Abraham's decease A meditation on Genesis 25.8. Delivered at the funeral of that worthy…Abrahams decease A meditation on Genesis 25.8. Deliuered at the funerall of that worthy…
Abraham's decease A meditation on Genesis 25.8. Delivered at the funeral of that worthy servant of Christ, Mr. Richard Stock, late pastor of All-Hallows Bread-street: together with the testimony then given unto him. By Thomas Gataker B. of D. and pastor of Rotherhith.Abrahams decease A meditation on Genesis 25.8. Deliuered at the funerall of that worthy seruant of Christ, Mr. Richard Stock, late pastor of All-Hallowes Bread-street: together with the testimonie then giuen vnto him. By Thomas Gataker B. of D. and pastor of Rotherhith.
Thomas Gataker 1574–1654London: printed by John Haviland for Fulke Clifton, 1627London: printed by Iohn Haviland for Fulke Clifton, 1627
[6], 62, [2] p. · 16k words · STC 11647 · ESTC S102880
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
This being apparent, good ground there is for this solemn Assembly, which the decease of our right worthy, and deservedly beloved, and much respected Christian Brother, M. RICHARD STOCK, a grave and reverend Father in this our Church, a faithful Minister and servant of Jesus Christ, and the vigilant Pastor of a neighbouring Congregation, for the performance of this last Christian office to the lremainders of him with us, hath occasioned at this present.
This being apparant, good ground there is for this solemne Assemblie, which the decease of our right worthy, and deseruedly beloued, and much respected Christian Brother, M. RICHARD STOCK, a graue and reuerend Father in this our Church, a faithfull Minister and seruant of Iesus Christ, and the vigilant Pastor of a neighbouring Congregation, for the performance of this last Christian office to the lremainders of him with vs, hath occasioned at this present.
l[Greek or Hebrew]. Resiquiae. Hinc I•l. Scaligeri epit•ph. Scaligeri quod reliquum esi.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Resiquiae. Hinc I•l. Scaligeri epit•ph. Scaligeri quod reliquum esi.
Concerning whom & his deportments, howsoever very much might justly be spoken, and be spoken justly by my self, not from others reports, but of mine own knowledge, having bin man eye witness of them, as having been familiarly and inwardly acquainted with him ever since the fourth year of his abode in the Schools of the Prophets, and shortly after the time of my first access thither; (for there was no more distance between our two standings) yet neither will the straits of time permit it, nor will it be very needful so to do; his life, and courses, and constant labour in the work of the Word, being so well known, not in this, or the neighbour places only, but through-out the whole City, wherein he constantly continued the work
of his Ministry by the space of well near thirty years. I will endeavour therefore to contract (what I well may) that which I shall speak of him, and hasten to those things that more nearly concern our selves.
Concerning whom & his deportments, howsoeuer very much might iustly be spoken, and be spoken iustly by my selfe, not frō others reports, but of mine own knowledge, hauing bin man eye witnesse of them, as hauing beene familiarly and inwardly acquainted with him ever since the fourth yeere of his abode in the Schooles of the Prophets, and shortly after the time of my first accesse thither; (for there was no more distance betweene our two standings) yet neither will the streights of time permit it, nor will it be very needfull so to doe; his life, and courses, and constant labour in the worke of the Word, being so well knowne, not in this, or the neighbour places onely, but thorow-out the whole City, wherein he constantly continued the worke ⟨p. 3⟩of his Ministery by the space of well neere thirty yeeres. I will endeuour therefore to contract (what I well may) that which I shall speake of him, and hasten to those things that more neerely concerne our selues.
mTest•s oculatus: qu[…] auritis d[…]m praefer Plaut. Trucul. 2. 6. quos sccundae notae testes appellat. Sen. quaest. n•t. l. 4. c. 3. Nam & serur[…] & sia•er•us visa solent, quam audita narrari, & in tertium nas transf•sa facilius coaces•unt. Goff•id. vit Be•n. l. 1. prae••t. contra quam Apuleius: cui Florid. 1. Pluris est. au[…]us t•s•is uni•, quam ocula• de•e.Test•s oculatus: qu〈…〉 auritis d〈…〉m praefer Plaut. Trucul. 2. 6. quos sccundae notae testes appellat. Sen. quaest. n•t. l. 4. c. 3. Nam & serur〈…〉 & sia•er•us visa solent, quam audita narrari, & in tertium nas transf•sa facilius coaces•unt. Goff•id. vit Be•n. l. 1. prae••t. contra quam Apuleius: cui Florid. 1. Pluris est. au〈…〉us t•s•is uni•, quam ocula• de•e.
And to begin with the times of my first notice of him. As in his first beginnings he was of eminent note in the College he lived in, both for his unweariable industry, and his singular proficiency in those studies of humanity, that are as nhandmaids to Divinity, and help to lay a good ground for any future profession; So his care was so oto entertwine piety and humanity the one with the other, that pas web and woof they ran on ever along together through the whole course of his studies. Nor was he careful only of this practise himself, but (according to that of the Apostle, qObserve one another, rto whe• on to godliness and well-doing;) he was no less forward to incite others thereunto; and not to incite them only thereunto, but to assist them therein, and to afford what helps he could (which well also he could do) unto any that were either desirous, yea, or willing, but to embrace them. In which kind I cannot without just note of ingratitude but acknowledge my self much indebted unto him; and have cause (with many others, beside my self, much my betters) to bless God that ever we came acquainted there with him. In a word, while he stayed in the College (which his desire was to have done longer then he did, if opportunity had served) she gave before hand, ere he came to it, evident signs of one likely to prove ⟨image 6⟩ta skilful Master-builder in Gods work, and ua winner of many souls to God.
And to beginne with the times of my first notice of him. As in his first beginnings he was of eminent note in the Colledge he liued in, both for his vnweariable industry, and his singular proficiency in those studies of humanitie, that are as nhandmaids to Diuinity, and helpe to lay a good ground for any future profession; So his care was so oto entertwine pletie and humanitie the one with the other, that pas web and woofe they ranne on euer along together through the whole course of his studies. Nor was he carefull onely of this practise himselfe, but (according to that of the Apostle, qObserue one another, rto whe• on to godlinesse and well-doing;) hee was no lesse forward to incite others thereunto; and not to incite them onely thereunto, but to assist them therein, and to afford what helps he could (which well also he could doe) unto any that were either desirous, yea, or willing, but to imbrace them. In which kinde I cannot without iust note of ingratitude but acknowledge my selfe much indebted vnto him; and haue cause (with many others, beside my selfe, much my betters) to blesse God that euer we came acquainted there with him. In a word, while he staied in the Colledge (which his desire was to haue done longer then he did, if opportunity had serued) she gaue before hand, ere he came to it, euident signes of one likely to proue ⟨image 6⟩ta skilfull Master-builder in Gods worke, and ua winner of many soules to God.
Nor was he one of those arathe-ripe wits, that promise fair in the blossom, but fail in the fruit; that like Comets, blaze brighter than the fixed stars for a time, but after a while vanish and come to nought, the matter of them being wholly either spent or dispersed. But his proceedings in public were correspondent to his beginnings in private. When it pleased God bto call him out and set him apart to that employment that he had ordained him to before, he proved a painful, a faithful Minister of Christ, a skilful, a powerful dispenser of Gods Word. If any demand proof hereof: not to insist upon his constant and incessant employments, with general approbation and applause both of religious and judicious, continued for so many years (as was before said) together, not a Sabbath intermitted, wherein (if health served) he preached not twice, either in his own charge (where he was frequentest) or elsewhere abroad; besides his catechisings of the younger sort at certain times in the week days, and other such offices as to the pastor all function are necessarily annexed, and are privately to be performed; wherein also he was no less diligent than in the execution of his public Ministry. Not to insist (I say) upon this; (which yet were sufficient proof of it:) As the Apostle saith to the Corinthians, cYou are dthe seal of my Apostleship, and emy fletters testimonial. So may I well say of this our reverend Brother: So many Christian souls professing themselves to have had their first effectual ⟨image 6⟩calling and conversion from him, (in which kind, I suppose, not many in this City may compare with him) besides the multitudes of those that acknowledge themselves to have been edified, built up, and bettered by him, are the seal of his calling, and of gChrist speaking in him, and not verbal or vocal, but real letters testimonial of the efficacy of his ministry, through hGods blessing thereupon.
Nor was he one of those arathe-ripe wits, that promise faire in the blossome, but faile in the fruit; that like Comets, blaze brighter than the fixed starres for a time, but after a while vanish and come to nought, the matter of them being wholly either spent or disperst. But his proceedings in publike were correspondent to his beginnings in priuate. When it pleased God bto call him out and set him apart to that imploiment that he had ordained him to before, he proued a painfull, a faithfull Minister of Christ, a skilfull, a powerfull dispenser of Gods Word. If any demand proofe hereof: not to insist vpon his constant and incessant imploiments, with generall approbation and applause both of religious and iudicious, continued for so many yeeres (as was before said) together, not a Sabbath intermitted, wherein (if health serued) he preached not twise, either in his owne charge (where he was frequentest) or elsewhere abroad; besides his catechisings of the younger sort at certaine times in the weeke dayes, and other such offices as to the pastor all function are necessarily annexed, and are priuately to bee performed; wherein also he was no lesse diligent than in the execution of his publike Ministery. Not to insist (I say) upon this; (which yet were sufficient proofe of it:) As the Apostle saith to the Corinthians, cYou are dthe seale of my Apostleship, and emy fletters testimoniall. So may I well say of this our reuerend Brother: So many Christian soules professing themselues to haue had their first effectuall ⟨image 6⟩calling and conuersion from him, (in which kinde, I suppose, not many in this City may compare with him) besides the multitudes of those that acknowledge themselues to haue been edified, built up, and bettred by him, are the seale of his calling, and of gChrist speaking in him, and not verball or vocall, but reall letters testimoniall of the efficacy of his ministery, through hGods blessing thereupon.
An iobscure Author saith, that the Apostles were like Fishermen, the succeeding Ministers like Huntsmen: kthe Apostles like fishermen that catch many at one draught; lthe succeeding. Ministers like Huntsmen, that with much toil and clamour, running up and down all day, scarce take one Deere or Hare ere night. And such indeed is the hard condition of many of Gods servants, that notwithstanding their faithful and painful discharge of their duty, they are enforced to complain with the Prophet, mwho believeth our report? and, nI have laboured in vain; scarce able to produce or instance in any one, of whom they can with some good ground of assurance presume, that they have gained him at least to God. But well might this our Brother, through Gods blessing upon his labours, stand out and say, not of one or two, but of troupes, in the words of the same Prophet, oBehold I and the Children, that God hath given me; and with the Apostle, pThese have I begotten to God by the Gospel of Christ Jesus.
An iobscure Author saith, that the Apostles were like Fishermen, the succeeding Ministers like Huntsmen: kthe Apostles like fishermen that catch many at one draught; lthe succeeding. Ministers like Huntsmen, that with much toile and clamour, running up and downe all day, scarce take one Deere or Hare ere night. And such indeed is the hard condition of many of Gods seruants, that notwithstanding their faithfull and painfull discharge of their duty, they are enforced to complaine with the Prophet, mwho beleeueth our report? and, nI haue laboured in vaine; scarce able to produce or instance in any one, of whom they can with some good ground of assurance presume, that they haue gained him at least to God. But well might this our Brother, through Gods blessing vpon his labours, stand out and say, not of one or two, but of troupes, in the words of the same Prophet, oBehold I and the Children, that God hath giuen me; and with the Apostle, pThese haue I begotten to God by the Gospell of Christ Iesus.
iJacob. de Vorag. in A•dr. s•rm 4.Iacob. de Vorag. in A•dr. s•rm 4.
lPraedicatores moderni ut venatores, Jer 9. 16. qui cu• clamo•ibus & laboribus multis vix unam feram capi[…]Praedicatores moderni vt venatores, Ier 9. 16. qui cu• clamo•ibus & laboribus multis vix vnam feram capi〈…〉
Yea more than that; well assured I am, that divers now famous lights in Gods Church, and faithful Ministers of his Word, do profess to have lighted ⟨image 7⟩their candles at his lamp, yea some of them to have received their first beginnings not of light only, but of spiritual life and grace, (without which all light be it never so great, is no light, but mere darkness) from his Ministry. It is no small honour for a man to win, and it were but, any one soul: (q He hath saved a soul, saith St. James; as a matter worthy the glorying in.) For rto win a soul is to win more than the whole world again is worth. But what an honour is it then to be, not the winner of a soul, but the winner of such as prove winners of souls, and so sby winning of some one immediately, to be a mediate means of winning many others by him? tThey shall shine (saith he) as the Heavens, uthat instruct; and they xthat convert others, as the stars. And how gloriously then (suppose we) doth this our yblessed Brother zshine now in the Kingdom of God, that was an instructor of those that were instructors of others; that was a converter of those that were converters of others themselves?
Yea more than that; well assured I am, that diuers now famous lights in Gods Church, and faithfull Ministers of his Word, doe professe to haue lighted ⟨image 7⟩their candles at his lampe, yea some of them to haue receiued their first beginnings not of light only, but of spirituall life and grace, (without which all light be it neuer so great, is no light, but meere darknes) from his Ministery. It is no small honour for a man to winne, and it were but, any one soule: (q He hath saued a soule, saith St. Iames; as a matter worthy the glorying in.) For rto win a soule is to win more than the whole world againe is worth. But what an honour is it then to be, not the winner of a soule, but the winner of such as proue winners of soules, and so sby winning of some one immediatly, to be a mediate meanes of winning many others by him? tThey shall shine (saith he) as the Heauens, uthat instruct; and they xthat conuert others, as the stars. And how gloriously then (suppose we) doth this our yblessed Brother zshine now in the Kingdome of God, that was an instructer of those that were instructers of others; that was a conuerter of those that were conuerters of others themselues?
Many then (as athe Holy Ghost saith of John the Baptist) did this our Brother win to the Lord. Many (I say) he won; though all he could not: that was more then bthe Apostle himself was able to do. But many yet he won, and his desire 3and endeavour (with cthe same Apostle) was to win all; his own especially, of whom he used to protest, that it was more comfort to him to win one of them, than to win twenty other. But some refractary spirits (as dwho almost doth not?) he met withal, that would not be reclaimed; that by their cross carriage were as ethorns in his eyes, and as goads ⟨p. 7⟩in his sides, and fa vexation of heart to this faithful servant of Christ: Whom, if any of them be yet living, the Lord vouchsafe mercy, and better minds to, and glay not this sin of theirs to their charge. And if there be any of those that lived any long time under so painful and powerful a Ministry as his was, that remain still unconverted, unreclaimed, unreformed, let them fear and beware of that dreadful censure of the Apostle, hIf our Gospel be yet hid, &c. And let such know, that not ithe dust of his feet, but the sweat of his brows, and the tears of his eyes, and his kstrength wasted with them, and his spirits spent upon them, shall one day rise up in judgement against •hem to make their doom lthe heavier, if by timely repentance it be not prevented.
Many then (as athe Holy Ghost saith of Iohn the Baptist) did this our Brother winne to the Lord. Many (I say) he wonne; though all he could not: that was more then bthe Apostle himselfe was able to doe. But many yet he wonne, and his desire 3and endeuour (with cthe same Apostle) was to win all; his own especially, of whom he vsed to protest, that it was more comfort to him to winne one of them, than to winne twenty other. But some refractary spirits (as dwho almost doth not?) he met withall, that would not be reclaimed; that by their crosse carriage were as ethornes in his eyes, and as goad•s ⟨p. 7⟩in his sides, and fa vexation of heart to this faithfull seruant of Christ: Whom, if any of them bee yet liuing, the Lord vouchsafe mercy, and better mindes to, and glay not this sinne of theirs to their charge. And if there be any of those that liued any long time under so painfull and powerfull a Ministery as his was, that remaine still vnconuerted, vnreclaimed, vnreformed, let them feare and beware of that dreadfull censure of the Apostle, hIf our Gospell be yet hid, &c. And let such know, that not ithe dust of his feet, but the sweat of his browes, and the teares of his eyes, and his kstrength wasted with them, and his spirits spent vpon them, shall one day rise vp in iudgement against •hem to make their doome l
But because a man may win others, and yet lose himself; mhe may save others, and yet not save himself: (n they may beget life in others, that have none in themselves.) The Word may work by a man, and yet not work on him: He may be olike a treene or a stone gutter (saith Augustine) that conveyeth water into a garden, but receiveth no benefit thereby it self; or like pthe hand on the high way that pointeth others the way, which yet it never walketh it self; or †like an Harp (saith the Heathen man) that maketh others melody, or *a Trumpet, that soundeth loud, but heareth nothing it self; or “like ⟨p. 8⟩to the baptism water (saith Gregory) that helps men to Heaven ward, and goeth after down to the sink it self: He may preach to others, and not preach to himself; he may convert others, and yet rprove a scastaway himself. (And yet it is tseldom seen, that much good is done, where a due uconsent is not between tongue and hand, between lip and life.) This our Brother therefore was none of those xthat say and do not: but yas he taught, he 14wrought: His zdoctrine and his practise concurred, and went hand in hand together: His actions were, though asilent, yet real and effectual Sermons of that he preached in the Pulpit: The course of his blife was consonant to the tenor of his teaching. And cboth joining and conspiring in one, were a ⟨p. 9⟩means to draw on many, who dby the one alone peradventure had not easily been won. In a word; for his teaching, I doubt not but that they will give him the best testimony that heard him oftest; and for his life they that knew him best. For he was not a flash; one of those that show all in a Sermon, or that spend all upon some one curious good work, that they mind to make their Master-piece. But both in his life and teaching he held on such a tenor, that the more men, ewise and judicious at least, were acquainted with either, fthe more they reverenced and admired him for either.
But because a man may winne others, and yet lose himselfe; mhe may saue others, and yet not saue himselfe: (n they may beget life in others, that haue none in themselues.) The Word may worke by a man, and yet not worke on him: He may be olike a treene or a stonegutter (saith Augustine) that conueigheth water into a garden, but receiueth no benefit thereby it selfe; or like pthe hand on the high way that pointeth others the way, which yet it neuer walketh it selfe; or †like an Harpe (saith the Heathen man) that maketh others melody, or *a Trumpet, that soundeth loud, but heareth nothing it selfe; or “like ⟨p. 8⟩to the baptisme water (saith Gregory) that helpes men to Heauen ward, and goeth after downe to the sincke it selfe: He mayq preach to others, and not preach to himselfe; he may conuert others, and yet rprooue a scastaway himselfe. (And yet it is tseldome seene, that much good is done, where a due uconcent is not betweene tongue and hand, betweene lip and life.) This our Brother therefore was none of those xthat say and doe not: but yas he taught, he 14wrought: His z
mNon salutis esse dispensatorem, hoc est salutis etiam esse participem, Aug. epist. 140.
nAnimam faciunt, etiam qui non habant. Contra quē Sen. Non faciunt animum, quia nec habent.Animam faciunt, etiam qui non habant. Contra quē Sen. Non faciunt animum, quia nec habent.
oPer lapideum canalem transit aqua ad arcolas, in canali lapideo nihil generans, sed tamē hortis plurimii fructum affert. Aug. in Joan. •r. 5.Per lapideum canalem transit aqua ad arcolas, in canali lapideo nihil generans, sed tamē hortis plurimii fructum affert. Aug. in Ioan. •r. 5.
†[Greek or Hebrew] Diogenis dictum. Stob. c. 23. Quod & de Peripateticis Cleanthes •sur•avit. Laert.〈non-Latin alphabet〉 Diogenis dictum. Stob. c. 23. Quod & de Peripateticis Cleanthes •sur•auit. Laert.
*Antisthenem Diogenes [Greek or Hebrew] dixit, [Greek or Hebrew]. Din Prus. orat. 8.Antisthenem Diogenes 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 dixit, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Din Prus. orat. 8.
“Aqua baptismatis baptizatos ad regnum caeleste mitt, & ipsapostea in cleacam descendit. Gregor. in Evang hom. 17.Aqua baptismatis baptizatos ad regnum caeleste mitt•t, & ipsapostea in cleacam descendit. Gregor. in Euang hom. 17.
There are two things (saith one) that make a complete man. gintegrity and Judgement: the one whereof […] but hlame and maimed without the […]; and in many oft they do not meet. But an happy conjunction of them both was there in this our Brother. For the proof whereof I may well refer my self to the judgement, both of those that so frequently desired to make use of him, for the oversight of their last wills, and for his assistance by way of direction, in the disposing of their estates: (and we know all, how cautious men are wont to be in that kind:) As also of those reverend Brethren, of the Ministry as well as other, who, either ⟨p. 10⟩by letters or otherwise, out of all parts of this 3Realm (I speak what I know) did usually seek to him, as to one more then ordinarily able to give them satisfaction, for the resolution of their doubts.
There are two things (saith one) that make a compleat man. g•ntegritie and Iudgement: the one whereof 〈…〉 but hlame and maimed without the 〈…〉; and in many oft they doe not meet. But an happy coniunction of them both was there in this our Brother. For the proofe whereof I may well referre my selfe to the iudgement, both of those that so frequently desired to make vse of him, for the ouersight of their last wils, and for his assistance by way of direction, in the disposing of their estates: (and we know all, how cautious men are wont to be in that kinde:) As also of those reuerend Brethren, of the Ministerie as well as other, who, either ⟨p. 10⟩by letters or otherwise, out of all parts of this 3Realme (I speake what I know) did vsually seeke to him, as to one more then ordinarily able to giue them satisfaction, for the resolution of their doubts.
g[Greek or Hebrew]. Isid. l. 2. ep. 131. [Greek or Hebrew]. Ibid. ep. 175. ex. Mat. 10. 16.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Isid. l. 2. ep. 131. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Ibid. ep. 175. ex. Mat. 10. 16.
h[Greek or Hebrew]. Idē ibid. Nō est vera simplic•as, nisi animiocul•, et plus sit, qui fallere nolit, et cantus sit, quo falli non possit. Bern. de praecept. & dispens.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Idē ibid. Nō est vera simplic•as, nisi animiocul•, et plus sit, qui fallere nolit, et cantus sit, quo falli non possit. Bern. de praecept. & dispens.
3[Greek or Hebrew]. Ut animi scasa elequt, & apt posy, & li• err a••deat. [Greek or Hebrew]. T[…]. 3. 2. [Greek or Hebrew] 2 Tim. 2. 2. Tit 1. 6 [Greek or Hebrew] G•eg. N•k. in Basil. & Is••. Peld. 2. [Greek or Hebrew]. 302. [Greek or Hebrew]. Mat. 5. 19. Isid. ib[…]. cp. 235. [Greek or Hebrew] Greg. Naz. ib d.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Vt animi scasa elequt, & apte possi, & li• err a••deat. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. T〈…〉. 3. 2. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉
These two then (as he saith) make a complete man indeed. But there is somewhat more required to make a complete Minister, to wit, i that he can k speak his mind fitly, (for what use of la mute Messenger?) and that he mdare do it freely. (For nof whom is courage and freedom of speech required more then of Gods Messengers?) Nor was this our worthy Brother defect[…]e in either.
These two then (as he saith) make a compleat man indeed. But there is somewhat more required to make a compleat Minister, to wit, i that he can k speak his mind fitly, (for what vse of la mute Messenger?) and that he mdare doe it freely. (For nof whom is courage and freedome of speech required more then of Gods Messengers?) Nor was this our worthy Brother defect〈…〉e in either.
For, as for the former, how well able he was, not to express only, but to v[…]sse to, nor to confirm alone, but to commend also, that that he delivered, with clear method, sound props, […]je words, fit phrase, pregnant similitudes, plentiful illustrations, pithy persuasions, sweet insinuations, powerful enforcements, allegations of antiquity, and variety of good literature; that both the learnedst might receive satisfaction from him, and the very meanest and dullest also might reap benefit by him: and so as might well oleave an impression in the hearts and minds of his hearers; they cannot be ignorant, ⟨p. 11⟩that for any space of time heard him. In a word, in this kind he was such an one *as many strove to imitate, not many of them matched.
For, as for the former, how well able he was, not to expresse only, but to v〈…〉sse to, nor to confirme alone, but to commend also, that that he deliuered, with cleere method, sound proopes, 〈…〉je words, fit phrase, pregnant similitudes, plentifull illustrations, pithy perswasions, sweet insinuations, powerfull enforcements, allegations of antiquitie, and variety of good literature; that both the learnedst might receiue satisfaction from him, and the very meanest and dullest also might reape benefit by him: and so as might well oleaue an impression in the hearts and mindes of his hearers; they cannot bee ignorant, ⟨p. 11⟩that for any space of time heard him. In a word, in this kinde he was such an one *as many stroue to imitate, not many of them matched.
oD[…]. [Greek or Hebrew]. Plin. See. l. 1. cp. 20. & […] relinqu•bat. Val. Max l. 8. c 9.D〈…〉. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Plin. See. l. 1. cp. 20. & 〈…〉 relinqu•bat. Val. Max l. 8. c 9.
*Quem imitari plurimi concupiscant, poucissimi pussint. Plin. de ••nton. l. 5. cp. 10.
Again, because it is in vain to be able to speak to good purpose, if a man dare not use his tongue; if, as he said sometime of the Eretrians, he be plike the Sword-fish, that qhath a sword, but hath no heart; or like some cowardly companion, that carrieth a weapon about him for a show, but dare not draw it, or make use of it, though just occasion thereof be offered: For his freedom of speech therefore in reproving of sin, and that even to the faces of the gr[…]est, both in public and private, when occ[…]on required it, I doubt not but there are many here that are well able to testify, and some accidents made it to be more publicly known, then his desire was that it should have been.
Againe, because it is in vaine to be able to speake to good purpose, if a man dare not vse his tongue; if, as he said sometime of the Eretrians, he be plike the Sword-fish, that qhath a sword, but hath no heart; or like some cowardly companion, that carrieth a weapon about him for a shew, but dare not draw it, or make vse of it, though iust occasion thereof bee offered: For his freedome of speech therefore in reprouing of sinne, and that euen to the faces of the gr〈…〉est, both in publike and priuate, when occ〈…〉on required it, I doubt not but there are many here that are well able to testifie, and some accidents made it to bee more publikely knowne, then his desire was that it should haue beene.
p[Greek or Hebrew]. Themislod•• apud Plut. in Them. & in a• ophth.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Themislod•• apud Plut. in Them. & in a• ophth.
qNam & gladio lingua consern solet. Diogenes de spur•a di••i•ne à pulchro pros•cta, [Greek or Hebrew]. L••rt. Et Apul. florid. 3. ut gladius usu splendescit, situ rubiginat. ita vox in vagina silentij condita diutino torpore hebttatur. Sed & s•r•o divinus glad•us dicitur, Isaiah 49. 2, Ephes. 6. 17.Nam & gladio lingua consern solet. Diogenes de spur•a di••i•ne à pulchro pros•cta, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. L••rt. Et Apul. florid. 3. vt gladius vsu splendescit, situ rubiginat. ita vox in vagina silentij condita diutino torpore hebttatur. Sed & s•r•o diuinus glad•us dicitur, Esai 49. 2, Ephes. 6. 17.
Much hath been spoken, and much more then I intended; and more time taken up then I made account of. And yet much more might be added, then hath been spoken, if time and strength would permit. Many things I have touched, and rather pointed at then insisted on. And yet many things (I know) many among you will miss, that might as justly have been spoken of, and that (it may be) some of you will deem should not have been omitted. One, his Zealous and earnest pursuit of reformation of some profanations of the Sabbath; wherein he prevailed also for alteration of some things in that kind offensive, as well rwith the main body of the City, as swith some particular societies: ⟨p. 12⟩An other his discreet carriage in the catechizing 3of the younger sort; the males apart one day, and the females another; the riper and forwarder first in the presence of the ruder and rawer, and the ruder and rawer apart by themselves after the departure of the former, that they might both reap what fruit might be by hearing them, and yet receive no discouragement by being heard of them: A third his pious care and diligence in the religious instruction and education of those that were under his private charge, children and others: Some one thing, some another. And I co[…]sse, with Nazianzene in somewhat the like case, […]at it is herein with me, t as with one in a field or a […], replenished with fair flowers of all sorts, who w[…] casteth his eye on one, another offereth it self to him, and while he is catching at that, another cometh in his way, and while that pleaseth his eye, another withdraweth it to it self: And 4as the rings or circles that rise on the surface of the water, when a stone is cast into a standing pool, they come so thick one upon the neck of another, that, as if they strove for place, they jostle out either other: so such variety of passages presenteth it self to me, that while I look after one, I lose and let slip another, and when I would fetch that ⟨p. 13⟩up again, another choppeth in, as contending for room with it: And if I should pursue and insist upon every particular, that either others might expect, or that might justly challenge a place here time and speech would fail me before matter to speak of.
Much hath beene spoken, and much more then I entended; and more time taken vp then I made account of. And yet much more might be added, then hath beene spoken, if time and strength would permit. Many things I haue touched, and rather pointed at then insisted on. And yet many things (I know) many among you will misse, that might as iustly haue beene spoken of, and that (it may bee) some of you will deeme should not haue beene omitted. One, his Zealous and earnest pursuit of reformation of some prophanations of the Sabbath; wherein he preuailed also for alteration of some things in that kinde offensiue, as well rwith the maine body of the City, as swith some particular societies: ⟨p. 12⟩An other his discreet carriage in the catechizing 3of the younger sort; the males apart one day, and the females another; the riper and forwarder first in the presence of the ruder and rawer, and the ruder and rawer apart by themselues after the departure of the former, that they might both reape what fruit might bee by hearing them, and yet receiue no discouragement by being heard of them: A third his pious care and diligence in the religious instruction and education of those that were vnder his priuate charge, children and others: Some one thing, some another. And I co〈…〉sse, with Nazianzene in somewhat the like case, 〈…〉at it is herein with me, t as with one in a field or a 〈…〉, replenisht with faire flowers of all sorts, who w〈…〉 casteth his eye on one, another offereth it selfe to him, and while he is catching at that, another commeth in his way, and while that pleaseth his eye, another withdraweth it to it selfe: And 4as the rings or circles that rise on the surface of the water, when a stone is cast into a standing poole, they come so thick one vpon the neck of another, that, as if they stroue for place, they iustle out either other: so such variety of passages presenteth it selfe to me, that while I looke after one, I lose and let slip another, and when I would fetch that ⟨p. 13⟩vp againe, another choppeth in, as contending for roome with it: And if I should pursue and insist vpon euery particular, that either others might expect, or that might iustly challenge a place here time and speech would faile mee before matter to speake of.
rFor their meetings on St. Themas day.
sFor their Monday feasts.For their Moonday feasts.
3[Greek or Hebrew]. […]. […] […]. [Greek or Hebrew] […]. […]. dep•up••t. Id[…] que in A[…]al. [Greek or Hebrew]. Quibus gemina sunt Philostrati illa cp. 2. [Greek or Hebrew] &c. Itaque quod Plin. l. 6 cp 27. Facilis […]; nonfacilis electio. est enim ex […]s eius l•rga materia.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. 〈…〉. 〈…〉〈…〉. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉〈…〉. 〈…〉. dep•up••t. Id〈…〉 que in A〈…〉al. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Quibus gemina sunt Philostrati illa cp. 2. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 &c. Itaque quod Plin. l. 6 cp 27. Facilis 〈…〉; nonfacilis electio. est enim ex 〈…〉s eius l•rga materia.
4[Greek or Hebrew]. Greg. Naz. in Patrem.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Greg. Naz. in Patrem.
To draw toward an end therefore together with his end; the end of his labours, but the beginning of his resi, the end of his work, but the receipt of his reward: In these and the like employments public and private, he spent his time, he spent his strength, xlike a torch or taper, wasting and consuming himself, for the behoof and benefit of others, yha[…]g his work with God then, and his reward for it from God now. And for these employments principally it was that he desired recovery of health and strength; unto the performance whereof also (though therein injurious to himself, and contrary to his own desires) he oft strained himself, and that in the middest of his infirmity and weakness, not to the uncertain hazard only, but to the evident impeachment and impairing of either. zWhat is the Sign, said Hezekiah, when he was promised recovery, that I shall go up to the house of the Lord? as desiring continuance of life and recovery of health for no one end more then that. And therefore also was this our Brother so desirous of recovery, that he might repair to Gods house again, that he might return to Gods work again. To which purpose the very last Lords day before his decease, having after many relapses recovered a little strength, he made shift to get out to a neighbour ⟨p. 14⟩Congregation, there to join with Gods people in public performance of such solemn service of God as that day is usually spent and employed in. And having held out to the end with them in both parts of the day, he rejoiced much therein, that he was able so to do; the rather because thereby he conceived some good hope, that he should be strong enough ere long, to return to his wonted work and employment again. But the Lord saw it better (for *his will appeareth by his work) to put an end to his incessant labours here, and to translate him to the place of his endless rest else where. The gain is his; the loss ours, min••wne (among others) not the least. The Lord sanctify it unto us, and to those whom any way it concernet[…]; and vouchsafe in mercy to repair it, by raising up many alike qualified and endowed in his room. With whom now leave we him, and returning home to our selves, afford we a reverent and religious care to those instructions, that for the fitting and preparing of us unto the way that he is gone before us, shall out of Gods Word be delivered unto us.
To draw toward an end therefore together with his end; the end of his labours, but the beginning of his resi, the end of his worke, but the receipt of his reward: In these and the like imploiments publike and priuate, hee spent his time, he spent his strength, xlike a torch or taper, wasting and consuming himself, for the behoofe and benefit of others, yha〈…〉g his worke with God then, and his reward for it from God now. And for these emploiments principally it was that he desired recouery of health and strength; vnto the performance whereof also (though therein iniurious to himselfe, and contrary to his owne desires) he oft strained himselfe, and that in the middest of his infirmitie and weaknesse, not to the vncertaine hazard onely, but to the euident impeachment and impairing of either. zWhat is the Signe, said Ezekias, when he was promised recouery, that I shall goe vp to the house of the Lord? as desiring continuance of life and recouery of health for no one end more then that. And therfore also was this our Brother so desirous of recouery, that he might repaire to Gods house againe, that he might returne to Gods worke againe. To which purpose the very last Lords day before his decease, hauing after many relapses recouered a little strength, he made shift to get out to a neighbour ⟨p. 14⟩Congregation, there to ioine with Gods people in publike performance of such solemne seruice of God as that day is vsually spent and emploied in. And hauing held out to the end with them in both parts of the day, he reioiced much therein, that he was able so to doe; the rather because thereby he conceiued some good hope, that hee should be strong enough ere long, to returne to his wonted worke and employment againe. But the Lord saw it better (for *his will appeareth by his worke) to put an end to his incessant labours here, and to translate him to the place of his endlesse rest else where. The gaine is his; the losse ours, min••wne (among others) not the least. The Lord sanctifie it vnto vs, and to those whom any way it concernet〈…〉; and vouchsafe in mercy to repaire it, by raising vp many alike qualified and endowed in his roome. With whom now leaue we him, and returning home to our selues, afford we a reuerent and religious care to those instructions, that for the fitting and preparing of vs vnto the way that he is gone before vs, shall out of Gods Word be deliuered vnto vs.
xSicut l••erna se consumit in seru[…] um al•orum. Jac. de Vorag. de Joan Bapt. 6.Sicut l••erna se consumit in seru〈…〉 um al•orum. Iac. de Vorag. de Ioan Bapt. 6.
by the one alone paraduenture had not easily beene wonne. In a word; for his teaching, I doubt not but that they will giue him the best testimony that heard him oftest; and for his life they that knew him best. For he was not a flash; one of those that shew all in a Sermon, or that spend all vpon some one curious good worke, that they minde to make their Master-piece. But both in his life and teaching he held on such a tenor, that the more men,
the more they reuerenced and admired him for either.
r[…]〈…〉
s[…]〈…〉
t[…]〈…〉
u[Greek or Hebrew]. Method. apud Epishan. haeres. 64.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Method. apud Epishan. haeres. 64.
xQui dicunt & non faciunt. M•tih. 23. 3.
y[Greek or Hebrew]. Basil. in Psalm. 63. Quod jussit & gassit. Bern. epist. 42. & in Cant. 20. Non verbis solum praeduans, sed exemplis. Idem de temp. 51. […] de Origen• Euseb. hist. lib. 6. cap. 3. [Greek or Hebrew]〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Basil. in Psalm. 63. Quod iussit & gassit. Bern. epist. 42. & in Cant. 20. Non verbis solum praeduans, sed exemplis. Idem de temp. 51. 〈…〉 de Origen• Euseb. hist. lib. 6. cap. 3. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉
14[Greek or Hebrew]. Isider. Pelus. lib. 2. […]st. 251. & […]st. 271. [Greek or Hebrew]. Itaque Menander. [Greek or Hebrew]. Suadet loquentis vita, non oratio. Plutare. de leg. poet. & precept. pol t. Et Gregor. Nazian. [Greek or Hebrew]. Qui docent tantum […] faciunt, ipsi praeceptis suis detrahunt pondus. Bonum quidem est recta & honesta praecip•re: sed nisi & facias, mendacium est. Lactant. instit. lib. 3. cap. 16. Nisi & […] que praecipit, soluta praecepta sunt. Qui praecipiunt, nec saciunt, abest ab cis sides. Praeceptus […] suis fidem de•abit, qui quod verbis astr•re conatur, r••psa resoluit. Ibid. lib. 4. cap. 23.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Isider. Pelus. lib. 2. 〈…〉st. 251. & 〈…〉st. 271. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Itaque Menander. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Suadet loquentis vita, non oratio. Plutare. de leg. poet. & praecept. pol t. Et Gregor. Nazian. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Qui docent tantum 〈…〉 faciunt, ipsi praeceptis suis detrahunt pondus. Bonum quidem est recta & honesta praecip•re: sed nisi & facias, mendacium est. Lactant. instit. lib. 3. cap. 16. Nisi & 〈…〉 que praecipit, soluta praecepta sunt. Qui praecipiunt, nec saciunt, abest ab cis sides. Praeceptus 〈…〉 suis fidem de•abit, qui quod verbis astr•re conatur, r••psa resoluit. Ibid. lib. 4. cap. 23.
a[Greek or Hebrew]. Gregor. Nazian. in Easil.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Gregor. Nazian. in Easil.
b[Greek or Hebrew]. Pluta•e. de Stoic. repugn. [Greek or Hebrew]. Si[…]cat. epist. 37. Concordet sermo cu• vita. S•nec. epist. 75. Ad legem suam quisque vi•at, […] vita d•ss•ntiat. Idem epist. 20.〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Pluta•e. de Stoic. repugn. 〈non-Latin alphabet〉. Si〈…〉cat. epist. 37. Concordet sermo cu• vita. S•nec. epist. 75. Ad legem suam quisque vi•at, 〈…〉 vita d•ss•ntiat. Idem epist. 20.
eUt enim de pictore, scalptore, fictore nisi artifex judicare; ita nisi sapiens non potst perspicere sapientem. Plin. l. 1. epist. 10.Vt enim de pictore, scalptore, fictore nisi artifex iudicare; ita nisi sapiens non potst perspicere sapientem. Plin. l. 1. epist. 10.
fMiror magis, quô magis intelligo. Idem de Euphrate ibid.
