A Narrative of the Holy Life and Happy Death of John Angier, Title page – Preface

A Narrative of the Holy Life and Happy Death of John Angier · Title page – Preface

A NARRATIVE OF THE Holy Life, and Happy Death OF That Reverend, Faithful and Zealous man of God, and Miniſter of the Goſpel of Jeſus Chriſt, Mr. JOHN ANGIER, Many years Paſtor of the Church of Chriſt at Denton, near Mancheſter in Lancaſhire.

Wherein are related many Paſſages that concern his Birth, Education, his entrance into the Miniſtry, diſcharge of his Truth therein, and his Death.

Phil. 3.17. Brethren, be followers together of me and mark them which walk ſo, as ye have me for an e…ample.

LONDON: Printed for Tho. Parkhurſt, at the Bible and Three Crowns, at the lower end of Cheapſide, near Mercers Chappel. 168

The PREFACE.

GOdly Ministers are ſtiled the Chariots and horſemen of Iſrael; theſe are the watchmen of the city, that give warning of danger, intercede with the Lord; and doubtleſs the Church of God muſt needs receive great detriment by the removal of ſuch worthies. It is a ſaying of the Jewiſh Rabbins, Quando luminaria patiuntur Eclipſin, malum eſt ſignum mundo, when the heavenly luminaries are eclipſed, it's a dreadful preſage of approaching evil to this lower world. The Church in theſe parts hath been ſucceſſively bleſſed with famous Ministers, and gracious Chriſtians, whoſe praiſe is in the Churches of Chriſt; many whereof now ſleep in the Lord; yet through Gods wiſe care of the Churches ſucceſſion, not a few are yet left, as hopeful ſlips ſpring up in their room; on whom and the people ſurviving, I would here take occaſion to drop a word of counſel.

1. You that are like to ſucceed this old ſtock of Preachers, worn or wearing out, look to your planting into Chriſt; let your own Souls be duely built upon the right foundation; preſume not to be Ministers before you be Chriſtians; get experience of Divine Truths in your own Souls, and tranſcribe them in your dayly practice: Believe, repent, obey, your ſelves, or you will teach theſe things ſorrily and unconcernedly; whatever your gifts be, ſee you have ſincere grace, and dedicate your all to God; you ſerve an holy God, Christ, you preach an holy Goſpel, you have before you holy examples, be you alſo holy in every change, in all conditions. Aarons ornaments ſignified nothing, if Holineſs to the Lord was not writ upon his forehead in a plate of Gold: if you had profound Wit and Learning, tenacious Memories, brave Elocution, that you could ſpeak with tongues of Men and Angels, all is of no worth without Grace within, and univerſal ſanctity; one allowed ſin will worm-eat the goodlieſt trees, and blast the pleaſanteſt fruits; ſome Miniſters are eminent for one rare gift, others for other accompliſhments; all have ſome, few have all; ſome modest young men look upon themſelves as much behind others, are apt to be diſcouraged; my advice to ſuch is, to make up that defect in diligence, holineſs and in faithfulneſs; what Nature or Art denies, get a ſupply by Grace; Grace within, vigorouſly exerciſed, the aſſiſting grace of God ſetched in by faith and prayer; Be faithful to what you have, if you cannot attain to much: that's a brave ſaying of Luthers, and ſhall be my Motto, I deſire to be found a faithful Miniſter of Chriſt and his church, if I cannot be prudent or skilful: Let not weakneſs of parts diſcourage you; ſome ordinary men of low gifts, may honour God more than ſome famous learned Doctors: Be induſtrious in your Studies: daily improve your talents; you have more helps than your predeceſſors; give not occaſion of the complaint of that Hebrew Rabbi, that the Father had Plow'd, Sown, Reaped, Fanned the Wheat, ſet Bread on the Table, but the children have not a mouth to eat it; the greateſt Parts may ruſt away by idleneſs; but meaneſt grow bright and uſeful by diligent improvement; the diligent hand with Gods bleſſing makes rich; but be ſure you keep humble: deſpiſe not, but reverence your forefathers; if you exceed them in advancement of Learning in ſome points, its well if you fall not below the min real worth, as to the power of Godlineſs: read their lives in Mr. Clarks Collections, (eſpecially this laſt Volume printed ſince his Death) and be aſhamed of your ſelves, and provoked to a holy Emulation in true piety and Zeal; get into a corner, and tremble to ſee your ſelves thus outſtript, and implore more Grace from Heaven.

I have but a word to ſay concerning this Diſcourſe, the Life of this holy Man of God; I confeſs many diſcouragements lay in the way of this undertaking, not fit now to be named; the main was, That we were not capable of doing any thing worthy of him, and it's better do nothing at all, than not to purpoſe to anſwer the fame of him, or expectations concerning him; but my Anſwer is, that of the Poet Lucan,

Quod ſi digna tua minus eſt mea…

pagina laude, at voluiſſe ſat eſt.

And, difficilium facilis eſt venia: If I am not able to make a Fine portraiture of all the Features, it may be this rough draught may exceed ſome of our attainments and excite usto imitation, and may ſome way tend to the glory of our grea… Maſter; and then I have my end. If any ſay its poorly done, and might have been done better. I confeſs it, and let them contribute ſomething to mend it; but this is the best we can find, according to ou… Information; and if we cannot bring … Lamb, our two Turtle Doves may b… accepted both by God and man. Let th… Infinite, Omnipotent, Faithful God, pu… in labourers into the Harveſt, ſupply Va… caneies, ſecond his Servants labour… with his bleſſing, and continue hi… Church, Miniſtry, and preſence wit… theſe Nations to the end of the World Amen.

p. 1A Narrative of the Life and Death of Mr. John Angier, Miniſter of the Goſpel at Denton.

MR. John Angier was Born at Dedham in Eſſex, of Pious Parents, and was baptized there, October 8th 1605. He was careful… Inſtructed by his Parents be-times, in …e Principles of Religion, Educated in …chool-learning in the ſame Place, being …t and capable, and from his Child-hood …uch inclined to his book, and very deſi…us to be trained up for the Miniſtry, …hich he made his early and earneſt choice, … appears by this remarkable ſtory which have heard confidently reported by cre…ble perſons. It is this: As this John, who was the firſt-born Son, named after … Father) with his three Brethren, Be…eel, Samuel, and Edmund, were coming …m School to their Fathers houſe, there p. 2fell a ſhower of Rain; they all run under Tree in an Hedg for a ſhelter; they ſtand ing there ſeeing it Rain apace, begun … make their ſeveral wiſhes; one wiſhed would Rain Learning; another Wool, and ther Money, and another Plumbs; th… pleaſing themſelves with their juvenile fa… cies; which options manifeſted their di… ferent Inclinations, and became proph… tick preſages of their future diſpoſals: Fo… behold, a Neighbour over hearing them, a… quainted their Father, who ealling them … him, examined them one by one, ſaying Joh… what did you wiſh it might Rain ſuch a tim… in ſuch a place? He was at preſent ſomethin… abaſhed, and loath to Anſwer, but bein… further urged, ſaid, Sir, I wiſht it wou… Rain Learning: Why, ſaid his Father, wh… Profeſſion wouldſt thou be of? he Anſwe… ed, I would be a Preacher. Come Be… ſaid the Father, what didſt thou wiſh … would Rain? he anſwered Wool, Wh… ſaid he, what Calling wouldſt thou chuſe he anſwered, I would be of your calling a Clothier: Samuel, ſaid the Father, wh… hadſt thou a mind it ſhould Rain? He a… ſwered Money, for I have a mind to be … Merchant: And laſtly, calling Edmund, d… manding the ſame, he anſwered that he d… ſired it might Rain Plumbs, for he would chuſe to be a Grocer: The Father bei… an intelligent conſiderate man, thus obſe… p. 3ving every ones genius; and being furniſhed with a competent eſtate, ſuited to them Callings according to their wiſhes; Bezaleel was a rich Clothier in Dedham, a gracious man; he died October 30. 1678. Samuel the Third Son, being brought up a Merchant, lived in good repute in Holland beyond Sea, and there died, in March 1666/7. Edmund the youngeſt being bound Apprentice to a Grocer, went into New-England, and is the only ſurvivor, hath many years kept a Grocers Shop in Cambridg there, and I ſuppoſe is living at the writing hereof.

But to retun to the Eldeſt Son John, the ſubject of this diſcourſe. Being trained up a Scholar, proved a notable inſtrument of Glory to God, and good to ſouls in his generation. And thus they all anſwered the ends of their education, and had good ſucceſs; a good Item to Parents in diſpoſing their children to Callings, rather to conſult their Childrens capacities and inclinations, than their own humours and conveniencies; things do always beſt when voluntarily choſen; when the ſtream of natural affections runs to the channel of an adapted Vocation, it bears down all oppoſitions, and attains the deſired Port of a ſutable ſucceſs in the moſt arduous enterpriſes; hence Dr. Harris ſaith, he never attemtped any thing within the verge of his Calling, …hough it ſeemed difficult in the entrance, p. 4but with Gods bleſſing on his induſtrious proſecution, he ſound it feaſible and facile; but, nil invitâ Minervâ, that which is attempted againſt heart, or without an adequate capacity, goes on heavily, and ſeldom renders the profeſſor of his Calling fit to manage it to purpoſe, or arrive at any eminency in it, becauſe it goeth againſt the grain; wiſely therefore did the Athenians, who brought their youth into a place where the Utenſils for all Callings were laid up, that making their choice thereof, each might have the Calling he had thereby choſen.

And as his proficiency at School was according to his time, ſo divine grace did be times begin to reach and touch the heart of this our young Timothy, 2 Tim. 3.15.2 Tim 3:15who from a child had known the holy Scriptures; for at Twelve years of age the Lord dealt with his conſcience, by ſome rays of illumination, and darts of conviction, which more effectually were faſtened in him by Mr. Rogers Miniſtry after his fathers death; but from his firſt conviction he had much trouble upon his ſpirit, which he kept much to himſelf, and often retired into a corner, being aſhamed that any one ſhould know of his heartgrief: his Mother being a choice and gracious Chriſtian, often ſpake to him of Soul concerns, wept and prayed much for him. At a competent age his Father ſent him to the Univerſity of Cambridg; he was admitted p. 5in Immanuel Colledge, where notwithſtanding his pious education, and hopeful impreſſions, before mentioned, he ſell off to vain companie, and looſe practices, (ſee the ſlipperineſs of youth!) to the great grief of his parents, and his own preſent guilt, and after bitterneſs in the review. There he continued, and commenced Batchellor in Arts before his fathers death; who being ſick, ſent for this his ſon to come home from Cambridg, but he came ſo late; that in, the afternoon, as he approached towards Dedham, he met the people going from his fathers Funeral, which had a very deep impreſſion upon him. God took hold of this occaſion more effectually to awaken his conſcience, and Alarum him to his duty.

Mr. Angier was kept a ſeaſon at his mothers houſe, followed his ſtudies, attended on Mr. Rogers Miniſtrie; this Mr. John Rogers of Dedham was a mirrour and miracle of zeal and ſucceſs in his Miniſterial labours; it was wont to be ſaid, Come let's go to Dedham to get a little fire: he was Lecturer there, and preached once on Lordsday, and a Lecture on the Tueſday, to which multitudes of people flock'd from the parts adjacent; and his plain preaching was bleſſed with a large Harveſt; however ſome expreſſions and geſtures he uſed, would now ſeem indecent; yet the gravity of the man, and general reverence people had for him, rendered p. 6them not only not offenſive, but ſometimes very effectual; his taking hold with both hands at one time of the ſupporters of the Canopy over the Pulpit, and roaring hideouſly, to repreſent the torments of the damned, had an awakening force attending it. Mr. Thomas Goodwin, after Dr. Goodwin, when he was a Fellow in Cambridg, and an eminent Preacher, much followed and honoured, occaſionally hearing Mr. Rogers, fell under ſuch convictions, that he after profeſſed, that he lookt on himſelf neither as a Chriſtian, nor a Preacher; one paſſage Mr. Angier hath oft mentioned, That Mr. Rogers being called to Preach a Marriage Sermon, I think inſiſted on the Wedding garment; God did ſo ſet in with the word, that the Marriage-Solemnity was turned into bitter mourning, ſo that all the Miniſters that were at the Marriage were imployed in comforting, or adviſing, conſciences awakened by that Sermon. Oh Bleſſed eſpouſals betwixt Chriſt and Souls, ſuch ſorrow was better than carnal Laughter, and laid a ſolid foundation of Spiritual joy. A Gentlewoman that Travelled ten Miles to hear plain and powerful Mr. Rogers, being in great troubles of conſcience, deſired ſome conference with him; and after ſhe had related her condition, telling long and ſad ſtories of her had heart, ſad ſtate, Gods wrath due to her, danger of dropping into p. 7Hell, &c. the good old man, hearing all this, at laſt ſtarted up, and fetched ſome frisks on the floor, and cried out, God be thanked, God be thanked; the Gentlewoman thought the old man mad, and was ſtrangely ſurpriſed to ſee him rejoyce in her ſorrow; But he knew what he ſaid, and rejoyced in that ſorrow, that was the ſeed-plot of ſo bleſſed an harveſt; for that Gentlewoman proved an eminent Saint, and a lovely Conſort in exile and tribulation to a very holy and eminent Miniſter of Chriſt, as her own ſiſter hath told me.

Mr. Angiers manner was, when he attended Mr. Rogers Lecture, after Sermon, when others ſtaid, diſcourſed, diſpatched buſineſs, he for his part went home to his chamber, meditated, prayed, work'd the Sermon upon his heart for about an hour, and thereby imprinted it ſo laſtingly upon his memory, that he never forgot many paſſages; and by that time the family got home, he was ready to take his dinner with them.

He lived a ſeaſon at Mr. Rogers houſe, who ſometimes put him upon praying in the family, which he performed with ſo much experience, humility, and tenderneſs, that Mr. Rogers would often commend him, and ſay to his friends, this Mr. Angier will make a choice man in his generation. Another ſeaſon he was with one Mr. Witham, whom p. 8I oft heard him commend as a great Scholar, and a witty man, of pregnant part, though not ſo ſucceſsful in his Miniſtry, as a neighbour Miniſter of far meaner abilities; one being askt the reaſon, anſwered, there was too many for God to work by; I know ſome ſay it was Mr. Hookers expreſſion of the famous Mr. Richardſon on the ſame account; but I think I have heard it of the aforeſaid Mr. Witham: alluding to Gideons firſt Army, Judg. 7.2.Judg 7:2of which God ſaid, The People that are with thee, are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands; but to whomſoever it was applied, the leſſon is uſeful, to convince us of the Lords Soveraignty in owning or diſowning perſons Miniſtry; and his Wiſdom, leſt too much ſhould be aſcribed to man, and God ſhould loſe his Glory.

After this, his dear Mother being tender of her ſons ſpiritual good, conſulted with her Chriſtian friends, how to diſpoſe of him; ſhe was one of a thouſand for grace, holineſs, charity; one paſſage I ſhall make bold to inſert, which he often mentioned, That ſhe would have been diſpleaſed, if ſhe had not been called upon for any work of Charity, ſaying, ſhe would not have her hand out of a good work. Oh, the prayers and tears ſhe poured out for all her Children, eſpecially for this her ſon, not only becauſe he was her firſt-born, p. 9but chiefly becauſe he was devoted to Gods ſpecial work in the Miniſtry, and becauſe of his former backſlidings, and her jealouſy of him for the future; upon conſultation with friends, and begging of advice from God, ſhe being afraid to ſend him again to Cambridg, reſolved to ſend him to Mr. John Cotton, at Boſton in Lincolnſhire, where he was Tabled; he ſtudied, and ſometime Preached; there he contracted an intimate friendſhip with thoſe three great Divines, Dr. Tuckney, Dr. Hill, and Dr. Winter; Mr. Anthony Tuckney was Fellow of Immaunel, and ſo continued a good while, till he was called to be Vicar of Boſton; he was a ſerious, ſetled good man before he went to Boſton, afterwards Maſter of Immanuel, and after that of St. Johns in Cambridg. And for Mr. Thomas Hill, Dr. Preſton, when Mr. Hill was Batchelour in Arts, intending to make him Fellow, ſent him to Mr. Cotton for ſome time, and when he returned thence, choſe him Fellow, deſigning his ſetled ſeriouſneſs in Religion, before his Election; for which he thought Mr. Cottons family might be a likely means, and ſo it proved: afterwards Dr. Hill was Maſter of Trinity-Colledge in Cambridg, and Dr Winter Maſter of Trinity-Colledge near Dublin in Ireland; all famous Lights in the Church of God; Mr. Angier ſurviving them all.

p. 10And by the way it will not be thought impertinent to digreſſe a little, in giving a few hints concerning Mr. Cotton, that Reverend and Worthy Man, though his life was at large written by a New-England Miniſter, and Mr. Samuel Clark after made ſome Collections out of it: yet ſome things Mr. Angier hath occaſionally mentioned of him to ſome of his Brethren. Though Mr. Cotton was an excellent Text man, yet he would never deliver his judgment concerning the ſence of a Scripture, till he had firſt conſulted both the Original and Context; an excellent pattern: Mr. Angier hath ſometimes related to his intimate friends, that Mr. Cotton never went into his Study when called out on any occaſion, but he began his Studies again with Prayer.

A Reverend Miniſter ſaith, he Travelled with Mr. Angier when it hath Rained ſmartly; and he told him he had Travelled ſo with Mr. Cotton; and he hath asked him what uſe he would make of ſuch a Providence? he ſaid he took every one of thoſe drops as his Fathers Rod; and he uſed to conſider his call, and to mind his work the more: this brings to my thoughts, a paſſage he oft told me of Mr. Rogers comparing a good conſcience to a good Wiſe; if a man ride in a ſtorm and be ill wet, he will comfort himſelf, and ſay, When I come home I have a good p. 11Wife, will make much of me, and bid me welcome home; ſo a good conſcience will make much of one after a difficult journey, and foul Way and Weather, in a perſecuting boyſterous World: and I was Travelling in Cheſhire with Mr. Angier, where the way was exceeding Deep and Foul; he told me what Mr. Cotton uſed to ſay in that reſpect concerning the ſtate of good Souls; You in this level Countrey, ſaith he, i. e. in Lincolnſhire, in ſummer-time, when the ways are Fair and Dry, are apt to think and ſay, Surely this way will never be Foul and Dirty again; and in the Winter you think, when the ways are Deep and Unpaſſable, it's impoſſible that theſe waies ſhould be dry again, or duſty; juſt ſo when God ſhines on the believers Soul with the Light of his countenance, he is apt to ſay, My mountain ſtands ſo ſtrong I ſhall never be moved; but God hides his face, then he is troubled: when God is withdrawn, oh, ſaith the Chriſtan, it will never be otherwiſe; but he lives to ſee things changed, the Sun breaks out from under a Cloud, and the black Clouds diſperſed, and ſo his ſtate comfortably cleared. Again Mr. Cotton obſerved, that God made all turns in the world for comfort or correction to his own people, modelled all things to their condition and neceſſities.

p. 12Thus much for the digreſſion concerning Mr. Cotton, which is not impertinent To return to Mr. Angier, whom w… left at Boſton with Mr. Cotton, whe… his converſation was as became the Go… ſpel, onelyonly then and afterwards he had many thoughts of heart concerning the work of converſion upon his Soul, from what time he muſt date it, whether before his falls at the Univerſity, or after: This caſe of conſcience he opened to an eminent Divine (Mr. White) with the circumſtances o… both, reaſons and aggravations of his ſins yet that pious man gave him incouragement (yet ſpoke it with ſome confidence) that he was perſwaded the firſt work of God upon his heart at Twelve years of age, was a ſaving-work, notwithſtanding his after miſcarriages, and that God might have gracious ends in permitting ſuch backſlidings, for his further humiliation, and preparation for further ſervice.

At this time there lived in Mr. Cottons Family, a gracious young woman, called Ellen Winſtanly, born near Wigan in Lancaſhire, Niece to Mrs. Cotton; and it pleaſed God to knit this Mr. Angiers heart to her, and hers to him, that within a year after he came thither, they were Married in the Pariſh Church at Boſton, April 16th. 1628. and they continued there till his ſon John was born, who was baptized in the p. 13ſame Church, June 13th. 1629. Mr. Anthony Tuckney being Vicar there then; about this time ſeveral Miniſters and Chriſtians went into New England, to injoy the liberty of the Goſpel, Mr. Angier had ſome thoughts of going alſo, however he firſt took a journey into Laneaſhire to viſit his Wives Relations, and take leave of them; they prevailed with him to preach at Bolton; R. M. one of Ringley Chappel, hearing him, obtained a promiſe to come to Ringley on a weekday, and Preach with Mr. Mather then at Toxtoth-Park Chappel; and preparing to go into New England, Mr. Mather begun, Mr. Angier was to ſucceed; but it being a hot Summer-day, and an exceeding throng, Mr. Angier was overcome with heat, and ſwooned, not being able to proceed, but was cut off about the middle of his Sermon from ſpeaking. Mr. Mather went up, continued the exerciſe; that evening many of the Chappelrie followed Mr. Angier to Ellis Walworths houſe, in Ringly-fold, and moved him to be Miniſter at Ringley; he deferred his anſwer until Monday ſennight after, at which time he was to preach at the Lecture at Bolton; many of the Chappelrie then heard him, and after the Lecture at one Widow Rothwels, preſented to him a paper, wherein were the Names of the heads of the Chappelrie, that had votes in publick concerns; he asked, whether the Names of p. 14all were in that paper; they told him th… names of all that had votes; but if he plea… ed all the reſt would readily be had; Afte… Mr. Angiers return to Boſton, a Lette… was ſent to him with the names of all th… Families, Maſters, and others, and a Lette… was returned from Mr. Angier to the Chap… pelrie, That if they would fetch him and his Family, he might be theirs; whereupo… in the beginning of September 1630. two good men were ſent with Horſes, and furni… ture, John Jackſon, and Francis Critchly who ſtayed ſeveral days at Boſton; Mr. Cot… ton judged the call to be clear, Mr. Angie… was well ſatisfied; the two faithful meſſenger brought Mr. Angier, his Wife, his Son his Maid, to Ringley, to the great joy … thoſe that feared God in the place. The Text he preached on was Philem. 22. But withall prepare me alſo a Lodging, for I truſt that through your prayer I ſhall be given-unto you. Some time they were put to ſojourn in another Family, till a fitting houſe was made ready; his ſettlement was in Ringly-fold in an ordinary houſe, with which he was well content; when people came to Repetition in his little houſe, and wanted room, and ſeats, he ſaid, Better want room than good company; people were kind, and every way helpful, and the word of God did mightily ſucceed, and proſper exceedingly, p. 15much people was added to the Lord; …ow Ringley had her day, a converſion…ay to not a few, an enlivening-day to many of Gods children, that flocked thither like Doves to the windows, ſo that all the Chriſtians that were capable and willing to …ttend private days and duties of prayer, …ould not meet in one place, two places were oft appointed for that work, as ſome yet …iving teſtify; this was a time of Gods ſignal appearance, the Lord caſting many Souls into the Mould of the Goſpel, and a good impreſſion remains to this very day, though many of that old ſtamp are faln aſleep: ſome can tell obſervable ſtories of Gods remarkable working on hearts, which at preſent I wave.

As for his inveſtiture in his Miniſterial office, he had Epiſcopal ordination, Mr. Cotton having intereſt in Lewis Bayly, a Biſhop in Wales (that put forth the Practice of Pie…y) he writ to him, with Mr. Angier, and he did ordain him without ſubſcrption; yer Mr. Angier kept a Non-conformiſt to the Ceremonies, and therefore had ſome adverſaries, for Dr. Bridgman Bp. of Cheſter lived at Great-Leaver at that time, to whom were brought various and grievous complaints againſt Mr. Angier for not conſoming; the Bp. ſent for him, expoſtulated with him, p. 16being a kind of affront to preach ſo near him (it being but about two Miles diſtant) admoniſhed him, exhorted him to conform; h… ſent for him many times, yet uſually gav… him very good words, and profeſſed his grea… reſpect to him. God ordered it ſo by h… providence, that the Bps. Wife being a gracious Woman, was at that time much afflicted in conſcience, and Mr. Angier by God bleſſing was an inſtrument of much good to her, by his counſels and prayers, which became a furtherance of his liberty; for the Biſhop would uſually ſay, Mr. Angier, you muſt ſee my Wife before you go, and ſhe interceded for him; yet notwithſtanding the Biſhop could not be quiet, but ſome or other ſollicited vehemently againſt Mr. Angier, in ſo much as he was ſupſended twice in one year… but reſtored by the mediation of his friends; at laſt the Biſhop ſaid, Mr. Angier, I have a good will to indulge you, but cannot, for my Lords Grace of Canterbury, (i. e. Archbiſhop Laud) hath rebuked me for permitting two Non-Conformiſts, the one within a Mile on one hand (that was good Mr. Horrocks at Dean-Church) another on the other, your ſelf; and I am likely to come into disfavour on this behalf; as for Mr. Horrocks, ſaith he, my hands are bound, I cannot meddle with him; ('tis thought he meant by reaſon of ſome promiſes to his Wife) but as for you, Mr. Angier, you are a young man p. 17…d doubtleſs may get another place, and if …ou were any where at a little further di…ance, I could better look off you, for I do …udy to do you a kindneſs, but cannot as …ng as you are thus near me, &c. ſome …judg…d that one reaſon was, the Biſhops ſons were …t this time on the riſing ground; and this his …onnivence might croſs his deſign in their referment: he did ſuſpend Mr. Angier, who continued a ſeaſon under that ſuſpen…on; however he had been ordained, June …8. 1629. and a Provincial Licenſe was ob…ained for him, at a provincial Viſitation at Mancheſter, Octobor 23. 1630. He conti…ued, though not without ſome interrup…on, about a year and an half at Ringley Chappel; for he was ſuſpended in that …me.

One particular I ſhall make bold to inſert …f the grace of God accompanying Mr. Angiers Miniſtry while he was at Ringley, … is this, One Richard Hardman of Ratcliff…ridg, having received good by Mr. Angier's Miniſtry, a Siſter of his living near to …doughton Chappel in Dean Pariſh, came with …er Husband to his houſe at Ratcliff-Bridg, …n the Saturday Evening, the Night before …hat which is called Midlent Sunday, to be …erry at the Wakes, for that day Ratcliff-Wakes (which is a mad revelling or feaſt…g) began, and continued moſt of the Week …ollowing: But God had turned the by as p. 18of Richard Hardmans heart another way and he plainly told his Siſter and her Huſband, they ſhould have been more welco… at another time, but ſince they were the come, they muſt not expect his accompanying them, but rather deſired them to go a… long with him to Ringley, and after Family duty he went into a private place to pray where he found ſo much of Gods preſenc… and help in a ſpecial manner for his Siſter that he was ſatisfied that God would do he good: they both went with him to Ringl… to hear Mr. Angier, where God did la… hold on her heart; by a ſound conviction an… deep humiliation, formerly ſhe was wont t… ſcoff at Religion, now ſhe ſet upon th… ſerious practice thereof, ſo far as coul… be judged, and her Husband was much reſtrained, and both of them as the… went home on the Monday, heard M… Angier at the Lecture at Bolton, ſhe being ſoeverpreſſed in Spirit, could not for bear but went to Mr. Angier at Widow Norris's houſe, and had ſome talk with him; ſhe ſtuck ſtedfaſt in Religion to he… dying day: But I ſhall forbear relatin… any more particulars.

As for his remove from Ringley to De… ton, it was thus: he continued ſuſpended at Ringley near half a year, and the… was no hopes of his reſtoration to … former liberty there: and at this time De… ton. p. 19Chappel in Mancheſtor-pariſh was vacant, Mr. Broxholm being baniſhed thence alſo by a ſuſpenſion, the People ſeeking for a Godly Miniſter, ſeveral were propoſed, Mr. Hyde of Norbury and Mr. Hyde of Denton had pitched on Mr. Henry Root, but Mr. Holland of Denton conſented not, he told them of a little man at Ringley, one Mr. Angier; and ſaith he, I hear much good of him; if you will give him a call, you ſhall have my heart and hand. Accordingly they ſent to him, he came and preached at Denton, they generally approved of him, choſe him, he came thither in the year 1632. Preached his firſt Sermon on Eaſter-Sunday: when Mr. Holland, and Mr Hide of Norbury, and M. Hide of D…nton brought him thither, he ſaid by Gods grace he would take care of his work, but would look to them under God for Maintenance: there he continued to his dying day, notwithſtanding all the publick and perſonal viciſſitudes, by which he met with varions interruptions, which was 45 years 4 months. His remove to a greater diſtance did not ſerve him, but even at Denton …he found adverſaries, and withall he found God his Friend there, who raiſed up for him many friends; hear himſelf relating how the Lord dealt with him, in his Epiſtle Dedicatory befor his book, called An help to better hearts for better times, p. 20Pinted Anno Dom. 1647. Thus he ſaith, Tho in Nine or Ten years at Denton-Chappel, I preached not above two ſeparated years (to my beſt remembrance) withont interruption: and in that time was twice excommunicated, tho Sabbath-aſſemblies were ſometimes diſtractedly and ſorrowfully broken up, and my departure from habitation and people often forced, no means left in ſight of return, yet through the ſerven… prayers of the Church, God renewed liberty.

It was muttered that Mr. Angier had an hand in a certain Book, that reflected upon the Biſhop, upon which he was much hazzarded, being in danger of being brought into the High-Commiſſion Court. I find that the Book was found in Stockport, importing ſome reflections upon the Arch-Biſhop Speech in Star-Chamber; and though Mr. Angier was ſuſpected of it, yet he profeſſet… his innocency in his Diary. But Purſe vants came to apprehend him, and this trouble occaſioned him to ſell the Land at Ded… ham which his Father left him, worth 40 l. year, turning it into Money, as being leſſ… viſible, and ſo leſſe ſubject to danger: Go… hid his perſon, as he did Jeremiah, an… Baruk: ſome Lords-days he hath preach… in his Houſe, becauſe he could not ſafely p. 21go unto the Chappel; ſometime he travelled into Eſſex, abode there with his friends till the ſtorm was blown over. R. R. a good ſtout man once riding with him near to Huntington, they were in danger of robbing, but he taking a Piſtol into his hand, gave Mr. Angier the Caſe, and God moved the Thieves to withdraw from them: He once met a Purſevant on Delamere Forreſt, Mr. Angier knew the Purſevant at a great diſtance, and his Wife was much afraid, but the Purſevant paſſed by and diſcovered him not: there was alſo one Starkey, …n agent of the Spiritual-Court at Cheſter, ad…erfary to Mr. Angier, who frequently came, and puniſhed him, whom God took. Mr. Holland Travelled to York for him once, if not oftener; where he had an old Friend in great office, who told him he would do any …ny thing for him he deſired: Mr. Angier …old me as he was once going to York to get …ff his ſuſpenſion, or excommunication, …rovidence caſt him at Wakefield on the …ords day, hearing Mr. Liſter, Vicar there, …ked his Preaching exceeding well, and …erceiving that the Lords-Supper was to be …dminiſtred that day in the Church, Mr. Angier ſtayed, joyned with the Aſſembly. …ad his liberty of geſture, found the Lord …aciouſly preſent with him in the ordinances that day; having got a good repaſt, he went p. 22on in his journey, proſpered in his buſineſs he often enquired after Mr. Liſter, to whom he bore a great reſpect, and indeed he had Catholick Principles, and loved [Aliqui… Chriſt… ] any thing of Chriſt, wherever h… ſaw it, and continued this good old Purita… ſpirit to his dying day. Mr. Liſter, thoug… his Senior ſucceeded him, being 80 years … age, had been Vicar of Wakefield 50. yea… was buryed there, Jan. 17. 1678.

When theſe ſtorms were blown over, an… New confuſions aroſe in the Kingdom, of C… vil diſſentions and open Wars, he kept in h… work and ſtation; and tho he adhered to th… Parliaments part, yet his affectionate pray… for the King, temperate ſpirit, and continuing faithful to his principles, procure him good will from his greateſt adverſarie he maintaining a good correſpendence wi… all ſober perſons of different perſuaſions … politicks and Eccleſiaſticks: inſtances where… I could give, and teſtimonials concerning him, of his inoffenſive behaviour, even fro… ſuch as much differed from him; but forbear, his own works juſtify him before men.

About this time his firſt Wife dyed, D… 14. Anno Dom. 1642. ſhortly after ſhe h… born him a Daughter; ſhe had been exce… ing tender in her conſtitution of body, … of a troubled ſpirit; he had ſome exce… p. 23with her, though ſhe was a gracious woman' yet being of a melancholy conſtitution, Satan took great advantage in caſting his fiery darts into ſuch combuſtible matter, which occaſioned much affliction both to her ſelf and her husband, though he bore it with unparallel'd wiſdom and patience; ſhe died in the beginning of the Wars, giving intimation to her husband who it was ſhe deſired might ſucceed her, which in convenient time he complyed with, and about a year after did …arry her, it was Mrs. Margaret Moſeley of Ancots, a very prudent, gracious, Gentlewoman; they were married very publickly in Mancheſter Church, in the heat of the Wars; which was much taken notice of as a great act of faith in them both, Mr. Horrocks and Mr. Root preaching the marriage S…rmons, providence directing their thoughts to pitch both on one Text; which was Gen. …2.18. I will make him on help meet for him: both preſaging what indeed ſhe proved, an excellent ſuitable Wife to him, a tender mother to his three Children, and an uſeful mother in Iſra…l; for though God denyed her a fruitful Womb, yet ſhe was very fruitful in good Works, of excellent parts, and well-ordered activity, of a publick ſpirit, of rare accompliſhments for piety, charity, ſobriety; whom he injoyed with abundant mutual content above 30 years: ſhe died of a Tympany, and was buried in Denton p. 24Chappel, Octob. 31. 1675. after whoſe death he lived mournfully, till God tranſlated him to her.

Nor was this ſolemnity in his Mariage, any fruit of vain glory or oſtentation, but upon conſideration it was his ſettled judgment and advice, that Marriage ſhould be publickly ſolmenized, yea his apprehenſion was that a regular approach ſhould be mad… to Marriage, by mutual contract; this rule h… followed when his Daughter Elizabeth wa… to be Married to a Yorkſhire Miniſter; they were contracted in the cloſe of a ſolemn day of faſting and prayer, in his Study, by Mr. Nathaniel Rathband, who did excellently diſcourſe on that ſubject, from Mat. 1.18… When as his Mother Mary was eſpouſed t… Joſeph. And about a month after that, they were ſolemnly Married before a numerous Congregation in the Chappel. Mr. Harrion preaching on Eph. 5.31. (And the two ſhall be one fleſh): and then feaſte… above an Hundred perſons of ſeveral Ranks Ages, and Sexes; he uſually ſaid, he love… to have a Marriage like a Marriage; he wa… far from voluptuouſneſs or prodigality, an… therefore took care to prevent ſinful exceſs or vanity, and with all ſhewed a meet diſtance from moroſeneſs or for did baſeneſs grounding his apprehenſions on our Sav… our favouring and honouring with his preſence, yea and miracle for liberal proviſi on, p. 25that Marriage in Cana of Galilee, John 2. Its true Mr. Angier himſelf could not be preſent at that his daughters Marriage, being indiſpoſed by a Goutiſh humour in his foot, that he was not able to ſtir out of his Chamber, and that raiſed in him a holy meditation which he hath left upon reccord in his Diary. The Lord ſtayed my heart with John 2. Chriſt was at the Marriage, yet there was a defect in comfort, there wanted Wine, which our Lord made advantage of to his own Glory, and the help of the faith of his Diſciples. He ſaith further, the week after, my Daughter was ill, ſo that God began with them betimes, to take off their hearts from earthly things.

He ſtayed in that little Chappel at Denton …n thoſe free times wherein he had opportunity, and ſome calls to greater places for getting worldly perferment, but that was not …uch conſiderable in his account. Some of his brethren can yet reſtify how much he was …ourted to greater and more publick places; but his frequent refuſal was an inſtance of …is great ſelf-denial; few men in his circumſtances did ſtop the mouths of malignant …enſurers in that caſe, ſo as he did; and old Mr. Langley of Middle-Wych in Cheſhire, who being Miniſter there before the Wars (tho … years together ſilenced) yet when he was reſtored to his liberty, returned to them; … great place, but of very pitiful maintenance, p. 26and continued there to his dying day. And it was obſerved, before one of the Biſhops of Cheſter, ſince the Deprivation of Miniſters by the Act of Uniformity, that it was a ſignal favour to Mr. Angier, that he ſhould be permitted to live with that people ſtill, as a reward for his tarrying with them when he might have removed to his greater advantage: and indeed all his actings ſpoke very much ſelf-denial: how much worldly wealth might he have hoarded up if he had taken what was offered him, and retained what he had? take an inſtance or two. Mr. L. ſent a man and horſes for him before the Wars, into Craven, 30 or 40 miles, to baptize his child; Mr. Angier went, preach'd in Gisborn Church, (which ſome remember to this day, by ſome obſervable tokens that I have heard of) and God did marvellouſly work upon his Wives heart… by that Sermon; when he returned, Mr. L. gave him five broad pieces of Gold into his hand, deſiring him to accept them; but he… only took one, and gave him four back again… another urging him with a broad piece, he abſolutely denyed it, begging an excuſe with much modeſty Another time preaching a Lecture at Braintree, a Gentleman came to him, a ſtranger, deſiring him to accept of a 20 s. peice of Gold, which he thanked him for, but refuſed. But I forbear more inſtances.

p. 27About this time, the good people of R…ngley, beſtirred themſelves to obtain Mr. Angier again to be their Miniſter, becauſe he was firſt theirs, and forcibly driven from them; they thought they had the beſt right to him, therefore they writ a large and pathetical Letter to Mr. Angier, which I have by me, begging of him to return, addreſſing themſelves to Denton people, with loving terms perſuading them to releaſe him, if it were but one year, to ſettle things amongſt them: and again affectionally urging Miniſters that were called on to give their advice to order him that way. The Letter is full of Chriſtian bowels, and deſerves recording, to manifeſt the endeared love of a people to their qu…ndam Paſtor, and their high reſpects to him. Take a few expreſſions.