WOuld to God you could bear with me a little in my folly, and indeed bear with me, 2 Cor. 11.1. for I have under­taken what I can no way perform, so much as to my own, much less to others satisfaction, when the col­lecting of some Memorables of Mr. Brand's Life was desired of me I too suddainly consented, not sufficiently considering, what Diffi­culties beset me: Namely some things of greatest moment must not be mention'd at all, either some Persons, or Times will not bear it; in other things, Places and Persons, upon the same Reasons, must not be named: and of those things [Page 2] which may be spoken, where they can't be mention'd without com­mending of him, others of name, will count themselves reproach'd; and what scapes these difficulties, is attended by another, which tho' it be really better, 'tis in some re­spects worse, 'tis that which Christ charged the Jews with, Joh. 8.45. because I tell you the truth you believe me not: So, when I shall mention somewhat done by him, which perhaps was never done by any before, those that have Faith e­nough to save their Souls, may want Faith to credit such a Rela­tion, tho' attested by such evidence which is in its kind infallible. What shall I do? must I? shall I, yes I will, venture out a crippled Discourse which will present you with some­what worthy your acceptation, and let that procure your pardon for the mangling the rest.

His Birth. Mr. Thomas Brand was born at Leaden Roothing, in the County of Essex, in the Year, 1635. his Fa­ther was Mr. Thomas Brand, a Dig­nitary of the Church of England, the mentioning of this, unavoid­ably leads me to obviate the only plausible Objection against his being so zealous a Dissenter, to which I need say but this: ‘ His chief Zeal was neither for, nor against any Party whatsoever, but for the vigorous promoting of the sound Knowledge of those Doctrines wherein we are all agreed, and of that Holiness which we all com­mend, tho' too few pra­ctice: [Page 4] And this right Christian Temper he ex­ercised towards the Con­forming Clergy. He spake honourably of the Piety and Learning of some, and never let fly indecent Reflections, or bitter In­vectives against any, but maintained and encreased this commendable Mode­ration all his Life.’ Those who were intimately acquainted with him could not perceive his leaning to any Party whatsoever, but when any Discourse tended to partiality, he did industriously divert it to ‘ downright God­liness,’ [Page 5] or to somewhat useful to promote it. ‘ He was never without some Project for doing good, and could as soon cease to live, as cease to be attempting the do­ing good to Souls.’

More particularly,

His School. He was sent to School to Bishop Starford, where, how soon, I can't say, he attain'd to such an accuracy of Grammar-Learning, that he made good use of it to the great Benefit of others, whom he would criti­cally examin upon all occasions, throughout the Course of his Life; scarce any young Scholar whom he occasionally met with, but hath felt it: He well apprehending as other learn'd Men complain, that the defect of Grammar-Learning is [Page 6] very hardly, if ever repaired by after Studies.

University. He was sent thence to Merton Colledge in Oxford (that he soon ran thro' his juvenile Academical Studies may be by this evident) He enter'd upon, and throughly studied the Arminian and Socinian Controversies, with that of Scien­tia media; these Studies pleased him wonderfully in the doing, but not upon a later review, he said since, nothing yields me comfort, but my Preaching, Catechising, and what I did for the Conversion of Souls: If he had his time again, he would spend it in reading the Holy Scriptures, with two or three good Commentaries, in Prayer, and Meditation, and labouring in pub­lic. Only I must acknowledge, that I am not certain, whether it was there, or after, that he lanch'd into those depths, I must confess, I rather think, his study there, look'd another way.

Temple. For he removed thence to the Temple being design'd for a Lawyer, and there (as in all places else) his profiting was not ordinary. I re­member I heard him many a year after, warmly discourse of an oc­casional Moot-case he then read in the Temple, but God design'd him for his Spiritual Temple, God brought him to London, where his Soul trouble was the Introduction to our intimate Acquaintance, which increased, and continued, while he lived. Now was the time of his ef­fectual Calling, which was in some things like that of the blessed A­postle Paul, who was at once cal­led to be a Christian and an A­postle; so this our Timothy, was at once called to be a Saint and a Mi­nister. What the Throws of his New-birth were, are not fit to be made public; only this let me say, ‘ He was more abundant [Page 8] in Spiritual cases of Con­science than ever any I have met with in my al­most fifty Years Ministry.’ (And thanks to Divine Grace, I have been intimately acquainted with Christians as Eminent for Grace, as most in the Age, where­in they lived.) This new Convert had daily need of a more accom­plish'd Guide than he made choice of: And therefore, tho' he desired to be one of my Family, yet, be­sides the want of sutable Conveni­encies, I recommended him to a more experienced and aged Casuist with whom he sometime continu­ed; and tho' the Word of the Lord was as Fire in his Bosom, to be dispersed thence, for the kind­ling a holy Flame in others, yet the Concerns of his own Soul were so pressing upon him, that he [Page 9] could comparatively mind nothing else. He went about with the Ar­rows of God sticking in his Consci­ence; and, ‘ now God furnish'd him with such a stock of Experiences, that he might counsel, and com­fort others, with the very Method wherewith God refresh'd him.’ Now he began to be restless, because he did Christ no service, ‘ fain he would do something, but the Office of the Mini­stry appear'd so tremen­dous, that the thoughts of it made him tremble. [Page 10] What shall he do? be idle he dares not, work in the Lord's Vineyard he dares not.’ Oh, the ‘ Per­plexities’ of his Soul! an expe­dient is thought of, that he might be led into the Ministry by Family Worship and Preaching sometimes, which might be afterwards more frequent, and constant, and be­hold here a Wonder of Providence calls him into Kent, to Glassenbury, to the honourable and most deser­vedly Honour'd the Lady Dowager Roberts, who had four small Chil­dren, to whose pious Education he was singularly helpful, where he preach'd with such Acceptation, and God follow'd him with more success then could be so soon hoped for. Now this Star begun to rise and shine and lead Men to Christ: [Page 11] for tho' the ‘ Modesty, Hu­mility and Self-denial’ which ran through the whole Course of his Life restrain'd him, yet his Love to Christ and Souls forced him to what's more then vulgar, in all he at­tempted; I cannot single out any sort of his Actions, but might be as a general Head, attended by nu­merous particular instances, all of them well worthy of remem­brance: He better deserving than the Kings of Persia to have Scribes continually present, to write down remarkable Passages: ‘ He do­ing nothing, (humane frailty excepted) but what was deservedly remarkable.’ To begin with instances of what was in his own eye most con­temptible, namely worldly bu­siness [Page 12] his Wisdom, Prudence and Sagacity about worldly Affairs was beyond appearance deep, and piercing: I have known him in dubious cases, wherein great Law­yers have been short in their Ad­vice, his Council hath been pro­per and safe: But when he hath been consulted, he still bad them go to the great Counsellor, and ‘ in all Plunges it was his usual saying, I commit it to God, or I leave it with God and this he would do with the greatest quiet of Mind and acquiescence in God's issuing of it which way he pleased.’ I can't say, for I have been least solicitous to enquire after these his good works, but do not hesitate to apply to [Page 13] him that of Job, Job 29.11,12. When the ear heard him it blessed him; and when the eye saw him, it gave wit­ness to him. The Blessing of him that was ready to perish, came up­on him: He was a Father to the Poor, &c. Presently upon his coming to the place where provi­dence sent him, he set himself to his great Master's work with that vigour and prudence which eviden­ced he came there for nothing else: ‘ Receiving no Sallery for himself but directing it to pious Charity.’ His Deport­ment in the Family was every way instructive. The Worship of God in the Family was so ‘ season­ably’ timed, so ‘ constantly awefully and sutably’ per­form'd that it did much conduce to the drawing others into the ways [Page 14] of God, that there were but few, if any in that numerous Family, who did not worship God in se­cret as well as with others; where, ‘ Reading the Scripture, or Catechising, or Singing of Psalms,’ accompanied Family Prayer twice every day: ‘ He constantly rose, if in health at five of the Clock, and continued in his Study till Family Prayer, and then to his Study again, till a little before Noon, and after Dinner when he had walk'd or discours'd a little, he return'd to his Study, saying, I must to my [Page 15] business:’ Complaining, if by Company he had been longer detain'd then he was willing, of­ten saying, Amici sunt fures tem­poris (Friends are thieves of time.) After Supper he came down with great cheerfulness; so far was he from being by study, or any thing else, sowr'd into any disgustful temper, that some who providentially abode awhile in the Family, who (it was sear'd) were no great friends to the Power of Religion, could not but express a pleasedness with his Conversation, and 'tis hoped went thence seriously Godly.

He carried himself with a sweet, humble and affable Deportment, void of Ostentation, or Vain glory; he was well acquainted with his own heart, and the Temptations wherewith we are beset, and there­fore would frequently inculcate the Precepts of Humility, and the dan­ger [Page 16] of Pride, he begun betimes to watch against these, and continued it while he lived. How desirous he was of the Welfare of that Fa­mily in every sence, was clearly seen in his joy when things went well there, and his trouble if they did not; I doubt not but the root, and all the branches of that House are ready to make their grateful Acknowledgments thereof, he be­ing more concern'd for the Ho­nourable Lady, and her Children than for himself, when any Trouble threatned: He was not long there, before his amiable Deportment and instructive Discourses insensi­bly drew in the best of the Neigh­bourhood into his familiar ac­quaintance, that they might en­joy the Blessing of his Labours; here he soon, preach'd twice eve­ry Lord's-day, and frequently a third time on the Lord's-day even­ing, at two miles distance; repeat­ing [Page 17] his Sermons, examining, and instructing the Family, and pray­ing with them at his return: All this he continued till he procured for them an excellent Preacher, whose preaching was deservedly esteem'd by the Serious, and above the Contempt of Scoffers: This besides weekly Lectures at several places, and a monthly Fast: These Lectures were set up by him, and carried on by him, or by others of his procuring. I forbear naming the places.

A zealous Minister for a Neigh­bour Corporation was procur'd, and maintain'd by him and his Friends. In short, his Labours and Expences for Souls was abundant, and [thro' Grace] his success was an­swerable, many, very many there, will bless God for him to Eter­nity.

But all this while, he durst not undertake the ‘ Office’ of the Mi­nistry, [Page 18] he had such awful thoughts of that tremendous ‘ Office,’ and so low thoughts of himself, that he durst not venture till Providence thrust him forward, in this, as in other things, to undertake what he trembled at.

Now Reverend Mr. Pointall dy­ing, a door is opened for more public Service, to which, God and Man so call'd him, that he is not able to withstand it. Now tho' his stay was earnestly desired, and affectionately urged by all in the Family, who might say to him, what was said of Jacob, Gen. 30.27. I have learn'd by experience, that the Lord hath blessed me for thy sake, yet he was deaf to all Sollicitations, be­ing easily perswadable in any thing concerning himself, but inexorable in the Cause of God. But he did with great Conscience and Inge­nuity introduce a worthy Suc­cessor, whose great Piety, and [Page 19] ministerial Abilities were beyond vulgar.

Much about this time, (not long before or after) God sent him to a Burrough in Sussex, where he hath occasionally acknowledged he met with peculiar assistance of the Spi­rit of God; compassion to Souls, in a case somewhat more then or­dinary moved him to set up a Meeting there; what Difficulties he grappled with, I will not men­tion; many wearisome Winter Journeys he had, which were not tiresome to him, thro' hopes of doing good, which made all plea­sant; and he was not disappointed in his hopes. The Lord was with him wheresoever he went, and gave wonderful success to his Labours. He procur'd eleven more Ministers to join with him to set up constant Preaching there.

Among many Remarkables there, I'll mention only this,

One Lord's-day being to Preach, the Doors were no sooner open'd, but the place was crowded full, and many that cou'd not get in, stood about the Door, in his Pray­er he had such a strong Impression on his Spirit, with respect to the Multitude, that Christ would have compassion on the Multitude, and not send them empty away, his Soul was so vehemently carri­ed out in earnest Prayer for the Multitude, that he had much ado to contain himself, and some of the Hearers were sutably affected. In short, while there was Liberty, and afterwards when Liberty was restored, tho' he was removed at a great distance from them, he ceased not to be mindful of them, but his Care and Purse procured [Page 21] them one Minister after another, till they were settled, as they were before he died, under the Guidance of a Master Work-man in the Lord's Vineyard.

But to return to Staplehurst, a­bout this time God lift him up a­bove his sinking fears about Ordi­nation. He that to the Apostles question, Who is sufficient for these things? hitherto as it were, an­swer'd, not I Lord, not I, I would not be excused from being a Preacher, for I love it; yet would feign be excused from being a Pa­stor, For I fear it; Now answers God's question to the Prophet, Whom shall I send? here am I, send me. Isa. 6.8. ‘ I think, few ever un­dertook the feeding of a Flock of Christ with lower Thoughts of themselves, [Page 22] yet with more humble ex­pectation of Help and Suc­cess from the great Shep­herd than he did.’ The Lord Jesus spent the whole Night in Prayer before he ordained his Twelve Apostles, compare Luke with Mark. Luke 6.12. Mar. 3.14. The manifold sus­pence of this Servant of Christ, plainly implies, that he spent a good part of many Nights and Days, if not Weeks and Months, perhaps Years in fervent Prayer, and con­scientious Thoughtfulness about his Ordination.

But now as he durst no sooner venture, so he dares no longer de­lay. Thus, his wary entring into this Office presages a careful fulfil­ling of it. ‘ He now studied the Necessities of his [Page 23] Hearers, and did suit his Sermons accordingly, to this end did he frequently converse with the most ig­norant of his Neighbours, that he might know what their Apprehensions, Ob­jections, and Prejudices were, about, or against a serious Holy Life; ac­cordingly did he frame his Discourses to inform, con­vince, and perswade them.’ He was ‘ Constant’ and ‘ Zea­lous’ in this weighty Work. ‘ On those days when he [Page 24] had assistance in his own Congregation, he would ride out and Preach where there was necessity.’

A while after this, when he was settled, as much as in those times could be expected, he was near marrying a young Gentlewoman, but before the time appointed for the Marriage Christ took her to himself.

About two Years after that, he married a gracious Widow, by whom he had several Children, but they all died young: but her having living Children, was a Mer­cy she never enjoyed by her former Husband; but had only abortive Births. The first living Child he had, I have cause to remember, the more then ordinary workings of his gracious Soul about its so­lemn Dedication to God by Bap­tism, [Page 25] what the inward workings of his Soul were is only known to the Heart-searching God, but ‘ so much burst out beyond his intention to be taken notice of, that I never did see before, nor ever expect to see the like again;’ I have many a time reflected on it with admiration: There you might have seen the ‘ Covenant im­prov'd, and what might well make you more se­rious ever after, in the Celebration of that Ordi­nance:’ But I'll say no more of this, because I know not whether any besides my self took notice of it.

Some expected that now he had a Family to provide for, his Charitable expences must be re­trenched; the Stream must run in another Channel; but they were mistaken; those that most narrow­ly observed his constant Charity, could perceive no abatement at all, but rather an enlargement, that the addition to his estate procured an addition to his Charity. And here give me leave to tell you, that this (next to my inexcusable Laziness) is the true reason of re­tarding these Papers, there was somewhat of Charity, ‘ very sin­gular, and extraordinary,’ about this time, which he, in his great Humility acquainted me with, I will not say advised with me, for he was fitter to advise me, than I him; this hath wholly slipt my Memory all but the undistinct Notions that there was such a [Page 27] thing, though some Circumstances made it impracticable. I con­fess I have made all the enquiry I can, by Letters, and other ways, yet I cannot retrieve it; if I could, it would be the most considerable Instance in this confused Story, but I must wave it.

After some years in this place he was morally forced to another; the Arguments for his remove took hold of his Conscience, and those that did so, he was not able to resist, tho' never so much a­gainst his Inclination: There he continued till driven away by per­secution, not only from them, but from the County. Some while he wandered about from place to place, like his Master, he went up and down doing good, and God was with him.

Could I hope that it would pro­voke to holy Emulation, not to sinful Prejudice, I would be more particular, in naming the several Counties, and the several Places, in such Counties where he spread the Gospel, to the apparent detri­ment of the Devil's Kingdom, and advancement of Christ's, and he comfortably saw a good Success of his Ministry where-ever he came.

But after many wearisome Jour­neys, and tiresome Labours, his ill frame of Health necessitated him to a more fixed Station, near London; where he was greatly im­portuned to exercise his Ministry, to which he yielded, upon these Conditions; Namely, to be at li­berty three Sabbaths in the Month, to preach where he should find need, they being supplied by two other worthy Ministers, and afterwards by one. And this he did 'till bo­dily [Page 29] Distempers disenabled him, tho' he was often told it was im­possible to hold out such a Course of Labour, yet his zeal was such, that he could not forbear attempting beyond his strength, tho' to prolong his life.

That lingring Distemper which brought him to his Grave, first seized him upon a wet Journey, about his Master's Work, upon which, he was so intent, that he Acts 20.24. counted not his Life dear unto him; It was his only joy to fulfil the Mi­nistry which he receiv'd of the Lord Jesus, to testifie the Gospel of the Grace of God.

Thus I have run over his Course of Life, give me leave to be a little more particular in some, I wish I might not say unparalel­led Singularities.

Preaching. His Preaching was remarkable, both in what it was not, as well as in what it was. It was not with enticing words of Man's Wisdom, ‘ He did as industriously avoid as others do industriously study Declamations for Sermons;’ He took ‘ more pains’ for his ‘ Sermons,’ both on his ‘ Knees,’ and in his ‘ Study,’ then most o­thers, that he might Preface all he said with, thus saith the Lord.

‘ He constantly kept one day in the Week, little o­ther ways than a Fast for his Lord's-day's work: He would never offer ei­ther [Page 31] to God or Man what cost him nought; His Praying was always fer­vent, his Preaching al­ways clear and vehement, his words well fitted to his Matter, and his Matter well chosen for Conviction, and perswasion, for Conver­sion and Edification: And when did he Preach any one Sermon without some of these Effects?’ Bear with this Digression, to give you a single Instance of Advice he some Years after gave to a young Preacher. You will need a double Portion of the Blessed Spirit to guide, and [Page 32] bear you up against the Tempta­tions you will meet with from the snareling World. 'Tis hard to be lifted up by the Lord and not to lift up our selves; your Watch must be constant, and your Pray­ers frequent and fervent, or you will forsake your first Love, and wax careless and carnal; — and afterwards warned him against two extreams, viz, Pride and Dif­fidence, saying, if Ministers were to Preach before a learned and large Auditory, they were too apt to be diffident, more concern­ed at the Presence of Man than of God, and on the other hand, if the Assembly was popular and mean, and did appear affected; how hard do they find it to subdue Pride. But to return, God blessed his Labours where-ever he went, a special Pre­sence of God accompanied him ni all his Ʋndertaking: For he Preach'd as well out of the Pulpit as in it; [Page 33] ‘ It was seldom that any one could speak to him, but he would hook in something of Religion ere they parted.’

When he went into any House, he quickly enquired what enter­tainment Religion met with there, he scarce spake to any, but he presently insinuated something of Practical Godliness, for he always declined speaking of Christians dif­ferent Practice as to Modes of Wor­ship, when any such things were ask'd him, he would if possible put it off with something else, or tell them other Mens Judgments rather than his own; and thro' gracious exercise he had a notable Dexterity in putting by Tit. 3.9. unprofitable Questions, i. e. Questions whereby we can profit nothing, and ta­king occasion thence, to inculcate [Page 34] something of real moment. He did not this only in a customary way of Discourse, as that which he was most habituated to, but out of the abundance of his heart his mouth spake. His general Con­versation towards all was Pious, and Pleasant, he used innocent mirth as an inviting Vehicle to convey his pious Instructions. He was plentifully stored with very useful Narratives of Men, both good and bad; he gathered up excellent Remarks upon the Tem­per and Carriage of Mankind, which he made use of, not only to divert, but to instruct; for he would sometimes pleasantly droll upon the Miscarriages of some which he thought would not digest a direct, and plain Reproof; he that told me this, lived in the House with him, and saith, He di­ligently observ'd, and doth not re­member, ‘ That ever he heard [Page 35] him rehearse so much as one Story without a manifest Design either to exhort or warn, or gently to rebuke those to whom it was directed:’ And this was not only an instance of his ‘ candid Temper,’ but of his ‘ great Discretion,’ for the Me­mory is more apt to retain affect­ing Stories, than meer Precepts, and the Conscience will make a direct Application of an indirect Re­proof: And if the Story be in­tended to excite Duty, it doth not only imply a Precept, but shews the Precedent, which is a great Motive to Industry.

And tho' he was of too sweet a Temper, willingly to displease any, yet he could not but deal so plain­ly with those he conversed with, that when he saw any thing to be reprov'd, he would not in a Compliment forbear them, but re­buke them sharply, that they might be sound in the Faith. I'll single out one instance of a Person who was very tender of him in his weakness, and expressed a more then ordinary concernedness for his health; to whom he spake to this effect, You are thus kind to me, you seem to be very religious, but I fear you are not hearty, nor sound; and then mentioned the grounds of his fear, and urged a through Conviction.

He did not only himself Preach with a more than usual Zeal; but, ‘ I should welcome him who could tell me of any other [Page 37] who has contributed to the setting up or building so many Meeting-places, and contributed so largely to the supplying them with such Ministers, Work men that need not to be a­shamed as he hath done: He never thought much of any Charge so he could but serve Christ and Souls.’

I am loth to mention what un­reasonable Opposition he hath met with in some places, where they endeavour'd to eclipse his Reputa­tion, which soon shone more clear­ly: But I will rather incur being censured for a Baulk in my Narra­tive, [Page 38] then for mentioning what I hope the Persons guilty, have repented of, which if they have not, the Lord give them Repen­tance and Pardon: ‘ And go on to bless those places with flourishing Churches, where the Devil struggled most to keep his dominion: He lived to see it, to his great Satisfaction.’ May the Har­vest answer the Seed time to the Salvation of Thousands.

Catechi­sing. Next to his Preaching I'll men­tion his Catechising, which in some respects, he preferr'd before it, saying, if he were to be confined to Preaching or Catechising, and might not do both, he would choose Ca­techising. He had a more than ordinary Dexterity at insinuating [Page 39] Truths, not only into the Heads, but God, hereby testifying his Approbation of his Zeal, impres­sed it on the Hearts of greater Numbers then I dare mention, lest it should seem incredible.

He had so throughly digested the whole Body of Divinity; and so throughly acquainted himself with all sorts of Catechisms, and so continually exercised himself in sifting and instructing all he conver­sed with, that he experimentally knew how to propose such questi­ons as were sutable to the Capaci­ties and Necessities of all sorts of Persons, so as to discourage none but to benefit all. He would ask questi­ons of all who he thought capable to inform him, and his Humility made him willing to be any Man's Disciple, what method was most likely to be most effectual. He parcelled out the Catechism into [Page 40] several Sections, and sent them a­bout to his Brethren, requesting them to write down what they judged pertinent, and proper to be proposed to the Catechis'd Per­sons for the furthering of their Knowledge and their Establish­ment in all things necessary to be known and practised.

He had a singular Dexterity at insinuating himself into the Affe­ctions of young People, and over­coming their unwillingness to be instructed. Some that were more in years, who though they were ashamed of their Ignorance, but were more ashamed to learn at that Age, yet were prevailed with, by his importunity, to come to this publick Exercise: And where In­treaties and Arguments would not do, he would hire them, by gi­ving them new Bibles (many whereof were gilt, and bound in Turky-Leather) or good Books, [Page 41] so that he hath acknowledged with thankfulness to God, that he sel­dom failed to gain at last, those who were very averse at first. And though the Instruction of young and ignorant People is the usual design in Catechising; yet he was so full and accurate in il­lustrating the several Heads of Re­ligion, the aged and more im­proved Persons did frequently at­tend his Catechetical Exercises, with great satisfaction and delight: For his custom in reading not on­ly bodies of Divinity, but practi­cal Books, was to collect what was most valuable in them, and refer them to their proper places in his Catechism, which was inter­leaved for that purpose, whereby he was ready furnisht to give a grateful Entertainment, as well to the most judicious, as to the meaner Christians. He would of­ten express how difficult as well as [Page 42] necessary this Work was; and therefore he took much pains to have the most clear understanding of the Doctrine of the Gospel: He was a diligent Observer of the Practice, Method, and Suc­cess of his reverend Brethren in this Matter, all which he impro­ved, and his Success was answer­able to such preparations and en­deavours: He would frequently say, That he never experienced more of the Assistance of God in any Duty than in this: God making him an instrument of conveying very much knowledge hereby, some that had been under his in­struction have proved most judici­ous and able Christians: In short, he saw so much need, and so much good effect of his Labours in this way, that he would say, ‘ While he had breath he would [Page 43] spend it in Catechi­sing’

Besides his own weekly Catechi­sing, and Catechising in all the Schools which he erected; He ‘ hired some Persons in di­stant places to Catechise all Children and others who were willing to learn; and once a Month or oftner, He rode about from place to place to Catechise them himself;’ And then to incou­rage those who did well, he gave some Reward, either in Books or Money, according to the Quality of the Persons. And to incourage Parents and Masters to send their Children or Servants, he presented them with some Books curiously [Page 44] bound and gilt, that might be most acceptable, and if they were ‘ Poor he gave them many more than they could have earned in the time of their Learning.’ And his Discourse with Parents, and Masters was really Catechistical, though so ma­naged, that they could not think themselves disparag'd by such In­structions. He had a way of so proposing his Questions, that the Question should lead them to, or furnish them with an Answer.

I have occasionally heard him examin a Boy; his Questions were such, as I never heard before, yet so instructively worded, that any one of ordinary capacity, who took but notice of the Question, could not miss the right Answer. And tho' his way of trying their Knowledge was more critical than others, yet [Page 45] through Grace and Exercise, he had attained such a Skill for it, that his Examinations were not only acceptable, but desirable, where-ever he came: For he car­ried with him prevailing Motives that were morally forcible to all sorts of Persons. That when he visited his Schools, the Children would rejoyce more then for a Play­day. When he preached in Neigh­bouring Congregations, they wait­ed for his Catechising as earnestly as Beggars for an Alms.

When he visited any Family, they expected his Instruction, as a Sucking Child the Breast.

Yet all this did not suffice him but all those Ministers towards whom he contributed maintenance, which were not a few, he engaged them to set up Catechising, and en­quired how it thrived.

And all those Ministers with whom he conversed, he provok'd to set up Catechising.

He gave away, I can't say, how many thousands of Catechisms, many hundreds with Expositions upon them; neither did he con­sine his Catechumenists to the As­semblies Catechism (though ‘ the Lord Primate of Ar­magh said 'twas the best Extant’) but he gave very many of Doctor Cumber's, and the Principles of the Christian Reli­gion cleared, and confirmed by the Articles and Homilies of the Church of England by Mr. Thomas Adams.

In short, he did not content himself to receive a Parrot like answer, to any form of Words whatsoever, but his constant En­deavours were to make them un­derstand [Page 47] the Things. Frequently and greatly he bewailed the ‘ lamentable Ignorance that overspreads the Nation.’ He did often pathetically cry out you do not believe, you can hard­ly conceive the gross Ignorance of this great City. The palpable Darkness of this valley of Vision. Many Persons he discovered to be absurdly ignorant under conceited Knowledge. I'll give but one in­stance.

When he was inquiring into the Knowledge of a Self-conceited old Woman of a different way, she said, she knew very well, and un­derstood the whole Bible, only knew not what to make of the Vi­sion of the white Horse in the Revelation, said he, you are a hap­py Woman, would I could say so: But pray how do you understand that of Canaan, being a Land [Page 48] flowing with Milk and Honey? What do you think, there was such abundance of it, that it flow­ed upon the Land, as Water doth? Yes, sure said she, how could it be otherways? I see now, said he, how well you understand the Scriptures, and thence he took occasion to convince and instruct her.

To one whom he urged to Ca­techise Children, who said, he saw little fruit of it among young ones, He replied, never talk so, if you cannot make them bear fruit, you may make them bear leaves; When another said they saw but little re­main of it; he call'd for a Sieve, and some Water, at first they thought him not in earnest, but when he persisted to call, they brought it, he bid them pour the Water into the Sieve, which when they had done, Look here, said he, most of it is run through, but some [Page 49] remains, here's a Dew, a Moi­sture.

In short, I'll only say, ‘ I never heard of any that took so much Pains, Cost, and Care about Catechising as he: His Heart was in it, living and dying.’

His Chari­ty. Next to this, take a view of his Charity; And here, tho' I can give but general Heads far short of its true extent, both as to Places, and Times, Posterity will reap the Fruits of his Charity, more than I may mention; yea I wish it may not be more, than I can perswade any to imitate; here let me mention that, under seve­ral Heads, which if you think your Charity can't run in so ma­ny Channels, yet chuse what likes ye best, but imitate some of them.

He evidenced himself to be the genuine Son of his Heavenly Fa­ther, by doing good to all, to the Bodies and to the Souls of all man­ner of Persons, though with great difference and judgment.

I'll begin with the lowest, who least tasted of his Charity; and indeed they least sought it, for I question not if they would not have spill'd the Sauce, they might have had the Meat, if they would but have accepted the Counsel with which he sauced his Alms, for I think I may peremptorily say, ‘ He never gave any thing without sutable and ear­nest Instruction,’ those who accepted that might have any thing they desired. This premi­sed my first instance shall be this.

1. When wicked wretches have come to him to beg or borrow Money; after he had taken some pains with them, to convince and reform them he hath given, or lent to them, hoping it might be at least a ‘ hiring of them to be less vitious.’ But he had fewest, tho' some he had of these Customers. Profligate Persons shun'd coming near him, their Con­sciences frighting them, with his charming conviction. 'Twas Christ's Poor towards whom his Charity flowed.

2. Necessitous Persons or Fami­lies always found his Heart, and Hand open, for their relief, and that not dribbling Alms, because they would not be answered with­out giving them something, but the something he gave them was always somewhat answerable to their necessities, having an extra­ordinary [Page 52] value for real Saints, though they were never so poor and mean.

3. He took poor Children from indigent Parents, and wholly main­tained them, put them to Trades, and set them up in the World: Or, ‘ if they were capable of a more liberal Education they had it, being a great Encourager of young Men to the Ministry:’ I cannot forbear telling you of one, whom God took to glory, a little before he took himself, who was a Can­didate for the Ministry, of curious Parts, polite Learning, serious Godliness, an excellent Preacher, of most obliging Conversation; but we must Psal. 39.9. be dumb with silence, for God hath done it. Several others he hath been a Foster Father to.

4. He set up petty Schools in several places to teach Children to read and to learn their Catechism; and he contrived it to be double Charity namely to the Teacher and to the Learner.

And since, he came nearer Lon­don he hath hired a Writing Ma­ster to come into some Families, to teach some Servants, who had no time to go to School, to learn to Write, and cast Accompts.

‘ Any one who applied him­self to him, by himself, or by any one else, though a meer Stranger, whose face was set Heaven-ward, who was poor and willing to learn, those were Arguments sufficient to [Page 54] draw out his Heart and Purse for their Instructi­on, in anything they were capable of attaining for further usefulness.’ 'Tis next to impossible to name the Instances of his Soul Charity, 'twas as dif­fusive yet as secret as 'twas pos­sible. I'll mention one instance among many. I take, said he, more delight in thinking this one Man (he was speaking of) will e're long be serviceable to the World, then if any had given my self a hundred Pounds.

5. His spreading of the most Awakening, Convincing, Practical Books, to provoke, and encourage serious Godliness. This is one of the things that's hardly credible, not only Books of small price, as Thousands, if not Ten thousands of Catechisms, many of them with [Page 55] Expositions; but bigger Books I cannot say how many thousands of Sheppard's Sincere Convert, Mr. Richard Allein's Vindiciae Pietatis, Mr. Joseph Allein of Conversion and his Life; Several of Mr. Bax­ter's Treatises, his Call to the Ʋn­converted, his Now, or Never, his Directions to prevent miscarrying in Conversion, his Saint's Rest, &c. with several others. One thing I had almost forgot about Mr. Joseph Allein's Treatise of Conversion which several (of whom he was the chief) agreed for an Impression to be given away, (they altering the Title into [A Guide to Heaven] (to make it more acceptable) ‘ He paid down 50 l. at first as an Earnest, be­sides more afterwards for that Impression of Twenty [Page 56] Thousand to be dispersed through the Kingdom of England, and Domi­nion of Wales,’ and (I think I may say) there hath been Twen­ty Thousand more printed since to be sold at under rates: And he gave not only the Writings of Non-Conformists, but of Con­formists, namely Pink's Tryal of Sincere Love to Christ, Caley of Eternity, Wade of Redemption of Time, Dent's Plain-man's Path­way to Heaven, Scudder's Daily-walk, Reiner's Precepts, &c. But he gave Books of greater price; As the Books of Martyrs in Three Volumes, Charnock's Works in Two Volumes, several Annotators on the Bible, several Commenta­tors on the Holy Scriptures, se­veral necessary Libraries to young Students and Candidates for the [Page 57] Ministry. There was no place where he came, and he was pro­videntially ‘ drawn’ or ‘ driven’ into many Counties, but he sto­red the Houses of all that would accept of his kindness with Books of Devotion. I know not whether ever he gave away any one Book of Controversie, unless it were Pool's Nullity of the Roman Faith, and his Dialogue between a Popish Priest, and an English Protestant. He was always for ‘ Promoting down right Practical God­liness.’

But above all his ‘ Stratagems’ to disperse goods Books, I cannot but prefer his Device for the spreading of the ‘ Bible,’ I can­not say how many hundreds, if not thousands, he gave away. But he found this would not reach his [Page 58] end, many would rather be without Bibles than put him upon the Charge of giving them. Therefore he took this course, which succeeded to his heart's desire, ‘ by himself, or Friends, he sold Bibles at Eighteen Pence a Bible to all that desired them for themselves, or their Children, or Ser­vants,’ provided, not to sell them again. And by this means very many who refus'd them gratis, ‘ Catcht’ at them, at this ‘ under rate,’ whereby they were furnished with Bibles, and something returned towards the buying of more, and this is the only trade, he ever drove with Books. He saw comfortable Fruits [Page 59] of his Liberality in giving Books some were converted, more were edified by this spiritual Charity; though he did not confine these Gifts to the Poor, but gave also to the Rich, both Bibles, and o­ther Books, which he had extraor­dinarily bound, that they might be the more generally accepted, and he contrived such Books to such Persons, that he was seldom disap­pointed of Success, though some­times he was; to give one instance, He once gave Wade's Treatise of the Redemption of Time curiously bound to a young Minister, who at first received it kindly; but when he began to read it, he find­ing Mr. Baxter quoted in it, he hastily returned it, not enduring to read any thing that Mr. Baxter had written. But I'll close the Narrative of his giving Books with this Story.

Some Years since, when the times were more hazardous to Dis­senters, A. N. C. Minister of his acquaintance, being unavoidably necessitated to undertake a Journey of above Two hundred Miles in length, when he could not at any reasonable rates get any Lawyer, or other, to go with him, to advise him, in the Difficulties he foresaw he should meet with; Mr. Brand surprizingly offered, what could not be impudently askt, charitably to go with him, and give him his best assistance: 'Twas not then safe to be known to be a Dissenting Minister; he therefore concealed himself (though his Friend must venture, being known in the Place whither he went) but carried down a considerable quantity of Cate­chisms and good Books in the Coach with him. And in every Inn where he lodged, or but baited at Noon, he would not be many [Page 61] Minutes there before ('twas so fa­miliar to him to insinuate some­thing for the good of Souls) he would be fishing out whether any was, and who was capable and pliable to receive Instruction; and if he found any, he would present­ly fasten upon their Consciences, gi­ven them Counsel, and Catechisms, or other Books according as their case required. At one place, a Servant was so affected, as to go after him (the Town being scituate upon an Hill) while he walked down hill, before he went into the Coach, begging to be taken with him to London, having never heard so much about Soul-concerns before, nor ever expecting the like again, unless this request were granted: He promised to call there at his return, but the Coach-man with­out his knowledge went back ano­ther way. At another Inn, when he met with a Youth, that he found [Page 62] capable, he gave him a Catechism, and promised if he would learn it by his return, which would be a­bout a week, he would give him five Shillings, which he did and had his reward. At another Inn, where he met with a School-master, he perswaded and encouraged him to season his Scholars with the know­ledge of those things, whereby they might be saved. The Stock of Books he carried down did not hold out all his Journey, but he sent down upon his return up, at once as many as cost above eight Pounds. At one Inn, where he gave Books in his going down, some of them fell into those hands, who way-laid his coming up, at the time he said he should return, that they might clap him in Pri­son for spreading of Seditious Books (that is the Character they put upon Mr. Baxter's Call to the Ʋnconverted, of which there hath [Page 63] been printed as some guess a Hun­dred Thousand, so generally accept­able and profitable hath it been; 'tis impossible for me to tell you how many have been Converted by it) but here I must not conceal, the chief Contrivance was against the Minister, he accompanied and their Design against him failing (a design more full of base Ingratitude and Treachery than ever any you heard of, but that is foreign to this account) they contrived this de­sign against Mr. Brand, but God disappointed them in this also, for the Night before they were to set out to return, one of the Coach-Horses fell so lame (not known how) that in the Morning he could hardly be led to watering, and so continu­ed two or three days, till they were weary of waiting for his return, so that he past the place unmolested. Thus, E [...] 8 31. the Hand of God was upon him, to deliver him from the hand [Page 64] of his Enemies, and of such as laid wait by the way. God delivered him, without his knowing that he needed any such deliverance. I know not whether ever he knew of the main Contrivance, for that lay undiscovered several Years, till the ‘ chief Contriver re­vealed it under horror of Conscience, for that and other unsuspected Abomi­nations;’ only this was at pre­sent plainly remarkable, ‘ that a Horse should be suddainly so lame as scarce to bear being dragg'd to watering, and suddainly so well, as to go above Two hundred Miles without halting.’ [Page 65] One as soon as he came into his Inn where they intended to have seized upon him, askt him; Why he came not the day in the former week, as he mentioned in his go­ing down? and another dropt it afterwards, that if he had come then, some were ready to appre­hend him for the Books he gave away. Should I add more in­stances, 'twould be more than need. I'll therefore mention some of his Infirmities; which may serve as a Shadow to his ill drawn Picture.

As to the World, though he was too wise, and prudent to be imposed upon in his worldly Af­fairs, yet there was one Snare he frequently run into for many Years, namely, he was not only charitable himself, but he did ma­ny times as Moses fetch Water out of a Rock of Flint, Deut. 8.15. he got something for charitable Uses, where none else [Page 66] could; but in one of his methods, he was often deceived; he would perswade some to promise or sub­scribe so much by the Year to some good work, either the Education of a Youth, or the relieving of some Minister, or something that might promote the Gospel, they would give, and pay, one or two quarters, and then leave the charge wholly upon him: He was too apt to think that when he had perswa­ded them to an act of Charity, that that would presently grow up to an habit, but he felt the diffe­rence to his cost.

Another mistake that made his Life uneasie, was this: He had many years ago such sharp pains, as he thought proceeded from the Stone in the Bladder, he was con­firmed in this by being searcht, by the most celebrated Lithotomist in this City, who said he felt it, the return of those pains frighted [Page 67] him into the Expectation of a Ne­cessity of being Cut, and this last­ed all his days; but upon the o­pening of his Body by his Physi­cians, who desired to see where lay the cause of that Disease which was hid from them; they found that he had neither in his Kidneys, nor in his Ʋreters, nor in his Blad­der any Stone, nor so much as any gravel tending to it, thus you see, much of our real trouble ariseth from those evils which are but i­maginary; this was an uncom­fortable mistake, but the last I shall mention was fatal; namely, his too great carelesness of himself, he did too much for others, and too little for himself to hold out long, though he lived of a slender, weak sort of diet, yet he often speak grudgingly of the time that was necessarily spent in eating and drinking; very much longing for the place, where he should need [Page 68] no supports of that nature. When he was declining apace towards his end, he used to say, if he were younger, or could bear riding, ‘ he would fix at no one place, but go about the Country, where he found most need, and there preach the Gospel, Catechise the Younger sort, distribute good Books; erect Places for Divine Worship, and fix Ministers at them;’ This would have been his delight­ful Employment, but when that Person to whom he freely commu­nicated his thoughts, told him, his Work was greatly disproportionable to his strength, and requested him to leave off, what visibly impaired [Page 69] his health, to work less, that he might work long. He with some quickness answered, ‘ Nay then, 'tis no matter if I were dead indeed;’ he thanked God he did not desire Life meerly for its own sake, nor for any thing of the Pleasure, or Profit of it, but only for the Work he was at, saying, ‘ He had rather die that moment, than live and not be useful to the World. I am just gone, but if God give Faith and Patience, all will be well, and have a glorious Issue.’ He expressed ‘ a com­fortable, assurance and spoke [Page 70] as one that had arrived to the top of it, and at par­ting, desired Prayers a lit­tle while,’ for said he, ‘ I shall not need them long.’

To sum up his charitable Ex­pences as computed by an intelli­gent Person, as well able to pry into Concealments as most Men I know, who had the fairest Op­portunity by living some Years with him under the same Roof, who told me, that, they (besides what he could not find out) to his Knowledge amounted to ‘ above Three Hundred Pound per Annum one Year with another.’ And he himself hath sometimes drop't this Expression, He would not ‘ Sell’ [Page 71] his Estate, because it was Entail'd, but he would ‘ Squeeze’ it as long as he lived, which he hath done for I know not how many Years. He would often say, He would accept of no Man's Estate, if he must have his Hands tyed up from his making use of it on Spiri­tual Accounts, and would very much pity the miserable Condition of wicked Rich Men, the Truth (in short) was this, ‘ His Zeal for doing Good was so tran­sporting, that he could as soon cease to live, as cease to attempt it,’ A dou­ble Instance we have of this, there was one place where he was contri­ving to settle a Minister, and ano­ther place where he was endea­vouring to build a Meeting-Place when he died.

And now having mentioned his Death, I will give you some Ac­count of the Circumstances of it: About three Years since, his being wet in a Journey about his Ma­sters Work, cast him into a violent Fever, which may be called his last Sickness, for he never well re­covered of it, but was followed with a Complication of many grie­vous Diseases, sometimes his Legs swelled, threatning a Dropsie, some­times great pain in his side, as if he had a Pleurisie, sometimes all over him, as if he had a Rheuma­tism. But especially he was af­flicted with an Asthma which made him unable to walk, to go up a pair of Stairs was almost death to him: These things gave con­trary Indications; and therefore made his cure the more difficult. In these straits he was often let blood, and relieved by it till his Friends were afraid of his proper remedy.

Tho' he was lingering almost three Years, yet he was never ob­served to have any unquiet Mo­tion of Mind, but had always a serene and humble Submission to the sovereign Will of God; he did often bewail his own Imperfections, and small knowledge of God and Christ, and exprest ‘ his longing Desires of seeing God face to face.’ A while before his death he did often say, What is the World! 'Tis not worth a straw. ‘ O my God, I would be with thee, Oh, how I long to be with Christ my dear Redeemer:’ This he spake with great earnestness; ‘ Oh my God bring me to thy self.’ Whereupon he spake [Page 74] much of the Glory to be reveal­ed, and insisted on those words, ‘ I will be your God. What greater Gift could he give? He gave himself. He gave all.’ Then he was rapt up into a serious Amazement and deep Admiration, and cried out, ‘ Oh, my God! my God what is sinful Man! Worm-man! What man­ner of Love is this! Love indeed! Oh, I cannot ex­press it!’

He desired one to read to him, John 17.22. And the Glory which thou gavest me, I have given them, &c. The very hearing of which put him into an ecstasie of Joy, and he desired him to read of Christ's [Page 75] Love. 14.15.16.17. of John. Some of which he then read to him. A while after, speaking to one about Family Prayer, he said, a Camel may as well go through the Eye of a Needle as a Man that prays not in his Family go to Heaven. He prayed much for the Enlargement of Christ's Kingdom. The Evening before he died, this Person was with him from one of the Clock in the Afternoon till Six, during which time he was possest with such foretastes of heavenly Joys that made him earnestly cry out, ‘ O let me be with thee! With thee, Oh my God! Oh, I long for Heaven! Oh, welcome Death! Oh, happy Death that will put an end to all [Page 76] my Troubles and Conflicts, one moment in Abra­ham's Bosom will make amends for all, turn Sor­row to Joy. What a dreadful appearance will there be at the Great Day? What a sad thing will it be to be disappoint­ed at last and come short of Heaven! O my Re­deemer liveth, I have served a good Master! I would not desire Life for a moment, unless it was to promote the Interest [Page 77] of Christ. If God would give me my choice what I would ask, I would not ask Life. Nay, I have prayed to God that I might die.’ Why so, said a By-stander? ‘ That I may,’ said he, ‘ be with God.’ Upon which he cried out, ‘ O my God, I would come to thee! Let me live with thee!’ Here he added something with a peculiar Fervour, which bearing hard on some, he thought too re­miss in their spiritual Warfare. I forbear to mention, but if this hint twitch any Man's Conscience, let him not slight it. His last [Page 78] words to this relater were, ‘ Pray much.’

What follows is from another intelligent credible Person, about Nine of the Clock sitting in a musing Posture, ‘ he started up of a suddain, prayed with such ardency of affe­ction, with such Power and Joy, that amazed all the Family: Wherein he admired God's Goodness and distinguishing Love, and begged to be made more fit for the Inheri­tance of the Saints in Light.’ When he had done, be­ing [Page 79] ask'd the reason of such a suddain Motion. He answered, ‘ 'Twas to rouse up his Soul to Heavenly Meditation.’

As he was going to bed, he did with concernedness of Mind, say, ‘ There will be a Cry at Mid­night, prepare, prepare,’ which accordingly fell out, for when he went to bed, though he was no otherways affected then for­merly, he was immediately taken with a Vomiting of Blood, where­of he died in a few hours. And now I'll say no more, lest I lose my end of saying so much. ‘ I must draw a Vail over the face of this our Moses, lest it cast such a Lustre, as ill Eyes can't behold it:’ [Page 80] In short, all that I have said tends but to this (next, praises to God for casting him in our Age) to be a Provocation to take Christ's Counsel to the Lawyer, Luk. 10.37. ‘ Go and do thou likewise.’