Gray Hairs Crowned with Grace, Account

Gray Hairs Crowned with Grace · Account

p. 41The Narrative of the Life and Death of M^r GATAKER.

M^r THOMAS GATAKER or GATACRE (for ſo he wrote himſelf, till of later years to prevent miſcalling occaſioned frequently by the view of the letters he changed it into GATAKER) was a branch of an ancient Family, ſo firmly by Gods providence planted in Shropſhire, that the ſtock hath continued in the ſame Houſe, carrying the Name of its owner, and known by the title of Gatacre-Hall, by an uninterrupted ſucceſſion from the time of K. Edward the Confeſſor. His Father M^r Thomas Gatacre (being not the eldeſt ſonne of William Gatacre) was deſigned by his Parents to the ſtudy of the Law, in order to which he was a ſtudent at the Temple. During the courſe of that inſtitution, he occaſionally coming to viſit ſome Kinred (then high in place and power,) was often preſent at the examination of ſome Chriſtian confeſſors of the Goſpel, in thoſe ſevere times wherein Satan armed all his forces to ſuppreſſe that dawning light which threatned ruin to his kingdom of darkneſſe. The harſhneſſe of thoſe proceedings, together with the conſtancy of the good, though ſimple Chriſtians, that with evidence of truth and reſolution of minde maintained Faith and a good conſcience, were of great moment with him to facilitate the entertainment of that purer doctrine of the Goſpel which began to ſhine into his ſoul. This being apprehended by his Parents, they jealous of his change, ſent him over to Lorain in Flanders, and to win him to a compliance in religion, ſetled upon him an eſtate in Leaſe of 100^lb per annum old rent. but like S^t Paul, Phil. 3. he counted all outward advantages as nothing in compariſon of the knowledge of Chriſt Jeſus. Therefore his Father perceiving his unchangeable ſtedfaſtneſſe in that choice (which p. 42had nothing to prejudice it but the ſeeming novelty,) recalled him, and with great diſpleaſure revoked his own Grant, which yet could not take effect without the Sonnes conſent. But the young diſciple had already learned the hard leſſon of ſelf-denyall and forſaking all to follow Chriſt. Therefore to preſerve his conſcience, he gave up that which had been the bait of Apoſtaſie. Now the Lord (that hath promiſed to his faithfull followers ſatisfaction for all their loſſes) raiſed him up Friends, by whoſe means and advice he purſued his ſtudies at Oxford, and in proceſs of time, (when not only the clowds of ignorance and ſuperſtition were diſpelled, but alſo the ſhowers of blood were blown over) he took upon him the publick Miniſtry of the Goſpel. He was houſhold Chaplain to Robert Earl of Leiceſter, and Paſtor of S^t Edmunds in Lumbertſtreet London. In that Parſonage-houſe by his Wife Margaret, being of an honeſt Family of the Pigots in Hertfordſhire, (among other Children) he had this Sonne Thomas, born Sept 4. A. D 1574.

In his Childhood he was ſo addicted to thoſe means which his Parents applied him unto, for the implanting in him the ſeeds of good literature, that he needed a bridle rather then a ſpur; for his love of Learning (equall to that admirable capacity wherewith the Father of Lights had furniſhed him) was ſo active in the acquiring of it, that his Father hath often gently chidden him from his book. Neither were his nimble wit,foreign. Greg. Naz. Epitrph. Baſil. ſharp reaſon, and vaſt memory perverted to be the inſtruments of that debauchery wherewith the corruption of our nature doth too often ſtain and deflower our firſt dayes: for he had a lovely gravity in his young converſation; ſo that, what Greg. Nazianzen ſaid of the great Baſil, might be averred of him, that he held forth Learning beyond his age, and a fixedneſs of Manners more conſiderable then his Learning.

Having happily diſpatched his tyrocinnia of firſt exerciſes in the Grammer-Schools (wherein he overcame by ſtrange induſtry the difficulties which that age, deſtitute of many helps our preſent dayes enjoy, conflicted withall; and outſtripped many that ran in the ſame courſe,) before he had compleated p. 43ſixteen years. A. D. 1590. He was by his Father placed in S^t Johns Colledge in Cambridge. Not long after his ſettlement there, his Father (being called by God to receive the reward of his labours) left him not wholly deſtitute, yet not ſufficiently provided for any long continuance of his ſtudies there. But God that hath engaged his truth and mercy to the upright, even for their ſeed alſo (Pſal. 112. 1, 2.) (eſpecially when the Sonne doth not degenerate or thwart the providence of God, by a forfeiture of his title to the Promiſes,) provided friends and means for him, who was by an hidden counſel then deſigned to be an inſtrument of doing ſervice to the Church of Chriſt. Thus the fruit was not nipped in a promiſing bud, by the froſt of want.

Now, not from meer favour, but from merit (upon the proof of his Learning) he was choſen Scholer of that worthy Society, wherein he continued his Studies with unwearied diligence and happy ſucceſs, till he with Abilities anſwerable to his Degree, commenced Maſter of Arts. Take for an inſtance of his Induſtry this (viz. that he was a conſtant Auditor of that eminent Light of Learning M^r Jo. Boys, who read a Greek Lecture in his bed to certain young Students that preferred antelucana ſtudia before their reſt and eaſe. The Notes of thoſe praelections he kept as a treaſure, and being viſited by M^r Boys many years after, he produced them, to the no ſmall joy of the good old man, who profeſſed himſelf made ſome years younger by that entertainment.

Then was contracted that ſtreight friendſhip betwixt M^r Gataker and that faithfull ſervant of Chriſt M^r Rich. Stock, which continued untill the death of this Reverend Miniſter, as appears by the teſtimony given unto him at his Funeral.

An evidence of the good eſteem which M^r Gataker had now acquired for his Learning and Piety was this, that a College being then to be erected by the munificence of the Counteſs of Suſſex, the Truſtees of that Foundreſs (Perſons eminent for Zeal and Prudence,) did chooſe him to be one of that Society. They tranſplanted him into that new Nurſery of Arts and Religion, being confident that he would (as he did by Chriſts aſſiſtance) p. 44prove fruitfull for the ornament and benefit of that Seminary. Indeed they laid hold of him before the houſe was fit for inhabitants, fearing leſt ſo fair and promiſing a flower ſhould be taken up by ſome other hand. But while the College was in building (that he might not loſe any opportunity of doing good,) he retired to M^r William Aylofes houſe in Eſſex, who had gained him that he might inſtruct both himſelf in the Hebrew Tongue, and his eldeſt Sonne in Literature proper to his age. In this Family, partly by his own inclination, and partly by the incouragement of the Governours thereof, he performed holy Duties for the inſtruction of the whole houſhold, expounding a portion of Scripture every morning, that the Sunne of Righteouſneſs might as conſtantly ariſe, as the day brake in upon them. In this Exerciſe, whereby he laboured & proficere & prodeſſe (both to edifie others and himſelf) he diſpatched the Epiſtles of the Apoſtles, the Prophecies of Iſaiah, and a good part of the book of Job, rendring the Text out of the Original Languages, and thence delivering cleer explications,, and alſo deducing uſefull obſervations. D^r Stern then Suffragan of Colcheſter (viſiting the Miſtreſs of the Family, to whom he was neerly related,) happened to be preſent at this Exerciſe, when M^r Gataker explicated the firſt Chapter of S^t Pauls Epiſtle to the Epheſians, which is known to be moſt pregnant of deep divine myſteries. This portion of holy Writ he treated upon with ſo happy elucidations, that the judicious Doctor much ſatisfied with the performance, and admiring the indowments of M^r Gataker, exhorted him inſtantly to take holy Orders, whereby thoſe Gifts might be authorized for publick uſe, and improved for the building up of the Church, and withall offered him his aſſiſtance in that buſineſs. But he well weighing the burden of that Calling, and modeſtly judging of his own ability, which he conceived diſproportionable to that Office (to the full diſcharge whereof the Apoſtle hath ſet, foreign; who is ſufficient?) thanked the Doctor for his kind offer, but deferred the matter to further confideration. Afterward by the advice of the Reverend M^r Hen. Alvey, formerly his Tutor, and in this buſineſs taken p. 45for a Counſellor, upon his remonſtrance of divers reaſons, and the inſtances of D^r Stern afreſh reiterated, he aſſented to be Ordained by the ſaid Suffragan.

The Fabrick of Sidney-Suſſex-Colledge being now conſummated, he betook himſelf to the ſtation deſigned him, and to the work depending thereon, wherein his pains for ſeaſoning young Students with principles of piety and learning were both great and proſperous; for ſome of them that watered their gardens at his Spring, or lighted their Lamps at his Light, grew up to eminency, as M. Jo. Hoyl and M. Tho. Pell afterwards worthy Fellows of the ſame Society.

About that time certain perſons zealous of promoting the glory of God and gaining ſouls to Chriſt, that lay in a ſad condition through the defect of Paſtors able to teach and leade the people in the waies of truth, life, and peace, eſpecially M. Abdias Aſhton of S^t Johns, and M. William Bedel of Emmanuel, ſet on foot a deſign of preaching in places adjacent to the Univerſity even to a conſiderable diſtance; Theſe invited M. Gataker to be a partner in this labour; Being drawn in and encouraged by them, he preached every Lords day at Everton (a village in the meeting-confines of Cambridge, Bedford, and Huntingtonſhire) where a decrepid man (reported to be 30. years above an 100.) ſuſtained the Name of Vicar, Vix magni nominis umbra. Here a Family of Burgoins reſident in that place deſerveth this Honourable remembrance, that M. Roger Burgoin during that time uſed M. Gataker with great humanity, which by him was conſtrued to be the effect of his piety.

After half a year thus religiouſly employed with manifeſtation of a publike ſpirit, finding ſome cauſes to retire from the Univerſity, at the motion of M. Aſhton above-mentioned (that had been Tutor) he removed to Sir William Cooks Family then reſident in London. This place and employment occaſioned the more publike diſcovery of his Miniſterial gifts, with the ſingular approbation of many perſons of note, not only for outward eſtate, but alſo for affection unto, and judgement in Religion: Hereupon the Lecturers place at Lincolns Inne p. 46falling void, ſome principall perſons of that Honourable Society (which had been his Auditors occaſionally) made addreſſes unto him, inviting him to that place, offering their aſſiſtances, and alledging the facility of his Introduction by the Lord Chief Juſtice Pophams intereſſing himſelf in the buſineſſe, whom they knew both to have loved the Father Thomas Gataker (being his intimate once, and contemporary in the ſtudies of Law) and to favour the Son very highly for his own worth and work in the Miniſtry. But he according to his uſuall modeſty declined the undertaking, and reſiſted the importunities even of his Friend M. Stock, till D. Mountague Maſter of Sydney-Colledge, repairing to London, and being acquainted with the deſign in hand (though he had it in his thoughts to invite M. Gatacre back to the Colledge, that he might reade an Hebrew Lecture that had a Salary annexed by the Lord Harrington, yet (laying that aſide) preſt M. Gataker with Arguments and Authority, encouraged him againſt his own diffidence, and wrought him at laſt to an aſſent that without any ſuit made by him the Lord Popham ſhould recommend him to that ſociety. Thus was he choſen Preacher at Lincolns Inne, where he ſpent ten years to the advancement of piety, and with a happy Reformation of ſome abuſes of the Lords day, as he himſelf teſtifies in his Apologetical diſcourſe againſt Lilly, pag. 16, 17.

But notwithſtanding that Engagement M. Gataker did not totally abandon the Family of Sir William Cook, to whoſe Lady he was neer by bloud, and dear to both, upon the account of his pious labours amongſt them. Therefore in the vacations being diſengaged from attendance at the Inne of Court, he reſided in that Family, exerciſing his Miniſtry either in thier Chappell or in the Pariſh-Church, as occaſion required; and this with an Apoſtolicall minde, not for filthy lucre, but freely making the Goſpel a burthen only to the diſpenſer: Yet ſuch was the devotion of that religious pair, that they alſo would not ſerve God without coſt, for they afterwards in conſideration of thoſe pains freely taken ſetled upon M. Gataker an Annuity of 20^lb per annum, which he indeed p. 47received for ſome few years, but after (for certain Reaſons) remitted unto the Heir of that Family, forbearing to uſe the Right he had, and forbidding his Executor to claim any Arrears of that Annuity. This is mentiooed the rather that the generous temper of his Chriſtian Soul aiming at the higheſt good of others more then his own temporall advantage, and infinitely removed from ſordid acquiſition of gain, or the proſtitution of his ſacred Function unto ſecular deſigns, may be oppoſed to ſtop the impudent clamour of ſome whoſe conſciences being both galled and cauterized, prompted them to calumniate him as guilty of covetouſneſſe. But his own pen writ the beſt Apology, as indeed (according to that of Nazianzen) they that give him a juſt character and dueGreg. Epita. Baſil. commendation, had need to have alſo his Eloquence.

While he attended on that Flock at Lincolns-Inne, Sir William Sidley a Learned Mecaenas and pious Patron of the Church offered him a fair Benefice, and becauſe M. Gataker declined the burthen of a Paſtoral Cure, and pleaded an unwillingneſſe to be taken off from thoſe worthy Gentlemen (of whoſe favour he had good experience) he endeavoured to perſwade him that the taking of an aſſiſtant would ſalve all inconveniences, ſo that he needed not to deſert the Society which in Term-time only, required his labours. But he that poiſed that burthen in the Scale of the Sanctuary, alwaies thought that one Cure of ſouls was enough for one man, and adventured the unkinde reſentment of the Noble Gentleman upon the refuſall, rather then the accumulation of preferments.

After ten years labours profitably employed at Lincolns Inne, not only for the benefit of the then living Servants of God, but alſo for the behoof of poſterity, eſpecially by that Learned Diſcouſe of Lots there and then conceived, and formed (wherein what ſatisfaction is given to conſcience in many caſes, let the judicious acknowledge) M. Gataker thence removed to undertake the Rectory of Rotherhith in Surry, of the grounds, motive, and manner whereof he himſelf hath largely given an account to the world in his Apologetick againſt p. 48Lilly, p. 44. 48. of which this is the Summe.

The Rectory of Redrith in Surry (as it is commonly called) being void, and one of an infamous life labouring hard to ſucceed in it (in order to which he before the Incumbents death had ſet on foot a tranſaction with the mother of certain Orphans in whoſe hands the Patronage was ſuppoſed to reſt,) ſome of the Religious Inhabitants valuing the means of grace above all other enjoyments, caſt their eyes and thoughts upon M. Gataker, to gain whom they added to their own entreaties the mediation of his good Friend M. Richard Stock. And when he had by many reaſons remonſtrated unto him, that God did call him to the work, whoſe honour and Ordinances might ſuffer prejudice by the intruſion of an unworthy man, he at laſt ſuffered himſelf to be perſwaded to engage himſelf in that charge, which being repreſented to Sir Henry Hobart then Attorney-Generall by M. Randolph Crew (afterward Lord Chief Juſtice.) Sir Henry that before favoured other pretenſions to gratifie ſome Tenants of his in the Pariſh, did yet readily embrace the motion concerning ſetling of M. Gataker there, according to his contentment, and wrote a Letter to the Biſhop for the removall of all obſtructions that lay in the way or might hinder the acceptance of the Preſentation of M. Gataker, which ſigned with the hands of all the three Brethren who had Right in that Advocation, was tendred on his behalf.

The report of his remove was no welcome news to many of that ſociety, who fain would retain him, ſome whereof offered an enlargement of his maintenance for an argument to keep him, and others repreſented the conſiſtence of both employments by the help of an Aſſiſtant. But he that made not his Miniſtery foreign a meer Trade of living here (as Gregory Naz. complained ſome did in his time, and too many in our times do,) nor would multiply burthens when he deemed himſelf unfit for the leaſt, would not be wrought to a new reſolution. Therefore Ann. Dom. 1611. commending his former charge to the grace of God, he betook himſelf to the ſole attendance on that Flock of which p. 49God had now made him overſeer. His induſtry in diſcharge thereof was conſtant and great, notwithſtanding an almoſt perpetuall headach, wherewith God had exerciſed him from his very youth, and for which he had this only poor comfort from his Phyſicians, D^r Goulston his ſingular good friend (with whom he communicated his ſtudies on Galen, and to whom he contributed his aſſiſtance for the edition of ſome parts of Galen,) often telling him, that the incurable diſeaſe of age would be the remedy of his diſtemper, becauſe together with the abatement of naturall heat, his indiſpoſition would grow leſs vigorous or violent. To the work of his Miniſtry in publick upon the Sabbath, he added a weekly Catecheticall Lecture on Friday in the evening, deſigned by him to lay the foundation of ſaving knowledge in the hearts of Children, a certain number whereof every Lecture day did give an account of their knowledge by ſet Anſwers to Queſtions delivered out unto them beforehand for their inſtruction. (This courſe of holding a ſound form of words, agreeable to the doctrine of the Goſpel conſigned in holy writ, of what importance it is, we may conclude from that ignorance and error that have invaded the Church of later times, theſe miſchiefs being imputable ſcarce to any thing ſo much as to the omiſſion of that uſefull duty of Catechiſing.) But that exerciſe was performed by him, with ſuch an accurate and methodicall explication of the whole body of Divinity, that Chriſtians of riper years and long ſtanding in Chriſts School, did reſort to be partakers of thoſe diſcourſes, wherein their well exerciſed ſenſes found not only milk fit for Children, but alſo ſolid meat ſuitable to grown men in Chriſt. This he continued till he had abſolved a perfect ſummary of Theologie, and gave it over when he obſerved the leaſt part of his Auditory to be thoſe forSolunt ultr…ae putere …rces. Hieron. whom he mainly intended the work, his Pariſhioners being grown to a neglect at leaſt of his free labours in that kinde.

M^r Gatakers conſtant retirement in his ſtudy, made the choice of a help meet for him, that might overſee his Family, a neceſſary act of prudence. Therefore not long before he left Lincolns-Inne, he married the Widdow of M. William Cupper, to whoſe two Daughters he was ſo providently kind in their education p. 50and diſpoſing in marriage to two Divines of note, and continued ſuch a fatherly love to them and theirs, that the world miſtook them for his own children. That Wife died in childbed of a Sonne, that bore the Fathers Name, who after that he had ſeen the moſt remote parts of the world wherewith we keep commerce, returned home to his Father and died in peace.

The ſame motive ſtill being in force, he after a decent interval of widdowhood, choſe to himſelf the Daughter of a Reverend Divine M. Charles Pinner, who was then brought up in the worthy and religious Family of M. Ellis Criſp, Brother to M^rs Pinner. It pleaſed God to give him a Sonne by her (who in proceſs of time was dedicated to Gods work in the Miniſtery) but immediately to take away the Mother, ſo that the Mothers Funerals and Childs Baptiſm were celebrated together: Thus our wiſe and gracious Father tempers the cup for his Children, leſt they ſhould ſurfet upon earthly enjoyments, as they might eaſily do if they were meer and unmixt with occaſions of ſorrow.

He remained then for many years in a diſconſolate ſolitude, till he again adventured and married a Gentlewoman of a very conſiderable Family, being Siſter to S^r George, and S^r John Farwel, and of a good eſteem for underſtanding and piety. By her he had three Children, whereof a Sonne and a Daughter were carried to the ground before their Mother, but the third yet lives to walk by the light of her Fathers life and doctrine. This Gentlewoman being of a contemplative minde fell into a Conſumption, which waſted the body ſo that the ſoul took flight from thence to Heaven.

Laſt of all he took to Wife a Citizens Widow, whoſe comfortable converſation he enjoyed twenty four years, but without Iſſue by her. The love to her was one motive, why he retreated out of his Parſonage-houſe to another habitation of his own revenue; for ſuppoſing that ſhe might be the ſurvivor, he would make a convenient proviſion for her that ſhe might not be ſubject to anothers curteſie for removal. And that affection extended it ſelf in great liberality to divers of her kinred that were capable of ſupport from him, both in her p. 51life time and ſince her deceaſe. Her he ſurvived two years within a few dayes, and becauſe he numbred his dayes with wiſedom, preſuming that the time was approaching of his ſoul being maried to the Lamb, he could not endure to liſten unto the motion of ſome that adviſed him to a new entanglement in the world.

Having thus related his ſeverall Marriages, in a continued Narrative; I muſt ſtep back to the report of ſome paſſages, in time antecedent unto the laſt of them.

In the year 1620, having a juſtifiable curioſity to ſee our neighbour Church in the united Provinces, and ſomething of the other Provinces in Belgium, he took the advantage of the Truce then between the Spaniard and the Hollander, for a free paſſage between both countries: Therefore with his entire friend Capt. Joſua Downing, and an old acquaintance M. Roger Acts 21. 16.Acts 21:16Hughs (his Mnaſon, whoſe houſe he uſed frequently in London) he took his voyage, taking withall a Nephew of his being a young Student to be a partaker of that travell. His Mother then alive had ſome fears, leſt he being a known adverſary to the Popiſh cauſe (which he had mortally wounded with various weapons) ſhould ſuffer inconvenience from that generation of vipers, whoſe virulent malice often prompts them to baſe courſes of ſecret revenge. But God was his guide and his ſhield, and proſpered his journey ſo, that within a monethmonth (for they took boat July 13. and returned ſafe Aug. 14.) he had viewed the moſt conſiderable places in the Low Countries. In this travell he gave better ſatisfaction to the Engliſh Church at Middleburgh, where he gave way to the importunity of friends, deſiring to hear him as well as glad to ſee him, then he did to the Engliſh Papiſts in Flanders, with whom he had divers debates, wherein he drove ſome to a confuſion whom he could not gain to converſion.

Anno 1642. a violent fit of the Colick aſſaulted him, and brought him to the very brink of the grave: but God brought him back again that he might do him further ſervice. For the year enſuing, before he had well recovered his ſtrength, he was called by the Parliament to ſit as one of that Aſſembly, which p. 52was ſummoned to be conſulted about Religion; where his endeavours for promoting Truth and ſuppreſſing Error were ſincere and ſerious: And his ſtudy of Peace with modeſty was in this remarkable, that when his Reafons delivered concerning Chriſts obedience in order to our Juſtification (wherein he differed from his brethren) could not obtain aſſent from the major part which determined the Queſtion contrary to his ſenſe, his own love of unity impoſed upon him ſilence; and wrought him likewiſe unto reſolutions, not to publiſh his diſcourſes of that ſubject from Rom. 3. 28. that he might not publikely diſeover his diſſent from the Votes of that Reverend Aſſembly.

During his attendance upon the work of that Convention, the Earl of Mancheſter (being acquainted with his great worth and fitneſs in regard of his Learning in all kindes, for Academicall tranſactions) offered him the Maſterſhip of Trinity College in Cambridg, which is the greateſt preferment of that Univerſity: for that Noble Lord being intruſted by the Parliament, with the care of that Academy, was not paſſionately tranſported with a blind partiality of mens perſons, upon any ſiniſter reſpects, but deſired to prefer them, whom he judged moſt worthy and moſt hopefull to do Chriſt ſervice there: and therefore being perſwaded that M. Gataker might (both in regard of his gravity and vaſt Scholaſticall abilities) be a choice ornament of that Univerſity, and a fair Copy for others to write by, he was very deſirous to place him there. But this good man (though often importuned by many friends, to accept of the motion) according to his accuſtomed modeſty, with many thanks unto the Earl, refuſed to undertake that place of much honour, ſervice, and outward advantage, pleading together with his unworthineſs, the weakneſs of his body by reaſon of age, and thereupon his inability to take journies. And becauſe he looked upon himſelf as having one foot in the grave, he humbly deſired, that a younger man might be thought upon, more likely to be long ſerviceable then himſelf, in that place of great eminency and truſt. And indeed the ſenſe of his own weakneſs was not a vain preſage of his decayes, for not long after he was again ſurprized with the Colick, which before had p. 53ſhaken him and made his crazy body leſs able to endure new conflicts: and theſe were ſo ſharp, that his reſtauration appeared deſperate, not only to his other friends, but alſo to his Phyſitians. Yet it pleaſed God chaſtening him ſore, not to give Pſal. 118. 8.Ps 118:8him over unto death. His ſtudies which ſeemed to have been as his meat and drink in his health, were his phyſick too, when heGreg. Naz. de Baſilio in Epitaph foreign. was ſick; for while he was confined to his chamber, he fitted for the world the Diſſertation de Tetragrammato, and a Grammaticall diſcourſe de Bivocalibus. And though this for the ſubject be not comparable with the other, yet it may be averred that what he did by the bye, and for the refreſhment of his languiſhing body and minde, was more worth then the main work of many ſtudents.

But after a long time of being priſoner to his own home, he by Gods aſſiſtance recovered ſo much ſtrength as to go to Gods houſe. And now he beleeved himſelf bound to employ his Miniſteriall gifts in Gods ſervice: Therefore he again adventured into the Pulpit, where he ſpent himſelf ſo farre, that he ſtreyned a vein in his lungs, for which being then about Seventy three years old, he ſuffered an emiſſion of blood, by which and other means God enabled him to overpaſs that danger. But when he had recruited his veins and ſinews with freſh ability, he unwilling to fall under the wo for not preaching, acted more according1 Cor. 9. 16.1 Cor 9:16 to the willingneſs of the ſpirit then proportionably to the weakneſs of his fleſh, till a relapſe into that ſpitting of blood (for which he again permitted a vein to be opened for revulſion,) laid on him the neceſſity of forbearing the Pulpit. But he never gave over the adminiſtration of Sacraments, nor his uſuall ſhort diſcourſes at Funerals ſuitable to the occaſion (whenſoever he was ſolicited unto them,) though thoſe ſhorter exerciſes of his Lungs were painfull and waſtfull of that oyl, which like a burning light he ſpent for enlightning others. The main of his time now was ſpent in ſtudy, and that deſigned not to a meer entertainment of himſelf in a quiet privacy, but to the publick benefit of the preſent Church and poſterity, as, among other Works, thoſe exquiſite Annotations on the Prophecies of Eſay, and of Jeremy with his Lamentations, do abundantly p. 54teſtifie. And we ſhould have gained more by his lateſt induſtry, if the malitious ſlanders of the enemies to the truth had not diverted his ſtudies to ſome neceſſary Apologies. Neither did he, being diſenabled to preach, deſert his flock, or betray it into the power of Wolves, that would make a prey of precious ſouls: For troubled at the apprehenſion of the poſſibility that the foundation which he had laid (after the example of the wiſe maſter-builder S^t Paul) might either not be built upon, or ript up, he retained the Title of Rector with a charge beyond the Revenue (as it was ſometime paid,) till proviſion was made of a faithfull and orthodox Miniſter to whom he might devolve both burden and benefit.

To his care of feeding his flock in publick, very agreeable was his diligence to inſtruct his family in private: for on Friday night weekly he did expound after ſupper that ſhort Catechiſm which he had publiſhed for the uſe of his Pariſhioners; in which courſe he ſo laid forth the Nature and Attributes of God, the conditions of man intire and corrupt, the means of his fall and recovery, the nature of Faith and Repentance, with the doctrine of the Sacraments, that his Parlour was one of the beſt ſchools for a young ſtudent to learn Divinity. And indeed his houſe was a private ſemminary for divers young Gentlemen of this Nation, and more forreigners did reſort to him and ſojourn with him, to receive from him advice and advancement in their ſtudies: And many that afterwards were eminent in the Churches both here and abroad, were brought up under his eye at leaſt, as Paul was at Gamaliels feet.

Perſons of note that had been his Aſſiſtants;

M. Young. M. Goodal Miniſter at Horton by Colebrook. M. Symonds, (of whom yet in theſe later times of diviſion M. Gataker hath been obſerved to ſay, It was pity that our Church had loſt him, intimating his turning aſide to ways of ſeparation.) Mr. Grayle, and others yet living labourers in Gods vineyard.

Of foreigners that ſojourned with him, and were as ambitious of being entertained by him, as of being admitted to an Academy, theſe were ſome:

M. Thyloin, after a reverend Paſtor of the Dutch Church in p. 55London, (whoſe Sonne was brought by his Mother but a fortnight afore M. Gatakers deceaſe, intreating the ſame good office in the behalf of him, which the Father had with much comfort enjoyed.) M. Peters, M. And. Demetrius, M. Hornbeck, M. Rich, M. Swerd, M. Wittefrungel, M. Severinus Benzon, M. George De Mey, D. Treſchovius.

The ſtrength of his Memory was extraordinary, as may appear by this demonſtration (viz.) That though he uſed no Common-place book; yet he had in readineſs whatſoever he had read, as his manifold quotations do manifeſt.

His gifts for Edification may be conjectured by his Works extant, in which he hath ſhewed himſelf moſt like the ingenuous and induſtrious Bee, for the rare extraction of all manner of knowledge from almoſt all Authors, and the ſolid digeſtion of it firſt, and then ſtoring it up for the publike good. His polite literature was admired by the great lights of Learning abroad, as the excellent Salmaſius and others, with whom he held correſpondence. And the exerciſe of it with condeſcenſion to children hath been enjoyed with wonder and pleaſure at his viſitation at Tunbridg School with the Right Worſhipfull Company of Skinners the worthy Patrons thereof. That, which made all his knowledge both uſefull and gratefull, was, that he was neither vain in oſtentation, nor moroſe, nor illiberal in reſervation. But beyond all he ſacrificed his Talents to God, while he made Hagar ſerve Sarah, and contributed the Aegyptian ſpoyls (all his foreign Learning) to the building of the Tabernacle: for with a ſtrange felicity, he made his humane literature, (both his moral and critical ſtudies,) become ſubſervient to Religion, and inſtrumental to the explication of heavenly Truths.

His graces of Sanctification were very eminent in all conditions, to all purpoſes, and toward all relations. In his life, as to his private courſe, moſt remarkable were his Piety, Humility and Charity.

His Piety appeared, not only by his diligence in preaching, but alſo by his own frequenting Gods Ordinances diſpenſed by others; in order to which he did once at leaſt weekly repair to ſome Lecture in London, ſo long as he had liberty to look beyond p. 56the bounds of his own Pariſh. A ſign of that Piety, was his great devotion in obſerving the Lords day, which he conſecrated totally (excepting the ſeaſons of repaſt) unto holy employments. And a fruit of it was his free contribution upon divers occaſions to the maintaining of the Lords houſe of Prayer. And becauſe there is a connexion of ſacred perſons and things, his love to religious and faithfull Miniſters may be looked upon as an act of Piety as well as of Charity.

An evident inſtance of his zeal for Gods glory, was a conſtant conſideration of Gods Churches abroad, with a diligent inquiry after their eſtate, and a tender ſenſe of their affliction, which begat that meditation on Amos 6. 6. intituled Sorrow for Sion His eager deſire of a Reformation of things amiſs amongſt us, was doubtleſs acceptable to God, though this ſinfull nation is yet unworthy to have it ſatisfied. One ſpecial and proper effect of his Piety, I take to be that Holineſs of life expreſt in a conſtant tenour of good duties, with the abridgment of his liberty in things indifferent, eſpecially of recreations (for he underſtood no recreation beſides ſtudy, and made the amaener part of ſtudies, the ſauce to the more austere) that he might give no ſcandall to the good, nor encouragement to the bad, citing often thoſe two golden Rules of S^t Paul, All things are lawfull, 1 Cor. 9. 6. & 10. 23.1 Cor 9:61 Cor 10:23but all things are not convenient or expedient; and, All things are lawfull, but all things edifie not.

His Humility was apparent:

1. In that low eſteem he had of his own gifts, which all that knew him admired. He was a true Moſes, that took not any notice of the ſhining luſtre of his own countenance: like a fair ear of Corn loaden with grain, he bended his head downward: for he had nothing of the Phariſaicall temper, either to advance himſelf, or to vilifie his meaner-gifted brethren.

2. In his freedom from ambition of outward advantages; for he declined not only large means in the Countrey, but alſoƲt de Marcello Virg. Aen. 9. Hunc tantum terris oſtendent fata nec ultra, Eſſe ſinent— both Eccleſiaſticall dignities, and Courtly preferments. For he ſtudiouſly waved the counſell of ſome that had given notice of him to that hopefull Prince Henry (whom God only ſhewed to this Land, and ſnatched away to himſelf,) and had it in deſign p. 57to make way for his being admitted Chaplain to his Highneſs. For the ſame reaſon he conſtantly declined publike appearances, ſo that he could not without much reluctancy, be drawn by thoſe who had intereſt in him unto more ſolemn Aſſemblies.

3. In his meek converſation with the meaneſt Chriſtians, for he refuſed not to treat with the pooreſt Chriſtian that repaired unto him for counſel or ſatisfaction.

His Charity was large, though for the moſt part ſecret, both in giving and forgiving to poor perſons; for he would not permit it to blaze, only allowed it to ſhine, when his example was requiſite to lighten and lead others to glorifie God and gratifie men. In redemption of Captives, relief of poor Proteſtants, eſpecially thoſe of the Miniſtry; to the repairs of publick or common loſſes and general calamities, and to the ſetting forward of any good work, he was ſtrangely liberall, the fruit whereof the Lord returned into his own boſome, according to his own word, that the liberal ſhall be made fat. For he did not ſo exhauſt himſelf in his life, but that in his laſt Will, he did alſo bequeath unto the poor of the Pariſh of Redrith 50^lb, to Ten of his Bretheren in the Miniſtery, whoſe wants and diſtreſſes, eſpecially if occaſioned by the iniquity of the times, he did conſider with compaſſion, 50^lb; i. e. to each of them 5^lb; and to eight Widows of Miniſters 5^lb apeece, in all 40^lb to them. Thus his good works both went before him, and followed him alſo to Heaven, whereby likewiſe he hath left behind him the luſtre of a good Name, for the imitation of them who ſurvive.

Juſtice is preſuppoſed to Charity, for God hates robbery for Iſa. 6… 8.Isa 6:8ſacrifice. And M^r Gataker was exactly juſt in giving every man his due, though he remitted of his own right very frequently, ſo that he was according to the Hebrew phraſe, imitated by the writers of the N. T. a juſt man, that is, a kind, equitable perſon, of a mild diſpoſition; no ſevere exacter of his own, and a free diſpenſer of Gods gifts, ſo that his Righteouſneſs endures for ever, both to his honour upon earth, and to his happineſs in Heaven.

In and about his death, to which the courſe of his declining days leads us, eminent were his Patience and Faith, the latter attended p. 58with a deep ſenſe of his own ſinnes, which he acknowledged unto God, and to him only was that confeſſion needfull: for as to men his converſation was, as a Biſhops ought to be, irreprovable.1 Tim. 3. 2.1 Tim 3:2

The firſt ſtage to his deceaſe (for morhus eſt via ad mortem) was a fainting fit that ſurprized him on Friday night July 7^th, or rather on Saturday morning July 8^th. This he made no great account of (for he diſturbed not the reſt of a ſervant by calling for aſſiſtance) becauſe he had at ſundry times ſuch deliquia or faintings, wherein he gave Nature leave to work out her victory over thoſe vapours or viſcous humours that oppreſſed her. Yet thus far he made uſe of it, that he compared his infirmity to that of Seneca, which according to his relation, the Phyſicians of that age called meditationem mortis, and wiſhed it might prove to him a preparation for his diſſolution. The indiſpoſition not ceaſing with that fit, diſcovered it ſelf within a ſhort time to be a Tertian, which how gentle ſoever, yet falling upon a perſon of his age and crazy temper (that had long ſupported a weak frame with a very regular courſe of diet) made his condition doubtfull to his Phiſician, one of learning and worth, that imployed his beſt care and skill about that Patient, that he looked on as a conſiderable Perſon to the whole Church.

July 17. Having publiſhed his Will, and taken ſuch order as he thought fit for the ſettlement of his outward eſtate, he compoſed himſelf to God. His Tertian, growing too ſtrong for Nature and Art both, reſolved it ſelf into an almoſt continued Feaver, the extream heat whereof was very painfull: Yet during thoſe conflicts he ſhewed a ſweet calmneſs of minde, a heart weaned from the world, to which he had no affection, though he had a remembrance exactly ſerving for ordering his Charity even to the laſt; and in one word, he repreſented a ſoul wholly ſubmitting to Gods good pleaſure. He profeſt more then once, that no outward thing troubled him ſo much, as the condition of that Reverend Miniſter M^r Sainthill, who had but lately undertaken M^r Gatakers Charge, upon the uncertain title of Life, which now failing ſo early, beſides the expectation of his friends, that Miniſter he foreſaw was likely to be unſetled and to ſuffer ſome inconvenience.

p. 59Though friends and Phyſicians give him incouraging words at viſits, yet he ſenſible of his inward decayes, could not be flattered into vain hopes of long continuance, earneſtly contending that he was not to expect miracles. His expectation of Gods diſmiſſion was ſo fixed, that being conſulted whether he would appoint any one Perſon to perform the laſt office for him; he not ſtartled at the queſtion, appointed M^r Aſhe to be intreated to undertake that work, becauſe he had done the ſame at his laſt Wives funerals. And one opportunity caſually offered it ſelf to ſet forward that deſign: for July 18. M^r Aſhe out of a kinde reſpect to M^r Gataker, ſent him two Funerall Sermons preached by him, one at M^r Whitakers, the other at D^r Spurſtows Childes interment. This gave occaſion to M^r Gataker (in the return for that favour) to requeſt the laſt that he could be capable of. Upon the receipt of a Letter to that purpoſe, Mr. Aſhe on the Saturday following, viſited his deer and dying friend; who then told him, That he found him conflicting with his laſt adverſary. He knew the ſting was pulled out, but nature would ſtruggle. Theſe and other expreſſions M^r Aſhe writ down and related at the end of his Sermon.

That day being 22^th of July in the afternoon, he called for ſome Papers of M^r Baxters, ſent to him by the Author, with a deſire of his judgment concerning them: He wiſhed ſome ſhort Notes (for the peruſal of them had been his laſt work) to be read over to him, in which ſomething he altered; and having dictated a Letter to that his Learned and much Reverend Friend, appointed that with the Animadverſions incloſed to be ſent unto him: So vigorous was his minde in a body drooping and dropping into the duſt.

He had now given over the uſe of Phyſick, as to any prolongation of life, for he ſaid he would ſtruggle no more, becauſe he found, that what was preſcribed for the refreſhing of nature, oppreſt it rather, therefore he would wait the Lords leiſure. An ancient ſervant that attended on him, deſiring leave to rectifie the bedcloathes, and ſaying withall, S^r, Your head doth not lye right; he anſwered, It will lye right in my Coffin.

July 25. at One in the morning, death began to ſeize on his p. 60left foot, from which the ſpirits retiring, he felt the deadneſs of that part, and a very ſharp pain in the part of the leg adjoyning to it. He called for his Sonne, and told him he feared he ſhould have a difficult death. He then commanded two Surgeons to be ſent for to look upon his leg, whom he required to tell him, whether or no his foot were any whit diſcoloured. It ſeems he had conceived ſome fear of a Gangrene, but being ſatisfied that there could not be any ground for ſuch an apprehenſion, he reſted with patience. In the evening of that day, being viſited by M^r Sainthil, and lying in great anguiſh with violence of heat, he prayed for pity and patience, ſupport here, and a comfortable iſſue.

July 26. Early in the morning, full of pain, gaſping and panting, he cried out, How long Lord, how long? come ſpeedily. But though death had made an incroachment upon his outward periſhing part, yet his inward man felt no decay: for with a full uſe of reaſon, he that morning ordered the continuation of a weekly relief to certain poor, and alſo of ſome ſmall monethly Penſions to ſome Widows for a ſeaſon, cauſed his Phyſician to be conſulted about taking ſomething that might procure reſt, was erected to a more cheerfull diſpoſition; inquired after News, and diſcourſed freely, yet confeſt himſelf to be in pain. About three of the Clock that afternoon, feeling ſome great change after that putting forth of nature, he called for his Siſter, Sonne and Daughter, to receive his laſt charge: Thus he ſpake unto them; My heart fails, and my ſtrength fails, but God is my fortreſs and the ſtrong rock of my ſalvation: Into thy hands therefore I commend my ſoul; for thou haſt redeemed me oh God of Truth. To his Sonne he turned his diſcourſe thus; Sonne you have a great charge, look to it, inſtruct your Wife and family in the fear of God, and diſcharge your Miniſtry conſcientiouſly. To his Siſter (a Gentlewoman two years elder then himſelf) he ſaid; Siſter, I thought you might have gone before me, but God calls for me firſt, I hope we ſhall meet in Heaven, I pray God bleſs you. His Daughter he admoniſhed to minde the world leſs and God more, for that all things without piety and the true fear of God are worth nothing. He adviſed p. 61that his Sonne Draper (being a man of means) would entertain ſome godly Miniſter into his houſe, to teach his children and inſtruct his family. He exhorted them all to concord: which he hoped the rather, becauſe he had cleerely ſetled his Eſtate, ſo as to prevent differences. He inlarged himſelf in each a little, wiſhing all to lay to heart the words of a dying man. After this he deſired that all ſhould withdraw, and leave him to his reſt, which he hoped was at hand: but all his conflicts were not yet accompliſhed.

July 27. His voice began to be leſs intelligible, the putrid preternatural heat having furred up his mouth, as is uſuall in Feavers: yet his underſtanding and ſenſes alſo were very quick and active. About ſix of the Clock in the evening, he called for his Sonne to recommend his ſoul unto God by prayer, and endeavoured to expreſs what he deſired, but not ſo cleerly as to be well underſtood: yet by his geſtures he gave aſſurance, that he underſtood perfectly, and concurred fervently with the devotions uſed on his behalf. Within an hour after, nature being quite ſpent, he gave up the Ghoſt, and was tranſlated into that Reſt which he ſo often and earneſtly had deſired to finde in another world, becauſe he could obtain none in this.Greg. Naz. in Epitaph. parentis. foreign,

Thus after the 43 years inſpection of this pious and diligent Paſtor of Redrith, he left his flock, returning to the great and chief Shepheard of our ſouls, from his gracious hands to receive an incorruptible Crown of glory: And of his flock I may take up the words of Greg. Naz. to Baſil, concerning the condition of that Church whereof Gregories Father had been Biſhop; You ſee how full of ſadneſs and trouble this destitute flock appears—making queſtion whether ever it ſhall enjoy another diſcreet ſhepheard, but very confident it ſhall not receive an equal to their deceaſed Paſter, and reſolved to acquieſce ſatisfied in their lot, if they can obtain one that ſhall be not much worſe.

For his Perſon, the expreſs whereof (though often importuned by deer friends) he would never allow to be taken either by pencil or ſculpture: He was of a middle ſtature, of a thin body, and of a lively countenance, freſh complexion, that looked p. 62young when he came to teach at Lincolns Inne, and yet was grey betimes, that made him be thought elder then he was, becauſe he had long appeared ancient in the eye of the world; of a choicely temperate diet; of a free and cheerfull converſation, addicted to ſtudy, but not ſecluding himſelf from fit company; of a quick apprehenſion, ſharp reaſon, ſolid judgment, vaſt memory, which by Gods mercy continued freſh to the laſt of his days: He was helluo librorum, one that did not vainly increaſe his Library for ſhew, but choſe Books for uſe, which he made of them ſo happily, that he had conquered a ſtrange portion of Learning, and made it ſerve him upon all occaſions. He was not ſo great a Treaſurer, as a free diſpencer of thoſe riches of the minde, which he did communicate readily, expeditely, cleerly. He was an ornament of the Univerſity, and of that Society deſigned for the ſtudy of Law; a light of the Church, the Salt of the place where he abode: a loving Husband, a diſcreet Parent, a faithfull Friend, a kind Neighbour, a curteous entertainer of ſtrangers, a candid encourager of Students, a ſtout Champion for the Truth, yet a lover of Peace, preſerving the unity of Charity where there was a difference of judgement; an adverſary to novel fancies as well as to antiquated ſuperſtitions in Religion: of a Chriſtian magnanimity to deſpiſe the world, and therefore reſolute through bad report as well as good to maintain a cleer conſcience. Briefly, he was a faithfull Shepheard, and a fit myrror for Paſtors, as well as an exact pattern for people;Satur vitae tanquam conviva recedit. Hor. who having almoſt completed 80 years, departed full of life, but being dead yet ſpeaks in his living monuments of ſound Learning.