The life and funeral sermon of the Reverend Mr. Thomas Brand Dr. Samuel Annesley

Some Years since, when the times were more hazardous to Dissenters, A. N. C. Minister of his acquaintance, being unavoidably necessitated to undertake a Journey of above Two hundred Miles in length, when he could not at any reasonable rates get any Lawyer, or other, to go with him, to advise him, in the Difficulties he foresaw he should meet with; Mr. Brand surprisingly offered, what could not be impudently asked, charitably to go with him, and give him his best assistance: 'Twas not then safe to be known to be a Dissenting Minister; he therefore concealed himself (though his Friend must venture, being known in the Place whither he went) but carried down a considerable quantity of Catechisms and good Books in the Coach with him. And in every Inn where he lodged, or but baited at Noon, he would not be many ⟨p. 61⟩Minutes there before ('twas so familiar to him to insinuate something for the good of Souls) he would be fishing out whether any was, and who was capable and pliable to receive Instruction; and if he found any, he would presently fasten upon their Consciences, given them Counsel, and Catechisms, or other Books according as their case required. At one place, a Servant was so affected, as to go after him (the Town being situate upon an Hill) while he walked down hill, before he went into the Coach, begging to be taken with him to London, having never heard so much about Soul-concerns before, nor ever expecting the like again, unless this request were granted: He promised to call there at his return, but the Coach-man without his knowledge went back another way. At another Inn, when he met with a Youth, that he found ⟨p. 62⟩capable, he gave him a Catechism, and promised if he would learn it by his return, which would be about a week, he would give him five Shillings, which he did and had his reward. At another Inn, where he met with a School-master, he persuaded and encouraged him to season his Scholars with the knowledge of those things, whereby they might be saved. The Stock of Books he carried down did not hold out all his Journey, but he sent down upon his return up, at once as many as cost above eight Pounds.

Some Years since, when the times were more hazardous to Dissenters, A. N. C. Minister of his acquaintance, being unavoidably necessitated to undertake a Journey of above Two hundred Miles in length, when he could not at any reasonable rates get any Lawyer, or other, to go with him, to advise him, in the Difficulties he foresaw he should meet with; Mr. Brand surprizingly offered, what could not be impudently askt, charitably to go with him, and give him his best assistance: 'Twas not then safe to be known to be a Dissenting Minister; he therefore concealed himself (though his Friend must venture, being known in the Place whither he went) but carried down a considerable quantity of Catechisms and good Books in the Coach with him. And in every Inn where he lodged, or but baited at Noon, he would not be many