THE Complete SCHOLAR OR A Relation of the Life and Latter-End especially of CALEB VERNON Who died in the Lord on the 29th of of the ninth month 1665. Aged twelve years and six months Commending to Youth the most Excellent Knowledge of CHRIST JESUS the Lord Psal. 34. 11. Come ye Children harken to me I will teach you the fear of the Lord Phil. 3. 8. Yea doubtless and I account all things but loss for the Excellency of the Knowledge of Christ jesus my Lord Psal. 8. 2. Out of the mouth of Babes and Sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine Enemies that thou mayst still the Enemy and the Avenger London Printed for the Author 1666. The PREFACE to Parents of Children Tender Parents AFter the death of my late dear and precious little one I looked into what he had left and found a little Legacy of Grace from God for you and yours left by him besides what was lost through the too great carelessness of such as were about him in his sickness but these relics at last were faithfully set down for you & yours in writing from his mouth which being of value in my conscience and those I converse with who were Witnesses thereof I durst not detain whoever are so full as to despise them hoping the distribution hereof will be to the refreshment of every hungry soul. I intended at first to have sent them with an Epistle directed to your Children themselves and to his Schoolfellows especially who commend his harmless conversation amongst them before his effectual calling of God in Christ jesus had so overlaid through Grace all those endowments begetting deep abasements for School-slightiness amongst the most sober sort to his becoming wholly as it were another new creature since their acquaintance with him But upon more serious consideration of the trust committed to me knowing I must be accountable I have for my own security and clearing as Paul Acts 20. 26 27. thought it meet to commend it to your managing and improvement faithfully towards their eternal good estate praying you to discharge your trust herein on the behalf of your little ones and see that none of them play it away by means of your slightiness lest you weep with them at the last knowing that you also must give an account of this and them to God as committed to your charge And I beseech you beware that herein neither love to this World nor any thing in this World either the riches or honour or wisdom etc. thereof nor any weakness in the ensuing Treatise either in the esteem of that wisdom in You or real shortness in the Publisher thereof may make you afraid your Children should follow God so fully after the example herein lest it come against you as the Lord hath said the Queen of the South and Men of Nineveh shall against some too like this Generation How far it may concern yourselves to become as little children in the sense of 1 Cor. 14. 20 and Mat. 18. 3. like the little subject of th●● discourse I leave to your consciences who sha●● vouchsafe to read it over humbly and weigh it uprightly in the wisdom which is from above but sure I am such bowels of mercy to your poor Children as be get most solicitude for the souls of them which remain from the Pestilence before the woeful day come will prove most profitable when all earthly promotions will stand them in no stead but may be bewailed to have hurt the possessors of them Beware therefore lest your want of wisdom herein expose your tender vessels newly launched into the sea of this sinful world and richly laden with variety of Nature's endowments to miscarriage in their great voyage Heavenwards for want of your skilful steerage of them amongst those Rocks and Sands on which so many have suffered shipwreck to their utter undoing through their overbold adventure thereby against such fair warnings as Prov. 4. 14 15. Luke 8. 14. 1 Joh. 2. 15 16. Isa. 5. 12. I will therefore only set up a  to warn you of four or five lest seen through self-love on which multitudes have early been split and bulged fulfilling the Word of the Lord 1 Tim. 6. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and hurtful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition Towards which those Parents prove unhappy Pilots who are 1. Inordinately fond of Children in minority 2. Vainly inconsiderate in the Schooling of them 3. Unconscionably worldly in disposing them to outward Callings 4. Earthly-minded or ambitious in bestowing them in Marriages 5. Negligent in Family-duty or of ill conversation in the use thereof to the stumbling their Children by bad example Indeed most of these have been the sin and shame of Professing-Parents and the spoil of their poor children's souls and my hope of good times lies much in the expectation of a Spirit of Holiness upon Children to give them escape from the sin of their fathers few of whom I fear will live to inherit the Good they look for through such spoil this world hath made in their spirit as declares too plainly they have supposed as 1 Tim. 6. 5. that Gain is Godliness  they say or profess to the contrary And the most reformed Fathers will humbly accept it as great favour from the Lord after such provocation if they find Grace in return to the Prayer Psal. 90. 16. and the fulfilling Psal. 45. 16. Instead of thy fathers shall be thy children etc. O therefore that Children may enter into more peculiar obligation to Christ as the Lord with heartiest Hosannas in the highest in sense of being redeemed in this evil-day as the Scriptures speak from the vain conversation received by tradition from their Parents 1 Pet. 1. 18. and follow Christ sovereignly Rev. 1. 4. Learning of him in all their subjection to Parents the holy limits laid down Eph. 6. 1. that they obey always only in the Lord that is as they command according to Christ whom all are to hear in the highest Mat. 17. 5. as they would walk wellpleasing to God for I fear many Parents who make great profession are grown very vain first towards Children in minority so fond affecting them to their hurt as if with all their baubles they were made to be but Apes and Baubles to Childish Parents for their present pleasure instead of discharging faithfully their great trust for their immortal souls in their minority by wisely nurturing them in the fear of the Lord timely inclining their tender years towards God as they would not make themselves sport so long and so far with the first fruits of their children's folly in the witty office of stubborn nature's wilfulness and sinful speech as by delight therein to expose the Child to such self-willedness that at last through the Parent's fondness they cannot endure the Child should undergo a moment's smart though never so necessary to preserve either body or spirit from sickness or sin For hence the discerning Child perhaps is fitted through Satan more early for such Companions abroad as were MEETING-MOCKERS and smarted together at Bethel of old under the great Father's displeasure for want of timely discharge of earthly Parents duty towards restraining them 2 King 2. 23 24. Yea though they may be restrained from this through their Parent's profession yet other inordinate affection in neglect of the Lord doth often fulfil the threatening Ezek. 24. 25. against Professors fondness in the lives of their little ones Let not tender Parents therefore look lightly over such Scriptures as these Prov. 22. 6. 15. & ch. 29. 15 19 and ch. 23. 13 14. Eph. 6. 4. But if Children be wisely steered by tender Parents through this danger in minority and grow up soberly by degrees under their care and now fit for School how vainly inconsiderate Parents become what they learn there or by whom they are taught that word Luke 16. 8. in this may be for a Lamentation How do the Children of this world grow stricter in their care lest their Children at Schools should unawares learn the excellent knowledge of Christ than Professors are lest their Children at School should learn the vileness of this world O the heart-greived complaint of this Scholar on his sickbed over School-pastimes choking for a season his first serious convictions wherein yet he was not long nor at large nor an associate ever with any deboist but with the most sober youths And what tender sense had he before his sickness of the Name of God blasphemed in the continued upholding and preferring of Heathen Authors by Christian Schoolmasters wherein Heaven and Hell are turned into fictions to the hazarding Professors Children to settled Atheism or unsettled profession of Christ the Eternal judgement and Glory to come but how did the soul of this little one in need of favour and dread of wrath in hopes towards Heaven and fear of Hell tremble hereat I desire to remember with self-abasement and exceeding joy for the Angel of the Covenant who met with him saying This is the Way walk in it But how alas are our Daughters also brought up by professing-Parents as if they would have them attain the cursed commendation of Herodias Daughter Mat. 14. 6. rather than in the education and adorning Psal. 45. 13 14. become truly lovely to Christ v. 10. How many O how many like Micha's Mother Judg. 17. 4. are at greatest cost for snares to their children's souls How did the pride of our newblown Gentry under great profession bud and blossom in the vanities foregoing before their fall as before Israel's Ezek. 7. 10. and it were to be wished that abused fullness were not lusted after again by any already under smart for it unsensible of their sin But if Children die in the midst of these delights or the Plague take them in paths so contrary to the expectation of the Lord Isa. 22. 13 14. then how few Parents thus preparing them for spoil before speak a word of their singing dancing stately tripping mantling and mincing attainments or any of that vain tribe of their trinkets and trumperies recounted by the Spirit more particularly Isa. 3. 16 18 19 20 21 22 23. about the most modish uses whereof perhaps yet they spent more circumspection and anger at their children's dulness than about their sin and soul-neglects to the last When conscience also upbraiding the visited Children in the words of Rom. 6. 21. What profit had you then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed for the end of those things is death Then perhaps they too late begin to teach the Child untimely to take up some words of God or Christ or Heaven or Faith or Repentance little thought of before and to apply a promise out of the path to uphold them in hopes of rest from Him whom they rejected for rule whilst they could enjoy their vanity and flatter themselves in the Child 's good estate though never so doubtful especially having the approbation of any easy Prophet they have set up for themselves as Ezek. 44. 8. in the case But why Parents why is not that Learning on which only you dare lay stress in Plagues and in death which is so certain to you and your children yet in a time so uncertain both to you and them preferred in life as the great Lesson commended and commanded by the Master Mat. 6. 33. chap. 11. 29. who must judge us at the last day according to what he hath taught us and we may not so easily trifle away Joh. 12. 48. Be considerate than Parents in your children's Schooling lest the door should be shut and they as the foolish Virgins when they can be vain no longer are willing to learn what may be hid from their eyes But if Shipwreck be not in this danger neither a Rock is in sight and Sands about it that split or suck up many a stately Vessel that saileth too nigh and that is called a CALLING though the High Calling of God in Christ Jesus the Scripture more calls so is seldom so called now by Professors and in this how unconscionable are Parents in the dispose of their Children to their undoing for how little are they bounded by such Commands and Counsel in the case as Titus 3. 14. 1 Cor. 7. 24. How few Children therefore abide with God in their outward Calling and how many with the World the Flesh and the Devil either in the dishonest nature thereof or sinful entrances thereinto vile customs therein or to effect their freedom so called though the very servants of corruption therefore which yet if never so honest in all should be minded to the neglecting the Invitation of the Gospel to Christ becomes as pernicious as open profaneness wherefore he complains of souls so swallowed up in the most lawful outward callings as the Epidemical means of perdition Luke 14. 18. Mat. 22. 5. How many poor Children herein are instead of being as Samuel lent to the Lord sold to the world by their parents as long as they live deferring soul-concernment till death when they lament too late they had not such a Mother as Samuel and Timothy had in their youth and mourn at the last as Eccl. 12. 1. wishing in the day of wrath when riches profit not that their Parents had less indulged their bodies for a moment and more their immortal souls Yet Fourthly If this be escaped the earthly mind and ambition of Parents in marriage adds a multiplying cipher as after ahab's sin so obnoxious before 1 Kings 16. 31. and a Sydonian with silver is now far more esteemed than a daughter of Zion without it or with little less as if the half Language of Ashdod already were intended to be perfected rather than our posterities more compleatness in Christ O shameful Professors How unlike Rebecca are you herein Gen. 27. 46. Surely Smithfield would better become such your Marriage-Markets than a Congregation of Christ How few hereby find a Wife as Solomon speaketh Prov. 18. 22. that is to the end God instituted them but seeking money as a HELPMEET to them get a Woman with the World and the Devil with her unawares as Eve when the mouth of the Deceiver to a bitter day perhaps a Saphira helping by hypocrisy to save their earthly Estates and lose their Souls Herein Parents add to their prayer for children's Conversion their pains to effect their Perdition as one that prayeth a fire may go out adding fuel thereto so are these provisions for Lust under prayer for Life Did not Solomon King of Israel sin by these things yet among many Nations was there no King like him who was beloved of his God and God made him King over all Israel Neh. 13. 26. Nevertheless even him did outlandish-women cause to sin But lastly How doth neglect of Parent's instruction of families or ill example therein before their Childden either in pride covetousness wrath lightness or other ill carriage unbecoming profession in Parents expose their observant Children and make fruitless and frivolous their performances amongst them when they shall discern them to fulfil Tit. 1. 16. before them Beware therefore of this above all that you lay not a stumbling example before them but that in simplicity and godly sincerity you show them your good conversation in Christ filling up faithfully every relation in secret according to your open profession that they be not stumbled by finding the contrary for O the wound which Christ an● Truth and souls have received by eminent l●● gifted Professors of contrary conversations little have either the lusts or Inhabitants world fallen before them How would Abraham be ashamed of such Children who so have shamed their profession in their opportunities Heb. 11. 15. wherein else they might have shined to the conviction and conversion of many Mat. 5. 16. 1 Pet. 3. 16. O tender Parents for the Lords sake then and for the sake of the souls under your charge pray for your own return to the attaining again the holy Examples of Fathers in Christ that they who dwell under your shadow may revive as the Corn and grow as the Vine the sent whereof shall be as the Wine of Lebanon Host 14. 7. That your Children and Servants may bless you in the name of the Lord and add not to their corrupt Nature any of these hazards aforesaid under your education in the sense whereof and how many poor Children lately may have been carried Christless thither and like sheep laid into the grave whose Parents thought it time enough perhaps to teach them soul-concernments at leisure this earnest of encouragement to poor endeavours for the souls of Children is published in love which its hoped by your acceptance and help may provoke very many to the salvation of souls And a special double Note is placed in the Margin pointing to the sickbed lamentation of ●●●s little one for the loss of first convictions in most harmless manner of trifling away his with his most innocent Schoolfellows choking for a season the tender Seed in his soul the reviving whereof by especial grace in an acceptable season stood him in so much stead as you will see in the face of Death and judgement whereunto none of his great natural parts nor School-attainments durst approach Be pleased to peruse it therefore and improve it unto the most special care of your children's eternal welfare and pursue your frequent prayers for their conversion in the paths thereof so as by all means to promote and by no means to betray your prayers that the account of them may not be with grief but joy which is the earnest prayer indeed of Your and your children's wellwisher in the Gospel of Christ I. V. In Commemoration of our Friend and School-fellow the truly virtuous and Religious Youth CALEB VERNON An ELEGY CALEB Ah peerless Caleb art thou dead No no thou art not but thy soul is fled To Heaven thy better part shall never die But shall survive yes and thy memory Shall ever live and though thy life expire Yet shall all those that knew thee thee admire And honour thy remembrance Worthy youth Whose chiefest love was Piety and Truth Who though so young and tender yet didst chase Away the thoughts of sin and didst embrace Sincerity and with an upright heart Didst God 's Commands to choose the better part A second Timothy I well may style thee Of which true title none can ere beguile thee Which thou deserv'st and hast an ample share In his perfections although so rare I' th' Scriptures from a child he knowledge had And stuck close to the good shuning the bad Even so didst thou whose chief & sole delight Was for to serve the Lord thy God in spite Of all the opposition which was made By Satan's instruments to make to fade Thy hot love towards thy Lord & fervent zeal Unto good works which no vain thing could steal He in the graces of his Parents dear Enjoyed a very large and ample share So thou the virtues of thy Father and Thy gracious mother at the second hand Deriv'st A rare example he did prove Others for to provoke his God to love So thou a holy pattern didst appear Although so young while that thou livest here And though thou art dead thy soul doth sore on high Death where 's thy sting Grave where 's thy victory Caleb blessed Child the Victory is thine Who like an other Sun in Heaven dost shine O Child beloved of God admired of men For all thy virtues and thy graces when Shall we again thy like behold whose Spirit A beauteous Crown of Glory dost inherit O wonder of our iron age wh'ast left Something of which the world can't be bereft Let us lament our loss whilst he above Sings holy praises to the God of Love W. D. Another AH cruel Death that no one dost regard But unto all entreaties still art hard It is thy sting that makes so many grieve 'Cause mortals of their lives thou dost bereave It is thy deadly Spear that doth divide Poor Children from their Parents thou dost guide Thy piercing jaulin to the mortals heart Thou strik'st even Youth itself by thy keen Dart. Couldst thou not stop thy hand O greedy Death But with thy mighty stroke must stop his breath Who in his youthful days did flourish much O Death why didst thou rob the world of such A jewel which with few I might compare One that in time might been the Son and Heir Of Learning one beyond his age endued Wisdom and Virtue were by him pursued O Death couldst thou not execute thy rage On other men that feeble be with age Or on some other youth in whom such rare And virtuous qualities did not appear But must so soon deprive us of a jewel Oh envious Death What is (null) makes thee so cruel Such a most precious gem all aught to prize I 'm sure they do who 'd virtuous and wise We mourn He doth rejoice Ours is the loss His is the gain He 's free from every cross S. D. Another I. WHat nought but grief what nought but floods of tears Pray tell me why This common Desolation appears That also I May spend a tear I hear with these mine ears A sad reply Weep Rocks weep Mountains for all joys are fled The finest Flower in the Field is dead II. 'T is true we all must die but paled death With his sharp claws Hath put a period to my dear friends breath But for what caus● He in his youthful sides his  did sheathe I yet must pause Weep Rocks weep Mountains for all joy is fled The finest flower in the field is dead III. Me thinks sweet Philomela begins to sing Her mournful not● And pressed with sorrow hangs her little wing Whilst that her thro●● Proclaims her sorrow look how every thing With grief is smo●● Weep Rocks etc. IV. When ere his person came into my sight Me thought my eye Was ravished with a sudden sweet delight His modesty Was a fit copy any one might write After him by But weep O Rocks for all our joys are ●led The finest Flower in the Field is dead V. Me thinks the newblown flowers hang their head And oft bemoan Their hapless lot because their Friend is dead They deeply groan And sigh the sight of which might draw indeed Tears from a stone Weep Rocks etc. VI Learning and Piety Virtue and Wit His portion was Learning he had beyond his years but yet Alas alas Deformed Death no notice took of it But cracked his glass Weep Rocks etc. VII He saw the vanity of earthly things Therefore made haste Unto the Kingdom of the King of kings That he might taste The blessed joys that Heaven with it brings That nought can blast Weep Rocks etc. N. P. An ACROSTIC CAleb hath now attained the promised Land After his journey through the Wilderness Living he tasted of its Clusters and Espied its beauty which tongue can't express Blessed soul he rests now after much distress valorous though small he was for he hid find Entrance though death did at the entrance stand Resisting him his God strengthened his mind Now he 's victorious and enjoys the Land Ocoward Death thou settest upon a Child Nor couldst thou conquer but by it waste foyed S. P. ANAGRAM CALEB VERNON Once Venerable ALL earthly glory posts away with speed What Once was Venerable now is dead W. D. CALEB VERNON Cure None able ALL help in Man is vain where shall I flee who 'll Cure None able Lord I flee to thee S. P. CALEB VERNON No Rule can be DEath varies oft No certain Rule can be He strikes Old Age Youth Manhood Infancy S. P. EPITAPH HE is interred whose soul now fled away Once took a Lease of this small house of clay She had not long her house inhabited Before she was to her Redeemer wed She brought forth Children who do now inherit Her Husband's wealth the graces of the Spirit When as she saw her family increase She did repent that she had ta'en a Lease Houseroom was scant therefore she sought about To find a larger habitation out Her Husband did a Mansion prepare An heavenly Mansion very large and fair Thither she did her household goods remove And now she 's left this House and dwells above She with her Cottage twelve years was content And now though worms dwell in 't doth not lament S. P. Job 19 25 26 27. For I know that my Redeemer liveth and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the Earth And though after my skin worms destroy this body yet in my flesh shall I see God whom I shall see for myself and mine eyes shall behold and not another though my reins be consumed within me THE Life and latter End OF Caleb Vernon CALEB was born in the Inns at Dublin in Ireland Why called Caleb Anno 1653. and called by that name by agreement betwixt his Parents seriously with desire he might follow God fully being both then very sensible of Professors defection This Child was brought up with them at least six years before he was sent to School he was of very great capacity but exceeding shamefaced and small of stature and so timorous that his His aptness at 4 & 6 years old and observance of parents Parents could scarce trust him abroad out of their sight Howbeit he profited so under their care as to read the Bible distinctly at Four years old and by six became very apt in places of Scripture the Theory thereof and moral regard thereunto exactly observant of his Parents with ambition to serve and please them in love He had his share early in afflictions for being put to School when he was but seven years old at Hillington he deeply resented the troubles on many good people at that time and being visited with a violent Ague there he began first to have a deep sense of death questioning whether His first sickbed convictions at 7 years old he should be saved but recovering that sickness came to see his Father then prisoner in New gate for the worship of God according to the Gospel of Christ and sick at the same time which was thought to affect the Child together with the fears of Soldiers in the way that the night he arrived at London he fell sick again in which sickness further convictions of his undone condition by nature seized more on him and his elder Brother who then fell sick also but both of them with their Father recovering went to the waters at Epsam where his Father finding his practice in Physic as much as he desired to be employed in the Lord taking away his youngest Son there was disposed to retirement and abode there all the Summer after a short time sent him with his brother again to School taking for the ●est of his family Lodgings at Ewel all Winter supposing he might be less obnoxious His Father's way to avoid affliction bringeth him and his family thereinto and how than at popular Meetings in London and lived there in his practice peaceably A Schoolmaster coming to live in that Village he brought his Sons thither also determining to settle there for his Life and to that end bought a piece of Ground with intention to plant it and build which when a malicious Chirurgeon too notorious for all open profaneness observed to impair his Practice he secretly with his Father-in-Law and Allies of debauched dispositions by slanders of many sorts to the Justices sought his disturbance Whereupon the said Vernon being civilly sent for by the Justices repaired to some of the chief and gave so good satisfaction of his peaceable deportment in his calling and the falsehood of their various reports as he received an ingenious account of the slanderers and forgers of them with assurance of safety in the like case if attempted for the future which was his encouragement to go on in building for the conveniency of his Family there And though this confederacy in vain attempted his disturbance with the Bishop and Justices for near two years more yet at last prevailed by slanders to be countenanced so by another in arms who took not such notice of the private malignity under pretence of Loyalty that the Chirurgeon was encouraged as one of the chief in ransacking the said Vernons House and Closet which he had stored with Medicine for his Apothecary at pleasure with violence and dis-ingenuity Ca●ebs early share in unreasonable afflictions under natural fearfulness before incredible upon pretence of Arms where never was any and bruitishly frequented the house as he pleased sometimes in company sometimes alone in his drink venting his threats very absurdly to the great terror of the poor family The said Child being timorous and under a fit of sickness also at Ewel with more deep sense of sin having thus early to his care about his eternal estate the additional fears of unreasonable men so frequently was so exposed though naturally Inward and outward troubles together carry him to prayer & christian correspondency very cheerful that his Father was enforced to remove the Family from thence to Newington with respect to their Schooling leaving them himself some weeks before The Child began therefore when his Father through these troubles left Ewel ●●rst in good earnest to approach to his heavenly father in private and to begin a correspondency with his good friend Mr. R. D. in London wherein were Christian expressions in such wisdom and knowledge as made his friend question being the first he had written whether they could come from one so young being then ●ut Ten years old whereupon the said Mr. D. sent to him as followeth Dear Caleb I Received thine without date but not without serious desire of the best things and of ●hy beginning to be instructed in them which made thy Letter very acceptable and welcome to me being willing to hope that what comes under thy hand is not only notions in thy head but something of Truth in thy heart which The wisdom of his first Letter at 10 years old admired by his friend I desire may be more and more really wrought in thee Thy Lines savour of an honest heart and seem to come from an older head than thy own yet being informed from such as I can credit that it was thy own writing I shall make no further inquiry than to have it confirmed from thyself in thy next to me whether indeed thou hadst not privately the help of any other before the writing of thine above mentioned unto me It is a large desire expressed in thine to be filled with the Love of God and my hearts desire for thee is Th●● the Lord will fulfil that Petition for thee together with that mentioned Ephes. 3. 1● 17 18 19 Which I desire thou mayest o● ten peruse ponder and be helped to pr● in the same Spirit of Truth The co●ing of Christ is hastening indeed as t●● Letter expresses 'T is but a little whi●● and he that shall come will come and will not tarry Heb. 10. 3● And it is a question worth all our inquir● who may abide the day of his coming Mal. 3● 12. Many there are that shall not and fe● there are that will be found blameless a●● harmless without rebuke at that day whic● yet is and shall be the portion of some Phil. 2● 15 16. I shall at present only desire thy answer unto two or three brief Questions following First What thou dost understand by th● coming of Christ Secondly What thou understandest b● his judging the Earth Thirdly What it is to be an outside Professor Fourthly What the Traditions of me● are Fifthly Whither the answer thou shal● return to the abovesaid questions be th● own apprehensions without any help from others A true and plain answer to these things will be a further satisfaction about thy last Letter and I hope no disadvantage to thee ●ho by the serious thoughts of these things mayest be brought to a better understanding ●n them Thus with my dear love to thee and ●hy brother J. V. and Cousin Deborah and ●ll the rest desiring you may be all taught and instructed in the truths of Christ as they are ●n him whom to know aright is eternal life John 17. I remain Thy assured Friend that desires thy Spiritual and temporal welfare R. D. London the 6 th' of the 3 d Month 63. And in Answer received this following which he wrote immediately without study or prompting Ewell May 12 1663. Dear Sir I Received your kind Letter wherein you have desired me to write unto you an Answer to some certain Questions which you have hinted in your Letter which I shall answer as I hope the Spirit of Grace shall declare to me for I know and am assured that the Lord will declare his Spirit unto them that truly love him which indeed I may truly say I have not done but have erred His second Letter at large in answer to his friend against his word for which I have great cause to mourn for but I hope he may be my God who will be a God to them that truly seek after him in Spirit and in Truth who did put them words into my mouth which you desired me to send you word of and no body else But as for the coming of Christ I understand it to be two divers ways First His coming in the hearts of his People to purge and purify them Secondly His coming o● Earth when he shall set his People at liberty and shall destroy all Kingdoms that will n●● obey him and he shall set up himself a Kingdom Dan. 2. 44. And by his judging the Earth I understand when all both quic● and dead shall stand before his presence whe● he shall sever the bad from the good and sha●● say to them on his right hand COME Y● BLESSED OF MY FATHER But unto them on his left hand GO YE CURSED into Hell fire prepared for the Devil and his angels And to be an outside Professor I understand it to be one who make a show of Christ but they be not so in thei● hearts And I understand the Traditions ●● men to be their following after the Lusts of the Devil rather than the Commands of God Which things I have not been told of I would desire you to excuse me for not dating my Letter and desire you would write unto me to unfold them to me more than I can do which I hope may be made of use unto my soul So I remain Your much obliged Friend CALEB VERNON ANd being removed to Newington and now no more exposed to such private hostility he went more cheerfully to School and profited exceedingly in the Latin tongue making entrance also into the Greek that Summer but finding the opportunity of hearing the Word there uncertain in the Winter for the sake of it and his Father's employment in London the Family was removed thither where he was improved without more intermission to great proficiency in the Greek and Latin so as both his able Teachers as all with whom he was have said they never had any more apt of his age nor did any with whom he was see cause to use correction unto him who yet to his Parent's trouble had lost much time by such removes and amongst more civil Schoolfellows having always averseness to play with profane grew too secure But when the Child Caleb was as a tender Being at peace amongst civil Schoolfellows he was less serious but revived under the Word at London Scrupled Heathen School Authors seriously plant now again more frequently watered with the living streams of the word of grace by grace yet in London he grew very considerate in his goings and of his own accord so hesitated at the fictions he met with in the Heathen Authors at School especially about God and Heaven and Hell etc. which were now on his mind that though he dearly loved and highly reverenced his Master he did very humbly acquaint his Father with his scruple herein and found favour to have it much removed to his satisfaction and encouragement to further proficiency in Learning which was his delight Howbeit sometime after being employed in an English Poetical Exercise on a solemn Subject wherein he seriously used Scripture language pertinently hi● Love to Scripture allays his love to School and why learned Master he said observed to him he should not be so Scriptural but would have him alter it for a more Poetical dialect whereupon indeed the Child as it were astonished and discouraged thereat of his own accord so abated his delight in Learning that he went to School then as under some load which had been as his pastime or delight before Hence did he earnestly entreat his Father he might be brought up with him in his own calling for which he had Learning enough to which he was very enclinable and in which he expressed great aptness with delight more than to play upon all idle times But being returned to School for a season to attain the Hebrew reading into which he was entering it pleased God to visit him with sickness to perfect his compleature for his Bridegroom as followeth Being visited through surfeit by heat with a Fever and Pleurisy near unto death in London he had then a more effectual awakning towards Eternal Life in such lively conviction self abasement and savour as made some about him More sick bed convictions and the effects admire the grace in which he spoke both of God and unto him by Christ Jesus fervently and his holy behaviour being much in deep abasement when he was left alone which increased savourly in him in the Country especially upon every solemn opportunity in the Word and Prayer with the Family for finding some recovery at last in London but very low lean and consumptive the weather and Sickness beginning to be very hot there he was carried into the Country to a Garden House in Battersey where his Father fairly acquainted his Landlord with his judgement in Religion and troubles therefore and his determination yet to maintain meetings in the true Worship of God with his Family and Acquaintance where ever he came which was not only agreed unto but encouraged by the said Landlord who with his Wife and ancient Father carried it with all seeming respect insomuch as the place also agreeing with them they were near agreement for a term of years but in the mean time the said Landlord privately boasted that he had Providence preventing Country settling again been at Ewel and had been prompted to give the said Vernon etc. disturbance which yet he said he would not molest fo● all this world which saying of his being frequently repeated caused some demu● in the said Vernons settlement there ye● he came as he could be spared from hi● Patients in London as at former time● to his Children but fearing the wea● Child might be under the influence thereof he was seriously consulted who desired earnestly to come to London for the His desire of return to London and why sake of the precious Word though the Plague was not much abated there rather than expose his Father to come thither so oft or be absent from him or engage his Father into any other parts having many sick under his Care yea he was much more set on being at London that he might sympathise as he said with the sufferings of the Lords poor visited People there Hereupon finding also his strength came not forwards towards the end of the Summer they were again brought into London Now it pleased God that the honest Waterman that brought the Children to London and the Servant that brought this Child being not able to go in his Afflicting Providences work still for true good to him arms to his Lodging immediately fell sick and died of the Pestilence which aded to the serious mind of the Child though yet he would not endure to hear it called Melancholy conducing much to his inward rooting in that which could not be shaken The first Lesson from the Scriptures in the Family was from Eccles. 9 10. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do do it with thy might for there is no work nor device nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest From which such grace was through the Lord's goodness granted to him that he received more powerful instruction from it with great thanksgiving for it as that which had much helped and refreshed him though his Sister and Brother especially in addition to former grace to them were awakened thereby with trembling and in a few days after turned to the Lord with full purpose The quickening effect of applying family instruction more particularly of heart being further helped by being called upon to call on the Name of the Lord at their meat which they had not formerly done and were afraid to do formally so also did Caleb refuse to do it publicly then fearing he said he could not perform it acceptably but immediately his heart smote him and in much humility voluntarily offered to do it as well as he could the next season arguing with himself that it belonged to the Adoption to cry Abba Father and to a Christian not to be ashamed of Christ This motion proved also to the great humbling of the other two and wrought mightily to self-abasement in serious sense also that the first fruit of true Conversion was to call on the Lord in truth and not to be ashamed to confess him and it was soon after manifested that they had through Grace received the Spirit of Adoption from him and were helped to witness unto him unto their admission into his house with joy Caleb then craved a little Closet for himself that he might seek the Lord in secret more seriously which was to his great satisfaction prepared but by daily decay to his outward grew more sensible now of the Winter approaching but the Springtime to his inward-man was daily made manifest God was pleased to make his weak Bed his Closet and the wearisome nights his seasons of much serious consideration brought to light daily in plenty of wisdom employing true turning to God most apparently not recorded till the visible decay also of his weak outward tabernacle daily made us fear it was the anointing with fresh Oil for his Burial And then his Mother admiring the Wisdom The motives to his Mother's writing his sayings at last by which he spoke was minded to gather up what fragments she could in writing without his observing it as he daily dropped them in season with favour declaring him to be wholly a new man to the Lord on whom he now began more to see he believed to his support though his seeming reserved and drooping posture after his first days rejoicing to see his Parents in London he would not own to be melancholy but solemn meditation about his eternal estate with hope and some joy yet mixed at first with more fears and doubtings nor could any thing allure him into the Country again though his Father offered his company the Plague and number of his Patient's beginning to abate because he prized he said the opportunities of the Word in Soul-instruction preferred before health or life and the fruit which followed London above life or hopes of more health elsewhere saying sometimes with ardency A day in thy Courts is better than a thousand elsewhere And thus began first to open himself to his Mother Mother I now begin to see the vanity of all things in this life and it is a troublesome world if I were assured of the Love of God I would choose rather to die than live And having intermitting fits with wearisome restless nights he said to his Mother about the beginning of the ninth month in the morning with joy Mother I have seen the Face of God and God hath as it were taken me into his Arms this night and assured me of his Love mentioning these Scriptures following as his refreshment And him that cometh to me John 6. I will in no-wise cast out And why art thou cast down O my soul and why art thou disquieted Psa. 42. 5 within me hope thou in God etc. Cease ye from man whose breath is in his nostrils Isa. 2. saying God had showed him he might not trust to man for his healing but look unto and trust in him and whereas said he I was before very restless that I Grace giveth ease & begets abasement could not lie still in one place yet afterwards I was at great ease and could lie very quiet though I had no sleep Then cried he out of his vileness also most humbly and said I see now how I was by nature plunged in sin and iniquity but my Lord jesus Christ which he uttered ardently hath been a ransom for me and spoke particularly of the vanity of his mind before his sickness and blessed the Lord for his Visitation In the midst of one fit he spoke affectionately This is my comfort in my affliction Psal. 119. Thy Word hath quickened me Upon the fifth of the ninth month he had many fainting fits but his faith and hope was so maintained in the midst of ●hem that he said joyfully Mother My flesh and my heart faileth me but God is ●he strength of my life and my portion for ●ver joying in God as his God in variety of pithy expressions saying How ●ad would it be with me now if God were not ●ny God On the 7th of the ninth month his fit came as formerly which at first was grievous causing him to cry out once What shall I do but he checked himself presently and said Why I know God will help me and I will trust in him admiring much his goodness to him His Mother leaving him to lie quiet sent the Maid but he desired to be left alone and sometime after sending to him again he sent his Mother word he was very sick but God made it easy to him and when his Mother came he told her he was made so joyful through the light of God's countenance that though he was very weak as ever he was in his body yet he could lie still & magnified the Lord greatly for his Grace in choosing him who was he said so very vile by nature And now Mother Solitary seasons sweet & slavish fear subdued saith he God hath taken away all my slavis● fear and whereas it was so with me that I could not endure to be in a room by myself now I care not how much I am alone He di● particularly complain then of a frothy frame before his Visitation blessing the Lord again for bringing this Sickness upon him saying For these light afflictions 2 Cor. 4. 17. which are but for a moment work for me ●● far more exceeding and eternal weight ●● Glory and mentioned the words also i● Rev. 7. 14. These are they which came o● of great tribulation washing their robes in the blood of the Lamb. He said one sin of Little sins lie heavy on a sincere soul. his at Ewel had often lain heavy upon his heart namely his disobedience to his Mother once not going to bed when she had commanded it She told him she hoped God had pardoned it and all other his sins in Christ by whose Blood all was done away and she had both forgiven it him and had forgotten it which much satisfied him saying he hoped God would set him on the Rock that was higher than he and if he pleased to spare him he desired to be found obedient to him and desired to be joined to his People ask his Mother if I. S. who had proposed himself and he knew was suspended for further trial came forward saying It would be a sad thing if he should go backward in the things of God And then much admired the goodness of God to him saying How good is it to have an Interest in Christ now and how miserable is the contrary in such a condition as I am in and was much taken up with the consideration of Eternity so that his Mother marvelled at his sweet discourse at this time and thought his face even shined with the Great refreshment by Grace Grace of God that was on him he continued in a very heavenly frame of heart to the time of her going to bed and desiring to restrain him from talking more having had little rest he answered that talk about common things he found hurtful to him and he wanted breath quickly but to speak of the things of God was not wearisome but refreshing And the Maid of a worthy Acquaintance in Prison coming to see him he sent her Master word he loved him as he His encouragement to an honest prisoner was the Lord's Prisoner and he was sure God would deliver his Prisoners Being asked how he knew that he said he had his Word for it which said that he would bring them from the East and from the West from the North and from all places whither they had been carried away captive and he was sure not a tittle of his Word should fail till all was fulfilled And that the enemies of the Lord he was sure should be destroyed for the Word of the Lord had said it repeating then some words of the 47th of Isa. to prove it and desired the Maid to tell her Master also that he was in the place where God would have him to be and desired him to stand fast in the Lord and not give way to the Adversary and desire her Mistress to be content and not to faint but consider that God was able to make up all her Husband's losses unto her His Father making ready two Larks for him he solemnly invited his Father Mother His love-feast and entertain meant of friends Brother Sister and Cousin to sup with him ask his Father whether it was not Levi that made a Feast to invite his Kindred unto Christ when he was converted ●nd did in a gracious manner before them give thanks to the Lord both before and after in very heavenly and savoury expressions His Father then conversed with him about the time and extent of his conviction of sin he said he thought that work was never through till the time of this last coming to London though he had prayed divers times before yet he thought it was not so right but since by his Father's speaking to him and praying with him of ●ate he was throughly convinced of his ●ndone estate by Nature and upheld much by that word in john 6. 37. And ●im that cometh to me I will in no-wise cast ●ut and that Mat. 11. 28. Come unto me ●ll ye that are weary and heavy laden and ● will give you rest Also from Psal. And sinners shall be converted unto thee observing that God had mercy for such as ●ad been transgressors & sinners Thenceforth he continued daily blessing the Lord ●rom day to day for his goodness but through his Mother's occasions many pertinent passages were omitted He did often this week speak also of his faith in and desire of the Ordinances of Baptism and Church-fellowship as his duty wishing earnestly he might be baptised and His desire of obedience joined to the Lord's Fold His eldest Sister and Brother also about this time propounded themselves and were accepted upon a satisfactory Confession of their Faith in that Church were Caleb longed to come lamenting that none would take him up being persuaded that he had His importunity to confess to Christ after he believed strength to go to them to witness to the Lord in his Congregation though he could not sit up an hour for several days before but seeing that denied him he prevailed with his Father to propose to the Congregation that some might be employed to hear him then in bed and about twelve faithful Brethren being nominated and a liberty left unto others not being too many to annoy the room by reason of his weakness his Mother went up to see him before to whom he said earnestly Mother I pray you do not hinder me for I know God will be with me and enable me to be baptised and I do not think I shall be the worse but rather better in my body for I am assured God will not suffer any to receive hurt in doing what he hat● commanded them but however if I should die in it I would not omit it for I would do what I could And coming up to him again before the Friends appointed were come he said Mother I think I have seen a Vision since you went and God hath exceedingly comforted me and given in such strength that if the Maid would have suffered me to rise I am persuaded I could have come to the Congregation myself and expressed much longing for their coming to him who were appointed soon after above twenty came to him to whom he affectionately complained and to his Father His complaint & impatience that no body would help him up to come unto them being persuaded of more strength for that than for common occasions and being set up in his Bed though before his sickness the greatest contest with him both by Parents Masters and Friends was his shamefacedness that he could scarce speak to a man he was in this under much holy modesty very undaunted not caring who or how many heard him and uttered himself to the Company Candles being set on the bed and they round about him after this manner following God speaks once yea twice yet man regardeth it not Thus it hath been with me in two sicknesses God spoke to me first in His Confession of Faith my sickness in London about five years ago and afterwards at Ewel about two years ago when I grew serious and it stayed with me for some time and I betook myself to Prayer in private and think I had some Communion with God therein But after I came to Newington and went ☞ to School I fell into company and did ☞ again lose those Convictions falling to play among my Schoolfellows as if those convictions had never been and now you see that made good in job The bones that were not seen stand out Since which time God hath more than ever set me into a serious consideration of my condition which began when I was in London at my Father's house before I went into the Country but I had not so much the savour of it after in the Country though I was not there without thoughts of it and think I had some communion with God there yet I lost much of that time but since I came again to London things were more powerfully revived upon my soul and when I heard that word from my Father speaking from that Scripture What thou findest in thy hand to do do it with all thy might etc. It did afresh set me into a pursuit after God and I have been seeking after him and desire to follow him fully here he made a stand It was then asked him what he had to make out to us that were to judge of his true faith in Jesus Christ that might fit him for the Lords Ordinances He said God had said to him He that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out But it was asked what he intended by coming He said to Christ by believing He was asked how he would come and what need he saw of Christ He answered He knew he was lost and undone by nature that Scripture had been much upon his heart Eph. 2. And are by nature the Children of wrath as well as others and that in Adam all died And that word I came not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance and he had been sensible of Psal. 51. 13. this And that word in the Psalms had been of great use to him And sinners shall be converted unto thee If sinners shall be converted said he there is hope for such a one as I and it is my encouragement to expect good from God Then it was asked him what sin he was sensible of that he should make use of that word sinners should be converted unto thee His answer was HE SAW HE WAS A SINNER IN ADAM BEFORE AND HAD SPENT HIS TIME VERY CHILDISHLY ☞ AND PLAYED AWAY HIS CONVICTIONS And had been frothy which was his great sin Then it was asked what he did when he saw himself such a sinner He said he applied to God by prayer as well as he could as a poor soul that needed Christ It was asked then what was the effect of that He said God did relieve him and direct to Christ Then it was asked how long he was under the sense of his sin before he received this satisfaction in Christ He answered he had some comfort in his Father's house in London when he lay sick before he went into the Country but he thought he lost much by being in the Country but being more serious in his mind since he came last up to London considering also what is said in job 33. 21. The first Scripture that relieved him in his distressed condition was Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest And afterwards he laid hold on that word He that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out Also two other words that had been of use to him for the confirmation of his hope in God One was in Isaiah I am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for my name sake I will not remember thy sins And that in the 73 Psal. My heart and my flesh faileth but the Lord is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever And another in the 119 Psal. This is my comfort in my affliction for thy word hath quickened me Then he was asked how or to what extent he had received Christ He answered as King Priest and Prophet Then it was asked what he had and expected by Christ as a Priest He said he had been an acceptable Sacrifice for him and interceded for him Then it was asked what he expected from him as King he said to rule him and defend him Then it was asked if he would be subject to him in all things He answered Yes he desired to be so for he was sure it was his reasonable service He was asked what he expected as a Prophet He answered That he should instruct and guide him and none else Then it was asked to what end he tendered his Faith to the Brethren He answered that he might be baptised and joined to Christ's fold Then he was asked what light he had in Baptism He answered that that Scripture had been of use to him He that believeth and is baptised shall be saved Besides Christ's example as a pattern to us ●nd Philip and the Eunuch instancing that in particular If thou believest with all thy heart thou mayest Besides he mentioned the case of the Jailer Then he was asked how he could adventure on such a work in such a condition He said he would trust God and do what he could Then it was said it may be he might di● in the water what if he should die He cheerfully then said Why Death is mine if I die in it and it is the work of God and then it will be known that Christ hath some that will follow him in difficulties But his Father replied though Child it be so easy to you it will be a trouble to us we cannot so easily part with you Why Father said he If I should die God can make it up to you and I shall go to Heaven His Father then told him the Lord would accept a man according to what he hath and not according to what he hath not He said he was sure he had strength to be baptised and God would give hi● more His Father told him that the sam● Promise that was made to them that prayed in the Temple when God gave the● ability to be there was made to them th●● had respect thereto when his hand hindered And that which might justify Timothy being a member to be absent Miletum when he was sick might excus● one from coming in being sick and unable to do what he would wherein God would accept the will for the deed To which he readily answered But indeed Father I know I have strength and could have come down to day if any one would have taken me up and God will give me more strength It was asked him what he proposed by Baptism He answered I would obey all the Commandments of Christ repeating that Scripture Repent and be baptised every one of you in the Name of jesus Christ for the remission of sins Then it was asked him do you expect righteousness by Baptism O no said he Then it was queried what he intended by his being baptised He said to put on Christ and be obedient to him in all things He spoke also of being buried with Christ in Baptism as dying to sin and his own righteousness etc. Then was inquiry made into his conversation and he had not been known ever His former Conversation to be addicted to any sort of vice and seldom to play being ever delighted in Learning and Knowledge and on idle days pleased greatly to be employed under his Father only the Maid thought that at Newington when he was at School freed from his troubles at Ewel about the time he complains of himself he was one time apt to be frothy in play and sometimes to speak rashly but never knew any intention to lie or that he purposely made a lie at any time but she was grieved more at his lightness for a little time there than ever before or since his coming from thence and that he had often lamented it to her himself Satisfaction being then declared by all that heard in the point of his Faith it was agreed to spread the difficult case of his Baptism before the Lord in solemn Prayer The next day being the 13th day of the ninth month in the morning he said His pursuit of convictions he was something better and God had more strengthened him in order to doing his duty and once said God bid him go forward and though he seemed very weak yet he desired to be taken and laid in the bed where prayer was to be made all that day and he attended with great reverence bearing his fit with great patience then and usually indeed when he His patients and support was sickest in body he would forget the sense of it by remembering how well he was made in his soul admiring much that God was his God Before the end of the day he was carried back to his own Bed for repose and his Father going to him at night he said Father pray you have His inquiry after prayer you come to any conclusion to day about my being baptised which put his Father being yet doubtful and thinking his weakness would quiet him therein to some strait what to answer seeing his earnest expectation having omitted that day to debate it after Prayer but fearing to discourage him instantly replied Child we have not been nor are not without serious thoughts of it and some do more incline to it and we shall yet consult it seriously if you cannot be satisfied to defer He cannot be satisfied to defer obedience after Conviction it I pray you Father do saith he for indeed I cannot be satisfied and I would fain be in Christ's Fold The next day being the fourteenth he seemed much weaker but still minded this as his duty with great desire to be doing it but having not been up in many days before but as aforesaid from one Bed into another his Father asked him how he could thiuk to go about such a work seeing he was not able to be got up out of his bed for a moment his thigh His thigh measured not full 4. inches about being then not full four inches about and he not being able to endure so much as a Doublet or Gown upon him his bones were so bare He answered very cheerfully He did believe God would help him Cheerfully showeth all his strength to prevail with his father that he might be obedient to rise to do that his work and give him strength and he had some already so that he was able to rise now if his Father would have him To which his Father thinking it might convince or refresh him consented and he was taken up in warm Blankets and sat by his Father on Pillows upright well nigh two hours in which time he had very gracious converse and with cheerfulness said Father Boasteth in God admired grace for temporal and eternal mercy the Lord is my strength of whom should I be afraid Indeed you are my dear Father but I have a dearer Father in Heaven How great mercy have I that I should have such a tender Father in Earth and in Heaven also And seeing his little Sister by him of five years old which the rest used to call Mother he said to her affectionately Nancy the Lord make you a Mother in Israel His holy converse O how do I long to see Christ form in you And looking to his Father he said Why indeed Father she had many very good expressions in the Country and would say to the Maid in a morning What mercy is it that we are alive and so many thousands taken away at London and so many little Children Then speaking of the Adversaries to the People of God he said their time is but short And being asked how he knew that said the Word of God says it mentioning that Scripture Rev. 12. The Devil is come down with great wrath because he knoweth he hath but a short time Two Larks being roasted for Supper His usual meal and cheerful frame thereat whereof he used to eat but a leg and a wing at the most He did then very fervently give thanks unto God with highest praise for that meat that endureth to eternal life and humble thanks for his daily support and mercies of every sort with great enlargement both for his work before him and in praise for what had been wrought for him and in him and when he found he had sat up to his full strength went to his bed blessing the Lord depending upon his Father to come the next day to some conclusion about his further obedience On the fifteenth day his Father went into the Country and meeting with some Christian Friends improved that opportunity for their earnest advice with prayer setting forth his great strait in the Friends advise his baptism case and taking their answer one by one upon what they had heard both for and against it they unanimously advised the answering his desire therein leaving the issue unto the Lord whose Wisdom they judged had engaged the Child herein beyond any reasonable objection that could be brought to oppose it only one of them desired that if he could be taken off by the persuasion of his Father he might but the most of them as his father had done having used all Arguments they could to him before declared they durst not further object His Father observing he had had nothing of it from man but the contrary and not expecting his life ordinarily a day & observing the Child's oppression Considerations of his father's consent also through delay herein and chief revivings were always in the hopes of obedience without vanity counting of the worst and exploding any thought of righteousness or expectation of certain healing by it yet expressing he could not die so comfortably in the neglect of it and often saying he would do what he could and was persuaded God would enable him that he should not be the worse for it His Father after many days revolving it in his mind the Child being but too dear unto him did yield his judgement also to trust God with the issue And then employed one to search diligently for an House near a River where it might most conveniently the next day be performed but as he returned home calling on a Christian Friend whose employment in Physic was to be respected and finding him of opinion he could not Further objection His impatience to obey be carried thither alive and sensible of the great reproach that would follow if he died in the attempt it so far renewed his thoughtfulness as to entreat that Friend to try if he could persuade the Child to defer it and his Father then going before unto him found he had been weaker that day yet still more impatient to perform this as his duty before he died having much longed for his Father's return saying often O that I might see my dear Father When will my Father come And upon the coming of any up stairs Methinks I hear the feet of my Father which was much his frame in his absence at any time but now much more by expecting resolution herein His Father coming he soon solicitously enquired for his consent and acquainting him with the concurrence of some friends to countenance it he rejoiced greatly and smiling upon his Mother he said with great ardency and strength Mother His joy in consent to morrow I shall go abroad now to the glory of God and I know he will strengthen me But his Father telling him that a worthy Friend yet dissented who would come presently to confer with him he abated his rejoicing but readily consented His joy abated but the Objecter admitted he should come and was impatient till he came The Friend being come expressed his joy in his faith but gave the very reasons he had often heard from his Father and others why one so weak should be satisfied to forbear and added that it was said all judea went out to be baptised but he never heard that any were carried out Caleb replied That Christ bid his Disciples go and teach all Nations baptising them but never said if they be sick and weak do not baptise them And persisted in his persuasion of God's assistance although a good Gentlewoman then also sought to dissuade him but after several speeches to him which seemed to weary him he looked about him upon the Company and seemed to suspect they spoke but the mind of his father and others there silent on which he lay down as weary and discouraged and said even weeping Well if my Father would not have me I will not explaining His great discouragement himself if he was not thought a fit subject The friend seeing his countenance so changed and supposing he grew weak beyond capacity of performing it the present day also being tempestuous and like to be so the day following said unto him Well I see I trouble you I shall say no more to discourage you but rest upon it and see to morrow if it be such weather and you find you have no strength to go you will be satisfied To which he replied Yes if I have not His confidence strength but I know God will give me strength His Father observing his great dejection added It may be Child you think he spoke in our name and you may think we design to put thee off but he only speaks his own mind in true love to thee and the Lord as we did and it is now left to a good issue as you shall find your strength and the season to morrow therefore if thou wilt in a few words commit it unto God The Friend said It may be he is too much spent but he accepted of the motion of his Father and sitting up again prayed very pertinently to His prayer on the occasion the occasion beseeching the Lord to strengthen him his poor unworthy Servant in his Will to his Honour and help him against all the temptations of Satan praying for Zion the reviving the Cause of the Lord and helping those who prosest him to maintain a good profession to his Honour and if it were his Will to give him a Good Day to morrow to witness to him and order it for his glory At which the friend and all the company were well contented as a good conclusion of it The night continued tempestuous and he called often betwixt his slumbers to know what weather and the answer still seemed to daunt him but the morning appearing calm and Sunshine beyond any Wether favoreth day long before confirmed him and he was willing to rise often as impatient to go but being deferred till noon and finding his body but weak he desired not to rise till the very instant of going but would not yet be withheld by his weakness saying I will lie still that I may have strength to serve God One in his hearing saying The place for his Baptising was very dangerous where an Aunt of hers was stoned by the Soldiers upon the like occasion it nothing terrified nor discomposed him yet did not he manifest any vanity in his strength but behaved it as one fully resolved to obey to the uttermost His undauntedness with humility waiting on the Lord composed for assistance with his mind very humbly and unmovedly set upon his will The Coach of a certain friend being lent him and two other hired for the company some other friends going on foot there was one went by to help in any occasion of fainting expected and he with his Father Mother and Gentlewoman who the night before endeavoured to dissuade and his Brother who was to be baptised with him went in that Coach where pillows were appointed for his ease on the laps of two of them but in stead of ●ying down or being weary he desired to His extraordinary assistance & thankful observance sit up and sat upright all the way cheerfully and as soon as he came out of the Gate said heartily Father me thinks I begin to be very hungry I would I had something to eat His Father said there was Cordial or Sack or Hartshorn-Jelly but he refused those and desired some bread if it could be got which he had not eaten of a month before And a roll being obtained he ate heartily and drank after it calling for more of it again by the way and found himself much strengthened for which he praised God as for fitness to serve him fulfilling his hope His fit came not that day visibly as it had done for many before but being come to the place as he sat by the fire much company coming his Father whilst he was making ready spoke to them from Acts 21. 14. And when he would not be persuaded we ceased saying THE WILL OF THE LORD BE DONE Giving a The preparation brief account of the occasion with the Objestions and the Answers and Conclusion thereupon Then desired now to witness to it as the will of God shewin the Commands for it Signification of i● and Ends that should be proposed in it desiring they might be in them and tha● Presence which might make it to both hi● Sons the Communion of the Death and Resurrection of Christ to such a putting him on in the virtue of all his Offices as might manifest their being as i● were thenceforth new-died with o● tinged into Christ to their savour o● him in all things in newness of Nature and Life And then being carried down the Administrator being ready received him into his Arms but feeling him so light and such a parcel of dry bones indeed it tried his faith unto some holy trembling to whom the Child said I am His grace in and after the ordinance not afraid and was very conveniently and speedily baptised his Father standing ready with a warm Blanket to receive him beheld him going back as of a well pleased and indeed shining countenance saying as soon as he could speak I am very well Father And being laid dry on a bed but his breath very short through disturbance in changing the clothes he desired to lie a little season being very cold and it seems had a little spice of a cold fit which began before whilst he was making ready though his Father heard not of it till after and indeed a sentence of An humbling sentence of death death seemed to be upon him in his Father's esteem who whilst thanksgiving was returned by the brother who baptised him spoke often to the Child softly to ask how he did who said I can scarce take my breath it is so short but I shall be better after I have lain a little and in half an hour or thereabouts sat up cheerfully and himself His eminent reviving and reverend public thanksgiving & prayer returned public praise solemnly before them all for the assistance of such dry bones in his service alluding to the dry bones of Israel Prayed likewise earnestly for Zion desiring the repairing her desolate and waste places and earnestly for their standing fast who had put on Christ that day or lately that they might never bring dishonour upon such a holy profession And being again in the Coach seeing His joy in God's assistance and experience of ●● when he could not express it an old Friend there present called to him and entreated him to serve the Lord And being on his way rejoiced in the goodness of the Lord that had carried him according as he believed through his will And now Father it will be seen said he that God is greater than man And by the way home called for warm Ale at an Inn and continued better than in many days before acquainting his Father and Mother That he had very great joy in Communion with God coming up out of the Water when he could not express it his breath failing through some water that went into his mouth which he merrily said he had forgot to shut and being come home and laid in his bed after a little quiet he appeared more lively than before nor had he any longer any cold or hot fit that day which had not miss to hold him several hours for many days before and said then again to some friends whom he desired might sup in his room Now I hope Mr. B. meaning the friend who last dissented will be His hope on the behalf of God for the friend who last objected convinced that the power of God is greater than the wisdom of man saying he was never so well in his life viz. in his soul and better in his body than before he was Baptised He then desired he mightly with his dear Father and Mother that night And did acquaint them again He thought he saw the glory of God when he came up out of the Water and was very sweetly refreshed though he was not able to express it The next day being before appointed for Thanksgiving in the Congregation upon the choice accounts of healing above fifty of them of the Pestilence and adding lately towards the repair of the Breach upon them by the death of twenty eight above twenty such as is hoped shall be saved and that some of them saw of their Children through grace walking in the Truth than which a great Apostle 2 john 4. 3 John 4. had no greater joy His Father went to attend the Lord in his Courts on that day intending to revive the Lords afflicted Remnant with the account of this gracious addition to their causes of Joy but his Mother stayed with him on which day it pleased God for the humbling of Another humbling providence in his renew ed weakness them and his people who might else perhaps have been subject to have been lifted up to renew a fresh sentence of death upon him by general indisposedness and subjectness to fainting so that his Mother feared his dissolution that day she thought ●e appeared weak in the morning after his Father was risen and asked whether he ●hould stay with him he said No Mother I had rather he should go about the work of the Lord and he desired his Father that he might be prayed for that as he had put on Christ so he might grow up in him among his People But after his Father was gone he lay in the forenoon as if he had ●een dying and the Friend Mr. B. aforesaid coming in told his Mother he thought he was drawing on and that there would be little alteration seen in him till he died She desired to know what she should give him He said if he were his own he should give him nothing more but about noon he was again suddenly revived to the great admiration and refreshment of his Mother to whom he said he was now pretty well but troubled with shortness of breath and desired to dine with her and his sisters and then did eat more with them with cheerfulness than he had done at once many days before He took then occasion to say to her He had resigned himself to the Lord His tender care of the Name of God and his Parents if he should die so soon after Baptism and Life or Death was alike to him but my greatest trouble if I should die now said he is the scandal that I am afraid will be cast upon my Father and Mother by the world which he said did lie in wickedness who would say they had killed me by suffering me to be Baptised whereas I am not the worse and I know if I die now I should have died if I had not been Baptised and afterwards he said I am willing to live if it please the Lord that I might serve him among his people But had afterward several faintings that day and spoke little but towards the Evening enquired for his Father who had occasion to stay later than he intended hearing he was better than when he left him by a Messenger he sent who received the account of his cheerful condition about noon but not the alteration But calling upon the Friend aforesaid who had seen him in the Morning was acquainted with his opinion he was drawing near his end when at he hasted to him and found him very low indeed and cold and understanding his Mother had omitted upon the advice of the friend to use any thing being tender of disturbing him his Father a little grieved thereat applied to his Lips and palms of his Hands the refreshing he used to be relieved with and inwardly a little of his usual inoffensive revivers in a small quantity and caused cherishing fumes to simper on coals in his Chamber which with the Lords blessing together with the content of his Father's company greatly restored him and he was cheerful and disposed to converse His Father asked him then whether he was not sorry he had been baptised now He His steadfastness under weakness answered no he would not but have been baptised for all this world and said he was sure he had got no hurt by it but told his Father he had been very ill that day And when he could scarce speak he was so weak he heard his Sister Nancy say Who shall have Calebs' Bird when he is dead But said he Father I shall not think of dying yet but if I do I will give it to my Sister Betty who hath none for Nancy hath one already His Father asked him whether he thought he His familiarity with death by Grace should live then I know not Father said he for I have resigned myself to God but he is able to recover me His Father having prayed once with him before he desired him again at parting to recommend him to the Lord and he left him cheerful He had but little rest 〈…〉 and in the morning said to his Mother I have been dying twicc this night and to his Sister Tell my Father I live still who when he came to him found him in a sweet composed frame and disposed to converse saying His pity for the World and disesteem of their glory Father how doth the World lie in wickedness And now Wisdom calls to her Children How long ye simple ones will you love simplicity and fools hate knowledge And speaking another time of the joy of the Wicked he said there will be shameful spuing upon all their glory His Father having occasion to write in the room did not presently entertain discourse with him but after some time of His modest bespeaking holy converse to express his sense of mercy with joyfulness silence he said Father will it not disturb you to talk with me He said No Child I will come to thee Then he said Father I find myself greatly comforted in God I was once without him and now see what it was if God should have cut the thread of my life and now I wish I might warn others and do good whilst I live His Father breakfasting with him he did in a very lively sort enlarge upon the sure mercies of God to his soul praising him much for his goodness in enabling him to do his Will and for his Parent's tenderness to him begging the Lord would not suffer it to go unrewarded and that if it might please him to spare his life he might be helped to acknowledge it and praised God that he should have a tender Father in Heaven and tender Parents on Earth too in such a condition That day he gave all his toys to his He puts away childish things little Sisters saying if he should live he hoped he should never mind such things His Father told him the Congregation had condescended to appoint a Church-meeting with him that evening that he might have the privilege of the Lord's Supper wherein to the eye of Faith Christ would be evidently set forth crucified before him for his consolation which he accepted thankfully and said he would lie still to preserve his strength thereunto and when the time came his father spoke briefly from john 10. I am the door by me if any man enter in he shall be saved He attended Paproacheth reverently to the Lords Supper with very great diligence and partook with great reverence sitting up in his bed to attend and afterwards humbly desired thanks might be returned to the Congregation for their love and care herein The next day being the first day of the week his Father tarried at home with him and enlarged upon the latter part of these words viz. And shall go in and out and find pasture setting forth in more variety what a soul entering in by Christ as the door and going out of himself the World etc. found in God to feed upon especially upon the new Covenant in Christ's Blood and in the end he said God hath comforted me greatly with what His comfort increases in the Word & Prayr hath been now spoke And going to rest cheerfully entreated that company might not have recourse to him saying he would keep his strength now for the next day to enjoy the benefit of some Friends who intended Prayer in his Chamber and he had a good night On the twentieth he was comfortable in the morning and broke fast cheerfully with his Father and a Friend returning thanks very graciously and then reverently attended in Prayer the most of that day being filled with the sense of the love of God and saying sometimes to his Mother fervently God loves me Mother and sometimes I love the Lord But in the afternoon the Friends retired into another room that he might take rest but his little Sisters remaining in that room he called to the eldest of them being seven years old and said unto her Marry His seasonable and serious Questions to his sister and the success through Grace come hither have you got any good by being prayed for to day observing to her she had been particularly mentioned in prayer She answered I hope I have Said he Marry if you should die now what do you think would become of you She said I do not know He replied it is your great concern to follow God that so you may know with many other words enforcing it and it is observable that from that time she hath ☜ been serious so as never before and pondered his sayings in her heart At night his Father supped with him upon a small Bird and afterward he returned thanks a Physician coming in whilst he was speaking and looking in at the Beds feet with his hat on he enlarged his desires that God would strengthen him His prayer after meat his poor creature that he might never be ashamed to confess him before men  they were and desired his Parents might be helped to resign him up to God and that he might always have refuge for rest unto Christ being earnest for Zion with sense of her low estate as he was almost in every prayer and that night he rested well Some Friends had thoughts on the advice jam. 5. 14. compared with Mark 6. 13. wherewith his Father acquainted him and he desired time seriously to consider of it and the next day being the 21 of the ninth month he seemed yet more hopeful and then desired a day's time longer to weigh it but being told a Friend that might be concerned about it would not be in Town after that day he then gave his thoughts by way of Query His answer about Jam. 5. 14. being doubtful therein humbly Whether it should be administered when one was mending before being careful lest it should reflect on so solemn an Appointment for he felt himself now mending and therefore had the less clearness therein but if he grew worse he should have further thoughts of it And after he invited that Friend and his Father to Breakfast when he prayed and praised God to the great refreshment of their souls His Mother being gone down with his Father and he feeling some weakness desired then to rest but noise being made among the little ones to his disturbance and his Mother coming up heard him speak to the Maid and them with some How he expressed his provocation trouble in these words The Word of the Lord saith To him that is in affliction pity should be showed by his Friends but you take the ready way to hurt me It is well for me I have such a tender Father and Mother or else it might be worse and complained a little of them to his Mother which he never did before and said his strength failed him but God would never fail him His Mother reproving the disturbers left him to rest which he did but awakening towards night expressed Admires Grace & signifieth his Assurance much admiration at the goodness of God to such an one as he and said his bodily strength was little he was upon the brink of the grave and his breath almost gone if he spoke but a little but he knew if he should die he should be received into the Arms of the Lord And after a little time grew pretty cheerful and desiring to sit up in His reconcilement and entertain meant of those he had repro ved for molesting him his bed called his Cousin and little Sisters about him who had partly occasioned the noise of his disturbance and with his own hand cut out some of his Jelly and gave unto them intending himself to sup with his Father but he being prevented of coming up to him he gave some of his small Bird also to them all and then spoke to them when they had supped in these words O the sweetness of the Love of God The 2d course for their souls did you experience it as I do you would esteem it more than all the pleasures you can enjoy And with vehemency to his Mother Servant's Cousins and Sister's admiration said further O my dear Sisters I long to see you converted O the damned in Hell how would they improve it but it is too late O therefore whilst you have time before the evil ☞ day comes take hold of the Righteousness of jesus Christ and make sure of the Love of God What will you do upon a sick bed without it O my dear Sisters my bowels yern for you I hope I am sure of the Love of God The sweet fruit of his own assurance humbly brought forth to encourage them to feed and if I die this night I shall go to the Lord and be with him for ever O that you knew the sweetness of the Love of God as I do Christ will make you rare without compare And now I call to mind some of Mr. Chares Verses saith he whereof having many more in his memory he repeated to them these If comeliness I want His Beauty I may have His whole some melody at the end I shall be fair beyond compare Though crippled to my grave And if above it all To Christ I married be My living Springs O King of Kings Will still run fresh in thee His Mother then said And do you remember Child what he saith of young isaacs Yea Mother said he and then ●urther repeated some of these concerning youth Young isaack's who lift up their eyes And meditate in fields Young jacob's who the Blessing prise This Age but seldom yields Few samuel's leaving youthful plays To Temple-work resigned Few do as these in youthful days Their great Creator mind How precious Obadiahs be That feared God in youth How seldom Timothy's we see Versed in the Word of Truth Few Babes and Sucklings publish praise Th' Avengers' rage to bind O then in these your youthful days Your great Creator mind Few tenderhearted Youths as was Josiah judah's King Hosannah in the highest alas How seldom Children sing Youths rarely ask for Zions' ways Th 'had rather pleasure found But O in these your youthful days Your great Creator mind What Children Pulse and Water choose Continually to eat Rather than Conscience should accuse For tasting Royal meat Should you not bow a King to please Though tortures were behind Oh then in these your youthful days Your great Creator mind Much more with affection and fervency he uttered to them and then being weary he lay down to rest and said Oh Mother slighty Convictions are dangerous temptations lead to sin and sin bereaves of all good And to the Maid who had kept him from his Cradle and instructed him till he came to his Latin tongue HONOUR I hope God will work a work of Grace in you and make you that you shall not be ashamed to confess him and then blessed the Lord for his own mercy in his Parents with many endeared expressions His gracious farewell at parting with his Guests especially for their care of his soul afterwards said unto them all The Lord keep you I desire that the Lord may keep you all And his Mother staying by him he said Mother I love your company dearly and so speedily fell asleep and slept comfortably the greatest part of that night The two and twentieth day he brakefast with his Father and as their manner was of late one of them began and the other ended with blessing the Lord wherein he very thankfully owned his great supports from God and ardently desired if it pleased the Lord to spare him it might be to serve him faithfully in his Generation That day he was persuaded to rise a little in Blankets whilst his Bed was made when be said I feel to myself like a piece of earth When he was weak than he was strong I am as nothing and admired greatly the power of God keeping him alive Being laid again in his bed he said I feel myself very weak but I am kept alive by the mighty power of God saying Father God is very good to me indeed the Lord loves me I am sure And to his Mother Oh how am I refreshed but if God were not my God what should I do now His Mother ask him how he had done to day he said Indeed Mother I have been supported very much to day Oh this is a troublesome world a vain world nothing the eye beholds can stand us in stead I can now triumph over death God hath enabled me I would not now be without what now I enjoy for all the world Mentioning that Scripture Greater love can no man show than for a man to lay down his Life for his Friend etc. And that blessed are the dead that die in the Lord they rest from their labours etc. And expressing his affection to his Parents which he did often he asked his Father affectionately the meaning of that Scripture But for a good man one would even dare to die and so applied to sleep in much peace and joy The twenty third day he complained of some weakness in his body but said He was strong in God but desired some living creature might stand on the bed by him to prevent Melancholy thoughts when he could not rest being asked what He said a young Lamb Pigeon Rabbit or any His hancor after a living Creature and why thing but a Squerril being named hoping it might easily be procured he was earnest for that having he said never seen any but once in the field Some were immediately employed to procure one at any rate but all failed and his mind seemed to run so much that day and the next upon it that his Father said why dost thou so much desire it He said I find myself inclining to melancholy and I think such a thing would be pretty company for me and therein I may see the workmanship of God but I trust nothing shall evermore take off my heart from God At breakfast with his Father he had savoury discourse some of which his Father set down when he went out from him in his own words whilst they were in memory His disposition suitable to true resignation viz. Oh Father God greatly supports me I would not be without the love of God now for all this world if I die now I hope I shall meet with you in Heaven which is best of all His Father said Dost thou think thou shalt die He answered I cannot tell Father but I expect it for I have resigned myself too God His eldest Sister coming to him he said God hath done for us what man could not do with his eyes lifted up with holy admiration saying also Oh how said is it with those that have not God That day being taken up a little to have his bed made and finding it troublesome all his bones being sharp as if they would pierce his skin having no flesh to interpose in any part he uttered a word savouring of more weariness and A little impatience begetting speedy and deep abasment through grace impatience than any before namely It is better for me now to die than to live His Father said nay Child be not weary of ●he Lords hand who hath done so great ●hings for you He accepted the Exhortation so as to be presently abased for it and did then upon occasion of taking refreshment solemnly pray for pardon o● the rash word he had spoken as he called it humbly begging more patience that h● might be kept from repining and owning the great goodness of the Lord to him his poo● unworthy servant Being laid in Bed and asked how he did he said His Bones were sore and he w●● weak in his outward man but strong in God and indeed he very seldom complained o● sighed And when at any time his Father His usual ease in pain did remember him what God ha● done for his soul he presently forgot hi● pain and was refreshed with very sensible acknowledgement of the favour o● God so that sometimes when he would say his Bones were sore his Father would reply I Child but your soul is not t● which he would say No Father God ●● very good to me and dwelled so thereon as t● forget pain And speaking of the Lov● of God would say often cheerfully now ●● experience it He had a pretty good night The 24th day in the morning he wa● pretty cheerful and breakfast with his Father but eating little he said I do n●● live by bread only His Mother ask hi● consent to go abroad he was very desirous of her stay with him but when ●● heard it was for prayer he did more freely part with her His Father sitting in the Room he said Father God hath settled my mind greatly this day and I have nothing His settled mind in supposing dissolution ●ow to hinder my joy in Christ jesus But Father said he Though God hath sweetened death to them that he loves yet do not you think that death is troublesome His Father replied Yes Child a little to the flesh to which he answered cheerfully Yea Father and was no more solicitous He was willing in the Evening some Christians might meet in his Room and finding himself weak desired them to pray for him being asked what he desired he said That he might live in God's sight His Father asked him if he did still free●y resign up himself to the Lords dispose ●or Life or Death he answered cheerfully Yea Father His Father further asked him if he had met with any assault against ●●t he answered No he had not But shortly after he had a faint fit in which he called to his Father to come quickly to him and strove under shortness of breath but as soon as he could ut●er himself He admired God as his God who had dealt wonderfully with him and ●aid He would trust in him Again repeating Psal. 73. 26. My flesh and my heart faileth but God is the strength of my heart and my portion for ever And being laid to rest by his Mother he said Good night Mother I will go to sleep in jesus The twenty fifth having had little res● in the night he was weaker and without appetite to any thing yet desired to ea● something with his Father and because he liked nothing but flesh a Partridge was made ready but when he sat up to eat was seized with a violent tedious fit of Coughing which wearied him and disposed him to rest labouring long under Suddenly grows weaker yet strong in God shortness of breath making him sig●● which he used not to do but being asked often how he did still answered Weak or very weak in body but strong i● God He was averse to taking any thing but his Father desiring him sometimes t● take some pectoral refreshing he would say Yea dear Father I will never be disobedient to you nor my dear Mother having indeed delighted to serve and please the● before play at any time At night he desired to sup with his Father but finding his stomach fail he asked If he might not have a Syllabub which was speedily made and he drank of ● warm to his relief and his Father sat u● with him late but having at twice too easily obtained some of the cold curd which he hankred after when his Father was gone to bed it fell out that night An humbling providence by the hand of one who dearly loved him proved very restless and worse than any to him before at which his Father being grieved next morning especially with the Maid that gave it he observed it to his very great grief at himself for taking it which his Father earnestly endeavoured to assuage Expressing that it was not any thoughts of his disobedience that troubled him in the least for he had been a pattern in dutifulness but he was grieved that any thing should be hurtfully applied to him so very low before not said he but that others in Consumptions please themselves more in hankering after many things hurtful to them but that he longed his precious Tabernacle redeemed of the Lord and so resigned to and supported by him might not by any means be exposed through the indiscretion of any under his care but expressed his hope that if he would try to get rest it would do him no hurt At which he seemed to be quieted and then his Father did by his free consent after short prayer with him and affectionate expression of love to him go abroad and returning sooner than he intended found the poor Child in his absence had been an hour much lamenting himself as having been disobedient to his dear Father disturbing himself greatly that he should desire and take what he knew his Father considering the toughness of his phlegm and weakness of his stomach durst not allow him and An hour of temptation in this molestation of his mind Satan came to discontent him and cast in his fiery assault causing him to say to his Mother Mother will God charge the Temptation of the Devil upon me She answered No being not consented unto they were not his sin nor would they be charged upon him and asked him what temptation he had had He said To curse God and die but said he I have resisted it But lamented his disobedience saying He thought it would grieve him whilst he lived A good providence to his and his Parents great satisfaction His Mother sought much to satisfy him hut he was never so molested before aggravating it against himself as it had been against his Father so careful of him But when he heard his Father was come so soon again through violence unexpectedly he was very glad and in haste to see him at whose coming up he mentioned it again as his sin and trouble but having further full testimony of his Father's true freedom from either displeasure to the Maid or grief more about it he was very much eased and fell into cheerful discourses but often coveted and pleased himself in his Father's expressions of affection to him however he had but a weak day and the next night also very restless and faint but still acknowledged very sensibly the great goodness and mercy of God as his God On the 27th in the morning he was His fresh revivings and humble desire for life to gracious ends yet more revived and did eat again with his Father and then prayed after a holy sort resigning himself to God yet desiring with submission he might live and warn others to serve him but however that he might follow God fully so long as he lived and was very thankful for his supports which he desired humbly might be continued especially to his soul to the praise of the Lord But about three he had another violent and tedious fit of coughing which Great patience even spent him under which he expressed admirable patience and great satisfaction in the Love of God saying often as his cough would admit him the Lord loveth me and sometime added I am sure but his Cough being over he applied to slumber therein groaning much but in intervals he said affectionately Father you be my dear Father His Father ask him how he did he said Very ill Father indeed in my body but well in God His Father said Will you have a little Cordial Child he said No I thank you Father God is my Cordial About eight at night His great Cordial he had a very faint fit his Mother asked then how his faith in God was he answered Strong I hope and desired his Father to pray for him after which he seemed to get a little strength but had a very bad night again The 28th day in the morning he was weak and not willing to eat as formerly but desiring to lie still and endeavour sleep rested a little and being relieved he was willing to have his head shaved again by which he formerly found benefit which was done without much trouble to him to his satisfaction and then desiring rest his Father sat by him till it was late and left him better than in two days before after some slumber expressing his dear love to his Father he desired the Maid that lay with him might be hastened to bed when he said to her let us sleep together but could not rest till about two in the morning and then slept quietly about an hour and awakened as it were refreshed saying to her cheerfully now we have slept together indeed but instantly a fit of coughing came on him whereat he said which he never His notice of death after refreshing rest and his behaviour in time of departure particularly had done before Now I think I shall die she said No Child I hope not yet he answered Yes I am going upon which he consented his Father might be called up who coming instantly to him about three in the morning he said Father God be with you I am going now His Father supposing tough phlegm arising almost choked him and slipped back made as if he would be giving something to help which he perceiving earnestly said Oh pray Father do not give me any thing for indeed Father I cannot take any thing but it will stop my passage The Maid said he tried and could get nothing down which he confirmed his Father being not able to refrain seeing his alteration in countenance and violent labour by cough gushed out into tears which the Child seeing cried out also and looking towards him said earnestly with weeping Pray Father do not weep but pray for me I long to be with God and desiring again his Father might pray with him he applied to it briefly in too much trouble the Child strove much to refrain coughing laid himself back a little looked up and seemed to join fervently his Mother being also then called came in quickly to whom he said looking upon her when even spent Farewell dear Mother now I am going and to a Friend coming in Farewell dear Sir and the phlegm as it was thought coming up into his mouth but carried back again through the length and toughness thereof his Father contented with his Mother and the Friend 's talking comfortably unto him was in great care for him and unwilling to give the Oil of Almonds and Syrups at hand through his averseness to it ran down for something inoffensive for his relief and coming up instantly saw him thrusting first his finger and then his whole hand into his mouth to catch the phlegm and hearing or seeing his Father coming cried quickly as if he expected to take something O Father what shall I do but immediately as his Father came to him lay back and looking up said God God endeavouring to have uttered more but without groan his breath failing as if choked with phlegm he seemed as by consent to yield up the Spirit leaving to the last a very living evidence of the His Parent's evidence upon their experienc of him most general change and lively turning to God wholly that his Parents have experienced whereof these fragments gathered from him at last are but a taste of the great Grace granted to him in all heavenly wisdom and knowledge who being dead yet speaketh to the great reproof of his Parents in their shortness to him and of him under so much longer profession and for more full improvement of him whose swift race towards his latter end is impartially set forth uprightly for the sake of Youth and elder than he that may not yet meet Death with his Comfort The true end of publishing this after his death being his own end of desiring life and Composure so considerately hoping one good end of the Lords removing him may be for the more safe setting forth this part of an account of him through grace to the provoking of many to turn to the Lord which was the greatest end of his desiring to live beseeching all wisely to consider it and duly ponder Eccles. 9 10. What soever thy hand findeth to do do it with all thy might for there is no work nor device nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave whither thou goest which was through God of great advantage to him By his near Relation An Acrostic CAll to my Burial my Acquaintance young And let them hear what Grace hath done for me Let them alured be by my sweet Song Eternal through Unchangeable Decree Because through Grace by Faith I am made free Unto the highest praise of God on high Exalt the Prince of Peace in whom I rest Redeeming Mercy made my soul defy Not only Death but every other test Of my unfeigned Love at twelve years old No weakness wit nor fear could make it cold In proof whereof bare bones did sacrifice Unto my Lord the way this world despise And had I lived Methusalem's long day Unto Him should my Soul subjection pay Pro. 10. 7. The memory of the Just is blessed I. V. An Anagram CALEB VERNON Nue Noble Race A New and Noble Race he ran so fast That he o'ertook the swiftest Saint at last He ran in earnest to the Refuge City And therein found escape defence & pity And underneath the Everlasting Arms Which did support his Soul from fear of harms Indeed he ran as Caleb ran to find The promised Land when Isr'el lagged behind His Teachers wanted strength to keep him pace He outran Parents in his Noble Race As if the Angels had lent him a Wing To run with them in Love to Israel's King Like the young Lad which Zechary sets forth With measuring-Line wherein did lie his worth In which the Angels ever do retain Their glory as their waiting doth remain Environed in the Word * Psal. 130. 20 and Will of God Which was indeed dear Caleb's choicest food And seeing he so followed his dear Master I would not faint although he ran much faster But for my Children and my Soul must weep That we instead of running so do creep In twelve days and an half from Iordans joy He did more than in twelve years ere did I. But grace perhaps did each day for a year Seal him a Patent in return of Prayer For Life chiefly that Converts he might make And took him hence for the Election sake That safely this might be set forth of him And he not hazarded hereby to sin For few can bear his praise and few reproof But both I trust hereby shall now help Youth To their Conversion like to Caleb's then To this dispose of him I 'll add Amen But until then excuse me if I weep That yet I live and Caleb fell asleep For else I fear great evils yet to come And such removed that judgement may have room But may the Mouths of Babes hosannah's fill The Enemy and th' Avenger must be still The Lord make Caleb's Cluster then in truth The first-fruits of his harvest amongst Youth And stir up Aged too to swifter pace By this Example in the Noble Race J. V. From a very dear Relation An Acrostic CAn Caleb stay when God will have him go Away to Caleb and himself also Lo he a Child yet Christian did become ere 't pleased his Father for to call him home But was no sooner newborn but he dies Unto the Lord a most sweet sacrifice E'en unto him that made him twice to live Render he did what ere he had to give Name Spirit Soul and Body though but poor Offered up all What could a Prince do more Now to the Lord alone be praise therefore W. A. An Anagram CALEB VERNON An Noble Cure THou Lord on him hast wrought A Noble Cure From World Flesh Devil thus to set him free His Soul full sweetly to thee to allure To make him happy to Eternity A Cure so Noble that it shall remain On days to come to praise of thy rich grace Who never undertook'st a Cure in vain Among the Seed of holy Jacob's Race Physician of great value Lord art thou And virtue also from thy Wings is found For healing sin-sick-souls none else knows how As thou of every desperate mortal wound Which to thy praise for ever shall redound W. A. From his own friend & his Father's friend CALEB VERNON Anagram Bor'e unclean Nue clean Robe Through Adam's nature I Unclean was bor'e Through Grace betimes Christ's Nue clean Robe I wore BY Nature in my first estate A wretched Babe was I In open field deserving hate In blood and filth did lie And in that state I did delight As in my sport and play And therein would with all my might Have wallowed night and day And though from gross enormities I might by men be cleared Yet to my Maker's searching eyes Defiled I all appeared Though Nature with a pregnant wit And comeliness adorned me And Education adds to it To teach restrain reform me What proved it but a feigned paint On much defiling sin It did not kill but lay restraint Where outrage would begin A pleasant picture to the eye I hereby might appear By which to close Idolatry Some might be drawn I fear But God that faithful he might be That deadly snare would break And that right early unto me His Grace and Peace might speak With tenderness on these intents He strips me of my Veil My costly coverings all he rends My Countenance makes pale My Comeliness to rot he turns My witty words to groans My moisture up with drought he burns Discloseth all my bones And in a day of public ire Me these rebukes did meet When Pestilence as burning fire Slew thousands at his feet ay who to blossom did begin With such fair paint before Now as the early fruit of sin This character I wore Despised Idol broke to earth A potsherd no way fit To take up fire out of the hearth Or water from the pit But though near corruptible dust This curious Frame was brought By gracious pleasure stay I must Till noble works were wrought Till deep convictions of my sin Till Jesus formed in me Till as my portion I begin The Lord 's dear Christ to see Till all my sins were done away Till terrors made to cease Till heart and mind could sweetly stay In thought surpassing peace Nay till in an accepted day My homage I could bring And in his instituted way Devote me to the King Till Christ put on his Truths allowed His dying marks embrace His Cause confessed his Works avowed His Sufferings boldly face His Promises for a portion took Saints for companions chose And on him set a fixed look For future free dispose Since then in an unusual way Rich Grace hath thus arrayed me And in my young yet dying day With glory overlaid me What properly could I desire But now dissolved to be And in this Marriage choice attire My Bridegroom's face to see In Kedar who would not bemoan If there he must reside Ah wretched man who would not groan In sinful flesh to bide Who ' l lodge in such a nasty shade As torturing tottering stands That hath a Palace ready made Not with polluted hands Where sin temptation suffering strife shall fully be destroyed All dying swallowed up of life And God at full enjoyed What ail my Parents then to weep My friends to be dismayed Relations such a do to keep To see a Child unrayed It 's filthy garments laid in dust It laid repose to take Until the morning when it must With Royal Robes awake May this a witness be to Truth In this backsliding day A Crystal Mirror unto Youth How to amend its way A. C. By an old and honourable Disciple of Christ in the same Congregation who dearly loved him and is since also himself fallen asleep in Jesus and in the Hope of the Resurrection to glory by him I Cannot I adorn thy Sable Hearse With any lofty strained Heroic Verse Nor blaze thy praise with Heraldry Divine This thou at chievd'st among the Saints betime And left'st thy Name an Odour sweet to those That with Christ jesus and his Truth did close Thou likewise an Example wast to all That knew thee rightly were they great or small Christ gave thee grace by grace thou didst conceive A saving Faith by saving Faith didst live At twelve years old indeed thou couldst dispute And readily some learned ones confute A truly Calebs' Spirit was thee given To follow Christ on Earth and into Heaven We now thy Heavenly glories may recite Oh that in us might be the joys we write That what thou dost enjoy in full a taste Have here we may to stir us up to haste To be with thee that so from troubles here In bliss we may be placed where is no fear What louder grief with such an Emphasis Struck through some Ears to hear what Corpse is this What flocks of Saints were crowding oh what storms Rest in their looks Grief wandered through all Forms For thee dear Soul But seeing that the Loss Is only ours let us the grief engross And fly to Christ with whom is all relief That by him stayed may be our flowing grief Now judge Spectators if you do believe Whether all those that knew him may not grieve Parents and Brother Sisters and Church Members For this great loss both sighs and sorrow tenders There 's cause enough yet friends be all content And make his Life and Death your Precedent John Symonds Senior Prov. 23. 23 24 25. Buy the Truth and sell it not also Wisdom and Instruction and Understanding The father of the Righteous shall greatly rejoice and he that begetteth a wise Child shall have joy of him Thy father and thy mother shall be glad and she that bore thee shall rejoice To all that love the Lord jesus in sincerity The Testimony of two or three Witnesses to the truth of the foregoing Treatise THis that now comes to your hand is a little part as a few fragments of that full table those were entertained with that had the blessing of being nigh that little one which is here presented to you the truth of which for the most part we can testify having been eye and ear witnesses of these things What it is we truly desire it may be blessed unto you to the ends designed by the Author of this little Book It being the main If not the only end why this little follower of God desired to live It may be the breathe from that heart that so much longed being converted to convert others may be of use though imparted at the second hand we have seen made good Pro. 14. 27. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of Life etc. And He that believeth in me as the Scripture hath said out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water John 7. 31. Some of us have been much convinced by what we saw what bare conversions there are in the world and how far short of believing as the Scripture hath said most men and women are that leaves them so short of the Spirit hinted 1 Pet. 2. 7. We have been too much strangers to that Faith that worketh by love and puts us under Gospel-constraints To live to him that died for us and rose again God hath rebuked this Generation in this little one who served his Generation by the will of God and fell asleep He came to Christ as a poor miserable vile undone sinner and to pass through the strait gate he wisely disburdened himself of what was gross and bulky He became indeed as a little Child and was so fi●ted to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven having first unlearned what he attained in his Education and other accomplishments like Phil. 3. 7. He learned of the Father to come to Christ as John 6. 45. to a whole Christ whom he embraced heartily and followed fully and is upon the advantage of that good welcome Mat. 25. 21 23. Parents take then this encouragement to train up your Children in the admonition and fear of the Lord and observe what is said in the Preface to this Book for your help in this thing And Children let this Example persuade you to remember your Creator in the days of your Youth This Labour on your behalf as it hath our witness to the truth of it above hinted and our commendations to you for the matter of it as seasonable and useful so it shall have our ●●●uest before the Throne of God that it may not be a further witness against you Remembering Prov. 13. 13. but a special advantage in God's hand unto your Salvation and furtherance in his will To his grace we commit it and you being always willing to approve ourselves Yours truly longing for your souls present and eternal good W. S. T. G. I. W. FINIS