such, that they need others to be their Interpreters. It was a saying of Holy Mr. Dod, that many of our English Preachers shoot over the Head of most of their hearers. They are not alwayes low in Learning that stoop to the Capacity of their Auditors.

The Life of Preaching lies in Application; And in this indeed he was alwaies most vigorous and lively. In his admonitions and Exhortations he was so affectionate, that he would impart, not the Gospel only, but his very Soul also to his Auditory. He was called the searching Preacher. In every Sermon he would still speak something by way of Trial, and Examination: He would frequently have his Marks of distinction betwixt the precious and the vile; the sincere Person and the Hypocrite. This story he Recorded himself, that having a suspicion of one Man in his Parish, who made a great Profession of Religion, of whom he often thought in his distinctions, that very Person came afterwards to him, saying, You will never leave Distinguishing, till you have distinguished me into Hell.

Dr. Staunton Preaching once at Warborough, not far from Oxford, one in the Congregation Providence remarkable.was so affected with his first Prayer, that he ru… to his House (which was near) and bad his Wife to make her self ready and come to Church; for there was one in the Pulpit that prayed like an Angel, so as he never heard the like. The Woman hasted to Church with her Husband, and God so ordered it, that that Sermon proved effectual for her Conversion, and she proved afterwards a serious and eminent Christian.

He was familliarly acquainted with the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New-Testament, Scriptures studied.and (as Apollos) was mighty therein. His head was instead of a Concordance: It was a wonder to see how readily he could turn to any Text upon all occasions. He greatly loved the Word, and therefore could not easily forget it. He loved it more than the Bride doth her Ornaments, which run in her mind continually. The Testimonies of God were his delight and the Men of his Counsel, he read and meditated therein day and night. Where ever he went he carried the New-Testament, or Davids Psalms along with him. The first thing he did in a Morning was to Read a Portion of the Sacred Scripture, which Ministred matter of Meditation, and of Communication all the day after.

When he was to seek for matter of good discourse (which was very seldome) or Conference.when no fit occasion was offered otherwise, then would he speak of some Scripture that he had read that Morning, from which he would raise some useful observations, or propose some Practical Questions to the Edification of the hearer. At Night when he went to Bed, he would search out some Scripture or other which suited with his present thoughts, and that was the subject matter of his Meditation in his waking hours. He seldom wrote any Letter but he added three, or four, or more Scriptures for a Post-script, and those very pertinent, either to the present occasion of his writting, or to the condition of the Person to whom he wrote: Or haply they should respect the times, and the Providences of God therein. He seldome visited, or met any Friend, but he would at parting, leave some Scripture or other with him. Pray you (he would say) let me leave one Text of Scripture with you, and think of it when I am gone.

He was very frequent and servent in Prayer. What David said of himself may be Prayer frequent.truly affirmed of him, I gave my self to Prayer. Its Recorded of Luther, that no day passed over him wherein he did not spend three hours at least in this duty, and it may be truly said of our Doctor, that he restrained not Prayer; not slightly passed it over. He was fervent in Spirit, thus serving the Lord: his manner was, when ever he came to Lodge at any Friends House, after he had saluted those that were present, he would presently retire into his Chamber; where he would spend about an hour by himself, before any Friend could speak with him: At Night also he would again be shut up in his Chamber for a considerable time before any Servant could be admitted to him He would often say to his Godly Friends that came to visit him; Come must we not pray together before we part? Indeed it may be said of him, what was said of another, p. 169Mihi cibus & potus est Oratio: Prayer was his best repast, his meat, and his drink. Nor did he slubber over this duty as too many do, but he did it with all his might: He prayed in Prayer: He wrestled with God as Jacob did: He usually wept when he made his supplications unto God, he was not only affectionate when he prayed with others, but when he was alone by himself: This himself hath recorded, the glory be God were; I have shed one tear in Prayer with others, I have (I think I speak within compass) shed two in secret between God and mine own Soul.

In Prayer alone, or with others, if he could have room, he would perform the Humility in Prayer.duty kneeling on the ground; Yea, tho he was sometimes almost lost in the Crowd by so doing. He used to say, that the humblest Gesture, as well as the humblest Spirit best became the duty of Prayer: And that he knew no way of wrestling with the Almighty, like that of lying at his feet, and prostrating our selves before him.

He was a strict observer of the Lords-day. Some have observed, that the Sanctification Sabbaths sanctified.of it is one of the first things that a Converted Person makes Conscience of. This good Man was every day watchful over his thoughts, words and actions, but more especially upon the Lords-dayes. It was rare to hear him speak one idle word, or see him do one unnecessary action on those dayes. His strictness was such herein, that some have wondered at it; and some (too hastily perhaps) have censured him for it. He went from duty to duty (as Bees do, from flower to flower) from publick duties to Family Duties; from Family duties to Closet duties, finding sweetness in them all. He would say, we must alwayes be good Husbands of time, especially of Holy time. We must not spend that time which is not our own, about our own affairs.

He kept many private fasts alone, and with his Family. This he did ordinarily Fasting and prayer.before he came to the Lords-Supper, and at other times when he found any Corruption to grow or get head in his heart. There are some Devils, and Devillish Lusts, that will not be cast out, or kept under by other means. This he himself Records, that when he was a young Preacher, he found himself to be very prone to be puffed up and exalted (its observed, that Spiritual pride is the special sin of young Ministers) whereupon he set a day apart to seek to God for strength against that sin, and from that day forward he felt (as himself expresses it) that the neck and heart of Pride subdued.it was broken.

He was a most lowly minded Christian: He was Clothed all over with the precious His Humility.Garment of Humility, that Treasury of grace, that Ornament of Religion. Neither his Parentage nor his parts, nor his applause, nor any thing else, did (to appearance) any way elate, or puff him up. Tho he was lifted up in the eyes and hearts of others, yet was he lowly in his own. It was usual with him to esteem others, that were far inferiour to him, to be better than himself.

He was very Charitable unto all, especially to those of the Houshold of Faith. 'Tis His Charity.Davids Character of a good Man, that he giveth to the poor, and disperses Liberally, Psa. 112. 5, 9. And this was his practice; whilst others were for gathering and heaping up, he was for dispersing and scattering abroad. As all graces were conspicuous in him, so this of Charity in a special manner, which is the only Grace (saith one) wherein God and Man Communicates. He devised Liberal things, and drew out, not his Sheafe only, but his Soul to the hungry (Isa. 58. 10.) He did not draw out his Purse only to relieve them, but his Bowels and Soul to pity them.

Dat benè, dat multum qui dat cum Munere Vultum.

His manner was, when he rode abroad to put so much Mony into his Pocket, as he could well spare for this purpose; And as he met with any Indigent person, he would fall into discourse with him; and if he found any knowledge of God or savour of Godliness, he would the more plentifully relieve them; Nor should the ignorant (if he judged them necessitous and not idle) part from him without some Counsel and relief. For Purse Alms, and Spiritual Almes together, very few were his equals. He used often to visit poor and needy Families, or call in, as he passed by them, and would ever leave something behind him for the good both of their Souls and bodies. God lent him a compitent Estate, (and which is better) gave him an heart to lend it back to him again. God Honoured him, and he again Honoured God with his substance.

p. 170He was very eminent for Patience. Those that knew his circumstances, and his Lamb-like carriage under them, will readily confess that he was one of the greatest His Patience.patterns of Patience that this Age hath produced. Among the various tryals wherewith he was exercised, he had one which was not ordinary, his Wife falling into a Distraction; Yet whoever saw him out of humor? Whoever heard him grumble, or speak a repining word for it? Yea, many that knew it have admired, not only at his patience, but at chearfulness under so sad a dispensation. He had learned that great Lesson, in every thing give thanks: It may be said of him as of that great Apostle Saint Paul, that he was Joyful, yea, exceeding Joyfull in all his Tribulations. His Conversation was made up of seriousness, tempered with chearfulness, how grave was he in all Company, and yet how chearful? I used my self (saith he) to be somewhat merry and chearful in Company, that standers by might for that reason be the more in Love with Religion, to shew that it was not inconsistent with harmless Mirth, and (through mercy) I have cause to think that I have sometimes attained that end. I have hereby drawn some to a liking of the good wayes of God.

He much disliked, and lamented the unnatural heats and divisions that were among His peaceableness.Christians. He was not Sceptical, and indifferent, nor yet rigid and morose: He seemed to tread in Saint Pauls steps, and did alwayes endeavour to accommodate himself, to those that differed from him so far as lawfully he might, and as his Love of truth would permit. Many Men prefer a petty Notion to the Churches peace and Communion, and are so capricious and over-confident of their own determinations, that they will hold no Communion, nay hardly have a pleasing Conversation with those who are not of their perswasion: But our Doctor was of another Alloy, and of a more excellent temper. He used to say, that all men must have their grains of allowance. The most knowing Christians know but in part. He would Familiarly converse (yea, and if occasion was, Communicate in all Ordinances) with those that held the head, and were found in the vitals of Christian Religion, tho in other things they were erroneous. This he much declaimed against, that Christians upon every little occasion, made nothing of separation. If they disliked a People, the next word was, we will joyn with them no longer: If they disliked a Preacher, presently we will hear him no more. His opinion was, that it will never be well with the Church of God in this Nation, so long as Christians are so prone to division and separation. This, this is Englands incurable wound.

What was said of David and of our Lord Christ himself may be truly affirmed of His zeal.this worthy Doctor, The Zeal of God did consume and eat him up. Tho he seldome sinned in being angry, yet he often, yea very often was angry with sin. He could bear to be reproached and evil-spoken of himself, but not that God and his Name should be Blasphemed, and dishonored. Among other instances take one or two that are set down under his own hand.

Being once (saith he) at a Wedding Dinner, at the Marriage of one of Mr. Valentines Servant, I observed a Fidler to Swear, and to Sing very obscenely, at which I was troubled, and filled with Indignation, till anon I called to him to forbear, and gave him Mony to hold his peace, tendring therein the Glory of God, and was much comforted thereby.

Supping once at an Inn betwixt London and Oxford, where many who travelled together did also eat together, one among the rest was full of vain, and profane discourse. I applyed my self unto him, and labored to convince him of the evil of sin, and of the curse and wrath of God which hung over his head: And then I told him also of the riches of Gods Grace to repenting sinners, of his readiness to receive them, and to be reconciled unto them. This made him more mute, but what farther opperation it had upon him, I know not; only this was remarkable, that the opening Providences special.of the grace of God in the Gospel, fell upon a young Schollar that stood by, and (as he afterwards confest) it melted his very heart, and helpt him from under a Spirit of Bondage, wherewith he had been bowed down, and broken, for many Moneths past.

Another demonstration of his great zeal for God, was his frequent projecting and Zeal.contriving how he might promote his Honour and Service in the world. He hath been ofeen heard to say to his Friends in a Morning; Come Friends, what shall we do for God this day? How shall we Trade with our Talents for the furtherance of his Glory? Never did that Ambitious Man Study and strive for the advancing of p. 171himself as he did for advancing the Name and Honor of his God.

He took much delight in, and excelled in Christian Conference, for which he Christian conference.deserves to be Recorded to all Posterity. If he came behind some for Learning, Elocution, &c. Yet he went before them in this Grace and gift. As Men have their perticular sins, so they have their perticular Graces and Excellencies: Abraham excelled in Faith; Moses in Meekness; Joh in Patience, and our worthy Doctor in Holy and Godly Conference. Whoever conversed with him, and was not a gainer by his Heavenly discourse? His Speech was alwayes with Grace, which as it argued grace in the speaker, so it was apt to work, or stir up Grace in the hearers, it was ever savoury, seasoned with salt, and good to the use of Edifying, Ephe, 4. 29. His heart was alwayes inditing a good matter, and therefore his tongue was as the Pen of a ready Writer, Psa. 45. 1, 2. His Lips fed many, Prov. 10. 21. They alwayes dropped as the Hony comb (Cant. 4. 11.) Grace was poured into them, and it flowed plentifully from them. He had a good stock, and Rich Treasure in his heart, and from thence (upon every occasion) he brought forth things both New and Old.

Many have admired his skill and dexterity this way, who will never be able to imitate it. It was a wonder (when he sat at Meat with his Friends) how readily he would turn their water into wine, their merry and Idle into serious and profitable discourse. When any were talking of their worldly and secular affairs, he had a faculty of scruing in some heavenly Argument, which also he did so handsomely, that the most Ignorant, or Carnal person among them could not be offended at it.

Those that would nauseate such discourse from others, would yet accept it from him, so handsomely and artificially did he manage it. He had an excellent faculty Discourse.in warning the unruly, and in comforting the feeble minded: But he was wondrous ready in instructing the Ignorant, even such as others would slight, not thinking them worthy of their pains, by reason of their meanness and Ignorance: He delighted in conversing with such, and instrucing of them; and would say, their Souls are as precious as the Souls of Nobles.

When accidentally he met with any person (tho a stranger) as he was sitting in a House, or walking abroad, or riding by the way, he would instantly apply himself to him, and fall into discourse with him. Not long before his Death, coming to a Gentlemans House, and sitting down, he presently asked the Servant that attended him, what Country-man he was? And where he was born? To which the young Man no sooner replyed, but his next Question was, I pray thee tell me: Dost thou think thou art born again? And by this Introduction he took occasion (as our Saviour Christ did to Nichodemus) to open to him the nature and necessity of the New-Birth. And his success in this way was somewhat answerable to his diligence, some having been Converted, and many others instructed, Comforted, and quickened by his Godly and savoury discourse.

His Modesty and Humility was such, that he never judged any of his Labors worthy His modesty.of the Press; yet he consented that his Treatise about Christian Conference should be Printed, which, tho a plain, yet a profitable discourse.

Thus you have one of the fairest Copies that this Age hath produced, presented to your view. A Man that was (as Saint Paul exhorts Titus to be) a pattern of good works: One that in Doctrine shewed uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech that could not be Condemned: One that in Conversion shewed integrity, unblamableness, and good works that ought to be imitated. A few more such Ministers and Christians, would convince or condemn the ungodly Generation among whom we live, and make them of another mind who say and think, that all Professors are but pretenders to Religion; and that there is no such thing as Grace and Godliness, distinct from Moral Virtue and Righteousness: There is not a more ready way to confute and refel such Calumnies, than to refer them to the Conversation of such a Person; as Diogenes confuted one which denyed that there was any motion, by geting up and walking before his eyes.

p. 172He lies Interred in the Parish Church of Bovingdon aforesaid, under a fair Stone, with this Epitaph Engraven'd upon it, made by the Reverend Dr. Simon Ford.

In Memoriam Eruditii & Sanctissimi Viri Edmundi Staunton, S. T. D.

Qui annum agens Septuagessimum primum, Decimo quarto Die Julii Anno Domini, 1671.

Spiritum ejus in Manus Domini Jesu Christi summa pace deposuit. Scire cupis, Lector, cujus Lapis iste sepulti est? En lege, summissa, sed lege, voce precor. Se solum nota, latuit Pietate modestus, Erubuitque suis conscius esse bonis. Vnde haec, vera licet, si norit forte, verendum Ne fugiat Marmor, vel Cinis ipse loquax.

Of Dr. Stauntons great care to promote Religion and Learning in C. C. C. whilst he was President, by Mr. J. M. Sometime Fellow of the same.

I (Saith he) who had the happiness to be near him for many years, and observed the excellent workings of the Grace of God in him, cannot but speak of the things which I have seen and heard.

In his younger years he was chosen Scholar of Corpus Christi Colledge in Oxford, and not long after Probationer Fellow of the same, before he was Batchellor of Arts; a thing seldome known in that House. There Men finding him to be not only ingenious, but ingenuous also, shewed him great respect, bestowing one token thereof after another. And there God not for any desert in him, but out of his own mercy and grace did set his eye upon him: There did the kindness and love of God (which a great while before had run, like water, under ground) break forth and appear; saving him by the washing of Regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.

For here God first opened his eyes, and caused him to see his wretched condition, which did greatly and deeply humble him, and made him to put up strong cries, with tears, to him tbat was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared, (Heb. 5. 7.) For at length he had his Conscience sprinkled with the blood of Christ, by whom he received the Atonement. And the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, made him free from the Law of sin and death.

And now he became a member of the most Ancient, Honourable, and durable Society in the world: Being, first chosen, and then admitted Fellow of Sion Colledge, where an innumerable Company of Saints and Angels where his Collegues. And having received his Grace, he found himself strongly inclined to make others pertakers of the same. Wherefore, having taken his Degree of Master of Arts, after some few years he left the Colledge, and gave up himself to the work of the Ministry.

He spent most of his time and labors at Kingston upon Thames, where the pleasure of the Lord did prosper in his hands. From thence (as we heard before) he was p. 173called to be a Governor of that Colledge whereof before he had been a Member: And as soon as he came to the place he manifested an earnest desire after the welfare of the Society in every respect, exciting, and by his Example, leading such as were to assist him, to endeavour the same.

His Government favoured more of lenity and mildness than of sharpness and severity; yet he kept the Colledge in very good order and discipline. And tho the House, before his time, had been much troubled with division, he, by his Moderation and Christian prudence, kept them all of a peice, and in the enjoyment of great Peace and Concord. He was indeed naturally of an exceeding good temper and disposition; gentle, affable, and courteous to all, which being embellished with Grace, made him exceeding amiable, and very useful in his whole Conversation.

His great care was to promote Religion and Learning in the Colledge, which he prosecuted with both hands earnestly. Divine knowledge and humane learning are the right and left Eye of the world: And as the Sun and Moon are to the Ʋniverse, the Eclipsing of either of them leaves the World in darkness. One thing there was which made him more desirous to see Religion and Learning to meet together in conjunction, in all such as were to be chosen Scholars of the House, or if that could not be obtained, to have them joyned together afterwards. It was the Founders Will, expressed in one of his Statutes, that all the Fellows, and Scholars that were of the Foundation, should, about a year or two after they were Masters of Arts, be ordained to the Holy Ministry; one only excepted, who ad Arbitrium, might be deputed to the study and Practice of Physick Parts and Learning without grace, make a Man capable of doing very good Service in the Common-wealth; but both in Conjunction are more requisite in one who is to make manifest the savour of the knowledge of Christ in every place, 2 Cor. 2. 14. Knowledge puffeth up, but Charity Edifies, 1 Cor. 8. 1. A Man of Learning without Grace, is like a Ship without Ballast, the least blast of applause is ready to drive him upon the Quick-sands of pride, or to carry him upon the Rocks of opposition to others, yea, sometimes to the truth it self, and that to his own great danger and the prejudice of others.

Upon such accounts as these, this Godly wise Man was careful to prevent (if it might be) an error in the first concoction, knowing how hard it might be to prevent it in the second. Therefore when any Scholars place became void, if there appeared many Candidates for it, he appointed them, sometime before the Election, to attend him at his Lodgings, where he examined them privately, and set down in a Paper the Age, Standing, and Proficiency in Learning, of every one of them. He noted also what Testimonials he had received from Persons of Integrity, concerning the good Conversation of any of them, and of their hopefulness as to Godliness, together with his own apprehensions of them, upon his Examination as to that matter also.

And if such a number of the Electors as was requisite, could not (after publick Examination) agree upon one of them, he upon whom the Election was in that Case devolved, if there appeared to him and Equallity, or near an equallity in other respects, he would alwayes let piety have the Honour to turn the Scales.

His next care was to have these Twins, Piety and Parts fostered and cherished, and by all wayes and means, improved, and heighthened to the utmost of his Power: And to this purpose he came alwayes to all Colledge Exercises: Held every one to the Duties of their several Places, and observed every ones growth, and progress in Learning, by which means he was the better able to Judge whom to prefer when any of them came to be Competitors for a Fellowship.

His care was no less to see Religion prosper and thrive: For which end he made choise of the fittest Persons that he could find to perform the Duty of Prayer, Morning and Evening; even such as would with Reverence, seriousness, and warm affections, engage the hearts of the Hearers in the Duty: And at this holy exercise himself was present as constantly, if not more constantly than the younger Scholars, as to joyn in the Duty, to bring down a blessing upon them from above, and upon their Studies, so also to see that it was performed Reverently, and to see that the whole Society came together duly.

Every Lords-day in the Evening when the whole House met together to offer up their Sacrifice of Praise and Prayer, he examined the younger sort; calling them to p. 174an account of what they heard that day; which was a likely means to engage them to the greater attention in hearing, and to make the truths, by their pondering upon them, to sink the deeper into their hearts.

He took great pains to instruct them of the lower Rank in the Grounds of Religion, calling them one day in the week into the Chappel, where he opened the great and weighty truths of Christianity to them: Endeavouring still, not only to inform their Judgments, but to make the truths reach their hearts.

Whereas the Founder required, that the Fellows and Scholars should, at such a standing (as was said before) be Ordained to the Ministry; he, with the consent of such of the Fellows, as were impowered by the Statutes to make Orders for the good of the Society, decreed, that all of such a standing or above, should Preach every Lords-day in the Morning, by course, in the Colledge Chappel, before the Publick Sermon in the University. By this means they which were designed for the work of the Ministry, might hereby both prove, and improve, and also approve themselves to others to be Men Apt to teach; which is one of the quallifications required in the Apostolical Canons in them that are to be called to the Pastoral Office.

Lastly besides the Conferences which he had often in his own Lodgings about Soul concernments, and Communion in the Lords-Supper in the Colledge Chappel, where he himself did administer, and many of the House with others from abroad were pertakers of that Sacred Ordinance: He would be often discoursing with such of the Society as came to him about any business, and that in such a manner as tended to the promoting of Holiness. For he seldome would let them part from him without some Instruction, Admonition, or hearty Counsel.

Those especial, who by reason of their place and standing, were most frequently about him, received great benefit by their Conversing with him. For his Heart taught his Mouth and added Learning to his Lips. When a Portion of Scripture was read at Dinner (as usually it was) he did not only cause deep silence, and reverent Attention through all the Hall, that all, while they were feeding their Bodies, might feed their Souls also. But when the Chapter was ended, if there were any difficult places in it, he either propounded them to the Fellows that sat at Table with him, or else opened and unfolded them himself. If it contained Practical matter, it was a profitable, and pleasant thing to see and hear, how he, who applyed his Heart to the knowledge of God, and kept his words and Laws within him, had them withal fitted in his Lips.

He lived to see some fruit of his Labors to his great joy and contentment. For divers of them who were, from the beginning, trained up under him, became Learned, wel-disposed and Pious Men; among whom was Mr. Joseph Allein, late Minister of the Gospel at Taunton in Sommerset▪shire. For as he was a great Comfort to this Holy Man whilst he was in the Colledge, so it did revive him to hear (for he was often enquiring after such as had been under him, as a Father after his Children) that he proved so eminently Pious, and useful a Man in the Church of God.

We have seen how vigilant and indusirious a Governor this good Man was in His care of Souls.the Colledge: He was also one who in Compassion to Mens Souls, took every opportunity, when he was at home to Preach in, or near to the City of Oxford. One of the Impropriations belonging to the Colledge, having (before his time) but a small stipend belonging to it; not sufficient to afford a subsistance to an able Man to labor, and watch over the People for the good of their Souls, he first went himself, and afterwards he desired some of the Senior Fellows to go thither by course, and Preach unto the People: Which desire of his they readily and willingly embraced for some time, till the Lease of the Impropriation came to be renewed: At which time, upon his proposal, the Fellows consented either much to abate, or wholly to remit the Fine, in leiu thereof requiring a competent Sum to be paid yearly, to encourage an able Man to labor constantly among them.

When the Affairs of the Colledge called him forth into Places remote from the University, he was alwayes ready to take any opportunity of doing good to the Souls of Men. One who hath rode many Hundred Miles in Company with him, hath alwayes observed his deportment in all places, and towards all persons, to be p. 175such as became an Heavenly minded Christian, and a true and faithful Minister of Jesus Christ.

When he was riding on the way, he entertained his Company with Heavenly discourse: And as variety of objects did present themselves to him, His heavenly-mindedness.he alwayes drew excellent matter out of them; glorifying God for the Wisdom, Power and Goodness which appeared in the works of Creation, and Providence.

When he passed by such as were about their occasions in the Feilds, he would His prudence.many times make an Alt, and enter into a short discourse with them. He used first to ask them some ordinary Questions, such as Travellers use to do, and then to take occasion from their answers, to propound other Questions of weight and concernment to their Souls: leaving alwaies some serious word with them at parting, for them to Ruminate upon when he was gone. And probably there are many, who never saw his face, nor he theirs, but thus in his passage, that have blest God for him.

When he came to his Lodging, either in a publick or Private House, as he had a better advantage there, so he constantly made use of it, for Gods glory, and the Holy discourse.Edification of whatsoever Company Gods Providence cast him. He had an excellent Gift and rare faculty to improve discourse so as to make it, not only pleasant to those with whom he did converse, but very profitable to their Souls, still aiming at the last, as that mark which he had constantly in his eye.

When he came among persons of Quality (being himself well born, well His prudenceEducated, of a Generous Spirit, and a chearful temper) his Company, and converse was usually very grateful to them, which gave him an advantage to tell them (as he would plainly, yet prudently) of what he saw amiss in them: To mind them of the Vanity of the World: Of better things above; and to put them (as he often would) upon good designes to shew their Thankfulness to God for his Mercy and Goodness to them.

Nor was there a person so mean, but he would readily and humbly condescend to him, as knowing what precious Souls dwell in the poorest Houses of clay. He alwaies spake to such in their own Dialect, and in such a Phrase as they well understood; trying their knowledge and feeling the Pulse of their Souls. If he found them ignorant, or insensible of their Spiritual Estate, he would endeavour to awaken them by laying plain Texts of Scripture before them, for their Conviction.

If he met with humbled, and burdened Souls, or such as were Babes in Christ, he would gather and embrace them as Lambs in his Arms, and gently lead them to the Wells of Salvation. If at any time there happened to be a mixt Company at the Table with him; some serious Christians, some Professors at large, his manner was to be very free and pleasant in Discourse with them, which caused them all to give great attention to him: Then might you have seen how ever and anon the Hony dropped from his Lips while the Company were hanging on them. How skilful he was in dividing the Word of Truth aright, giving to every one his Portion, and how wise in winning of Souls.

If he observed any to take the boldness from his innocent Mirth and pleasant humour, to incline to vain and frothy discourse, he would very dexterously turn to some more profitable matter, and (as occasion was given) afford a serious reproof, tempered with much kindness and Love to their Souls, which was usually well taken at his hand.

If his occasions required his stay a day or two at any place, he seldom departed before he had Preached to the people: And he found by much and long Experience p. 176that a plain way of Preaching was the most effectual to the ends for which that Ordinance was appointed, and therefore he constantly used it, even in the Colledge and University, tho he could easily have appeared in an other strain, had he preferred an Airy Reputation with some, before the work of his Master, and the real advantage of his hearers.

Laus Deo.