Several Works, To the reader

Several Works · To the reader

The Epiſtle to the Reader.

Chriſtian Reader,

THOU maiſt haply be offended that I bring upon the Stage, and preſent unto thy view the meer ſhadow of a man, and not the living ſubſtance: Sit but a while, and thou ſhalt ſee ſomething paſs before thee, worthy thy obſervation. I muſt needs acknowledge a diſparaging diſproportion betwixt this Copy and the Original: Had I drawn his Picture, whileſt alive, I might have deſcribed his perfections in more reſembling Characters; but doing it ſince his death, it cannot be expected I ſhould draw him in any other, then dead colours. His Graces were more lively, and ſparkling in their exerciſe and operation, then in this faint and languiſhing Repreſentation. However, ſomething I was willing to do to revive the memory of our departed friend, and to make him known unto thoſe, who have not yet heard of him by the hearing of the ear. Reader, thou haſt here a bright Torch, that had much flame and but a little ſmoke, and more matter for thy imitation, then caution. Be a follower of him, who followed the Lord fully, and having done his work, is gone to receive his wages, and to take up his place about the Throne. Gods glory, and thy ſpiritual advantage are in the eyes, and aim of,

Dublin, the 10^th. of October 1655. thy ſouls friend, J. G.

p. 1Moſes in the Mount; OR, The beloved Diſciple leaning on Ieſus's Boſom.

Being a Narrative of the life and death of Mr. Iohn Murcot, Miniſter of the Goſpel, and Teacher of the Church at Dublin.

THE children of God are not without cauſe ſtiled his Workmanſhip, his Building. Eph. 2. 10. 1 Cor. 3. 9.Eph 2:101 Cor 3:9Every particular Believer is a little living Temple, and made the Habitation of God through the Spirit, ſuch honour have all his Saints.

Chriſtian Reader, I am about to preſent unto thine eye a curious Piece, a ſtately Structure, framed by the hand of Free Grace, in the Survey of which, much of the wiſdom, and goodneſs of God will be eminently conſpicuous. I have ſeveral wel-furniſhed Rooms to lead thee to, but muſt firſt paſs through the Porch and p. 2Preface, the grounds of my undertaking, and ſo make the fa…rer way for the enſuing Relation.

1. It hath not been a thing novel, and unheard of in the Church of God, in ſuch a way as this, to tranſmit unto Poſterity the Names, Memories, Gracious Converſations of eminenter Saints, eſpecially Miniſters, who in their ſeveral Sphears and Generations, have ſhined like ſtars of the firſt magnitude, ſtreaming and iſſuing▪ forth a more then ordinary and illuſtrious Light.

2. The lives of morally▪ honeſt Heathens are both recorded, and read with profit, not only by fellow pagans, but by us Chriſtians. Who knows not that Plutarch… lives have in them many things ſerving for Caution and Imitation? More advantage doubtleſs will redound by reading the lives of the Evangelically, ſpiritually, and really religious.

3 We have the warrant of ſacred Writ, which (being not only Doctrinal but in a great part Hiſtorical) doth much incourage to a Practiſe of this Nature. The 11. Chap. of the Epiſtle to the Hebrews, you will find to be an Epitome of the lives of the Fathers. Now where we have the Spirit of God going before, we may well follow after.

4. The extraordinary ſtrictneſs, exemplary ſeverity, unwearied induſtry, and activity of this man of God in the waies and work of the Lord do exceedingly excite and ſtrongly provoke to make him thus publike, and to propoſe the holineſs of his life, and comforts in death, for the direction and conſolation of thoſe, whoſe faces are ſet towards Sion, and to whom this account of him ſhall come.

5. That God may have the glory of what he had done in him in a way of gracious diſcoveries and manifeſtations, of what he had done for him in a way of clear providences, and encouraging diſpenſations, of what he had done by him in giving ſucceſs unto his labours, and letting him ſee the travel of his ſoul, to his no ſmall ſolace and ſatisfaction.

6. That the Name of ſuch a Pleaſant Plant, and fruitful Bough might be preſerved freſh▪ green and verdant in the memories of Gods people, e…ough himſelf be withe…ed, lopt off by the hand of death, and fo… a while laid in the duſt.

As Abel, ſo other Saints, though dead, may yet ſpeak, and be p. 3made known. And O what a glorious thing is it, when departed ſouls are lodged in Abrahams bliſsful boſom, and dead bodies intombed in living Sepulchres, ſending forth a ſweet and refreſhing ſavour into the noſtrils of ſurviving friends! A flower may ſmell ſweet after it is cropt, and a way made for the Sun to ſhine after it is ſet.

Mr. John Murcot, (the Hiſtory of whoſe life is now to be related) was born in the antient Town of Warwick, of Parents conſiderable for their Extraction, more for their ſhining and pious converſation.

His Fathers name Job Murcot, who applyed himſelf to the ſtudy of the Law, which brought him in a competent and comfortable ſubſiſtence, though ſince humbled by the calamitous inconveniences of theſe diſtracted times, whoſe various revolutions have occaſioned a waſting and undoing unto many.

His mothers name before her marriage with his Father, was Joan Townſend, of raiſed parts, and eminent piety, the happy mother of an hopeful ſon, the renowned Root from whence apppeared and ſprouted up this fair and flouriſhing Branch, planted by the Rivers of water, who brought forth his fruit in his …eaſon, his leaves did not wither, and whatſoever he did, the Lord made it to proſper.

His Parents were conſcientiouſly careful of his education, made it their buſineſs to ſeaſon him with ſound and ſolid Principles in his young and tender years, which he greedily ſuckt in, as having an early thirſt after God; and he, who erſt while hung on his Mothers breaſt for milk, now hangs on her lips for inſtruction.

His Parents perceiving in this their young Timothy an ardent deſire to be intimately acquainted with the Scriptures, and in order thereunto, with Academical learning were very prone to contribute their endeavours towards the ripening of theſe hopeful Buddings and promiſing Beginnings, and therefore in the firſt place committed him to the care and tuition of an able and godly School-maſter, Mr. Dugard, who inſtilled inſtruction both with his lips and life, deſirous to make him not only a Scholar, but a Chriſtian; Its hard to ſay … which was more diligent, and induſtrious, the Maſter in teaching, or the Scholar in learning. Time was not miſpent and prodigally expended p. 4in the eager purſuite of childiſh vanities; he ran at his firſt ſeting out, and did not lazily loiter when he ſhould be minding his work; yea, when other boyes would be ſporting and playing, he would be ſtudiouſly retired, ſolitarineſs and meditation being unto him inſtead of recreation.

Being competently furniſhed for the Univerſity, his Father ſent him to Oxford, where he continued his former diligence in his ſtudies, under the conduct and overſight of Mr. Button, his faithful and religious▪ Tutor in Merton Colledge. About two years after his thriving abode there, the Kings Forces poſſeſſed themſelves of Oxford, put all things into an hurry, and ingaged the ſtudents in ſuch perplexing ſnares, that Mr. Murcot, to diſintangle himſelf out of theſe uncouth inconveniences, fled from Oxford diſguiſed, and repaired to the Houſe of Mr. Leigh of Budworth, an antient, grave, able and learned man, and Miniſter of that place; and there ſtudied hard both day and night, allowing himſelf but four hours for ſleep, ſo intent was he upon his Book, and ſo wholly taken up with religious Exerciſes. The cloud being blown over, he repaired the ſecond time to the Univerſity, and his former diligence which cauſed the eyes of many to fix and faſten on him, as perceiving ſomething more then ordinary in him, and expecting more than ordinary from him. Though means and maintenance were now very ſhort, yet it did not diſcourage and cauſe him to de…iſt. he did not unbend the Bow and ſlacken the ſtring he ſtill ſtood an end to his Oar, and with wonted diligence proſecuted his ſtudies, it being his meat and his drink to do his Fathers will. Having taken his degree, he returned to his old friend Mr. Leigh, and was ſeveral waies uſeful to him, who now called upon him to appear in publike, which he did not without much fear, and trembling, as being conſcious to himſelf of his own inabilities for ſo ponderous an employment, and loth to put to his ſhoulders, leſt he ſhould ſink under the burden. But being preſſed and egged on by his friends and a Call from the Inhabitants of Aſhbury, he entred into the Lords Vineyard, put his hand unto the Plough, and was ordained a Miniſter at Mancheſt… He profeſſed (to uſe his own words) that he was drawn as a Bear to the ſtake, **How ſparkling is knowledge, when ſet off with the …oll of a modeſt ſelf depreſsion? Ignorance checkered with Impudence, is all the ſtock that many confident Predicants ſet up withall.complaining, p. 5and often bewailing his want of a ſufficient ſtock of Univerſity learning.

The Lord was pleaſed to own him in his firſt attempts and endeavours, giving him a ſeal unto his Miniſtry, by the converſion of two eſpecially, who being awakened by his ſound Doctrine, ſmart expreſsion, and powerful delivery, ſadly bemoaned themſelves and mourned over their loſt condition, even in publike.

From Aſhbury (a call being cleared up) he removed to Eaſtham in Woral, and gained mightily upon the affections of many, eſpecially▪ the godly, whoſe hearts began betimes to be knit unto him, and here likewiſe the Lord was pleaſed to water his labours with the dew of his bleſsing.

But me thinks I ſee a black cloud ariſing; this bright ſtar, who ſhined full clearly, and comfortably unto others, is now himſelf eclipſed, and He, who was a skilful Pilot to direct others through the ſplitting Rocks and ſwallowing Gulphs, is now himſelf plunged into the great deep; the Lord perſecutes him with his tempeſt, and makes him afraid with his ſtorm, all his waves, and his billows go over him. But what might be the occaſion of ſo ſad a deſertion? 1. **O the ſtupendious ſtupidity, and diſmal blockiſhneſs of thoſe, who having contracted the guilt of moſt monſtrous and abhorred villanies, are yet as ſenſ…ſs as ſtocks, as hard as rocks, and complain not of any ſtirrings and gripes of con ſcience!The folly and the vanity of his youth, though not ſtained wi…h irruptions into groſſer evils. 2. His too far yielding at Oxford, with thoſe impoſitions, which grate upon conſcience and ſcourge it with ſevere remorſe. 3 The Lord would hereby ripen him, and make him the more fi… for himſelf and ſervice. He muſt be froſt-bitten, that ſo he may be the more mellow, and his fruit of a more delicious taſte.

There are no Preachers ſo experimental, ſpiritual, powerful, couragious, awakening, convincing converting compaſsionate, comforting, as thoſe who have paſſed through the Pikes, and have been ſorely bat…ered with ſhowers of Hail-ſtones.

There are none ſo expert at binding up the broken bones, as thoſe who have been broken upon the wheel, and made to roar out by reaſon of the diſquietneſs of their hearts.

They know how to ſpeak a word in ſeaſon unto him that is weary, who have themſelves been weary and heavy laden, ſighing full ſadly, and groaning full heavily under the cold, hill, clouding and cutting expreſsions of Gods diſpleaſure. p. 6They know how to ſpeak peace unto diſtreſſed conſciences, who have themſelves been ſoundly frighted with the ſounding of the Trumpet, and the Alarm of War.

There are no Trees ſo firmly rooted, as thoſe that have been ſorely ſhaken, and made to bow and bend with the ſtormy wind and tempeſt of the wrath of the Almighty. The ſcales many times ſtick ſo cloſe even unto the Seers eyes, that they will not be rub'd off but with a rough hand, and a ſharp file.

But will the Lord contend for ever, will he be alwaies wroth? Eſa. 57. 16.Isa 57:16Surely no, and that leſt the ſpirits ſhould fail before him, and the ſouls that he hath made. There is a lifting up after a caſting down. The Lord turns for him his mourning into dancing, gives unto him beauty for aſhes, and the garment of praiſe for the ſpirit of heavineſs, and with a ſoft hand wipes away the tears from his ſwoln eyes.

The inſtrumental means of ſcattering the darkneſs and diſtreſs that lay upon him and of reſtoring the former beams of light, with which he was wont to be refreſhed, were the reading of Mr Tho. Goodwins Child of Light walking in darkneſs, and other of his Treatiſes: So that now we have the Lord ſhining on him in a way of conſolation, as he on others in a way of inſtruction, and information.

About the 25. year of his age, being reſolved to change his condition, and diſcourſing with a friend about it, there was propoſed unto him Heſter, the daughter of Mr. Ralph Marſden, (Miniſter of Weſt-kerby, of note, and uſeful in his generation) whom he afterwards took to him to be the companion of his life.

But before the conſummation of the marriage, the people of Weſt-kerby, (Mr. Marſden departing this life) gave him a call, which upon examination and ſupplication, being found to be of God, was complied with.

The ſeed of Goſpel: counſels being ſown with a diligent hand, did not long lie buried under the clods, but ſprang up, and put forth it ſelf in viſible fruit, wh…ch was a farther clearing of the …all, and chearing of the heart of this pains-taking Husband-man.

Its no new thing for external and bitter afflictions to accompany the ſweet honey of Goſpel-conſolations. How often do p. 7daſhing ſhowers fall upon mellifluous Hives, and the faireſt flowers that grow in Gods Garden? How often are the labouring bees aſſaulted with a tempeſt whileſt abroad, and bringing home proviſions againſt the enſuing winter? What more uſual then Sun-ſhines, mixed with bluſtring winds, and wetting rains?

Two Villages of the Pariſh of Weſt-kerby are ſorely viſited So ſparks fly over from Dublin.with the Peſtilence, and the Lord ſcatters abroad the black tokens of his diſpleaſure, the product of which was many faſts, tears, prayers, importunate requeſts, that the Lord would ſhew unto his people, why he thus contended with them.

Mr. Murcot hath his ears opened to inſtruction. This thundering Providence awakens him to a more exact ſcrutinie, and narrower ſearch into his heart and waies, and is now perſwaded that he had been too lax and general in the adminiſtration of the ſealing-Ordinances, ſo that he reſolves to forbear, and draw back his hand unleſs the known godly will combine, which occaſioned many Faſts, Conferences, Debates: However he perſeveres in preaching work, and waits on Providence, to ſee how the Lord will diſpoſe and encline the peoples hearts.

An Iriſh Lord quartering at Weſt-kerby, being bound for Ireland, was obſerved to be a prodigious ſwearer, belching out Zeal.moſt horrid Oaths in great abundance. Tidings are brought to Mr. Murcot in the morning as he is going to celebrate a ſolemn Faſt. The work of the day being over, Mr. Murcot being lately with God in the Mount, and now grown warm in his cauſe Ex. 32. 19.Exod 32:19and quarrel, is impatient of brooking theſe high diſhonours that were done unto his Majeſty. Wherefore taking with him a friend he rides the ſame night ſix miles to a Magiſtrate, procures a Warrant; the trembling Conſtables at firſt are aſtoniſhed to think of approaching in ſuch a way to guilty greatneſs; but being animated by Mr. Murcot, they ſerve their Warrant, which provoked a new rage to the multiplying of freſh oaths, even without number, to the great amazement of the ſtanders by. Notwithſtanding the boiſterous menaces, and outrage of this great man, his horſes were ſeized on, and kept, till he paid 20 which was employed as a ſtock for the poor of the Pariſh, ſo wickedly liberal was this Lord unto them. This exemplary Act of Juſtice procured and proſecuted by Mr. Murcol's p. 8active zeal, ſo danted and overawed his Lordſhip, that during his abode there, he held his mouth and tongue, as it were with bit and bridle.

The prſence of a ſi… puniſhing Magiſtrate hath in it a co-ercive and reſtraining vertue, ſo that the moſt debanched and profligate ſons of Belial are afraid, and confined with n ſome bounds of moderation; who, if remote, and at a diſtance, they lift up their heads with a mighty confidence, and finding the reins lye looſe upon their ſhoulders, ruſh into all manner of wickedneſs, as the Horſe ruſheth …nto the battle. Mr. Murcot wanted the advantage of a Magſtrate upon the place, had no other ſword to fight withal ſave that of the Spirit, yet ſuch was his Integrity, Gravity, Auſterity, and his Activity in informing and exciting Magſtrates to puniſh Offenders impartially, that the people round about him had an awe and dread of him, and durſt not laſh out into publike, extravagant, ſcandalous courſes.

Great reſort was had unto him to heal the Breaches and compoſe the differences betwixt diſ…enting and diſagreeing Brethren; which grateful and acceptable work, did exceedingly heighten him in the peoples eſteem, and preſerved them from greater animoſities, and diſtances, by going to Law. If the Peacemakers be pronounced bleſſed, he muſt needs be ſo upon this account.Mat. 5. 9.Matt 5:9

It was a common Practiſe in thoſe parts; to have Ales, as they called them, alias Good-fellow meetings, in which the night was conſumed in rioting and drunkenneſs: the creatures abuſed, God moſt ſhamefully diſhonoured, and men and women there met together, drawn into ſingular inconveniences, which diſorders were a ſword in the bones, and a ſharp thorn in the tender eye of this waking watchman.

One revelling night, he and a godly neighbour **Cap. Johnſon.went to the Conſtables, ingage their aſsiſtance, advance, and before them entred the houſe, or rather the den of Dragons, at whoſe approach and preſence, the rabble rout ſcatters like a miſt before the riſing Sun. Some run affrighted out of doors, and leave their! Ale behind them, others hide in ſecret places: The flight was ſo full of confuſion, you would have thought it occaſioned by the incurſion of an enemy, and that their p. 9lives were rather invaded, then their Purſes and Reputations.

One onelyonly of the company aſſumes the confidence to ſtand it out, and having a brow of braſs, thinks to out-face both ſacred W. Fiſher.and civil Officers, and ſaith, Shall I fear Murcot? Calls for more beer, and in a bravado drinks to him, who pledg'd him with a ſtern ſilence, and frowning aſpect. The names of the Ringleaders and Capital Offenders are returned to the Juſtices, and they conſtrained to pay their impoſed fines.

But did this ſon of impudence (who dares thus affront Gods Miniſter) thus eſcape? Though the ſickneſs at that time was comfortably abated, and the family to which he related, not in the leaſt tainted, yet, this man is very ſhortly after viſited, and by that ſignal ſtroak from the hand of the Lord, hurried out of the Land of the living.

The following Sabbath Mr. Murcot choſe a ſubject to treat on, ſuitable to the preceding tumultnary agitations and tranſactions, laid before them the blackneſs of guilt contracted, and the dreadfulneſs of wrath deſerved, (their fines being but part of payment, and an earneſt-penny of an after-reckoning) and was ſo ſevere and cutting in his Rebukes, that they cauſed in the Congregation ſtrong pangs of affection, and unwonted tranſportations. The guilty ſhrink down into their ſeats, like affrighted birds into their hollow trees: many melted into tears of profeſſed repentance.

A maid, by her gaſtly countenance and trembling hands, gave cauſe to think, that the arrow of conviction was ſhot through her liver, and ſtuck faſt in her ſides; and indeed ſo it did, and proved the happy occaſion of her after-converſion.

Being ſtill unſatisfied with the preſent conſtitution of his Congregation, he had ſeveral meetings with the people, and plainly told them, that he could not live without the Ordinances; nor adminiſter them as formerly: to which ſome (unwilling to be brought to the Teſt, and new-moulded) replyed, that he might then take his liberty, and be gone: Yet the godly are loth to part with him, and he as loth to part with them; but an amicable accord cannot be accompliſhed, and therefore he reſolves to weigh anchor, and ſpread his ſails to the leading gale of Providence.

p. 10An invitation from Bellfaſt, in the North of Ireland, under many hands, as alſo from Dublin, from the Commiſſioners of Parliament, urgeth him to a removal, and draws forth ſerious conſiderations of the matter, whether it might not be of God, and conſequently to be followed with an obſequious proſecution.

A company of godly perſons live in a Pariſh, who are deſirous to enjoy the Oridinances appointed by Jeſus Chriſt, to be obſerved by his people, thereby providing for their comfortable growth (while under imperfection,) being convinced that the years paſt wherein they have lived without them, are more then ſufficient, and fearing the guilt of ſinful neglect doth already lie upon them: But yet are not ſatisfied to hold Communion in them with ſuch a promiſcuous Aſſembly, but only with a ſmall number in compariſon: the moſt being ſuch as they ſee not how they can be admitted by any rule of Chriſt; for the Miniſters ſubſiſtence there is alſo a particular dependance upon every one in the Pariſh: And having good ground (from an earneſt of the Spirits of the moſt of the Pariſh, already much diſreliſhing any ſeparation of them as the vile from the precious, and from experience of moſt ſad, unutterable, and diſhonourable breaches made by the like attemps elſewhere) to conclude, that if all ſuch as are unfit be deba…'d, they will be exaſperated, at leaſt ſo far as to withdraw the maintenance; and ſuch as are fit, will be found too few to afford comfortable ſubſiſtence to the Miniſter: and therefore if they ſhould attempt to enjoy the Ordinances in ſuch a manner, in ſuch a place, it would in all probability procure a ſudden diſſolution of them, to the great diſhonour of God, and triumphing of wicked men: The premiſes judiciouſly and impartially weighed, the Queſtion is, Whether it be more ſuit able to the mind of Chriſt for ſuch godly perſons to look out elſewhere, where they may comfortably enjoy theſe indiſpenſable appointments of Chriſt, or to run ſo apparent and eminent an hazard of diſhonour to Chriſt, by their ſudden diſſolution upon enjoyment of them in ſuch a Pariſh.

Your judgement and ſpiritual grounds that moſt poiſe your own ſpirit are deſired.

p. 11This bright ſtar hath not long to ſhine in that part of the Firmament, where he▪ was at preſent fixed, yet before his departure, and transfuſion of his Beams to the neighbouring Provinces, there appears a formidable, and blazing Comet at Cheſter, one Mr, Knowls, who exerciſed as publike Preacher to the Garriſon there, and in publike Sermons, private conferences, and by a manuſcript by him framed, denyed Jeſus Chriſt to be the moſt high God. Several in the City, profeſſing godlineſs, are dangerouſly inſnared, and ſwallow down that poiſon, which will turn to gall and worm-wood in their bowels. Mr. Marcot with others, eſpecially Mr. Eaton, labour to eſtabliſh the people in the truth received, and to pluck up that ſtinking weed, which began to ſpread and faſten its contagious roots. Upon complaint made, the flaming fire-brand is removed, yet left behind him thoſe unquencht ſparks that break forth into freſh flames.

Some godly in Cheſter being embodied, and wanting a Paſtor to take the charge of them, expreſs their deſires of enjoying Mr. Murcot, who is ſent unto, and requeſted to preach among them by way of trial, and in order to his future eſtabliſhment, but withal, intreated not to intermeddle in the preſent Controverſie, or engage againſt Mr. Knowls, leſt his ſettlement ſhould be obſtructed, and the deſires of the godly fruſtrated.

Yet ſuch was his zeal for God, and love to the truth, & ſo tranſcending his own private concernments, and the reſpects of men, that preaching on that Text, Thou knoweſt all things, &c. he vindicated the Deity of Chriſt from thoſe vile aſperſions, and abhorred Iohn 21. 17.John 21:17calumniations that were caſt upon it, and by the dint of argument, battered down the blaſphemous ſuggeſtions of contradicting Gain-ſayers, to the exaſperation of thoſe that were tainted, and not as yet convinced of the errour embraced.

The day that he preached, Captain Whitworth invited him to dinner; ſome conteſts aroſe by reaſon of his preceding ſmart diſcourſe, inſomuch that one in a fury and diſcontent roſe up from the table, and reproachfully reviled him with the unbeſe…ming expreſſion of fooliſh and ignorant. Mr. Murcot in obedience to Scripture command; doth not render reviling for revileing, but ſeriouſly, and ſadly ſaid, I am ſo; but as for you, the Lord p. 12give you an humble frame, which meek and mild anſwer ſo far convinced and ſilenced his Adverſary, that he quietly ſate down at the Table again.

Theſe harſh Ocurrences; and uncomfortable incounters, put a period to all Overtures concerning his removal to Cheſter, ſo that now he ſaith, I will be gone to Ireland. I cannot live without the Ordinances at Weſt-kerby, nor like a Salamander in the fire at Cheſter.

His debate concerning a tranfretation to Ireland, is now ripened in to a reſolution. Wherefore, taking his leave of his people, he imbarques himſelf in a ſmall veſſel, though others of conſiderable For…e and Burden preſented, the rather, becauſe ſhe was bound directly for Dublin, when others intended to make an halt at the Ile of Man, which was now to be aſſaulted, and in order thereunto, a Fleet, and ſouldiers prepared.

Being near Holy-Head, the wind, though not contrary, began to ariſe and grow impetuous, and was but a degree below a down-right ſtorm; ſo that the maſter thought it moſt▪ convenient to caſt Anchor under the ſhelter of a rocky Iland, till the force of the wind ſhould be ſomewhat abated. Mr. Murcot is deſired by ſome godly Paſſengers, to preſent their condition before that God in prayer, who is the Hope of the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the Sea, which he did, with inlarged affections and deſired ſucceſs. The wind is preſently confined and made a Priſoner to Omnipotency, and no wonder; A more g…ateful Gale comes blowing into Gods boſom, from the Region of a devout heart.

**Though the Ocean bubble and boyl like a pot, yet the falling tears, of con…ite, ſelf-condemning Chriſtians do ſuddenly aſſwage the Seas riſing roughneſs, and check its mutinous, and menacing motions.The groaning Guſts and ſwelling Surges are huſht into ſilence and calmneſs, when once the ſoft, and ſweet breathings of the Spirit approach the ears of the Holy one of Iſrael.

Jonah's prayer was a line to pluck him up out of the deep; Mr. Murcots, a bladder to keep him, and many others from ſinking into it.

The night coming on, it was reſolved to put to Sea, hoping by the morning-light, they would be near the Bar▪ of Dublin, and by this means be ſecure from thoſe Piratical Rovers, who were now abroad, and much infeſted the Coaſt.

As they are thruſting into the Bay of Dublin, a ſhip is eſpied near the head of Hoath, and not without cauſe ſuſpected to be p. 13an enemy, for it preſently made towards them, and as they prepare to flie, their Rudder is unhanged, and they in danger of being made a Prey, but diligence being uſed, it is again faſtened; and before the Adverſary approach ſo near, as to make them feel the force of his ſharpened claws, he hath his Rudder alſo unhanged, which being ſet to right again, the Lord took away his heart, that he ceaſed to purſue, and gave over the chaſe; and this he confeſſed, being two daies after taken by a Man of War, belonging to the Parliament.

Drawing near to the Bar of Dublin, which as yet had not water enough to warrant a ſafe paſſage over it; a ſmall veſſel which was there at Anchor weighs, as fearing a ſurpriſal, and flies, when none purſues. Much of God will be ſeen by conſidering what this little bottom was, and in what condition its trembling Paſſengers were. A veſſel of four guns ſet ſail from Lever-pool water the ſame tyde, with this Mr. Murcot was in, but did not caſt Anchor at Holy-Head as ſhe did, but choſe rather to keep to Sea, by which means they fell into the hands of an hungry Pirate, who lay in wait to deſtroy. Their four guns are not of force ſufficient to beat off the aſſaulting enemy. In the conteſt ſome powder is fired, ſeveral Paſſengers are blown up into the air, and fall into the Sea, both Elements, as it were, conſpiring their ruine, the one by ſcorching, and the other by ſuffocation. Others are miſerably wounded, rent, torn, mangled, who being taken out, are put into this ſmall veſſel, which the Man of War had by him.

How free is that grace that ſaves ſome, whileſt others are deſtroyed; and keeps their feet from running into that ſnare, in which others are intangled to their undoing?

The Lord hath more work for Mr. Murcet to do, and therefore he ſhall not dye, but live, and declare the Name of the Lord.

Arriving at Dublin, he is hoſpitably and kindly entertained by Sir Robert King in his own houſe, who conduced much towards his coming over.

A while after, obſerving with a ſtrict eye the Church at Dublin, and approving its ſoundneſs in doctrine, and ſeverity in diſcipline, he aſſayed to joyn himſelf unto them, and was readily embraced, p. 14they unanimouſly and chearfully giving unto him the right hand of fellowſhip.

And now like a ſlip placed in a rich ſoil, he ſprouted up apace, which appeared by a viſible increaſe of Gifts and Graces. His leaves were not only broad and beautiful, but his fruit was fair and full, and of proportionable dimenſions. His Spikenard ſent forth the ſmell thereof to the refreſhing of many, and his ſmell was as the ſmell of a Field that the Lord had bleſſed.

Preaching on a Faſt-day before the Commiſſioners of Parliament, he got cold, and by a dangerous Feavour was brought to the brink of the Pit. Being in a very great and ill-portending ſweat, his Phyſitians gave him over, as thinking that his life and ſweat would expire and ceaſe together, but the Lord had mercy on him, and therein on many others, eſpecially his abſent wife, who was not yet come to him. The means of his Recovery this: His Nurſe ſeeing him in ſuch a deplorable condition, reſolved to try her skill, and commit the ſucceſs unto God; wherefore mingling ſome Sack with his broth, ſhe gave it him to drink, with which his waſted ſpirits are refreſhed, his ſweat leaves him, and with it his diſeaſe.

The Commiſſioners of Parliament having occaſion to go into the Weſt, take him along with them, as knowing that he would be of uſe to them, and to the ſeveral places through which they were to paſs; and indeed ſo he was, leaving a ſweet ſavour behind him upon the ſpirits of many.

Being at Cork, his continuance and fixing there was deſired and requeſted, eſpecially by the godly, who afterwards employing Mr. Walter Cooper (whoſe affairs called him up to Dublin) by him made a ſolemn addreſs to the Church, and importunately intreated a ſupply out of their ſtore. The matter is debated, the Lord ſought in the thing, but no inclination appears of parting with him. But above all, Mr. Murcot addreſſeth himſelf in private to a more ſerious and penetrating conſideration of the matter. Some few of thoſe many particulars which he ſpread before the Lord, and weighed in the Ballance of the Sanctuary, are here preſented, for the reſt are unhappily loſt.

In vain doth a Miniſter preach up the morality of the Sabbath, and the neceſſity of a religious obſervance, if the Magiſtrate draw not forth the ſword of Juſtice, and ſeverely puniſh its prophane violators, who either lie lurking in blind corners, and ſwine-like prefer a little naſty puddle before the clear and cryſtaline waters that-flow from under the threſhold of the Sanctuary, p. 16or like ſo many vagrants, and vagabonds in the earth, wander up and down the high-waies, and fields, being more delighted belike with the ſinging of hedge-birds, then with the tinckling of their feet, who bring the glad tidings of peace.

What avails it to invade drunkards and ſwearers with a whole ſquadron of Scripture arguments, if a Magiſtrate, ſeeing and hearing their villanous outrage, be not preſently awakened and ſtartled into an holy indignation, and unbended reſolution to make them ſmart for their offences, and by this means preſerve from future e…ormities?

Its ſad, when a Juſtice of Peace ſhall take his denomination from holding his peace, when he ſhould ſpeak and plead for God, and from being at peace with ſin, and ſinners, whoſe whoriſh foreheads, and brazen brows ſhould be battered into a more modeſt ſoftneſs, and whoſe unruly hands and feet ſhould be bound and hampered with the cords of the Law?

O, that Pſalm 101. might be ſeriouſly peruſed, and conſcienciouſly practiſed by men in power. I might then expect the ſavour, and face of Religion in thoſe Places that are now over-grown with unbounded Barbariſm, and rooted Prophaneneſs.

The reſult of all is briefly this, a Reſolution to continue ſtill at Dublin, unleſs taken off by a clearer Call then this.

Some time after Joſeph Eyres came out of England to Youghall upon the account of his own perſonal concernments, and roſolved after the expiration of ſome moneths to return to London, but preaching occaſionally at Cork, the inhabitants deſire his ſtay and exerciſe of his Miniſtry amongſt them, and ſo much the rather, becauſe at that time the Miniſters of the County of Cork were generally articled againſt. A Petition was preſented to the Authority there, which to the ſadning of the ſouls of the righteous, met not with a deſired compliance. However Mr. Eyres was ingaged to continue there, till addreſſes ſhould be made to the ſuperiour powers at Dublin.

In order hereunto, a Faſt is appointed, Dr. Worth, Mr. Hacket, and Mr. Eyres preached and prayed, the product of which was, an unanimous Reſolution in the people to ſend Mr. Mark Taylor, (a man of known integrity, zeal for God, and love to p. 17the Truth) to Dublin, with a Petition to the Commiſſioners of Parliament, the tenour of which was an humble requeſt, that they might have Mr. Murcot and Mr. Eyres ſettled amongſt them. The Commiſſioners are more inclinable to Mr Murcots removal then the Inhabitants of Dublin, who are loath to part with a clear and ſteady light in times of diſtraction, confuſion, and doleful defection from the Truth. Wherefore the City Petitions the Authority for his ſtay, yet are willing to ſpare him for two moneths; ſo that Mr. Taylor hath his company down to Cork, and the people of that and other places the benefit of his Miniſtry; whoſe doctrine dropping as the rain, and diſtilling as the dew, cauſed a greenneſs, and verdure to appear upon ſome parched mountains of Pride, Vanity, Prophanneſs, and a Reflouriſhing in ſuch precious plants, as were now in a languiſhing condition, for want of theſe refreſhing ſhowers, which after a time of drought, were the more welcome to them, and the more fruitfully improved by them.

During the time of his abode at Cork, and viſible ſucceſs there, an unhappy Accident fell out, whereby the minds of the attentive people, (who now began to look about them, and to mind the things belonging unto their peace) were wofully diſtracted, and the free progreſs and paſſage of the Goſpel impeded, and that was his engagement with Dr. Harding about Infant-Baptiſm, an account whereof take under his own hand, ſent in a letter to a friend in Dublin.