THE EXEMPLARY LIFE and DEATH OF That most accomplished and now Triumphant servant of Jesus Christ, Mr SAMƲEL CROOK.
He was born at Great Waldingfield, in Suffolk. Jan. 17. 1574. HE was a Prophet, and the Son of a Prophet, even of that famous Luminary, Mr Thomas Crook, Doctor in Divinity, a learned and laborious Divine, sometime Preacher to the Honourable Society of Greys-Inne; a Gentleman, well descended, of an ancient Family.
His Education. His Education was in Merchant-Taylors School, thence he was sent to the University [Page 2]of Cambridge, where he was, first Scholar, and after, chosen Fellow of Pembroke Hall by the unanimous suffrage of all, save the Master; upon whose refusall, he was soon after elected and admitted one of the first foundation of Fellows in Emmanuel College, where unto this day, his name is pretious, being preserved in their Library among their choycest Ornaments of that House, in the Catalogue of their first Fellows, thus; ‘Mr Samuel Crook Bachelour in Divinity.’
His Parts, Industry, and Proficiency. From his youth he was highly esteemed in the University for his candid behaviour in a comely person, for his pregnant parts, ready wit, great industry, and answerable proficiency in all kinds of polite literature which renders a man [Page 3]more expedite and exquisite for any noble employment, and is more especially preparatory and introductory to sacred Divinity. The fame whereof first advanced him to be Rhetorick Reader, and after Philosophy Reader in the publick Schools, both which he performed with generall applause.
Among other his Juvenilia, he translated Virgils Eclog. the first & 2d Books of his Aeneid. Juvenals first Satyre, and most of the memorable speeches in Virgil and other Poets. All, arguments of his ingenious capacity & ingenuous sufficiency.
And, to shew that his heart, even in youth, was drawn toward the pole of heaven (from whence his wit was sanctified) he translated divers Psalms of David, and composed severall [Page 4]sacred Hymnes of his own. Some of them he sung with tears of joy and desire, in his last sicknesse; having a sweet voice and good skill in Musick. His diligent observing the best Guides.
Moreover, in his younger years he was an assiduous hearer, and a great admirer of that admirable Master Perkins, and a reverent observer of all the Worthies of that time, famous in their generations; carefully and safely laying up in a faithfull treasury what he heard from them. An evident presage of his future abilities to become a skilfull Builder in the house of God; and a good help to win many souls unto Christ.
His skill in, and improvement of tongues. He was accurate in the Greek, and well skilled in the Hebrew and Arabick Tongues, which he sparingly used upon necessary occasions, not for [Page 5]ostentation to amaze such hearers as seem to be most pleased with what they least understand; but for the more cleer and full understanding and genuine interpretation of the holy Scriptures in their divine Originals, whose full sense and native elegancies, proper to each Language cannot be always expressed to the life, without recourse to the fountains.August. de Vera relig. ca. 50. Habet enim omnis Lingua sua quaedam propria genera locutionum, quae cum in aliam linguam transferuntur, videntur absurda.
He very well understood, and spake the Italian, French and Spanish Tongues, and had read very many grave and witty Authors in each of them, whereof his excellent wit made admirable use, even in Divinity (which now many illiterate ones most audaciously and presumptuously [Page 6]defile with unhallowed hearts and unwashed hands; he being able by an holy Alchimy (as was said of Virgil, Aurum de stercore,) to make every thing serve to the power of perswasion, that Suadae medulla, wherein he excelled.
His knowledge in History, Politicks and Physick. He likewise lustrated much History, Politicks and Physick, of all which he ever made good improvements in amplifications, illustrations, and insinuations of more divine subjects. Every thing furnished him with more moving expressions of his sweet notions in prayer and preaching, which made him to burn as well as shine, with greater light and lustre.
His entrance into the Ministery. While he was yet Fellow of Emmanuel College, in a due compliance with the pious Statutes [Page 7]of that House, he entred into the Office of the Ministery, Sept. 24. 1601. which he took not upon him as a shelter to save a Fellowship, but to gain soules to God: To which purpose he immediately betook himself to that Evangelicall work of Preaching, at Caxton for the most part, not farre from Cambridge, and in some other places thereabout, where (beside the prosecution of other studies, and performance of sundry exercises in the College) he had preached 28 Sermons within the space of eleven Moneths. A rare thing, then, in Fellows of Houses, who were more commonly hinderers, then furtherers of so good a work, if undertaken by younger men.
His thankfulnesse. After he was transplanted from that Nursery, and setled [Page 8]in a Pastorall imployment, many miles distant from that University, to shew his thankfull acknowledgement of the honorary supports of his breeding, received from those famous Seminaries, he gave to Pembroke-Hall Library, Great Basils works, Graeco-Lat. 2 vol. in fol. with these verses, which (tanquam ex ungue Leonem) discover a specimen of his happy strayn and genius of purer Poetry, as well as thankfulnesse.
And, to Emmanuel College Library, he gave all the Councels Graeco-Lat. Edit, Bin. Fol. five [Page 9]volumes, with these Verses.
And to the University Library he gave all Greg. Naz. and Greg. Niss. works, Graeco-Lat. fol. 4 Vol. with these Verses.
His calling to Wrington. Having thus traced his ways and procedure in the University, I shall now follow him into the Country. In Sept. 1602. he was by the cleer providence of God (without concurrence of the plottings or contrivances of cunning or infinuating friends) fairly and freely called to a Pastorall charge of a great Flock at Wrington, a market Town in the County of Sommerset, being presented thereunto by that Honourable and famous Knight, Sir Arthur Capel of Little Hadham in Herdford shire, Great Grandfather to the Lord Capel now living.
His setling there. There did he, (in obedience to this Call) forhwith settle himself, and immediately set upon the work for which he was sent, to instruct and turn [Page 11]unto righteousnesse that great people, who had never before tasted the blessing of a preaching Minister or ministery among them (which therefore required the greater skill and industry of the spirituall Husbandman to manure and manage such an uncultured plot.) So that he was to them (if not to the whole Country adjacent) the first that by preaching of the Gospel, brought religion into notice and credit, and discovered the heavenly Canaan before, to most of them, a Terra incognita, and thereby left them much richer both in spirituals and temporals: in so much that he might at length, in a proportion, say of that place as once Augustus of Rome; Lateritiam reperi, marmoream reliqui.
His Moderation. Having thus pitched & fixed [Page 12]his Pastorall staffe, as he never sought higher, or other earthly preferments, (though his capacity and credit to attain greater things were well known to be great) so he never accepted of any additions, or accessions of maintenance or honour, although honourably proffered by Persons able to advance him.
The course of his Ministery. Touching the course of his Ministery and carriage; his proceedings were correspondent to his beginnings; yea, his workes most and best at last. For, as he preached, so he practised: His whole life being but one continued Commentary upon his Doctrine, and an exemplary Sermon, consisting of living words, or of words translated into works, as I shall further shew in due place.
Few men ever came into a [Page 13]place with greater expectation, which yet he not only satisfied, but exceeded. Few men could draw after them that affection and admiration, which yet were deservedly increased rather then diminished, even to his last, among all that had learned Christ in humility and truth.
His behaviour to the seduced. And as for those few silly seduced ones that being carryed away by a Spirit of giddinesse through the secret and subtile insinuations and whisperings of false Teachers in corners (who with as much ignorance as confidence, lowbell the simple by portentous words and phrases abhorrent from christian religion, sobriety & truth, and which wise men lament, while fools, ignorant of the depths and methods of Satan, applaud and admire) towards his last, endeavoured in their vertiginous [Page 14]fits, to eclipse his splendor; yet his pious and affectionate Essays to reclaim them with the spirit of meeknesse, and his fervent prayers, and yearning bowels for their reducing, turned all their revilings to his greater lustre and glory among all that were able to discern of things that differ, and willing to approve the things that are excellent.
His Marriage. Not long after his first setling in his charge, he happily married a wife of his own Tribe, & heart, the eldest daughter of that Reverend M. Walsh, a holy Minister in Suffolke, a great and rare Light in his time, and famous for his ministeriall labours; his fervent zeal, and abundant charity. She was a very prudent and gratious woman, a most loyall, loving and tender wife, zealous and active [Page 15]for his incouragement, credit & comfort in all things, especially in his ministery, to which she constantly and cordially bore so much respect and reverence as did much quicken and inlarge him in the work of the Lord, and was continually studious and carefull to ease and free him of all emergent avocations and businesses of ordinary concernment, that he might more freely follow (what his soul most delighted in) his diviner imployments, and himself and friends, in his necessary relaxations. In a word her behaviour was, and still is, such as becometh holiness, a teacher of good things to the younger women, and to her family a worthy pattern, and a great promoter of godlinesse in all that conversed with her, and to her husband, a meet helper [Page 16]indeed, all the days of their conjugall relation. Children he left none, beside those spiritually begotten unto Christ by the Gospel.
His printed works. The issues of his brain and heart made publick were onely these: first, that exquisite and accurate Guide to true blessedness, (so often re-printed, and so highly esteemed by all that read it through with understanding and care.) Then, (at severall times) he gave way to the printing of four occasional and select Sermons, viz. The Waking Sleeper, The Ministeriall husbandry, The discovery of the Heart, and Death subdued.
His Characters never finished That wherein he had taken most pains, (which yet never saw the light) was an excellent Treatise, wherein his main design, in very apposite, and acutely distinguishing Characters, [Page 17]was, to lay open not those more apparent and obvious contrarieties of virtues in holy, and vices in wicked men, evident to ordinary capacities upon the first aspect; but the more hidden and lesse discerned differences between the plausiblyseeming virtues of evil men, and the reall graces of the truly godly; as likewise between the raigning sins of hypocrites, and the dayly infirmities of the Saints, which many times, even by quick-sighted spectators, are both mistaken.
His course held therein. In prosecution whereof, he, first, brings forth the hypocrite in his best dresse and attire, and then sets by him aregenerate man living up to his Rule; adding the differences between them, thereby to unmask the hypocrite, and to detect his incroachments upon [Page 18]the name and privileges of the Saints. Secondly, he setteth out a true child of God, labouring under infirmities, and an hypocrite under the power of sin, (which cannot consist with saving grace) notwithstanding all his flourishes, that so, he may clearly distinguish a Christian in black, from a counterfeit in white; and, between the bewailed weaknesses of the Saints, and the wilfull wanderings of the wicked.
Causes of not publishing it. A work no lesse needfull to all, then gratefull to the soulsound self-searching Christian, that labours after sincerity, and the assurance of it. But the iniquity of the times, full of hypocrisie and Atheism, hating and hindring such discoveries, and by all means discouraging those that would make them, (together with the Authors [Page 19]constant imployment, even unto the impairing of his strength and spirits in feeding his Flock) disabled him from finishing, and disappointed the Church from enjoying the benefit of that admirable piece.
For, the Eagle eyed Author quickly discerning what obstructions way-laid the publication, not onely of that Treatise, but of what ever else tended to the power of godlinesse (whereunto his sanctified Genius chiefly led him) he not without deep grief, and losse to us all, laid it, and all thoughts of publishing that, or ought else aside, and applyed himself wholly to that most Apostolicall work of preaching and prayer; leaving onely some draughts (imperfect for the Presse) of those rare conceptions of his excellent spirit, [Page 20]wherein he so far transcended, that it is very hard (if not impossible) to draw a line parallel to his. And should any undertake it, he is not likely to receive other guerdon, then they who have assayed to piece up Virgils verses which himself left unfinished.
Sundry oother things prepared by him. I mention not here (more then the names) sundry other issues of his fertile and excellent wit and curious invention, never published, viz. divers choyce and sacred Aphorisms, Anatomica, Nosognostica, Pathologica, Therapeutica, Physiologica; Prophylactica; as also, divers divine Emblems & similitudes; all eminent demonstrations of his exquisite abilities, & profitable improvements of them.
And, shall God vouchsafe to restore peace to his afflicted Churches, and thereby more [Page 21]comfort and incouragement to her mourners, some things of his (although orba parente suo) may, perhaps be sent abroad to quiet, if not satisfie those who loved the Author and what ever was his, and knew both his labours and intentions therein.
His frequent and elaborate preaching. His great delight and indefatigable pains in preaching, so many years was almost beyond all example. He constantly preached (if in health) thrice a week besides his extraordinary labours on many emergent occasions, which he cheerfully embraced as joying in all opportunities of doing good abroad as well as at home.
In all his Sermons, (which were many thousands) his expressions were choice, grave, solid, weighty, savory, and seasonable; his applications home, and pertinent, strongly set on [Page 22]from divine authority by a sweet and moving elocution, a masculine eloquence, fervent zeal, and strength of love to the souls of his hearers.
His excellent method, sutable to the subject. He very well knew how to set forth, [...], abstruse points plainly, and how to manage [...], plain truths elegantly; not in the words of mans wisdome, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth: always speaking in Christ, as of God, in the sight of God.
He was not like one that makes a feast, once a moneth, or quarter, letting his family beg, or starve in the intervalls; nor like him that visits the Pulpit twice every Sabbath, yet brings no new matter with him scarse once a moneth, but still setting on the same dishes with a little new garnish, even unto nauseousnesse. But he, as [Page 23]he was rich in laying in, so was he plentifull and wise in laying out, like a ready Scribe instructed to the Kingdome of God, or, a good housholder, bringing forth of his Treasury things both new and old.
And albeit, he could by his quick invention, profound judgement, and faithfull memory, (things rarely meeting in the same man) dextrously dispatch that with little labor, which costs other men much; yet he seriously professed with rejoycing, that he never durst to serve God with that which cost him nothing; knowing that diligence addes weight and respect both to the matter and speaker, whereby his words became goads, and nayls fastened by that great Master of the Assembly, which are given from one shepheard.
His Motto. His Motto was, Impendam, & Expendar (I will spend and be spent) which he cheerfully verified; For, he counted not his life dear, in comparison of preaching the Gospel, and of finishing his course with joy, and the Ministery he had received from the Lord Jesus, to testifie the Gospel of the grace of God. Being told by his Physitian (desirous to preserve him) that he might live longer, if he preached lesse; Alas! said he, If I may not labour, I cannot live, what good will life do me, if I be hindred from the end of living?
His perseverance in his work. When age and weaknesse denyed him strength to travell abroad, any more to perfume other Congregations with the sweet odours of his pretious ointment, and when, for his [Page 25]years and infirmities he might well (as an emeritus miles) sue out even in the Court of Heaven it self) his Writ of Ease, and passe the rest of his days in rejoycing over his Trophees and Triumphes; yet would he never give over studying and preaching, till all strength of body gave over him. Yea, he often preached (even when his legs almost refused to carry him any more to the Church) with much spirit, and unexpected vivacity, as a mighty man refreshed with the wine of the Spirit of God. And being, some years before his departure, sensible of the dayly approaches of death (which he long expected) to his spent and decayed body ready to be deserted of his divine soul, he hath severall times preached his own Funerall Sermon (as [Page 26]supposing he should preach no more) not without the sorrow and tears of his loving and beloved hearers.
And when after such preaching, and rejoycing in it, he invited (as his constant manner was) such Ministers and friends as came to hear him, to his Table; he would force himself to sit with them (although for the most part, silently, by reason of the expence of his spirits) and much rejoyce that he had once more imployed his Masters talent, and enjoyed the pretious society of Saints, in whom was all his delight.
To his friends at such times rejoycing with him, and blessing God for him, he would often say, I am nothing but a voyce, as troubled at the growing decays of nature more and [Page 27]more disabling him from serving his still active soul, unlesse with an enfeebled tongue no longer able to speak out, and so often, as he would have it.
What he shunned in his Ministery. In his Ministery he never flew at vain glory, nor of men sought he praise, disdaining to stoop at the lure of popular applause: Therefore he ever shunned those more gay and lighter flourishes of a luxuriant wit, (which, like glorious weeds good for shew at a distance, stink neerer hand) wherewith the emptyest Cells affect to be most fraught, as they who for want of wares in their shops, set up painted blocks, to fill up vacant shelves. He fed not his flock with airy dews of effeminate Rhetorick (which a masculine Orator would shake off from his lips and pen, as [Page 28] Paul the Viper from his hand) nor yet with the jerkes and quibbles of a light spirit, which he ever abhorred as the excrementitious superfluities of frothy braines, and unhallowed hearts, but he ever led them out into the green pastures of solid and favoury Truths; as their necessities and capacities did require. He had, (& administred) [...], rational, unadulterated milk for babes in Christ, [...], & strong meat for men.
What foundation he laid, and what points he handled. He was a wise Master builder, who intending to raise a beautifull and stately Fabrick, laid a solid foundation sufficient to bear and strengthen all his superstructures. Therefore he began his Ministery with a nervous and perspicuous handling of such Texts as might discover [Page 29]to his people the divine authority, sufficiency, purity and energy of the holy Scriptures, the Decalogue, Articles of Faith, Lords Prayer, Sacraments, God in Trinity, His Decrees, Creation, Providence, the Fall, Sinne, Christ, the New Covenant, the Mediator, the Gospel, Faith, Calling, Regeneration, Justification, Adoption, Sanctification, Glorification, the Church, the last judgement, the Christian Warfare, and such like: all which, in tract of time, he opened and applyed, sometimes more largely, sometimes more succinctly, but always profitably and sweetly; as a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, but rightly dividing the word of truth in a practicall way.
His Guide, and lesser Catechism extracted out of them. Out of all which, in his more mature years, greatest strength [Page 30]of parts, and depth of judgement, he, (after many serious reviews) compiled that excellently compacted Systeme of Divinity in a Catecheticall way, which he deservedly intituled, The Guide to true Blessednesse, mentioned before. And out of it, he again extracted that Lesser Catechism which he often used, with very profitable and delightfull explanations, both in his Church and Family: a most profitable course of teaching and learning the true knowledge of Christ.
Entire Scriptures handled by him. He went also through many intire Scriptures (which is both a good trying, and great improving of a Divine) and the more obscure any place was, the greater his diligence, with happy successe, to bring light unto it. Difficulties which are Lions in the way of the sluggard, [Page 31]became spurres to his industry.
He handled all the 1.2.4.6.10.14.19.22.45.50.122.127. Psalmes, the twelve first chapters of Isaiah, Lam. 3. Hab. 3. the Prophesie of Malachi, Mat. 5.6.7. All the examples both of good and bad men in the Scriptures, for imitation of those, detestation of these: all the Miracles and Parables of Christ, all Johns Gospel, (an admirable Commentary) Rom. 12. Ephes. 2. Col. 2. and 3. 2 Thess. 2. Heb. 11. Rev. 2 & 3. chapters, with many more, befides very many Texts De tempore, on every occasion, being exceeding happy in the choyce and prosecution of them.
His humility. Whensoever his preaching day happened upon Jan. 17. (which was his birth-day) he still noted his years complete, [Page 32]with this penitential Epiphonema, [...] (God be mercifull to me a sinner) a memorable evidence of his pious sense of his own unworthinesse in the sight of God, how much soever cryed up, and esteemed by men. No excellency of naturall abilities, no eminency of spirituall endowments, no acceptation of his labours, ever puffed him up, but he still walked in all lowlinesse and humility towards all, in his greatest exaltations in the hearts of men.
His Catechising. Much might be said of his long continued course of Catechising, (that most profitable and speedy way of implanting knowledge) by which he hath set up so great and clear a light in his Congregation, as will not onely discover the excellency of the workman, and [Page 33]guide their feet in the ways of truth and holinesse who have been illightned thereby; but, much facilitate the further dolation and polishing of those living stones by succeeding builders.
His prayers. His divine spirit of prayer see med to excell all other his excellencies: I appeal to the hearts of all that heard him in publick or private, and ever knew what a prayer of faith, elevated to the highest by the holy Ghost, meaneth, whether they ever found any to excell him; or many to come neer him. O! those penitent unbowelling confessions, earnest deprecations, petitions, panting longings and sighings after God and his grace, those mighty Arguments whereby he set all home, feeling thanksgivings, and divine raptures, [Page 34]carrying up his soul to heaven in the sacred flames of his own sacrifices; sweetly perfumed with the incense of Him, who presenteth all the prayers of his Saints on the Altar of Grace?
Conceived prayer. He first brought conceived Prayer into use in those parts, wherein he was so happy, so free from impertinent expressions, & vain repetitions, so rich in piercing supplications, patheticall thanksgivings, and gratious wrestlings with the Almighty; so dextrous to apply himself to preferre all suits, and to fit every occasion (like an exquisite Archer, able to shoot at an hayrs breadth) and so prompt and full in expressing the very hearts of those that indeed joyned with him, in whatsoever they desired for themselves or others, as if by a [Page 35]kind of transmigration, their soules had entred into his, and spake the very bottome of their hearts by his tongue, wch their own could not utter.
And this was such an opening and warming of his hearers hearts before his Sermons, and such a sweet closing up of all after his preaching, as added much to the power and profit of all his labours, and was to him a transcendent advantage in his whole Ministery. And verily, his pattern took so well with all godly Ministers that heard him, that they accounted it their great happines and honour to imitate him (with whom very few could keep pace) in that most important part of a Ministers office, whereby they might be more able to powr out their soules, and the souls of their people, [Page 36]into the very bosome of the Almighty.
The time of his continuance in his charge. In this Orbe of his publick Ministery, this fixed starre shined brightly (without the least eclipse, or retrograde motion) somewhat above forty seven years. A long time for such a lamp to burn, as he did; but a fair opportunity of bringing many straggling sheep into Christs fold, and worthy only of such a shepheard. Once indeed the last Bp of that Diocess gave a stop to his Tuesday Lecture, but God set it on going again, and cast him that did it out of his place, while this painfull labourer went on with his work: Sed manus de tabula. I intended onely a short abstract, not a volume of his life, I forbear therefore to speak more of his publick Ministery, and resolve to close up all with [Page 37]a few observations of his private carriage.
His exemplary conversation abroad. His whole life was exemplary. Take him as a Christian, raised by his ministeriall function to a Beacon height, his smell was very fragrant. He not onely kept himself pure and unspotted of the world, but his light so shined, that both good men glorified God by seeing his good works, and wicked and foolish men had their mouths stopped by his good conversation in Christ, and were even enforced to give testimony to it, maugre their malice against his holinesse and worth.
In his Family. In his family, towards the wife of his bosome, he walked as a man of knowledge, wisdom, and great tendernesse of love; towards the rest, as David, Ps. 101. and as a Bishop of Pauls [Page 38]description, 1 Tim. 3. and Tit. 1. And towards all, as a worthy pattern of love, zeal, humility, meeknesse, temperance, patience, gravity, and of every good work.
His diligence in study. What his constancy and diligence was in his study, the fruits of the great and long travell of his mind, his Workes, (which praise him in all the gates of Sion) do speak to all the world beyond all my pen can reach. I must say no more of this, because when I have said all I can, I cannot say so much as his own industry speaks.
His Discourses. In his more vacant houres, he was farre from being idle, or unprofitable: such as had the happinesse (which was never denyed to any) to partake of his private discourses never returned empty from his full [Page 39]Magazin, if they brought vessels capable of the overflowings of his rich mind and heart. How many excellent lights in the Church have lighted their torches at his celestiall fire! How many young Scholars have been marvellously improved by his prudent and pious directions, and incouragements in their studies, and are now become excellent instruments in the Churches of Christ!
If after his preaching he found no mention of his Sermon, by which he might probably collect some benefit had been reaped from it, he would be much dejected, as if the fault had been in his preaching, (even when he had most excelled) rather then in his hearers; and would say, that if he had preached better, they would [Page 40]have profited more.
His readiness to administer to all in spirituals. If any Christians came to him for resolution in Cases of Conscience, for counsell in straits, for comfort in spirituall desertions, for healing of a wounded spirit; as God had given him an excellent spirit of discerning, to judge of their condition, and of the most seasonable applicatives; and an exquisite dexterity to speak a word in season to the weary soul; so, he never was shy, coy, or difficult to be spoken with, nor supercilious to any to whom he gave accesse, but shewed forth all tendernesse, pity, and compassion, heard them fully and patiently, and wisely administred to their severall distresses, and ever sent them away (as Titus Vespasian, his suitors) not onely not grieved, but very well satisfied, [Page 41]and abundantly comforted.
His bounty and charity. He was bountifull to his kinred that needed, and then most when their necessities swelled highest. He was very charitable and liberall to the poor members of Jesus Christ; and albeit his charity shined most towards those of his own flock, yet was it not shut up from strangers, but very large to them also, as he found occasion. Yea, when he went abroad to bestow a free Gospel on other Congregations adjacent, such poor as he found to be hearers (unlesse they were known to him to take up hearing as a cloak to cover their idlenesse and neglect of their callings) never went home empty handed, but he always warmed them with his bounty, as well as instructed them with his doctrine.
His Hospitality. How much he was given to hospitality, Gentlemen, Ministers, Neighbours, Strangers and the poor must needs give in such an ample testimony, as will hardly be credited by such as knew him not, and are strangers to a bountifull heart. He spared from himself to administer unto others; minding more the wooing of many to receive benefit by his Ministery (some of which might perhaps at first follow him for the loaves) then to lay up largely for such as he should leave behind him; and chusing rather to be at continual charge to incourage men by his bounty, then to suffer them to be unprovided, when they came to partake of his ministery.
His improvement by conversing. If he conversed with Ministers, his humility usually put him into the place of a learner: [Page 43]but, in learning he taught, and in teaching, he learned. He was so good a Chymick, that he seldome parted with such company, till he had gotten somewhat by them: yet were they sure to be the greatest gainers: and then did he account it the best bargain when others got most by him.
His hearing of others. His continuall preaching seldome allowed him the much desired benefit of hearing others; when he could have opportunity, he greedily layd hold on it; and then would this Bee gather hony from every flower, make good use of the meanest gifts, and improve his own rich talent by dipping it into theirs. Nor was he ever heard to slight or disparage any the labours of the least of his brethren, that sincerely endeavoured to bring in soules [Page 44]unto Christ: but still he incouraged them; and, as he found cause informed, and directed them, in a wise and taking way, to their great improvement.
His mirth. In his mirth (to which he sometimes unbended himself to refocillate his weryed mind, that with renewed strength he might return to his more serious and severer studies) he strictly observed the bounds of honesty, civility, modesty, and the gravity of his place; well weighing, that the least dead flie in the Apothecaries choycest ointment, causeth it to send forth an unpleasing savour.
The Table was usually the place of his greatest liberty in this kind, yet even there he would still interlace his mirth with some droppings of a more serious wit, which might instruct as well as exhilarate; [Page 35]and contain all within the limits of sobriety, without biting Sarcasms, or unseeming scurrility. And usually, hee closed all with the reading of some Scripture, and giving some short profitable strictures thereupon, which might administer grace to the hearers, and leave a sweet relish and savour upon their spirits & whole converse.
His Character. To give you a full character of his whole deportment in few words; He was a good and a faithfull steward in his Masters house, always abounding in the work of the Lord, a Pillar in the house of his God: never weary of his Lords work, but best pleased when he had done most service. His conversation was immaculate, his behaviour uniforme, and universally pious. He was grave without austerity, pleasant [Page 36]without levity, courteous without dissembling, free in discourse where he might profit, yet reserved where he saw cause. He was seldome the first speaker, although best able to speak. He loved usefull discourse, but abhorred froth and babling: he was witty without vanity, facetious without girding or grieving of others. He knew his place, yet not insolent; resolute, but not wilfull; maintained his authority, but not haughty; a great master of his own passions and affections, and thereby abundantly furnished with the more abilities and embellishments that most attract and maintain the dearest love, the deepest reverence, and highest respect; a great admirer of learning, and piety in others, though farte below [Page 37]himself in both. His affections were above, though he were below, he conversed more with heaven then with earth while he remained in it, and is now a Crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royall Diadem in the hand of his God, as being an ornament unto heaven it self.
His age and zeal for the Churches. He lived in the world 75 years (within one moneth) in which long race he saw many sad changes, and sore stormes beating hard upon the Church tossed with tempests, and not yet at Anchor. But never was David more distressed for his dearest Jonathan, than this man of bowels for the calamities of the dear spouse of Christ. He was most incessantly inquisitive after her estate in all countreys, a sad lamentor of all her afflictions, a daily Orator and [Page 38]mighty Advocate for her at the throne of Grace, and never enjoyed himself but when he descryed her under saile towards some creek or haven of comfort and rest; being much in prayer and fasting for her full reformation and perfect deliverance.
His hopes of the King of Sweden. Some good hopes whereof he conceived in the prosperous atchievements of the great Gustavus, last King of Sweden (Semper augustus.) But when he, by the sad and unsearchable providence of the only wise God) suddenly and untimely fell, in the full carreir of his victories, and of the Churches hopes, and that the Christian world was (in his fall) hurled from the height of so great expectation, he continually mourned over the unhappy setting of that glorious northern [Page 39]Starre, as a sad presage of all the inundations of miseries since befallen, (and still rising higher and higher upon) the Churches of Christ: the quick and deep sense whereof lay close unto his heart to his dying day.
His sufferings and dangers. Nor was he without his Manes, in our common troubles. He was affronted by dangerous ruffians and bloudy minded fouldiers tyrannizing over him in his own house; not permitting him quietly to enjoy himself and his God, in his private study, to which he often retyred not only from their insolencies, but blasphemies. Even thither would they pursue him with drawn swords, vowing his instant death, for not complying with them in their bloudy ingagements. Yet it pleased that gracious God [Page 40]whom he had so faithfully served, to preserve him for further service, and to make that a chamber for his preservation, which they intended for his slaughter-house, & at length to bring him to his end in peace.
His death. When he had faithfully served his generation by the will of God, in the Gospel of his Son, above 47 years, he was (Dum licuit liquida coelum transcendere fama) gathered to his fathers in a good age full of days and honour, by an happy death (the certain result of an holy life) Decemb. 25. 1649. the day usually observed for celebrating the Nativity of his Great Lord and Master the Lord Jesus Christ.
His Funerall. The last testimony of the peoples great love to him must not be forgotten by any that [Page 41]desire to preserve his precious memory in their hearts with honour. This amply appeared by their great lamentation and mourning for him in his sicknesse, and at his death, and sad exequies. His funerals were extraordinarily celebrated not only by the voluntary conflux of the greatest number of people that ever crowded into the spacious fabrick of that Church, and by many hundreds moe there assembled about the doors and unable to get in; but by multitudes of Gentlemen and Ministers, all striving to out-mourn each other, standing about his hearse with tears, recounting his excellent labours, his fruitfull life, their great profiting by him (as sometimes the widowes about Peter, weeping and shewing the coates and garments [Page 42]which Dorcas made while she was with them) every one aggravating their griefes and losses in his gain, and striving who should honour him most in bearing his dead body to the bed of rest.
Testimony given him at his Funerall. The Testimony given him at his interment by him who performed that last office with many tears, and which he knowingly spake from his long and intimate acquaintance and conversing with him almost 40 years, take with you for a close in that Ministers own words out of the Pulpit.
Although funerall orations are commonly either the vain flourishes of mercenary tongues, or the weake supports of an emendicated fame; and since good mens works shall praise them in the gates, tis but to light a candle [Page 43]to the Sun: and, since bad mens works cannot be covered with so thin a daub; tis but to paint a rotten post: Yet some Testimony is due to such, as having obtained a more eminent place in Christs mysticall body the Church, have also been instruments of more then ordinary good to his members. Samuel dyed a Judge, a Prophet, a Great man, a good man in Israel; and all the Israelites were gathered together (to honour his obsequies) and lamented him and buried him 1 Sam. 25.1.
To say nothing then, of so rich a Cargazon, so full a magazin, so rare a subject of all commendable qualities and admirable endowments; were a frustrating of your eager expectations.
[Page 44]To say little, were a wrong to him that deserved so much; to say much, were both a derogation from his merits, that may challenge, and an imputation upon your judgements and affections that will acknowledge more due, then I can now deliver. Nevertheless, since the memorial of the just is a sweet perfume, give me leave to strew a few of his own flowers upon his herse, an I'le discharge your patience.
His holy life, and conscientious courses, his constant labours thrice a week in the Ministry of the Gospel (unless in times of sicknesse or necessitated restraint) for the space of forty seven years (wherein he could give an account of above seven thousand elaborate Sermons preached [Page 45]by him) are so well known not onely in this, or the neighbour Parishes, but thorough the whole County, and the Country round about that I need not mention them.
Few men ever ran so long a race without cessation or cespitation, so constantly, so unweariably, so unblameably.
All which time he was a burning, and a shining light, joyfully spending, and being spent for the good of Gods people. Many, many of whom he hath guided to heaven before him, who received the beginnings of spirituall life from his ministery; and many more shall walk in that light after him.
And from his splendent lampe, divers faithfull ministers (some Triumphant before [Page 46]him, some Militant after him) have lighted their candles. His Tuesday lecture being more profitable to teach usefull Divinity, then an Academy, whereby he did not only dolare lapides, sed artifices.
Two things (rarely met in one man) were both eminent in him. A quick invention, and a sound judgment, and these accompanied with a clear expression, and a gracefull elocution. To which integrity and humility being joyned, made him a transcendent Minister, and a compleat Christian.
In his sicknesse (full of biting paines, which he bore with great patience) it was his greatest griefe, that God had taken him off from his labour, which was his life and [Page 47]joy. His heavenly minde (like the heavenly bodies) counted his work no wearinesse. If he were weary in work, he was yet never weary of work. His spirit was still willing, when the flesh was weak. And he often used to say in his health, Si per hanc viam mors, sum immortalis; and in his weakness odi artus fragilemque hunc corpor is usum desertorem animi.
And when he saw no more ability for labours, he counted it superfluous to live; and cheerfully not only yeelded but patiently desired to die, in a satiety and fulness of life. Not as a meat loathed (as many times naturall men doe) but as a dish, though wel-liked, that he had fed his full of.
He had his intellectuals [Page 48]strong in a weak body; witnesse his last swanlike song in this place, the sweet doctrine of our Adoption in Jesus Christ, on Rom. 8.16. (so far he had gone in that chap. most cleerly and accurately delivered, and aptly distinguished from Justification and Sanctification, yet that day October 16. going to Church and sensitive of his own weaknesse, he said to a dear friend (who told him that he came to see and hear him) perhaps it may be my last; as to all our losse it was indeed.
And as if his motion in Gods work, had been naturall, he was more quick, more vigorous towards his Center, and like the Sunne shewed his greatest light, when he was nearest his setting.
[Page 49]His last ministeriall duty privately done in great weaknesse of body (unable to go to the Church) was the baptizing of two children; wherein he streamed such beams of Divinity; sounded such bowels of humanity, shewed such sweetnesse of affection to his charge, that I seriously wished his whole Congregation had heard him, in this departing farewell. And being told how well it was approved, he replyed with tears in great humility, Lord what am I? What am I?
To divers of his loving Neighbours visiting him, he often protested that doctrine which he had taught them was the Truth of God; as he should answer at the Tribunall of Christ, whereunto he [Page 50]was hasting, exhorting them to stand fast therein, as he most affectionately prayed for them; professing of them with joy, I have kind friends, kind neighbours, Lord reward them all, and grant they may find mercy with him in that day.
His desire was to give to his neighbours (if enough could have been had) his printed Catechism which (to my knowledge) hath had the approbation and commendation of the profoundest and acutest judgements in both Universities; and well it might, being a compleat body of orthodox Divinity, and to have this assertion of the Apostle Peter written before it—Exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand, [Page 51]—and to subscribe his name to it.
After he had in himself received the sentence of approaching death (which he chearfully did, when he saw no more likelihood of labour) he desired his friends not to pray for life, but pray God (said he) for faith, for patience, for repentance, for joy in the holy Ghost: and God heard him in that he desired, for he was a rare pattern of all these, as (among many) these gratious words of his may witnesse, Lord cast me down as low as hell in repentance, and lift me up by faith unto the highest heavens in confidence of thy salvation.
I wish our proud presumptuous impenitentiaries had heard him crying for repentance, and seen him weeping [Page 42]for grace. It might perhaps have melted their stout hearts.
As he was full of days, so was he full of grace, full of peace, full of assurance. The tuesday before he departed, This day sennight (saith he) is the day on which we have remembred Christs Nativity; and on which day I have preached Christ. I shall scarse live to see it; but, For Me was that child born, Unto me was that Son given, who is, Wonderfull, Counsellour, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace.
And no lesse full was he of true honour for his worth, and work sake, in the hearts of all that fear God. His memory shall be blessed; and his name a sweet perfume to posterity, when the names of [Page 53]his reproachfull scorners (the last brood of Beelzebub) shall rot and stink, and be an abhorring to all flesh.
He is now come to the end of his labour, and the begining of his rest. His work was with his God, and his reward shall be from God. Now he sees the blessed and blessing face of God; which is the glory of all sights, and the sight of all glory.
Thus set this bright occidentall starre; A starre of the first magnitude; One of the first, and I dare say (without envy of any that knew him, and knows himself) one of the most glorious Lights that ever shone in this Orbe, or ever is like to arise in this Horizon. O! how is such a publick losse to be lamented! of such a Champion of [Page 53]Christ! such an Atlas of truth! that set his shoulders to support the shaken pillars thereof in these days of abounding and abetted errors!
Well may this Parish mourn, well may this country, well may his friends, his family, well may we of the Ministery bewail it, saying, O my Father, my Father, the chariots of Israel, and the horsemen thereof! Ah my brother, my brother! I am distressed for thee, very pleasant hast thou been unto me: lovely and gratious in life, lovely & glorious in death.
I end in one word of Exhortation.
You that have heard the [Page 55]joyfull sound of this (now broken) silver Trumpet so long, remember that by the space of forty seven years he ceased not to warn every one with tears. Remember what he hath spoken while he lived; Remember what he yet speaks being dead. Hold fast the form of sound words which ye have heard of him. Hold fast the faithfull word which he hath taught you. Hold fast the profession of your faith without wavering. Take heed of wolves. Beware of doggs. Take heed of men: men of perverse minds; speaking perverse things, to draw Disciples after them. Although the Prophets die, yet Gods word spoken by them shall live for ever: and will doe good to them that walk uprightly; and shall take hold [Page 56]on them that obey it not.
So let us leave our Brother in the bed of Honour, till the joyfull morning of the Resurrection of the just, when hee among them that have, turned many to righteousnesse shall shine as the starres for ever and ever.
The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance.