The Lives of Twenty-Two Eminent English Divines, Biography 16
The Life of Master John Ball, who died October 20. 1640.
IOhn Ball was born about the year 1585. at Casssington, an obscure village,His birth, and education. (a mile from Hanborough) in Oxfordshire: he being set to School at Yarnton, was found so apt to learn, that the Schoolmaster prevailed with his Parents, (though of low estate) to continue him Scholar there, till he was fitted for the University. Gods Providence, by means of friends,His going to Oxford. made way for his placing in Brazen-nose Colledge in Oxford, where he improved very much in the knowledge of the Arts, and he proved a quick disputant. When he was Batchelour of Arts, (wanting meanes for his maintenance to continue longer in the University) he accepted a motion made for his removal into the Countrey, and was placed in the Lady Cholmleys house in Cheshire, as Tutor to her Children,His remove into Cheshire. where many other Children also were taught by him. And though he came raw and ungrounded in Religion (as himself was wont to expresse it) from Oxford, yet within a short time there appeared (with the increase of his scholastical abilities) the breakings forth of the power of Godlinesse in his conversation,His improvement of his parts. unto them who were most religious and judicious there, who thereupon took him into their society for mutual edification in the waies of Gods fear. Whereas there was great scarcity of godly painful Preachers in that corner of the Countrey, in those times, he did much frequent the Ministry of Reverend Master John Foord, whereby he was not a little edified.
He had few Books, and therefore perused the more seriously such as he had under-hand. Calvins life published by Beza, and his Commentary upon the Psalms, made deep impressions upon his spirit. Growing into acquaintance with the most godly people in those parts, who much lamented the evils of the times, he often associated with them, in keeping private daies of Fasting and Prayer.His frequent Fasts, and Prayers. Himself with some other honest Christians, were often convented to Chester, and much troubled there, for keeping a Fast on Ascension day, their fault being aggravated by the Bishop and his Officers, because they fasted upon that holy day. As he took not up, any opinion or practice, till he had well weighed it:His constancy. So was he not much moved by any trouble which assaulted him in his way. When others judged him ripe for the Ministry, he was not hasty in adventuring upon that Calling, because he was sensible of the weight thereof, and also desirous to satisfie his conscience concerning the way of entrance by Episcopal subscription. And upon the serious studying of the points in controversie, betwixt the Bishops and Non-conformists,His Non-conformity. he was dissatisfied to yield unto that subscription which was then strictly commanded.
Some conflicts he had with the then Bishop of Chester, about Non-conformity; but though he looked upon a Bishop in those times as a formidable creature, yet he came off unshaken. Having resolved (upon the encouragement given by judicious Divines) to enter into the Ministry, when God should make a fair way for his admission, without subscription,He is ordained Minister. by the intercession of Friends, he with Master Julines Herring, (who afterwards was famous for the work of the Lord in Salop,) were made Ministers by an Irish Bishop, (being occasionally in London,) with freedom from the formentioned snare. About the year 1610. he was called to be Minister at Whitmore, His call to Whitmore.(a small village near unto New-Castle in Staffordshire) where he was entertained into the house of Edward Mainwaring Esquire, a pious and much esteemed Gentleman.
His marriage.Here he married a godly Wife, whom God had provided as an help meet for him (he himself being alwaies a meer Scholar, neither much minding nor intermedling in worldly affairs, beyond the bounds of his Calling,) by whom he had six Sonnes and one Daughter. Six of his Children were born unto him while he continued in Master Mainwarings Family, where he found much love, and did much service; for every evening he expounded a portion of Scripture, which was read in course, and many mornings also was helpfull in Catechizing of the Family. Hither many Ministers and others had often recourse unto him for counsell, where they were alwaies friendly entertained; and the Lord blessed that Family very much, which doth still shew much kindnesse unto the Children of this good man. Afterwards he removed with his own Family unto an house which Master Mainwaring had built for him, where he had his seventh and last child born to him, and where he dwelt till his death.
He was a great lover of Learning, and therefore laid out in the first years of his Ministry, all the money which he could spare, from necessary expences, in buying good Books, with which he was so well acquainted (having both a quick understanding and strong memory) that he could readily give an account of all passages most remarkable in them.His diligent studies. He had so well studied Bellarmines controversies, that it is scarcely credible what relation he could make ex tempore of them from point to point; and shew from particular to particular, where the fallacy and the weaknesse of his Arguments did appear. And the like might be truly attested in reference unto the Arminian disputes, and the other Church-Controversies both in former and latter times. It was his custom to read over a Book, when once he undertook it, and no man could be more cautious in entertaining opinions without much mature consideration, having well weighed all arguments produced on both sides both for and against them; and wherein his apprehensions were different from his Brethren, he did wisely forbear to vent them in such sort, as might occasion any division or offence.
Oh how well had it been with England, if all other men had managed their studies and practices according to this pattern! for then, so many sparks (cried up as new lights) had not been kindled amongst us, which being blown abroad by pride and ignorance, do threaten to set the whole world on fire. But to proceed in the Narrative of this worthy mans life. He was so enriched with knowledge both in Practical and Polemical Divinity, he was so able to interpret and reconcile difficult Scriptures,His skill in comforting afflicted consciences. he had such dexterity in dealing with afflicted consciences, and he was so well furnished with Ministerial gifts for Preaching, Prayer, and the administration of both Sacraments, that it was not easie to discover wherein he most excelled. His ability to counsell and comfort dejected, tempted Christians, was occasioned, (as himself would acknowledge,) by his conversing with Mistresse Sarah Mainwyaring, (Wife to the Gentleman in whose house he continued many years, as was before mentioned) who was much exercised in that kind, and was an unparallel'd Gentlewoman for holy tendernesse and exactnesse in Religion.
Willing he was to trade every Talent with which God had trusted him, as opportunity was offered;His indefatigablenesse. and he was a man most unwearied in all waies of service.
As he took extraordinary pains in publique, so did he also in private, especially on the Lords day.His unwearied pains on the Sabbath. For having by way of Preparation upon the Saturday in the afternoon, spent about two houres in his house, in praying and expounding some Scripture, (to which exercise divers did resort,) on the Sabbath-morning, he expounded a portion of Scripture in his Family, (whereof many neighbours were partakers) then he preached twice in publique, read divers Chapters, and Catechized also in the afternoon, spending much time therein, especially in the summer season) after the evening Sermon, he went unto Master Mainwayrings house (being near at hand,) where he repeated both his Sermons, and prayed; likewise after Supper he had another exercise in his own Family, equivalent to a Sermon, unto which divers well-affected of the neighbour-hood did repair. These his great labours were the more wonderfull, in that they were so excellent and solid, as many Ministers and Scholars yet living know, who did often frequent them. He taught a School also (both from a desire to do good, and that he might provide the more comfortable subsistance for his Family,) having not only the children of poor neighbours, (for he refused none who were willing to learn, but of persons of better quality sent unto him; some whereof were tabled in his own house, and the rest placed in the neighbourhood. Every morning of the six daies in the week, he instructed his own Children and Scholars in the Principles of Religion, whereby many young ones (of whom some are now Ministers) were well seasoned and setled in the grounds of godlinesse. Every night likewise he opened and applyed some portion of the Scripture, for the edification of his Family.
And besides his frequent preaching at Lectures, at Madeley especially, where he was the principal upholder of a weekly Sermon, and a monethly Fast,His frequent Fasting, and Prayer. and his helpfulnesse in holy Fasting and Prayer elsewhere, (when desired) it was his custom to set apart daies (when freed from attendance upon his School) for the solemn seeking of God, with his godly neighbours, as the necessities of the times did require.
He was most ready to communicate his learning, graces, experiences, yea,His readinesse to do good. his All, for the profit of such who conversed with him: the remembrance whereof, is very smarting upon the hearts of some of his surviving friends, because they made not a fuller improvement of him for their own advantage.
In the latter part of his time, he had some scholars, whom he instructed in Academical Learning, reading Lectures to them in Logick and Philosophy, and hearing them to dispute, which often they did during his dinner-time: And while he was at supper, other scholars read a piece of Greek, or Latine, (so exceeding diligent was he in Husbanding the shreds of time, as he called them) the residue of the day, till very late, he spent in his private study.
His temperance, and meeknesse.And as he was incomparably abstemious and moderate in the use of meat, drink, sleep, and apparel, so he had an admirable command over his passions. For those who most conversed with him, never saw inordinate out-breaches of anger, or other affections in his conversation. This Character was given by a Friend who was much with him, (viz.) That as Master Dod did turn earth into heaven, by a spiritual improvement of all earthly affairs, so Master Ball did reconcile earth and heaven, because worldly occasions were no distractions unto him in his journey thither. His frugality.He lived upon a small maintenance, (viz.) twenty pounds per annum, for serving the cure at Whitmore, and the keeping of one Cow, both summer and winter, by Master Mainwayring aforesaid, with what he got by teaching School. Yet he would often say, that he thought never man passed through this world with lesse care. God indeed stirred up some Friends, (who knew his great worth and mean outward condition) to be helpfull unto him, towards whom he was alwaies really respectfull, requiting their love by his daily Prayers, and his readinesse upon all occasions to do service unto them and theirs. Through Gods singular blessing upon his yearly incomes,His charity. he lived very comfortably, was given to hospitality, and also unto liberality to the poor, (considering his estate) and left a good competency unto his Wife and Children. Yea, such was this holy mans gratitude and contentment, that he would say, I have enough, and enough, and enough. Whereas he went once every year into Oxfordshire, to expresse his dutifull respect unto his aged Parents, he made choice of that time for his journey, that he might enjoy the Benefit of Oxford-Act. And as his love to learned disputations was large, so by strength of memory, he could give a punctuall account of all the most considerable Arguments urged, and Answers returned, upon the severall Questions discussed.
And still this Journey was made profitable unto his Christian Friends (near to whose dwellings he travelled) by conference, his assistance in private Fasts and other exercises of Religion.
It would be too tedious and tiring unto the Reader, if relation should be made of all those memorable passages in this Reverend mans life, (which his friends surviving, do well remember) which did proclaim the high degree of holinesse, with which God adorned and crowned all his other great abilities, therefore some few of them only shall be reported. His constant carriage towards all who conversed with him,His humility. did speak out his deep humility. For alwaies he was apt to prefer others before himself; and he was never observed, by any reproachfull speeches, or behaviour, to cast the least contempt or discouragement upon the meanest Christian.
He was all his life-long,His esteem of the weight of the Ministry. very apprehensive and sensible of the weightinesse of the Ministers Calling, saying, That no man should dream of ease in that Function; and would often much bewail before the Lord in Prayer, his own inconsiderate entrance upon it. A Friend being weary of teaching School, and acquainting him with his purpose to enter into the Ministry, Master Ball told him, That he would find it a far heavier task to teach men then boys. And a Fellow-Minister telling him of his danger to be silenced by the Bishop, he returned this answer, If he should deal so with me, I would put off my hat and thank him·
Having experimentally poysed the weight of the Ministers work, he would say unto his Non-conforming Brethren, (when Prelatical persecution threatned to drive him out of England,) If we be necessitated to transplant our selves, you shall preach, and I will teach School.His humility. And alwaies when other Ministers were in company, he would endeavour earnestly to put them upon the performance of Family-duties, as judging them to be better able then himself.
Such who knew this mans learning of all kinds, and rich ministerial gifts, will admire (upon the consideration of these passages) at the forwardnesse of illiterate Mecanicks in these times, to intrude upon the Ministers Office. And whereas the blessed Apostle himself cryed out, Who is sufficient for these things! we may do more then guesse what spirit animateth those men, whose practises speak thus; Who is insufficient for these things!
He did lay to heart the want of labourious learning amongst godly Ministers, because so many neglected to acquaint themselves throughly with the controversies of the times;The necessity of stadying controversies. and he thought that positive Divinity, might be best gained by the study of controversie; when the main Principles were first well drunk in. He would say, that a subtill Jesuite would make wilde work in many places of England, because neither the people nor their Ministers, had sufficient insight into the points of difference betwixt us and the Papists. Now what other errors (no whit lesse dangerous,) have for the same reasons been entertained of late years, (as he foresaw and feared) it is too notorious.
Although he himself was much pleased with sober, profitable disputations, yet he would shrink with trouble upon the appearance of their audacity, who dared to question Fundamentals in Religion, or to speak slightly of the matters of God. Once observing a man in the heat of conference, carried beyond the bounds of modest inquiry after the truth, he used these words with holy admiration; And whither will the love of arguing carry a man!
He compared many Professors of late times, unto young Travellors, who so soon as they are mounted, begin to gallop, and do out-ride their fellows, but they either fall short, or come late (if not lame) home.
The danger of Separation.And he called the waies of separation a Labyrinth, wherein men tire themselves and grow giddy, as in a maze; but when all is done, there is no way out, but that whereby they entred.
He made it his businesse to raise and maintain high and honourable thoughts of God at all times, as himself would alwaies speak of the titles of the Almighty with much gravity and reverence, endeavouring to draw forth holy thankfulnesse in all conditions of life.His high esteem of God. Here two or three things shall be touched upon, to give a tast of this good mans gracious spirit.
He with a Neighbour Minister, having occasion to meet at a place where they had only bread and cheese to their dinner, the Master of the house expressing trouble, that he had no better provision for so good unexpected guests: Hereupon he said, that it would cost a man many years labour to be truly and througly thankfull unto God for one piece of bread and cheese,His gratitude for mercies. proceeding to discover, most divinely, the many mercies which were to be acknowledged in that meal and meeting.
And whereas at that time Rochal was besieged, and the inhabitants were in great distresse through want of food, he moved a serious consideration, how much bread and cheese with peace and fellowship would be valued at Rochel: yea, he seriously made his demand, whether their obligations at the present place and meeting, were not much greater, because they in their instant enjoyments had not experienced Rochels fears and sorrows.
At another time a dear Friend relating his great danger by a fall off his horse in a journey, and saying that he never had received such a deliverance. Master Ball answered, Yea an hundred times, (viz.) so often as you have ridden and not fallen; because the preventing of perils is to be prized as much as our rescuing out of them.
At a Marriage-feast, where Christian Friends were civilly rejoycing in the good occasion of their meeting, the many good blessings provided for their comfort, and in their mutual society, this speech came from him with much gravity;His high esteem of Jesus Christ. One thought of Jesus Christ reaching the heart, is more to be valued, then all Creature-contentments whatsoever, though they should be enjoyed in their fulnesse for a thausand years without interruption.
That he might keep Gods servants of the lowest parts,His prudence. alwaies high in his own estimation, he would wisely weigh their peculiar serviceablenesse in some kind or other, though they were inferiours in sundry excellencies. Hereupon when one admiring worthy Master Dods holy conversation, said, Oh how well would it be if all Ministers were like unto him; Master Ball answered, The Church would be quite undone if all others were like him. For though no man more honoured Master Dod, (which not many years before his death he witnessed, by listening unto his fatherly counsell bare-headed, with his hat in his hand) yet he knew, that other men, much inferiour in graces, had some special way of advantage to the cause and the people of God.
He was a zealous opposite to passionate frowardnesse,His distaste of frowardnesse. observing the lamentable fruits thereof, in many persons and relations, and he had an extraordinary dexterity to calm them who were boisterous. He would thus advise them, Put judgment into Office; for Affections are good followers, but bad guides. Look well to your hearts, The means of cure.for Passion is the effect of pride. And he would say unto them, You had need to get a strong bit and bridle, for you ride an unruly horse. Observing one bitterly to bewail the death of a dear Friend, he said, Rather labour to get good by it.
He was wont to humble passionate Professors, who in their heat would speak unadvisedly, by this position, which he would undertake to prove, (viz.) That a moral heathen who never heard of Christ, might possiby by watchfulnesse secure himsel from uttering one froward word all his life long; And therefore it was a great shame for Christians to be worse, who had more grace and greater helps to suppresse sinne. This was one parcell of good counsell, which he commonly bestowed in all cases, Inform judgment; Set Faith on work; Be of good courage. As he used to be large in his Prayers in behalf of the Church of God, (according to the peculiar concernments thereof) both at home and abroad,His love to the Church, and to his Children. so was he particular in minding his special Friends before the Lord, and the spirituall welfare of his children was so much upon his heart, that he daily desired to lodge them in Gods bosome; yea, he seldome gave thanks either before or after meat, (especially towards the end of his life) without some touch of tendency towards his children, in reference unto whom this was one constant Petition,His contentednesse. That they might never seek great things for themselves in this world. And his own practice from his youth, proved the sincerity of his heart in this suit, because he never looked after, nor would entertain any motion of removing for wealth or worldly promotion, though his charge was great, and his eminency, both in ministerial and scholastical gifts, with the power of godlinesse, which did shine in his whole conversation, gained him many Friends, and rendred him in their account, a man more meet for a place of publique note and resort, then the village where he dwelt.
When the Prelatical opposition against the Non-conformists was hot and high, he spake thus unto a Neighbour-Brother; Be confident, that although all who are now known Non-conformists were dead and gone: yet God would rather raise some out of our ashes to protest against Episcopacy, and the Ceremonies, then suffer that cause to fall unto the ground. He would say, The Fathers wanted some of our light, but we want more of their heat.
He was exemplarily carefull to preserve Gods Ordinances from pollution and contempt,His care to keep the Sacraments from pollution. and therefore did alwaies take great pains with his people, to prepare them for the Sacrament of the Lords Supper. In his Sermons he was wont to tell his Auditours, that their persecuting, impoverishing, imprisoning, and thrusting daggers into their Ministers bodies, would not be more grievous, then their unworthy communicating at the Lords Table, and their unanswerable walking unto the Ordinances of grace dispenced amongst them. And when Parents presented their children in the Congregation to be baptized, he would very affectionately lay open their duty, pressing Sacramental ingagements home to their hearts, with strong Arguments and authority ministerial; Though no man was known by his Friends,His dislike of separation. who more dis-relished the corruptions in Church-Government, and in administrations of holy worship, yet he hath sufficiently published unto the world his great dislike of the way of separation from our Church-Assemblies upon such pretences. Thus he spake unto a Friend who had moved him to maintain our Church-communion against the Separatists, How little am I beholding unto you, who drew me from more profitable studies, to peruse those sapless speculations?
His judgment about Independency.He much lamented in his Prayers before God, the first breakings out of Independency in England, both in respect of the present offence, and the wofull consequences thereof, whereof he was much afraid: yea, he did very often tell his Friends (both in the time of his health and last sicknesse) that if God should give opportunity and hopes of Church-reformation, that we might be eased of our present grievances, the Brethren of the new separation, would be found the greatest obstructers thereof.
His remembrance of the History of former Separations (with which he was fully acquainted) and his prudential fore-sight of the diducts which would necessarily follow from their Principles, (viz. Anabaptisme, &c.) together with his wise insight into the dispositions of some persons who then appeared therein; these were the grounds of his foretelling the confusions, the spreading of pernicious errours, and hinderances of Reformation, which we since have sadly suffered under. These Reasons of his Prediction (which is noised abroad) are expressed, lest any should imagine him to have inclined to regard injections and impulsions of spirit,His judgement about revelations. which some cry up as prophetical. His distaste whereof may be evidenced by this one instance, (viz.) Being asked by one who much pretended unto immediate inspirations besides Scripture, whether he at any time had experience thereof in his own heart; His answer was this: No, I blesse God; and if I should ever have such phantasies, I hope God would give me grace to resist them.
When there was discourse concerning the new, (or rather the renewed) errours, which were broached, he would ordinarily say, A good Treatise of the sufficiency of the Scriptures would put an end unto these matters. His exceeding love to study, and his great modesty caused unwillingnesse to go far from home, or to appear publique in any kind. And if the extraordinary importunity of some much esteemed Friends,His humility and modesty. had not conquered this aversnesse, he would (in probability) never have printed any thing in his own name, or have come into the company of persons of chief place and quality; yea God was pleased in both these waies to make him serviceable. For besides the profit which many have received from his printed Books, he was happily instrumentall by conference to preserve, some men of chief esteem, (in regard of their Piety, Parts, and places of command) in the Countries where they lived, from warping towards the waies of new separation, upon the sollicitation of such who were busie sticklers therein.
Upon the calling of the Parliament, in the year 1640. some hopes being conceived that he might be an instrument of publique benefit to the Church, by dealing with some Parliament-men, that (if further Reformation of things wofully out of order, could not be procured,) men unconformable to the Ceremonies might not be thrust out, and kept out of the Ministry in that regard. He thereupon took a journey into London, with his neighbour and endeared Brother Master Langley; but receiving small encouragement to his hopes and endeavours in that kind, he returned home with sorrow upon his heart, complaining of the many symptomes of Gods displeasure, which he saw ready to break out against poor England, and resolved to do what service he could in any other way.
And being convinced that his labours might be profitable to the Church, both in the present and succeeding ages, he was resolved to lay forth himself for publique service in any kind, as his good Friends should advise; and in pursuance hereof he designed these three works. viz. 1. A Treatise of the Church. His intended works.2. An Exposition of obscure Scriptures out of all the original Languages. 3. A more full Systeme of Divinity by the enlarging of his Catechism. For all which he had much good Provision under hand, when the Lord saw cause to put an end to his labours. And here, all those must silence their hearts, (who knowing him, may be apt to judge his removall at this time to be unseasonable) with these words, (which were much in his mouth when God checked hopes by crosse Providences) The Lord is wisest: God is most wise. His great abilities.Many conflicts he had with men of greatest strength, (as was imagined) to maintain the new pathes, into which divers had stepped aside. But the truth is, never was any of them able to stand up under his Arguments. Though God was pleased to take him away (whom some in scorn called The Presbyterians Champion) yet he hath raised up other Worthies, who do strenuously gain-say those extravagancies.
His last sicknesse.When his nature was enfeebled by constant study, and great long-continued labours, he passed the time of his languishing sicknesse with a sweet, humble, divine, peaceable spirit. He preached in publique so long as bodily ability could bear it; and he continued to pray in his Family till strength failed. Now his addresses to God were most holy and heavenly, as Swan-like Songs, the sweetest at last. Though he spake not very much during his bodily decays, yet the words which he used were solid and savoury.
Being asked what he thought of himself, whether he should now die or recover? he answered, I do not trouble my self about that matter. He often bewailed the infirmities of his life, and in special (now as at former times) his inconsiderate entring upon the weighty Calling of the Ministry;His Faith. but he manifested withall an holy child-like confidence in Christ, still strengthening his heart, after his humble mourning for sinne, with this consideration, that the Scripture mentioneth weaknesses in the choicest Saints, which were neither totall hinderances to the exercise of their faith in Christ, nor to their salvation through grace. This question being propounded to him, what he now thought concerning his labours (part whereof were then printed) against the present separation in England? He answered, that though he had been weary of those controversies, which hindered his going on in more profitable studies, yet he did not repent of that which he had done, only he desired God to pardon the defects, which had cleaved unto that and his other services. When any mention was made before him of his great labours to do good, he would say, (and this was a speech which he much used) If the Lord were not a God pardoning sinnes, I was in a miserable condition.
And however he did say with tears, that he had too much respect amongst men, and that many judged that to be in him, which was not, (such was his humility;His humility. yet friends expressing ardent desires of his health, for service sake, he told them, that he could have been content to have lived longer, (if the Lord had been pleased) that he might been further usefull in his place, and have born his share in sufferings with his Brethren. For he expected a very sparp storm, though he hoped it would be but short. And he called it, The last combate which we should have with Antichrist. When towards his end he was asked, how he did? he would thus answer with a cheerfull contenance, Going to heaven apace. And as his conversation had for many years been in heaven, the Lord, (who had ripened him for immediate Commu-with himself) took him unto himself,His death. Octob. 20. 1640. and of his age about 55. The materials of this Narrative, (concerning the pious, fruitfull life of that faithfull Servant of Christ, Master John Ball,) were received from these Ministers of the Gospel, and men of known integrity, (viz. Master John Taylor of Checkley in Staffordshire, (who was his Countrey-man, and of his most ancient acquaintance.) Master Thomas Langley of Middlewich in Cheshire,) who besides his former intimatenesse, continued under his Ministry above five years, he being taken off from the exercise of his own Ministry by Episcopal power,) Master Simeon Ashe of St. Austins London (who for the space of many years had been his bosome Friend,) and from Master George Crosse of Clifton in Staffordshre, (who daily conversed with him for sundry moneths, both before, and in the time of his last sicknesse;) who all of them do acknowledge themselves obliged to God, for the spiritual good, gained by this their dearly respected, and much honoured Friend and Brother, who since his death, have been very sensible of their great losse by his removall. But they and all others must learn to live upon Divine-immutable-All-sufficiency, when creatures do fail.
Now the Just shall live by his Faith.