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 [Page 2]fell 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 [...] [Page 3]ving 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, [Page 4]but 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.who 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 [Page 5]in 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 [Page 6]them 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 [Page 7]Hell, &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 [Page 8]I 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. of 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, [Page 9]but 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.

And 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 [Page 11]Wife, 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.

Thus 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, onely 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 [Page 13]same 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 [Page 14]all 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, [Page 15] much 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, [Page 16]being 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 [Page 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 [Page 18]of 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. [Page 19]Chappel 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, [Page 20]Pinted 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 [Page 21]go 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 [Page 22]on 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 [...] [Page 23]with 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 [Page 24]Chappel, 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, [Page 25]that 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, [Page 26]and 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.

About 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.

To this are 24 hands subscribed; but the People of Denton having possession, would by no means yeild; and Ministers gave in their judgment, upon due considera­tion of circumstances, that for the publick good of the Church, Mr. Angier should continue at Denton, in which he was willing to acquiesce.

As to Mr. Angiers judgment in Eccle­siastical affairs, in free times, as he had not turned aside to conformity, on one hand, so now he stuck fast and firm to found and Ca­tholick Principles, not turning aside to any ways of sinful separation, though some of his intimate friends forsook him, and some of his brethren censured him for too large Principles and practices in Church-admi­nistration: yet as he had a tender respect to congregational brethren; so they had (at least many of them) a great reverence for him; he was a principal member of that Reverend Classe, (or Association of Mini­sters) at Manchester, and was of great ac­count [Page 30]and use among them; such was their esteem of him, that they would scarce do any thing of importance without him, he of­tentimes presided as Chair-Man, or Mode­rator, frequently attended the provincial Assembly at Preston, had ruling-elders in his own Congregation, but loved not divid­ing principles, or distinguishing Names, or Lordly domineering by any Arbitrary im­positions: I have often heard him say, that in a little time, who ever lived, should see much of the Government of Christ should be carried on in particular Churches amongst themselves.

He was of a Sweet, Moderate, Healing Spirit, both at home and abroad; yet ve­ry faithful and plain dealing, whereby some were at present offended, and possibly some of his principles or actings suited not some persons principles or humours; yet e­ven those entertained what he spake with high veneration; and if at any time they broke out into passions, or unruly animosi­ties, his love and lenity, his mild carriage and compassionate Spirit, did so mollify and qualify their Spirits in time, that they were either overcome to a compliance, or won to endeared apprehensions of his candor and ingenuity: so that I have often thought of that passage of Melchior Adam one of the German Divines, Melch. Ad. in vit ger Th. p. 65. as applicable to Mr. Angier; it was Schwebellius, that had [Page 31]much to do with Anabaptists, and Swinck­feldians, [Quorum impetus mansuetudine fre­git, patientia vicit & lenitate in ordinem coegit] thus this good Mr. Angier hath by mildness broke, by patience conquered, and lenity reduced to good order such as others rigour and severity hath exasperated to irreconci­lable distances; but ordinarily an healing vertue followed his gentle hand.

And for his judgment and practice in pub­lick and politick affairs, he was fixed in his apprehensions for Monarchy, and was not wheeled about with the change of times; he was one of those that bore his Testimony with the Rest of his Brethren, against that unparallel'd murder of King Charles the first, and the Usurpations attending it; he refus­ed to take up the ingagement, tho to his great prejudice, for he told a godly Minister that he lost 200 l. by his refusal of it. He durst not give God thanks for the Armies success against the Loyal Scots; he poured out many hearty prayers and tears for his present Majesty, asserted his right to the Crown in the face of apparent danger; joyned with his Brethren in that solid plea for the Non-sub­scribers to the Engagement, which was (to be true and faithful to the Commonwealth of England, as it is now Establisht without King or House of Lords) for which they were threatened and endangered, till God broke that snare; some troubles both Mr. [Page 32] Angier and some Ministers and Gentlemen went through, for owning his Majesties in­terest, they were carried Prisoners to Lever [...] pool, and from thence removed to Ormskir [...] because of the Plague; they had indeed the liberty of their friends visiting them, and free intercourse; they spent much time in prayer, and thus strengthened one another hands in God, and left a good favour be hind them, the remembrance whereof con­tinues to this day.

At this time was the conception, and af­terwards the birth of that excellent Trea­tise of Mr. Edward Gee's, then Parson of Ec­cleston (and prisoner with them) about prayer; the occasion whereof was this: Amongst the rest of the debates managed by these holy men, this was one great case of Conscience, wherein they desired satisfac­tion, viz. Whether God may hide him­self from his peoples prayers, grounded upon his promise, and seem by his provi­dences to answer the prayers which are con­trary thereto? whether this can be paralleld with any examples? in what sence God may do this? what may be the reason thereof? what use may be made of Gods proceeding herein? This multifarious question being the proper subject of that day, and not satis­fying themselves in their present discourses, they judged it fit to refer it to a suller dis­cussion by some able pen, and pitched upon [Page 33]Mr. Gee, who undertook it, and writ an excellent treatise, which is extant, and of great use at this day.

Other cases of Conscience did occur in that day, wherein Mr. Angiers advice was desired; one was, Whether Justices of Peace or other Officers might take commissions from, and act under those Usurped powers? Mr. Angier thought they might, bringing instances of Civil Officers acting in their stations the six years of Athaliah's usurpati­on: there is a full treatise in writing upon this subject: many such cases were propound­ed to him, and solidly resolved; and indeed he was esteemed by good men, the living Oracle of his time, as Mr. Hildersham be­fore him, and by some ill-willed persons he was called the Idol of Lancashire, because of the great value most men set upon him: but more of this subject shall be subjoyned [...]n the close, of his facutly in resolving weigh­ty cases of Conscience.

He was not a man for Military Exerci­ses, yet his counsels and prayers had in­fluence on weighty affairs, and this was the sphere he moved in, not thrusting his Sickle into anothers Harvest, but declaring his judgment as a Minister of the Gospel, when consulted with: he could not but enquire now it went with the Church of God at home and abroad, that he might accordingly order his prayers; and for this reason its [Page 34]said reverend Mr. Hooker of New Englan [...] was a great inquirer after News, and h [...] said he did it upon the same account; and thus did holy Nehemiah make inquiry, no [...] out of Athenian curiosity, but Christian conscientiousness, to sympathize with the Church of God: he had no hand in public [...] revolutions, hence it was that he injoyed [...] much peace, and that all parties had an hig [...] esteem of him; in the Lord Delamere appearance for his Majesties Interest, Mr [...] Angier stayed at home, though his hear [...] and prayers were that way; yet he foresa [...] the event, and in that God graciously hear [...] his prayers for preventing the effusion o [...] blood, and bringing in the King in so [...] markable a manner the year following, fo [...] which Mr. Angier kept solemn days [...] thankfulness, though he also predicted a [...] approaching storm on many of the Minister of Christ, that could not run the same lengt [...] that others complyed with; and at an e [...] ercise at Eccles he gave remarkable hints o [...] what was coming on, from Exod 14.1 [...] in a full assembly of several sorts of hearen but so wisely, that the most malicious Mo [...] could not take advantage from his Sermo [...] and indeed he might be allowed to spea [...] what others could not, his integrity an [...] loyalty, his uprightness and peaceblen [...] being deeply engraven in the Conscienc [...] of all that knew him, and his name bei [...] [Page 35]precious to all that heard of him; when the Act of Uniformity came out, he preached very plainly on Esther 4.1. It was very admirable to observe what pat and proper Scriptures he chose, pertinent to publick or personal occasions, and how sweetly and sutably he accommodated his matter there­to.

His most natural Genius led him to be a Son of Consolation: he had a peculiar gift in opening the sweet promises of the Gos­pel, and pouring oil into wounded conscien­ces, incouriging drooping Spirits, answer­ing sad objections to abundant satisfaction; yet he could (and sometimes did) act the part of a Boanerges, to thunder out the menaces of the Law against secure and stur­dy Sinners; and the Lord blessed his Mi­nistry both ways, for levelling high Moun­tains, and lifting up Valley-Souls. He was an excellent Text-man, a solid Expositor; his way was, comparing one Scripture with another, wherein he had a singular art, shewing the main scope of the Holy Ghost therein, raising pertinent doctrins therefrom; though he had consulted with Expositors (of which he had store of choice ones) yet he made no ostentation of his acquaintance with them by numerous quotations, but extracted the marrow out of them, and pitcht upon what semed to him most pro­per.

He did not concern himself with contro­versies in the Pulpit, but preached the most plain, practical, experimental truths, and often inculcated the Essentials of Religi­on, still teaching the people knowledg, in­somuch as the Christians that were bred un­der his Ministry were solid, substantial, knowing and peaceble professors, few warp­ing off to the errors of the times; and i [...] he had occasion to deal with the petulan [...] S [...]epticks or D [...]gmatizers of this age, h [...] rather laid down positive truths, and solid­ly confirmed them, than follow the wil [...] vagaries of Erratick Spirits, by disproving them; judging with Zuinglius, [Veris intel­lectis, falsa etiam haud difficulter agnoscun­ter]; when truth is discovered, errour is detected; and is ether acknowledged, o [...] falls of it self. But indeed he loved no [...] disputes, nor did his studieis or genius carry him out to controversies, except Gods glory, and the necessary defence of truth requir­ed it, and then also he managed things so calmly, fairly, that he won adversaries, and won credit to his cause; Dissentions were his burden, unity his delight, and God gave him his desire, for the Divisions of Reub [...] he had sad thoughts of heart; and for dis­putes among Divines, was ready to breath [...] out with honest Summerh [...]ld, that sad word [quis me tandem liberabit ab ista rixosa The­ologia] who at length will set me free fro [...] [Page 37]this brawling kind of Theology? For Mr. Angier still expressed a sad regret upon such unwelcome occasions of dispute and conten­ [...]ion, his usual expression being, This is [...]edious work, and goes on wearily.

'Tis true he was a great peace-maker in sacred or civil broises: if any of his neigh­bours had quarrels with one another, the matter was brought before him, and his wis­dome sound out some expedient to reconcile [...]hem, and his grave exhortations usually prevailed for accommodation; if not, he laid [...]t deeply to heart, and still made it the mat­ter of his prayer; but God ordinarily bles­sed him with success, and gave him the bles­ [...]ing pronounced to peace-makers, to be called one of the Children of God; in some cases of difference, I have known him (said [...]ne that had reason to know it, and is faithful [...]n the relation) give Money out of his Purse, to compose some quarrels: and [...]tho those days were most grievous to him, yet when his successe answered his designs, the issue and the review were sweet to his spirit, and he did not repent his weary la­bours.

Mr. Angier did not offer to the Lord that which cost him nothing he ingaged his whole man in that which he went about, not doing the work of the Lord negligently: he took great pains in studying his Sermons, and they were elaborate, full fraught with Spi­ritual [Page 38]marrow, very exact, no waste word or repetitions, but went on smoothly, per­tinently, sententiously, though he studie [...] matter rather than words, and never use notes in all his life, but took pains to comm [...] his Sermon to memory, which he had be­fore diligently penned; he stood not to loo [...] proofs, but repeated the words of the Scrip­tures he quoted exactly, yet memoriter, [...] improving them to the present occasion holding up his hands all the time of his Ser­mon, speaking with an even, audible voice with much ardency and intention both [...] Spirit and Speech; his Sermons were n [...] long nor full of heads, but well compact [...] and me hodical (which is an help to memo­ry) and under those few particulars he ha [...] pertinent and plain inlargements; he preach­ed longer in his younger days, and in his old age about an hour, scarce any more [...] less, and it exceedingly spent him, usually sweating at his coming out of the Pul­pit; warming a Scarlet Cloth, and laying it on his Breast, for he was very subject to catch cold after preaching; and I have hear [...] him speak of old Mr. Rogers, that in his younger days when he came out of the Pulpit, one must have stayed him, to have discoursed with him, then another, in the open air, when the pores are open; but he found sensible prejudice by it, and learned to take more care of himself, for people did not consider it.

It was littel less than a Miracle that a man of such a weak constitution as Mr. Angier was, could bear up so long under such day­ [...]y and indefatigable labours, his constant preaching, twice every Lords day, most part of his time, travelling and preaching many exercises abroad on Week-days, his month­ly attendance in the Classical Presbytery, requent travels to the Provincial Assembly, [...]onstant assisting in the Ordination of Mi­nisters, observing many private fasts a­mongst his own People, and abroad; yea extraordinary fasts in publick, especially the monthly fasts kept for Ireland, at that time, [...]e ordinarily kept the fast himself, wherein he spent six or seven hours in wrestling with God in prayer, or preaching the word; [...]e was wonderfully enlarged, and had a great measure of the Spirit poured upon him, as to the assistance of his Spirit, and his body was much supported, for he [...]aid private fasts spent his natural strength more than his sabbath-days work, for he still [...]ept the posture of kneeling; and did affectio­nately joyn with others that were exercised; or he put others on to prayer, and himself losed up the day with a short but warm melting prayer, being short towards the [...]tter end of his days.

His observing fasts with his people was [...] evidence that his delight was in that [...]ind of work; for he hath oft said, that [Page 40]one great thing that tyed and indear [...] him to that poor people, was, that when ever they had occasion, they appointed fast, and did joyn together in prayer, and also in praise; and he had a particular ho­nour to his worthy friend, Col. Richard Holland, on that very account, that st [...] (he said) when he had been in troubles, [...] did constantly call good people to pray [...] God with him.

He was so constant in his Ministerial wo [...] and diligent in his studies and preaching [...] his own people, that though Mr. Harrison of Ashton (his intimate and intire friend and he, lived near together for twenty year yet never did they exchange places for o [...] day in that time to ease themselves; M [...] Herle told him he had a weak body, yet Venice Glass well look'd to, would last considerable time: and notwithstanding [...] excessive labours, God maintained in him considerable measure of health, possibly mo [...] than he enjoyed in his younger years; a [...] next to Divine Providence, much may [...] ascribed to his severe temperance, obser­vance of diet, composedness of mind, a [...] care of himself, according to his experimen [...] of what he had found helpful or hurtful [...] him: and though he was of a far weak [...] constitution than Mr. Harrison, and Eld [...] by several years, yet survived him; [...] whom he hath sometimes said, Mr. Harrison [Page 41]you think you can do any thing, but your body will fail you, and indeed it did, for tho that learned, gracious, zealous man of God had a very strong, healthful, robust bo­dy; yet by his excessive Studies, and as­siduous labours, and watchings, and sitting so close without fire in cold Winter-Nights, that his nerves were so contracted, and his body so weakened, that some years before he died he could not stir Hand nor Foot, yet was h [...]arty, and would often say, if I were in the Pulpit I should be well. But to return to Mr. Angier, he was a man much in pray­er, and mighty, it may be said of him as of David; Psal. 119.164. That he prayed or praised God seven times in a day: at least twice, (I think thrice) with his Wife, twice alone, and twice with his Family; in his Family-work he was very profitable, every one got a verse or more out of the Chapter read at prayers; he gathered some useful instructions, short, but substantial, and ac­commodated to the condition of the Fa­mily, Eight of the Clock in the Morning, and betwixt five and six at Night before Supper, were the ordinary seasons for Fa­mily worship, beginning with a Psalm, by which the Family had notice to come to­gether: his constant course was to have a Chapter read after Dinner, and Supper, before they rose from the Table, and be­fore thanks was returned; and he said, he [Page 42]took up that usage of having a Chapter read at Meals from Mr. Rogers of D [...]dham; wor­thy Mr. Samuel Hildersham had constantly two staves of a Psalm sung after Meals, so had the first Christian Emperor Constan­tine the Great, as Euseb [...]us tells us, and I have known some use it.

And as Mr. Angier was much in prayer, so he was mighty in prayer, fervent as well as frequent, he wept and made supplication, Jacob like, yea he was an Israelite; a Prince with God, he was by some called Weeping Angier; for as he seldome rose off his knees without Tears, so some have observed, Tears at some seasons trickle down to his Band, in great abundance: Mr. Isaac Ambrose, in his Diary Printed with his Media, saith, that upon a solemn day of fasting and prayer in Manchester Church Mr. A. concluding, his prayer was so working, that I believe it melted all hearts; and for my own, saith he, it pleased the Lord so to soften and to break it, that so far as I remember, it was never in such a melting frame in any publick ordi­nance before; and as it workt on mens hearts, so it was prevalent and reacht Gods heart, as the event did demonstrate; thus the in­wrought Prayer, [ [...]] of a righteous man availeth much: certainly Mr. Angier had many remarkable returns [Page 43]of prayer; whereof it may be something shall be added out of his own papers here­after; so great was the esteem of him gene­rally, that he was frequently sent for to pray with some Melancholly persons, and some possessed, as was supposed, and sometimes they brought such persons to him from far, and God was pleased in some cases to hear pray­ers; but some particulars much tal [...]ed of, I dare not relate what I have heard, except I had clear and undoubted testimony of the truth thereof.

And as he was instant and prevalent in prayer, Serious­ness in thankful­ness. so he was excellent and [...]und [...] in praises, he exceeded others in supplications, and himself in thanksgiving; frequent E­jaculations and expressions o [...] Gods grace and Mercy, were in his mind and mouth; they that conversed with him frequently heard (Deo gratias) thanks be to God, from him. But as he took more occasions than many others of keeping days of thanks­giving so God gave him still more occasions of thankfulness: and its usual for God to put new songs of praise into thankful per­sons Mouths, it was his frequent observati­on, that when a day of thankfulness was appointed, God sent in some fresh matter to increase joy in the Lord; and sometimes the intervening providence merited such a day as much as the former: so well doth God [Page 44]take an aspect towards that lovely duty, that he incourageth to it. And oh how in­larged was he in those Days and Duties! he seemed to be transported into Extasies of Admiration: yea he seemed to be ele­vated above the Earth, amongst the Coele­stial [...] inhabitants; his heart and mouth were inlarged to an high strain, in rehears­ing the loving-kindness of the Lord: he expatiated especially upon Spiritual mercies, to the astonishment of those that joyned with him; often using Davids holy Rhap­sody, 2 Sam. 7.18, 19, 20 Who am I, O Lord God? and what is my house, that thou hast brought me hitherto? it would have done ones heart good to hear him an hour toge­ther, reckoning up the mercies of God, in Infancy, Childhood, Youth, riper Age, in all Estates, Relations, Conditions, Af­flictions; and then magnifying the free grace of God, in giving his Son for us, his Spirit to us, promises, priviledges, Gospel-ordi­nances, &c. and then the great kindness of God to his particular congregation, in publick liberty, for which he kept many days of thanksgiving, and for national mer­cies; yea there was not any of his Relati­ons, or in his Congregation, under any Af­fliction, Temptation, but as he prayed for them, so he gave God thanks for their deli­verance: he knit his Breast to every ones heart and case; he mourned with such as [Page 45]mourned, rejoyced with such as rejoyced, God had given him a sympathizing heart, 2 Cor. 11.29. he might say, Who is Weak, and I am not weak?

But especially he was deeply concerned for the Church of God both at home and abroad; he gave God no rest, but was the Lords dayly remembrancer, standing be­twixt the living and the dead, in the breach that sin had made, to hold off wrath. He had great interest at the Throne of Grace, and notably improved it, by a believing prayer, and filling his mouth with Argu­ments: he had skill and will for his work; often was he in the Mount, and conversed with God as a Man with his Friend: he had an excellent Art in humble expostulation with God; surely the Church-militant par­ted with a Friend when he was translated to Glory, it appeared in the congregation, that God had set him over, what weight he bore up, by the dreadful consequences at­tending his death; for thereby the people lost their priviledges; for from the day of his Funeral to this day, never did Non-Conformist preach in his Pulpit, so that it appears for whose sake the liberty was maintained; Denton hath found the smart, its well if England feel not the fatal fruits of the removal of such Pillars; Methusa­lem dyed that year the deluge overspread the World: Hippo was sacked by the Van­dals [Page 46]immediately after Augustines death there: Heedleberg taken after Pareus's death: Luther dyed a little before the Wars in Ger­many. Lord prevent temporal evils threat­ned, that the prediction may not be accom­plshed, that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come: Isa. 57.1. this Worthy, fallen in Israel, speaks heavy things to Eng­land.

Mr. Earnestness [...]n prayer. Angier was very solemn and grave in all his addresses to God, or in his deliver­ing messages from God: it was his usual manner, before he spoke a word in prayer, to pause a considerable while, looking up­wards, composed his thoughts, possessing his heart with awful apprehensions of the Divine Majesty and by mental ejaculations imploring Gods quickning presence; and after a season he arrived gradually to a great degree of zeal and warmth in prayer, agonizing in the duty with sweat and tears, which rendered his speaking; at some seasons both painful and difficult; yet was he not only made up of zeal and affection, but had proper and pertinent matter, exact method, and apt expressions: Mr Harrison was wont to call him a ponderous man, for every word had its weight and emphasis; he had no waste words either in prayer or preaching, but as his affections were Boil­ing, [Page 47]so his Words were few and well weigh­ed.

He did not use to be long in prayer, ex­cept upon extraordinary occasions, and then not tedious, because variety of matter and patheticalness in the manner, rendered his prayers acceptable to the joyners; he propounded this Question, Whether the spi­rit of God did ordinarily dictate matter of prayer? he did conceive it might, from Rom. 8 26. the spirit helpeth, for we know not what we should pray for. Yet he was far from Enthusiasm; nor was he altogether against forms of prayer, nor joyning in publick with the Liturgy, though he judged that inconvenient modes of worship must be our affliction, but may not be our sin, when we are not in a capacity to remedy; nor did he think that meer presence doth signify consent or approbation of every thing we hear. As for the Lords prayer, his judgment was, that it was delivered chiefly by our Saviour as a pattern or platform of prayer, to which, (as to several heads) all our prayers must be referred.

He seldom insisted long upon a Text (ex­cept when he took a Scripture before him) because (as he used to say) a Minister may have frequent occasion in the course of his Perti­nence in Preaching. [Page 48]Ministry, to return again to the same subject, therefore he needs not to say all that can be said upon it at once, but extract the marrow of the Text, and pick out what at present he judgeth proper to the principal occasion for which he chose it, and drive that Naile home: yea tho a Minister should say all that he can find out upon such a Text or Subject, yet he will be forced to leave some gleanings that he may return again to gather up, and those as pertinent and useful, as he pressed, as at his first Vintage-reaping: so true is that of Tertullian, Adora scriptura plenitudi­nem. I adore the fulness of the Scrip­tures. He had a notable observation from Heb. 11.32. For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon; hence he observed, That a Minister must have respect, not only to what he is to say, but to the time he is to speak or write it in; all things cannot be spoken at one time; Christ taught as peo­ple were able to hear; people, yea the best people have but a measure of atten­tion, memory or affection; good old Mr. Horrocks was wont to say, I would rather leave my hearers longing than loa­thing.

And as Mr. His Cati­chising Angier constantly preached, so he carefully Catechized the youth of his Congregation, according to the Assemblies Shorter Catechism, and explained it, open­ing the principles of Religion in a plain and [Page 49] [...]amiliar way; sometimes taking an account of their proficiency: and if he heard of the breakings out of sin in any of his hearers, he faithfully admonished them privately, and sometimes publickly, some­times sending for the persons, and pleading with them, with much gravity, humility, and Bowels of compassion. Ordinarily when strangers came to settle under his Ministry, [...]e sent for them, discoursed with them, coun­selled, instructed, exhorted them; thus he dealt with new Married Persons, and indeed God brought several from o­ther places to fix themselves under his Ministry for the benefit of the Ordinan­ces.

His usual saying was, His self­denial in receiving. If God will help me to take care of my duty, I will leave him to take care of my comfort: his main design was to bring Glory to God in the conversion of sinners, and edification of Saints: the attaining of these ends was his reward; when any sent him tokens of their respects; he lookt at God in it, and was more glad of it, as a sign of their profici­ency, than a means of his inriching him­self. So Paul, Phil. 4.17. Not because I desire a gift, but I desire fruit that may a­bound to your account: thus it is said of Bucholser. (Gratiam munerum, quam mu­nera, & Theologi [...] fructum quam fortuna [Page 50]maluit, he rather chose, and accepted better a kindness in the giving, than the greatne [...] of the gift; being better pleased with the fruit of his Ministry, than meerly their bounty.

Mr. His dili­gence in reading Scriptures. Angier was much conversa [...] in the holy Scrpitures, they were dayl [...] his delight, and he had an excellen [...] art in chusing and adapting fit Texts t [...] Divine Providences, that the Word migh [...] be a comment on the work of God: seldo [...] did any remarkable Providence, or sudden accident fall out, but be either made it th [...] main subject of his discourse, or particularly applyed something he had in hand thereto he had a singular skill in preaching Funeral Sermons, so that tho he rarely made Histo­rical reflections on the dead, yet intelligen [...] hearers might gather pertinent instruction or admonitions from his doctrinal con­clusions, and close applications naturally re­sulting therefrom; he behaved himself with much reverence in Gods publick ordinances minding duely what was in hand; he con­stantly writ Sermons, when others preached for example to others, to prevent diversions and for his own edification; he was so ful [...] of candor and ingenuity that tho me [...] gifts were weak, yet if they were honest he would commend them; never did an [...] hear him despise or disparage others, but [...] [Page 51]he much desired to have young Ministers preach with him; so if they missed in it, he would plainly and privately tell them of their slips, or incourage such as did well; what he spake was from his heart; what others spake, he would make a can­did construction thereof, if it would admit it; when the Minister that preached for him came out of the Pulpit, he usually met him with this Salutation, [thanks be to God, or blessed be the Lord] never returning thanks to the Minister, (so far as I knew) but to God for his help to the Mini­ster.

He was very excellent and exemplary in his administration of the Lords supper both as to Method, Matter, and manner, His Exem­plariress in administr­ing the Lords Sup­per. that or­dinance was celebrated every month, and he had many hundreds of communicants, espe­cially in these late times, good People from all adjacent parts and Counties came flock­ing thither, and there were feasted and re­freshed. I have known many strangers come ten, yea some twenty miles, yea some thirty miles to attend on the ordinances at Denton, so that there was often more communicants than could set on seats in the Chappel, and officers went amongst them to see if there was no intruders; for either they were known by face to them, or had testi­monials from approved Ministers, or emi­nent [Page 52]Christians: his exactness, gravity, and inlargedness, was such, that the first time I partaked there, a worthy Gentleman bad me observe him diligently, saying he is the exactest man in Lancashire in this work; and I thought young Ministers might take no­tice of him as a pattern worthy imitation [...] and oh, how many Souls have been quickned comforted, and nourished in that ordinance in that place! what gracious words pro­ceeded out of his Mouth, and what gracious impressions have been made on commuican [...] hearts!

He was very diligent and painful in h [...] private Studies, Diligence in Private Studies. and was much pleased with his Closet-retirements: its true he was [...] able to read much in his elder days; but [...] had variety of imployment, sometimes Read­ing, sometimes Praying, Meditating, Wri­ting; he Writ many choice and excelle [...] Letters; pithy, pertinent, profitable, upon several occasions, some whereof he copi [...] out, were they collected into one intire pi [...] they would be of excellent use: he often complained of his memory, saying he had memory for nothing but to remember [...] own Sermons: but indeed his memory [...] not to be slighted, however his solid judg­ment, clear understanding in divine mysteri [...] and gracious experienced heart, shined for in all he did, helped his invention, and con­tinual [Page 53]excercise did corroborate his memory, and strong affections especially carried him through all; for a Sanctifyed heart hath never a bad memory.

He was of a Savoury, holy, His exact convarsa­tion. heavenly frame of Spirite to eye God, in all, and to improve all occurrences for spiritual advantage: the like instance of an exact conversation hath seldome been found; I was once riding a­long with him, and a Minister of my ac­quaintance whom I met, askt me who he was, being passed by, I told him; he said, [...]f there be an Angel on Horseback, that's [...]: and a servant, that lived with him many [...]ears, and knew his manner of life, attests, that he walked as near the rule of the word, and pattern of our Saviour, as is possible for [...]man to attain to on this side Glory, ex­celling in every Grace, exemplary in every good work, elevated above the ordinary [...]nk of Christians, as it was said of Bu­ [...]lzer, as to liveliness, Melch. Ad. vit Buchol. p. 556. (Vivida in eo omnia [...]erunt, vivida vox, vividi oculi, vivide [...]anus, gestus omnes vividi;) voice, eyes, hands, gesture, all full of liveliness and viva­ [...]y: thus this man of God, Mr. Angier, [...]d act above his strength and years in Gods work and worship, and was so full of warmth [...]d spirit fulness, that it plainly appeared [...] was acted and animated with a Spirit be­ [...]nd his own, for God was with him, and [...] was much with God.

He was affable to all, His affabi­lity, lenity. amiable in converse with his intimate friends, open-hearted in discovering himself, without subtil reserves, or peevishness of Spirit; he was so far as any could discern, [ [...]] without anger, or choler; how be it his natural con­stitution, being sanguine, might incline him to passion, yet the large measure of Grace wherewith God had endowed him, and continual Mortification, had so sugared and lenifyed his disposition, that to all that con­versed with him, he seemed to be compound­ed of love and sweetness.

But withal he was a person of great gra­vity, His gravi­ty. his mildness did not degenerate into fondness or levity, nor his gravity into mo­roseness, or austerity, but a kindly mixture of mildness, Majesty, and attractive sweet­ness, put such an awful reverence into hi [...] countenance, as did at once daunt impudent profaneness, and animate religious modesty no [...]e were so audacious as to be found in any unhandsom act before him whose very look gave check to debaucheries, and none tha [...] knew him were afraid to open their Soul cases to him, finding him so render and con­descending to them upon all occasions: indeed he was fruitful in holy discourse to all; upon a question or case of conscience he had th [...] faculty to inlarge suitably and edifyingly, [...] the satisfaction of the propounder, if com­pany [Page 55]had been silent; himself usually pro­pounded a profitable question, or a proof of some principle of religion, or the meaning of some Scripture, as mater of discourse for mutual edification; sometimes in travelling with a Minister (as one testifies) he would call on him (when the road was free) to re­peat the Heads of the Sermon he Preached or heard last.

He was exceeding liberal to the Poor, His libera­lity to the Poor. both in giving, forgiving and free lending; it was strange to observe how much he gave out of so little; he had a liberal hand and an o­pen heart, he devised liberal things, mak­ing frequent collections in publick, improv­ing his interest for the indigent, or in pub­lick affairs: his left hand knew not what his right hand did: one instance take, when the Collection was made for Northampton, 1675. he was then indisposed, and went not out of fourteen weeks, or thereabouts, and therefore desired his kinsman to preach on 2 Cor. 8.7. which he did, preparing the People in the morning, for the Collection in the afternoon; at which, because he could not be present, he [...]ent his charity by his servant, which was not inconsiderable, but afterwards gave pri­vately three times as much as he had done [...]n publick by his servant: yea in cases of Collections, he would oft put on both his Children and servants to give: yea he sent [Page 56]to poor Widows, Orphans, others, con­siderable sums, with a charge not to tell from whence it came: he had not above 20 l. a year from his hearers; and though he had an estate of his own, yet all things considered, it may seem next to a miracle that he should so abundantly lay out, and possess any thing, when his layings in were so small; but God made good that promise, There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth, shall be watered also himself, Pro. 11.24, 25.

He was also very free in lending, Forgiving injuries. and as free in forgiving, and passing by unkind­nesses: one instance particularly was this. When a Neighbour, (an indifferent Hus­band for worldly matters) had borrowed Money of him, and broken his word, no [...] paying it in many Months after promise of payment, instead of paying the old debt he comes to beg a new favour, to borrow more Money, which Mr. Angier lent him and being asked why he would lend money to a man so dishonest and unfaithful, re­plyed, that he did it to make a Knave a [...] honest man.

He was a man of much saith and courag [...] in Gods eause, His faith and cou­rage. and withal of much pruden [...] and discretion; his courage was the reli [...] [Page 57]of his faith, not so much of natural magna­nimity. When the Act of Uniformity took place, and Ministers generally concluded to give over, he kept his resolution to go on in his work, yet not censuring them that de­sisted, for he plainly saw all Ministers were not under the same circumstances; he did continue in his publick station without consi­derable interruption, so that discriminating providence made little Denton a Goshen, and kept their fleece wet when others were dry in most places; it was a little sanctuary to many, and Gods ways were in it of provi­dence and influence: its true, Warrants were now and then issued out, to apprehend Mr. Angier, but the worst men had no heart to meddle with him; sometimes they searcht, but profest they would not see him for an hundred pound: some of the Bishops of Chester would inquire of his son, how doth the good old man Mr. Angier? most of the Justices had a great respect for him, some were nearly related to his Wife, her eldest Brother chiefly, Mr. Mosely of Ancols, whose Mother and another Sister did sojourn many years with Mr. Angier; he thought also that his confinement at home, travelling and preaching little or not at all abroad, was a furtherance of his liberty, they said he is an old man and cannot live long, let him alone while he lives.

He was exceeding exact and punctual in all he did, His exact­ness every way. if in worldly matters, Bargains, Writings, Bonds, Sealings, yea the smallest concernments wherein there was any danger of litigious su [...]ts, or controversies tho it was betwixt nearest relations, he caused things to be firmly done, and safely kept, which in after times proved of great use; for he said; it doth no hurt to have things done surely; and it may do good; for no body knows into whose hands such things may fall, for men are mortal; he carefully laid up Acquittances, Receits, or any writings of Agreements, which have put things into readiness since his death: he was also exact in his apparel, ever neat, tho never splendid; handsom, not gawdy: if he saw any faceing or finery in others apparel, he would say, I keep my Sattin in my Pocket; he used to wear a Master of Arts Gown, both Lords-days, and Week-days, at home; he loved to see persons neat, and would say, one may be cleanly in Rags: he shamed some out of their slovenliness with friendly rebukes.

He was given to hospitality, Given to Hospitality. a Bishop in­deed, a Gaius, that freely entertained Gods Servants, Ministers and Christians, so that he seemed to be an host to the Church; it is incredible to relate what variety of strangers and friends came Weekly, almost daily to his house, and were handsomly [Page 59]treated, tho not with varieties, yet with [...]ufficieny; he had a standing Table of wholsom fresh meat, Noon and Night. Upon Lords-days his Table always was well furnish'd with guests, (besides abundance that had broth, &c.) so that Mrs. Hide of Norbury, (a religious Gentlewoman, and a dear friend of his) would have said to him, Mr. Angier, I am ready to think God works miracles at your Table, in multiply­ing your provisions; for said she, if I should set half as many people to more meat than you have, they would eat it all up, but there's store taken off your Table; And himself hath oft said, that there's a blessing [...]tendeth house-keeping, as if the supplies thereof were unaccomptable. A worthy Minister heard him once say, that he knew [...]y experience, that little or much, it was [...]ll one, he had as much in his purse, when [...]e had not half so much Means, as he had [...]hen when he spoke it; as riches increase, so [...]hey increase that eat.

His government and order of his Family was admirable and imitable, The order of his Family. I may truly [...]y unparallel'd. His Family was as a well disciplin'd Army, where all knew their pro­ [...]r stations, and did carefully attend their [...]ost, yea a well instructed Academy, and [...] organized Church; it was usually nu­merous and regular; for a considerable [Page 60]season he had several young Scholars Table with him, that were sent to him for edu [...] ­tion under his inspection, and God did bl [...] his example, instructions and prayers [...] the good of some yet living: some th [...] were capable he put upon preaching one p [...] of the day; several assistants he had succe­sively, and gave them most of the incourage­ment they had. When he was grown in [...] years, and not sit to preach twice a da [...] his Brothers Son was with him Eleven yea [...] before his Death, and was a great comfo [...] to him.

Lords day was thus spent; How the Lords-day was spent. after priv [...] devotions in their clo [...]ets, in the Family, n [...] Eight a Clock a Chapter was read, a Psa [...] song, then he went to prayer; and abo [...] Nine a Clock they went to the Chapp [...] which was but a few steps from his do [...] according to his wish and usual saying the Priests went about the Temple; and [...] Noon, immediatly after Dinner, one [...] peats the Forenoons Sermon in his house, [...] the same time another was repeating in [...] Chappel to many people that stayed ther [...] singing Psalms both before and after; th [...] continued till Publick ordinances begun; a [...] at their return home shortly after, Mr. Angier sung a Psalm and went to praye [...] then to Supper, and a little season af [...] Supper, a Psalm was sung, and one repeat [...]d [Page 61]the Afternoon Sermon, and another Psalm being sung, all was finished with a [...]hort prayer, and so the Family was dis­missed to their apartments. And so for the [...]est of the Week, servants so ordered their [...]ffairs as to be present at family-prayer; on Monday Nights the Forenoon Sermon of the preceding Lords-day, and Saturday Nights the Afternons Sermon was reppeated ordi­narily in the Family; on Friday Nights they said their Catechisms, some in the Assemblies shorter, others in the larger Catechism; some also repeating the proofs me­moriter: he gave order that they should dispatch their worldly occasions the last day of the Week, that they might prepare for the Lords-day approaching, which they did, and were outwardly conformable, for he would suffer no disorders in his Family, yea most of his Family proved truely gracious; they were ordinarily loving and affectionate to one another, and lived many years in great peace, unity and order; the whole number was often sixteen, or at least Four­teen, seldome under Twelve, tho he had but one Daughter with him for several years be­fore he died: his carriage was sweet and obliging to all, yea to the meanest in the Family, and he behaved himself with such an awful yet lovely deportment, that many have been ready to speak of him and his Family concerns, with the like words as [Page 62]the Queen of Sheba, accounting them happ [...] that convensed with such an holy man of God and tho they had heard of his way, 1 Kin. 10.4, 8. yet th [...] one half was not told them.

Mr. His Friends. Angier had many worthy Friends of good rank, and great piety, who bor [...] a very great respect to him; and as David chose such as feared God for his Companions so did this holy man take his delight in the Saints, as most excellent upon earth: holy Mr. Henry Ashhurst sometimes visited him at his house, and was visited by him. Mr. Crew of Ʋtkinton in Cheshire was his dear and intimate Friend, and had an entire love for him, as the Writer hereof can testify, for being at his house at Ʋtkinton, and Mr. Crew shewing him and his Wife some hand­some pictures, hanging in a Chamber, (in which he much delighted) amongst the rest, shewed them the Picture of Dr. Wilkins, who (saith he) is to be our Bishop of Che­ster; but (said he) Mr. Angier is my Bishop: and I have heard that Mr. Crew oft solicited Mr. Angier to sit while his Picture was drawn, and he would be at the charge of it, but he put it off, saying a Ministers Picture must be in the hearts and lives of his people: so far was he from pride, or vain-glory, that he never had his Picture drawn, tho doubt­less it would have been a lovely piece, if to the Life, for he was an exceeding comely [Page 63]personage, tho low in stature, yet of a clear comeplexion, red and white, of a chearful countenance, and very graceful; of a vene­ [...]able aspect, and pleasant: but he judged the blessed fruits of a Ministers labours are more elegible than the most lively effigies of their vanishing carcasses ingraven in du­rable Brass or Marble.

His heart was much set upon the good of souls, Seeking good of Souls. and therein God blessed him with abundant success; and this was a considerable part of his reward. He sometimes related [...]old Mr. Dods interpretation of the labourers in the Vineyard, Mat. 20. which he said were Ministers; some indent with our Lord for their penny, i.e. preferment, good par­sonages, abundant maintenance, honours, and to live bravely in the world, God gives them these things, they are at present well pleased therewith, and this is all that God designs for them, they have their bargain, it was all they askt, and our bountiful be­nefactor is not behind-hand with them, they have no reason to grumble at his kindness to the other, who made no such bargain with him, but thought themselves obliged to him for their work, and said, Lord if thou wilt account me faithful, and put me in­to the Ministry, and own me with the suc­cess of my labours, I will refer to thee the business of maintenance; I hope thou wilt not [Page 64]suffor me to want necessaries, and if thou dost tho I be persecuted, imprisoned, impover­ished, and be put to beg my bread, yet [...] thou wilt glorify thy self thereby, and e­dify thy Church by my outward ruins, [...] have enough; such self-denying Minister shall have present supplies, and a better Pen­ny, good things in this life, and eternal happiness in the other; so the last shall be first in dignity, glory, and abundant reward and he gives them more than thy asked; and the first shall be last, those mercenary spirits must be put off with the poor pittance of the world that undertook the Ministry as a trade to get a livelihood: this Exposition Mr. Angier mentioned as very savoury and significant, not determining whether it was the proper meaning of the Scripture.

He much desired the propagation of Re­ligion, His desire to propa­gate Reli­gion. and for that end the education of young men for the Ministry; he had but one Son and four Grandsons, who were all trained up for Gods immediate service, some of them by his cost, and others upon his counsel; and he followed them all with his incessant prayers; and thus indeed did his sollicitous cares issue themselves; and if he had had no cares, he had not prayed, as Melancthon used to say; Si nil cu­rarem nil orarem. and if he had not given vent to his cares and fears by a believ­ing prayer, they had swallowed him up; he [Page 65]was one of the seed of Jacob in pleading [...]he Covenant, and in nothing more a true [...]acobite than in wrestling with God for Co­venant-mercy for the posterity of the faith­ful; oh the tears, sighs, groans of that man [...] God, urging God with his promise under his own hand; telling the Lord, he would not [...]et him alone, for himself had incouraged his heart, by making and sealing that good Co­venant, wherein stands our chief comfort; and God will make it good to some, and why not to the children of the Covenant? how oft hath he told the Lord, even in our hear­ing, that he was resolved he would not let go that hold that God had given him, but would stick to him, by faith and prayer, as [...]ong as he had a day to live, and die in hopes that God would make his promise good to his seed, when he was dead and gone.

His opinion for a young man that inten­ded the Ministry, His opinion for young Scholars. was to be placed for some time with fomeable Minister, and to preach under such alones eye and ear, and that it was hazzardous for beginners to live in great mens houses; he was of excellent use in giv­ing advice to young Scholars in publick and private; in the times when the Sectaries were at the height, at an ordination at Man­chester he gave the Exhortation, four were ordained, and he said it rejoyced his Soul, [Page 66]to see in these discouraging times so man desirous of the calling, but saith he, it m [...] be it is but as a Husbandman with his har [...] toward Night when he sees a storm co [...] ­ing, he calls out all that can carry a she [...] to come forth, makes all his force, for [...] may be it is but a short time, as coming i [...] at the Eleventh hour, but one hour to wor [...] in; He advised them to take heed of t [...] things, as in the case of the prophet to J [...] ­roboam, sometimes the hand of Authorit [...] may be lifted up against you, yet that ma [...] bed ried up, be not affrighted with it; b [...] then the seducer may slay you, consent not [...] him.

He was wise and happy in his counsel and usually (being a man of much observato [...] he had exceeding pat instances, his grave counsels. to set on h [...] counsels with; as this, It is good for per­sons to submit to the Lords hand, and to l [...] him chuse the Rod for us. A Woman [...] Manchester burying a Daughter, of t [...] years never looked up, but repined at [...] came often to the Grave, to mourn over it yet it was a Child miserably infirm, h [...] the Evil runing on it in many places; after­wards God took away the use of her Li [...] and lying in torturing pain, acknowledge that it was nothing to bury a Child, a [...] was now made sensible of her impatien [...] under her form [...] affliction, and that no [...] [Page 67]God had dealt smartlier with her: And upon this, Mr. Angier mentioned an Aunt of his, who had great bodily weakness and pain, and she desired that God would take that affliction away, and lay on her what affliction he pleased but that; the Lord did take that away, and laid affliction of spi­rit upon her, which was far sharper, and she never recovered it while she lived. So to count the affliction best for us, be it ne­ver so sharp: he sometimes told how Mr. Daniel Rogers his first Wife was a very cross Woman, and he bore it a long time; at last he made his complaint to his Father Mr. Richard Rogers, and he gave him this answer, Any thing, Daniel, to bring thee to hea­ven.

He was very faithful in admonishing as he saw cause: His faith­ful admo­nition. when an eminent Minister said he [...]ook such a thing ill, or unkindly from such [...] one, Mr. Angier gravely and smiling­ [...]y answered, Would I so little favour [...]y self as to take unkindness from [...]ny one? which saith that good man, [...] thought of since, to my great advan­tage, for this taking unkindness is ac­ [...]ompined with a fretting within ones self; [...]nd so it is a leaving the offender, and [...]lling upon ones self.

Mr. His thoughts of the Dutch War. Angier was much afflicted with that sad War betwixt the Dutch and us, yet he comforted himself, that God did not give us over to be corrected by Papists, but that Protestants are in the hands of Protest ants, tho upon a sad account, and he hoped that the drops of the storm might begin with the reformed Churches, but the fury of it should be poured upon the Papists.

It pleased the Lord to lay upon Mr. His af­flictions in old age. An­gier many grievous and cutting affliction in his old age; the latter part of his days according to his own observation, on Joh. 21. concerning Peter, our Lord told him, that when he was old, he should be carried whither he would not. That God oft exer­ciseth his choicest servants, that have been men of eminent activeness and usefulness in his service, with great afflictions in their old age, 1 Chron. 16.12. Invit. Ger. Maj. 470. as bodily pain, so Asa in the latter part of his life was diseased in his feet Melchior Adams tells us of Mr. George Ma­jor, that he saw the Funerals of six sons, whereof one, i. e. Leonard, died by the biting of a mad Dog, several Daughters, Nephew died; in all this and much more, saying, (Si bona accepimus, annon mals sustineamus?) shall we receive good, and not bear evil? at last he died of sore diseases, having kept his bed near three years: thus Mr. Angier instanced in Mr. Rogers o [...] [Page 69] Dedham, who had great pain of the stone, so had worthy Mr. Storer of Stockport, and Mr. Johnson, Parson also of the same place, old Mr. Bourn, Mr. Herle, and at that time when he spake of it, good Mr. Har­rison of Ashton, his neighbour; it may seem a Riddle and an unaccountable mystery of Providence, why God should think fit to lay the heaviest load on the weakest Horse; old age is a burden to it self, Mr. Angier gave this account of it, that thereby God thinks it fit to wean his Children from the World, fit them for Heaven, and render it more desirable; besides God will make his Children perfect Christians, exercised e­very way, in suffering, that they might be [...]ntire, lacking nothing, according to Jam. 1.4.

His old-age afflictions were: 1. His Daughters dying. The death of his beloved, lovely Daughter, Elizabeth, who tho she was Married and lived with her Husband in Yorkshire, yet being in a deep Consumption, he sent his own easy going-Horse to fetch her home, in hopes that change of Air might tend to her recovery; but there she grew worse and anguishing, died May 26. 1661. and was [...]d by her own Mother in Denton Chappel­ [...]ard, whose death tho it went near to his heart, yet (being abundantly satisfied that [...]he was got safe to Heaven) he bore it with [Page 70]great composedness and aequanimity; for indeed she was the mirror of her age for parts and piety: yet it could not but be an affliction to his spirit, since fo hopeful a blossome of his Family was so quickly nipt off in the flower of her age.

2. The Churches afflictions laid to heart. But this presaged more crosses, it was a great affliction to him that things wen [...] so ill with the Church of God, as to pub­lick liberty, with which he sympathized tho he injoyed his; but himself also must ta [...] a few drops of that cup that many of [...] Brethren hath a large draught of: in th [...] Oxford Act that commenced Mar. 24. 166 [...] by which Ministers were banished 5 mil [...] from the place where they had formerly preached, it was judged expedient that [...] also should at present withdraw from [...] House; upon that Act he begun to Trave [...] and his son-in-law with him, amongst [...] friends in Cheshire, and visited several per­sons of quality, lodging with them so [...] Weeks, being kindly treated and lov­ingly entertained, being also of very gre [...] use, and leaving his good counsels a [...] blessing where ever he came, notwithstand­ing in that time he seemed to be out of [...] element, and longed to return home: [...] was compelled to return, for wearing [...] Boots dayly, a goutish humour seiz [...] on his foot, he then said, Come son, [...] [Page 71]trust God, and go home; so he returned to his own house, and continued there without further trouble.

3. He was very much afflicted with, Bodily di­stempers. and at his stomach, which sorely oppressed him, and he could not find ease of it by any means he could use; he was advised to take Tobacco, but could never deal with it.

4. His very dear Wives death about two years before his own, His se­cond wivs death, was a grievous and bitter affliction to him, whom he had in­joyed 32 years to his abundant content eve­ry way; and indeed she was a dear and desirable companion, very helpful in spi­rituals and temporals, drawing evenly in the same yoke; of a truely Christian temper; one thing further I shall add of her, noted to my hand, as a peculiar privilidg, and rare amongst Christians, That God gave her early assurance of his love, and she said al­so not long befor her death, he had never withdrawn it from her all her time: this was very observable: and far different from Gods dealings with his former Wife, of whom Mr. Angier faith in some remarks left in writing upon her life, that tho God moved her heart to seek him from 8 years of age, yet he never gave her settled assurance of his love while she lived: Behold the arbitrary dealings of God with his own [Page 72]dear Children: but God is infinitely wise in these cases.

But the great affliction, the very accent and quintescence of his affliction, was the sin and miscarriage of some of his Children; this, this did cut him to the very heart, and lay as a continual pressing load on his Spi­rit; his Son, his only Son, devoted to God not only in Christian profession, but Mini­sterial function, miscarrying under such education, with such aggravations, this went so near him, that such words dropt from Mr. Angiers lips, of bitter complaint to one related to him, as shewed his heavy resentment of some burdens of that nature; Tho he had paid for his Son 400 l. In a few years, to the prejudicing of his own estate, yet he saw it did no good, and yet that was all nothing in comparison of the disho­nour to God by his extravagancies: his friend said, Sir, God hath given you much grace, and He is resolved to exercise it; Ah, said he, but it is hard, very hard to bear; a strange word from such a man: but he could bear any thing better than sin. But especially in so near a relation; as the Angel of the Ephesian Church, to whom it is said, Rev. 2.23. Thou canst not bear them which are evil, yet hast born, and hast patience, and for my name sake hast laboured, and hast not faeinted: oh sin, sin, in dear relations against [Page 73]his dearest Heavenly father, cut him to the quick; and Souls of a sensible spirit know what this means; but God bore up this good mans heart, (as he did Davids) with hopes and confidence in the blessed Covenant, that sure and well ordered Covenant: this he stuck to, this he pleaded and depended up­on; living and dying; still he spoke well of God, and exercised himself in praising his name both in duties and discourses, own­ing the hand of God in all crosses, to whom he had devoted his all: these various ex­periences helped him to compassionate and incouraging counselling of others; for (as was said) he could speak a word in season to quiet and qualify others spirit; under pressing burdens; he still said, hold up faith and patience, wait on God, and fear not, for he will issue all to the best, to his own Glory and your best good.

His usual practice was upon the evening before a fast-day, His care to reform his Family. to put his Children and Servants upon it, to set themselves serious­ly about the work of preparation; to search out and confess their sins; he used such means as might by Gods help prove effectual for reformation both of himself and his Family: and upon all such occasions of fasting or thanksgiving, it was his way to inquire concerning fatherless and Widows, and such as were in necessity, that something [Page 74]might be sent to them, for whom nothing was provided, as he often said.

Not long before he fell sick, His revi­ew of his life. he said to one that lay with him, that he slept very little in the nights; adding, when I lye waking in my Bed, I sometimes run through the course of my whole life; and if a Pen-man were ready by me, I could relate many ob­servable passages of Gods Providence about me: his friend said, Sir, you may do well to write them down as they come into your thoughts: he made no answer to that.

When money lent by him came in seasonably, Money lent repayed he acknow­ledged. though it was his own, yet he admired, and thankfully owned Gods Providence in it, as if it had been a gift; and said, it is all one, whether it was a debt or a gift, so God send it in a needful time; the paying of a debt is as great a mercy from God, as sending a gift.

I must now hasten to the last scene, of this holy man life; His sat sickness. he longed to be with Christ, and our Lord had been long ripen­ing him for Glory; he loved his Masters work, and his Master indulged him in his work: when others were taken off, he [Page 75]was wonderfully maintained in his lot: he did not of late years preach that day he administred the Lords Supper; the last Sup­per-day, was August 12, 1677. and the next Lords-day after, he preached one part of the day, August 19. but when he came into his house, he laid his hand upon his breast, and said, Ah, this will not do, I must give over preaching, (which yet cut him to the heart to think of) he was very weary that Night, as usually he was; the next day but one after, he begun to have some Aguish fits, and had six or seven of those fits; from that time he began to decline apace: when this his last sickness begun, he ordered his kindsman in the house to write letters to Mr. Case, (his brother in law) Mr. Tuckney, his brother Bezaleel, and o­thers, to acquaint them with his condition, hoping for and desiring their prayers: he expected his own Sons coming dayly out of Lincolnshire, but he came not while he was living: he ordered his Son-in law to be sent for, a messenger was dispatched to him, but tho he hasted away towards him, yet he came not till this holy Man of God had breathed his last; a few hours before, on the same day, his approaching dissoluti­on came on apace, yet had he the free exer­cise of his understanding to the last; and as he had been a man of prayer all his days, so he died praying; that morning he died [Page 76]he prayed sensibly; the last words which were intelligible, were his request for the King, and Council; but the particular words they that were about him could not understand.

The last day of the week, His death. Sept. 3. 1677, was the last day of that worthy mans life, he dyed about eleven a Clock that day; and entered into his rest near the Sabbath, a day of rest; from thenceforth to rest from all his weary labours, and to keep an Eternal sabbath with his dearest Lord; and and it was his own observation, that God oft takes home his Ministers and people upon or near his holy day, to perfect their graces, and give them rest on that day of Rest.

Thus fell that bright star, thus set that shining Sun in the firmament of the Church, or rather hid from our eyes, to shine more gloriously in the upper Region; the wise, [i.e. wise Virgins, members of Christs mystical body] or [as the word is] Dan. 12.3. Teachers of others, shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever. Thus this Pillar is taken down that bore up an incredible weight, not discerned so well then, as felt dayly by sad experience since his removal from under [Page 77] [...]he fabrick: thus is this plant of renown [...]ransplanted into a better soyl: this ancient [...]ree of Gods own plainting, that had shel­tered many with its shadowing shroud, and [...]ed many with its grateful fruit, is at last fallen by the stroak of death, yet bears both ripe and plentiful fruit in the heavenly pa­radice above: he that uttered words of life to others, is dead: he that by the grace of God quickened others, is himself struck dead: dead, said I, no he is but asleep, the sting of death was gone, the fear of death was vanished: he lived an holy life: he died an happy death: he lived desired, and died lamented, he lived to a good old age: himself would sometimes say, that he had lived two years beyond the age of a man, for he died in the 72 year of his age, in the same month wherein he was born: he died in his own house, the house belonging to the Chappel, to which he had been a great be­nefactor: he died amongst his own People, over whom he had been pastor 45 years, with whom he had been travelling, weep­ing, fasting, praying; among whom he hath left remarkable seals of his Mini­stry: some indeed are gone to heaven be­fore him, and some in other places had benefit by his Ministry, tho but occasional­ly; one instance I had from a very eminent divine in or near the City of London, that he being a young Scholar newly come from [Page 78] Oxford, and being occasionally at Mr. Case [...] house, when Mr. Angier was there, Mr. Angier went to prayer, but God so reached and warmed the young Ministers heart by that prayer, that he hath cause to remember it while he hath a day to live, and hopes he shall never forget it; yea it had influence upon others related, who from that time proved as useful and succesful instruments of Gods glory, and the good of Souls, as any I have heard of in those latter times.

The whole Nation and Church of God seem much clouded by the obscuring of this bright star, but especially that congregati­on of Denton is sadly eclipsed, their valley of vision is at least turned into a valley of Di­vision; oh that it may not also prove a valley of treading down, and desolation: Ah, what lamentation was there at his funeral! amongst the rest an ancient Christian came from the grave into the house where the Ministers were sate after the funeral, with a trembling body, weeping eyes, and with a doleful voice of sad complaints, saying, Ah sirs, what must we do! what must we do! our loving pastor is gone, our loving pastor is gone: And now that good man is gone after, and many others, so John 4.36. he that sowed, and they that reaped, are rejoy­cing together: but the sad countenances [Page 79]and weeping eyes of that day, with that affecting passage of that good old mans be­moaning, cannot be easily forgotten by the Writer hereof.

That Lords day when Mr. Angiers Corps lay in his house, two Ministers preach­ed in his Chappel, two funeral Sermons, the one seeming to be a funeral Sermon to the people, the other for their Mini­ster.

That which concerned the people car­ried an ominous presage of the death of their Gospel priviledges, and Sunsetting of their glorious day, sadly predicted from Gen. 6.3. My spirit shall not always strive with man: and oh what a dreadful verifi­cation of that text hath providence made there; that being the last Sabbath that excluded Minister injoyed the liberty of ordinances in that place. The other Mini­ster discoursed sweetly and suitably on John 17.4. I have glorified thee on earth, I have finished the work thou gavest me to do.

That Sermon was a lively comment on that good mans holy life, and a fair Copy let before this surviving people; the perfect precepts in the Scriptures, and lively pat­tern set before them for their imitation, [Page 56]makes it apparent that Gospel rules an [...] practicable, may be transcribed by some and will be a sad testimony against others and tho Mr. Angiers mouth be now stop with dust, and his voice shall no more be heard in his pulpit, yet oh that Almighty God that lives for ever would awake carna [...] sinners by this astonishing blow and breach and propagate religion in that place, and by that blessed spirit transfuse the Doctrine, principles, and practice of that good man into all his hearers, for they shall one day know there hath been a prophet among them.

The next day, being Sept. 5. 1677. the Funeral solemnities were mournfully ob­served, on which occasion multitudes of persons, Gentlemen, Ministers, relati­ons, and Christian friends, besides his hearers and sad neighbours, attended these dismal and sorrowful obsequies with sad hearts and dejected countenances, lament­ing not only the loss of such a worthy Pastor and Friend, but their own Spi­rits did suggest great grounds of pre­saging fears concerning the attending con­sequences of that heavy blow: his Corps were decently interred in Denton-Chappel in the Alley before the pulpit, by his last dear Wife, laid in the same place.

Mr. Angier had requested Mr. Ro­bert Eaton, (a learned pious Minister, who had married his kinswoman) to preach the Funeral Sermon, and had given him that Text to insist upon, in Act. 20.32. And now brethren I com­mend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctifyed: it was an excel­ent, seasonable and pathetical discourse, and well worthy to be annexed to this present relation, if the worthy Author [...]ad judged it fit: however the solem­nities of that day will not easily be forgot­ [...]en.

Thus the best must die, Zech. 1 5. [...]our Fathers where are they? and the Pro­phets, do they live for ever? the holi­ [...]st men cannot plead for an exemption, or expect Enochs priviledg of a Translation: only to the godly deaths sting is pluckt [...]ut, this swelling Jordan is driven back, the passage is rendred easy and safe to the heavenly Pilgrim: God brought this [...]aithful watchman, through his long and boysterous sea, to a safe harbour in a [...]asonable time, and if we imbark in the [...]ame ship of the Church and have our Lord Jesus with us as our faithful and skilful pi­ [...]t, though in storms and tempests he be (as [Page 82]it were) asleep, yet believing prayer will awake him, and he will rebuke [...] Winds and Sea, and there shall be calme, and the Ship shall present­ly be at land, and the passengers shall b [...] [...]afe.

I have now dispatched the History [...] Mr. Angiers life, as far as matters o [...] cur to our present observation, a [...] have drawn it thus far on till this Thre [...] of his life be cut off, and lets hi [...] drop into the Grave, and so cuts o [...] the line of our Historical account [...] him.