The Marrow of Ecclesiastical History, Edward Deering
The Life of Edward Deering, who died Ano Christi 1576.
EDward Deering was borne of a very ancient Family in Kent, His birth and education.and carefully brought up both in Religion, and Learning. From School he went to Cambridge, and was admitted into Christs Colledge, where he profited exceedingly, and became a very famous Preacher, as may appear by his most learned, and holy Sermons, and Tractates full of heavenly consolation:His humility. He never affected, nor sought after great titles, or preferments, and therefore rested content with his Fellowship in that Colledge; and onelyonly Commenced Batchelor of Divinity; yet afterwards hee was made a Preacher in Saint Paul's Church in London; and having worn out himself with his labours in the Work of the Lord,His sicknesse. hee fell sick, and discerning his approaching death, hee said, in the presence of his friends that came to visit him,His …eech in his …. The good Lord pardon my great negligence, that (whilst I had time) I used not his precious gifts to the advancement of his glory as I might have done: Yet I blesse God withall, that I have not abused these gifts to ambition and vain studies: When I am once dead, my enemies shall be reconciled to me, except they be such as either knew me not, or have no sence of goodnesse in them; for I have faithfully, and with a good conscience served the Lord my God. A Minister standing by, said unto him, It's a great happinesse to you that you die in peace, and thereby are freed from those troubles which many of your brethren are like to meet with. To whom he answered. If God hath decreed that I shall sup together with the Saints in Heaven, why doe I not goe to them? but if there be any doubt or hesitation resting upon my spirit, the Lord will reveal the truth unto me. When he had layen still a while, a friend said unto him, that hee hoped that his minde was employed in holy meditation whilst hee lay so silent:An excellen… speech. To whom he answered, Poor wretch, and miserable man that I am, the least of all Saints, and the greatest of Sinners, yet by the eye of Faith I beleeve in, and look upon Christ my Saviour. Yet a little while, and we shall see our hope. The end of the world is come upon us, and we shall quickly receive the end of our hope which we have so much looked for. Afflictions, diseases, sicknesse grief, are nothing but part of that portion which God hath allotted to us in this world. Its not enough to beginne for a little while, except we persevere in the fear of the Lord all the daies of our lives, for in a moment we shall be taken away. Take heed therefore that you doe not make a pastime of, nor dis-esteem the Word of God: blessed are they that whilst they have tongues, use them to Gods glory.
When he drew near to his end, being set up in his bed, some of his friends requested him to speake something to them that might bee for their edification, and comfort: Whereupon, the Sun shining in his face, hee tooke occasion from thence to say thus unto them; There is but one Sunne in the world, nor but one Righteousnesse, one Communion of Saints, If I were the most excellent of all creatures in the world: If I were equall in righteousnesse to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, yet had I reason to conf…sse my selfe to bee a sinner, and that I could expect no salvation but in the righteousnesse of Jesus Christ:Comfort at death. For we all stand in need of the grace of God: And as for my death, I blesse God I feel, and finde so much inward joy and comfort in my soul, that if I were put to my choice whether to dye, or live, I would a thousand times rather choose death then life, if it may stand with the holy will of God: His Death.And accordingly shortly after he slept in the Lord, Anno Christi 1576.