The life and death of Mr. Tho. Wilson, minister of Maidstone, in the county…

St. Austins wish was, that Christ when he came to call him by death, might find him aut precautem aut predicautem, either praying or preaching. Truly, such seemed to be the desire of Mr. Wilson, by his indefatigable laboriousness about his Masters business. I never knew him given to any recreation (though never so innocent) but exceeding provident he was of his time, A little after dinner he would sometimes sit and discourse, but usually if he was at home, his Study was his place of abode. He was Hellno librorum, an indefatigable Student, stealing time from his sleep (even when his body called for it) for his Book. Its said of Bradford that he ⟨p. 35⟩slept not above four hours in the night, and that his Book went not out of his hand till sleep came, and that Latimer Winter and Summer at two a Clock in the morning; and of another Martyr that he was spare of meat, sparer of sleep, out sparest of time. Mr. Wilson made much conscience of his time, and especially on the Lords Day.

St. Austins wish was, that Christ when he came to call him by death, might find him aut precautem aut predicautem, either praying or preaching. Truely, such seem'd to be the desire of Mr. Wilson, by his indefalligable laboriousness about his Masters business. I never knew him given to any recreation (though never so innocent) but exceeding provident he was of his time, A little after dinner he would sometimes sit and discourse, but usually if he was at home, his Study was his place of abode. He was Hellno librorum, an indefutigable Student, stealing time from his sleep (even when his body call'd for it) for his Book. Its said of Bradfrod that he ⟨p. 35⟩slept not above four hours in the night, and that his Book went not out of his hand till sleep came, and that Latimer Winter and Summer at two a Clock in the morning; and of another Martyr that he was spare of meat, sparer of sleep, out sparest of time. Mr. Wilson made much conscience of his time, and especially on the Lords Day.

If he were invited to a Feast, he was so zealous for his God, that he commonly after dinner called for a Bible, sung a Psalm, expounded some Verse of Scripture, and prayed with his friends. Mr. Fenner of Essex that eminent servant of Christ, meeting him once at Mr. Butchers house, was so extremely taken with his active cheerful Spirit for God and Godliness, that he said to Mr. Butcher, I am ashamed of my self, to see how Mr. Wilson gallopeth towards Heaven, and I do but creep on, a Snails pace.