The lives of two and twenty English divines eminent in their generations for learning, piety, and painfulnesse in the work of the ministry, and for their sufferings in the cause of Christ : whereunto are annexed the lives of Gaspar Coligni, that famous admirall of France, slain in the Parisian massacre, and of Joane Queen of Navarr, who died a little before / by Samuel Clarke ...

The Life of Master Richard Stock, who died Anno Christi, 1626.

* 1.1RIchard Stock was born at York, and after he was throughly furnished with Countrey Learning, he went to Cambridge at the age of eighteen or nine∣teen years, as most in those Northen parts in those times used to do; where he was admitted into St. Johns Colledge, and after a while was chosen Scholar of the House. At this time Dr. Whittaker was Master of St. Johns (under whom his younger Brother had a Sisers place) who favoured Mr. Stock very much for his ingenuity, industry and proficiency in his Studies.

There he remained till he had taken his degree of Master of Arts, at which time he had had a fellowship, but that his Countrey was full; whereupon he left the Colledge,* 1.2 and lived some space of time with Sir Edmund or Edward Cope, at Cannons Ashby in Northamptonshire; from whence he afterwards removed to the Lady Lane at Burton on the water in Gloucestershire, to be her Chaplain.

Before he left the University he was designed to a Fellowship in Sid∣ney Colledge, then intended and beginning to be built, but having long discontinued before the building was accomplished, he had then no mind to return to the University again.

* 1.3But coming up to London he was chosen Lecturer at Austins in Wat∣ling-street, after which he preached twice every Lords day at Mildreds Bredstreet, during the life of an old man who had the charge there: Whence he removed a little higher to All-hallows, where he continued preaching constantly, one Mr. Edmunds retaining the charge, but by reason of age and infirmities accompanying it, unable to Officiate and discharge the place himself. His Ministry was so gratefull and accept∣able to the people, that after the death of Mr. Edmunds, the Pastorall charge of that place was conferred upon him, which he held to his dy∣ing day.

* 1.4Being setled there he married a Wife yet surviving, by whom he had three daughters.

He was a grave and reverend Father in the English Church, a faith∣full Minister and Servant of Jesus Christ,* 1.5 and a vigilant Pastor over his Congregation. His life and courses and constant labour in the work

[illustration]

M^r. STOCK

of the Lord were well known through the whole City of London; wherein he constantly continued the work of his Ministry by the space of about thirty two years. During his abode in St. Johns Colledge in Cambridge, even from his first beginnings,* 1.6 he was of eminent note for his unwearied industry, and singular proficiency in those studies of humanity, that are as handmaids to Divinity, and help to lay a good ground for any future Profession. So that his care was to inter∣twine piety and humanity the one with the other, that as web and woof they ran on ever along together through the whole course of his stu∣dies. Nor was he only carefull of this practise himself, but (accord∣ing to that of the Apostle,* 1.7 Observe one another to whet on to godliness and well doing;) he was no lesse forward to incite others to the like practice: Yea, not only to incite them thereunto, but to assist them therein, and to afford what helps he could (which well also he could do) unto any that were desirous, yea or but willing to embrace them, so that many of his Friends had cause to blesse God that ever they came acquainted with him. In a word, whilest he stayed in the Colledge he gave before hand e're he came to it, evident signes of one likely to prove a skillfull Master-builder in Gods work, and a winner of many souls unto God.

Nor was he one of those rath-ripe wits, that promise fair in the blossome, but fail in the fruit; that like Comets, blaze brighter then the fixed Starres for a time, but after a while vanish and come to naught, the matter of them being either wholly spent or dispersed. But his proceedings in publick were correspondent to his beginnings in private. When it pleased God to call him out, and to set him apart to that imployment, that he had ordained him to before, he proved a painfull and faithfull Minister of Jesus Christ; a skilfull and powerfull dispenser of Gods Word. And if any proof hereof be desired, Not to insist upon his constant and incessant imployments with generall ap∣probation and applause of those that were Religious and judicious, continued for so many years (as aforesaid) together;* 1.8 not a Sabboth intermitted, wherein (if health served) he preached not twice, either in his own charge (where he was most frequent) or elsewhere abroad, besides his Catechizing of the younger sort in the week dayes at cer∣tain times, and other such Offices as to the Pastorall function are ne∣cessarily annexed, and are privately to be performed; wherein also he was no lesse diligent then in the execution of his publick Ministry. Not to insist (I say) upon this (which yet were sufficient proof of it) as the Apostle saith of the Corinthians, You are the seal of my Apostleship, and my Letters Testimonial.* 1.9 So may it well be said of this reverend man of God, Many Christian souls having professed themselves to have had their first effectual Calling and Conversion from him; the like whereunto few others could say at that time; besides the mul∣titudes of those which have acknowledged themselves to have been edified, built up, and bettered by him, are the seal of his Calling, and of Christ speaking in and by him, and not verball or vocall, but

reall Letters testimoniall of the efficacy of his Ministry, through Gods blessing upon the same.

One saith that the Apostles were like Fishermen, the succeeding Mi∣nisters like Huntsmen. The Apostles like Fishermen that caught ma∣ny at one draught: The succeeding Ministers like Huntsmen, that with much toil and clamour running up and down all day, scarce take one Deer or Hare e're night. And such is the hard condition of many of Gods Servants, that notwithstanding the faithfull and painfull dis∣charge of their duty, yet are enforced to complain with the Prophet, Who hath believed our report?* 1.10 and, I have laboured in vain. Scarce able to produce, or instance in any one, of whom they can with some good ground of assurance presume that they have gained at least him unto God. But well might this worthy Servant of Christ, through Gods blessing upon his labours, stand out and say, not of one or two, but of troops,* 1.11 in the words of the same Prophet, Behold I, and the children that God hath given me. And with the Apostle, These have I be∣gotten unto God by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Yea more then that, many famous lights in Gods Church, and faithfull Ministers of his Word do professe to have lighted their can∣dles at his Lamp; yea some of them to have received their first begin∣nings, not of light only, but of spiritual life and grace (without which all light, be it never so great, is no light, but meer darknesse) from his Ministry. It's no small honour for a man to win, if it were but any one soul (He hath saved a soul, saith St. James, as a matter worthy the glo∣rying in.* 1.12) For to win a soul, is to win more then the whole world be∣sides is worth. But what an honour then is it to be, not a winner of a soul, but a winner of such as prove winners of souls; and so by win∣ning of some one immediatly, to be a mediate winner of many others by him? They shall shine (saith he) as the Heavens, that instruct; and they that convert others as the Starres.* 1.13 And how gloriously then (sup∣pose we) doth this blessed man of God shine now in the Kingdom of God, that was an instructer of those that are instructers of others, that was a converter of those that are converters of others them∣selves!

* 1.14Many then did this worthy man (as the holy Ghost saith of John the Baptist) win unto God. Many he won, though all he could not, that was more then the Apostle Paul was able to do. The Jews op∣posed themselves against his Ministry, and blasphemed, Act. 18.6. and 2 Thes. 3.2. All men (saith he) have not faith; But yet many he won,* 1.15 and his desire and endeavour (with the same Apostle) was to win all, his own Flock especially, of whom he used to protest, That it was more comfort to him to win one of them then twenty others. But some refractory spirits (as what Minister doth not?) he met withall, that would not be reclaimed; that by their crosse-grain carriage and behaviour, were as thornes in his eyes, and as goads in his sides, and proved a vexation of heart to this faithfull Servant of Christ. But against such persons, not only the dust of the Ministers

feet, but the sweat of his brows, and the tears of his eyes,* 1.16 and his strength wasted amongst them, and his spirits spent upon them, shall one day rise up in judgment against them, to make their doom the heavier, if it be not prevented by speedy and unfeigned repen∣tance.

But because a man may win others, and yet lose himself, he may save others, and yet not save himself; They may beget life in others that have none themselves. The Word may work by a man, and yet not work in him. He may be like a stone-gutter (saith St. Austin) or a leaden pipe, that conveyeth water into a Garden, yet receives no be∣nefit thereby it self. Or like the hand on the high-way that pointeth others the way, but never walks therein it self. Or like an Harp (saith the Heathen) that maketh others melody, or a Trumpet that sounds loud, but heareth nothing it self. Or like to the water in Baptism (saith Gregory) that helps men to Heaven-ward, but afterwards is poured down the sink it self. He may preach to others, and not preach to himself. He may convert others, and yet himself prove a castaway. Though yet indeed it's seldome seen,* 1.17 that much good is done where a due consent is wanting between tongue and hand, between lip and life. It was far otherwise with this reverend man of God; he was none of those that say and do not; but as he taught so he wrought; his Do∣ctrine and practice concurred, and went hand in hand together.* 1.18 His actions were, though silent, yet reall and effectual Sermons of that which he preached in the Pulpit. The course of his life was uniform with the tenour of his teaching; and both joyning and concentring in one, were a means to draw on many; who by the one alone probably had not been so easily won to Christ.

In a word, for his teaching, many that were his constant Hearers, have given him a large testimony; and they that knew his conversation have done the like for his life. He was not a flash, one of those which shew all in a Sermon, or that spend all upon one curious good work that they mind to make their Master-piece. But both in his life and teaching he held on such a constant tenour, that the more men, especially such as were wise and judicious, were acquainted with either, the more they reverenced and esteemed him for both.

There are two things (saith one) that make a compleat man,* 1.19 Inte∣grity and judgment; the one whereof is but lame and maimed without the other; and yet in few they use to meet together; yet there was an happy conjunction of them both in this worthy man. One sign where∣of will appear by the frequent practice of many who made use of him for to be an overseer of their last wills, and craved his assistance by way of direction for the disposall of their outward estates (and all know how cautious men use to be in that kind.) Another testimony of it was by those Reverend Brethren of the Ministry, as well as others, who either by Letters or otherwise, out of all parts of this Realm, did usually seek to him, as to one more then ordinarily able to give them satisfacti∣on for the resolution of their doubts.

* 1.20These two then made him a compleat man; but there is something more required to make a compleat Minister, viz. That he be able to speak his mind fitly (for what use can there be of a mute Messenger) and that he dare do it freely (for of whom is courage and freedom of speech more required then of Gods Messengers?) Nor was Mr. Stock defective in either.

For as for the former, how well able he was, not to expresse only, but to urge and presse too;* 1.21 not to confirm alone, but to commend also that that he delivered with clear method, sound proof, choice words, fit phrases, pregnant similitudes, plentifull illustrations, pithy per∣swasions, sweet insinuations, powerfull enforcements, allegations of antiquity, and variety of good literature; that both the learnedest might receive satisfaction from him, and the very meanest and dullest might also reap benefit by him, and so as might well leave a deep im∣pression in the hearts and minds of the Hearers, they cannot be igno∣rant, that for any space of time heard him. In a word, in this kind he was such an one as many strove to imitate, but few attained to equa∣lize him.

Again, Because it is in vain to be able to speak to good purpose, if a man dare not use his tongue: if (as one said of the Eretrians) he be∣like the sword-fish, that hath a sword in his head, but no heart in his body: or like a cowardly companion, that carries a weapon to ruffle with, but dares not draw or make use of it, though just occasion be offered. For his freedom of speech therefore in reproving of sin, and that even to the faces of the greatest, whether in publick or private, when occasion 〈◊〉〈◊〉; many even now living are able to testifie, and some accidents made it more publickly known, then his desire was that it should have been.

* 1.22He was very zealous and earnest for the reformation of some pro∣ph••nations of the Sabbath. Wherein he prevailed also for the altera∣tion of something offensive in that kind, as well with the main body of the City, as with some particular Societies; as for their meetings upon St. Thomas day. He perswaded also some of the companies to put off their solemn Festivals from Mundaies to Tuesdaies, that so the Lords day might not be prophaned by their preparations for those Feasts.

His prudence also appeared in his order of Catechizing the young persons of his Parish;* 1.23 by examining them apart, the youths on one day, and the maids on another. The riper and forwarder first in the presence of the ruder and rawer, and the ruder and rawer apart by themselves, when the former were departed, that so they might reap what fruit they could by hearing the others, and yet might receive no discouragement by being heard of them.

* 1.24Neither was his pious diligence and care lesse seen in the Religious instruction and education of those that were under his private charge, as Children and Servants, for whom his care was greater to provide for their souls then their bodies, for their spirituall then for their tem∣porall

estate (yet not neglecting that neither) by bringing them up in the nurture and fear of the Lord. In a word, time and speech would sooner fail then matter, If I should proceed to write of all the gifts, graces and praise-worthy qualities of this eminent servant of Christ.

In his publick Ministry his usuall manner was upon occasion to quote the sayings of many of the Fathers, which some taking excep∣tions at, he thus Apologized for himself,* 1.25 If any (saith he) take ex∣ceptions at my alledging of Fathers (as some have taken offence at my using of Reasons to confirm the Doctrine, but with very little Reason as I suppose) I must pray them, to give me leave to use them, till I can see that unlawfulnesse which they affirm to be in the practice, and to censure me in charity for the use of them, as I do them for not using them. I will look as well to my heart in the use of them, as God shall enable me; and when I shall see the hurt of them, I will endeavour as much to avoid them. In the mean time I will make as much use as I can of them, to edifie the Church of God.

In his younger dayes being called to preach at Pauls Crosse, he dealt somewhat plainly and freely in taxing some abuses in the City in un∣equall Ratings, whereby the meaner sort were overburthened,* 1.26 whilest the rich and great ones escaped with more ease. This was ill taken by many of them, who checked him as over-rash for dealing in such matters, calling him a green-head: but in his latter daies being called to preach at the Lord Maiors Election, he fell again upon the same sub∣ject, and told them a gray-head spake now what a green-head had done formerly.

But to draw to an end together with his end; the end of his labours, but the beginning of his rest; the end of his work, but the receit of his reward. In the aformentioned and such like imployments, pub∣lick and private, he spent his time:* 1.27 He spent his strength like a Torch or Taper, wasting and consuming himself for the profit and benefit of others, having his work with God then, and his reward for it from God afterwards. And for these imployments sake was it principally, that he desired recovery of health and strength: Unto the perfor∣mance whereof also (though therein injurious to himself, and con∣trary to his own desires) he oft strained himself, and that in the midst of his infirmity and weaknesse, not to uncertain hazard only, but to evident impreaching and impairing of either. What is the sign (saith Hezekias, when he promised recovery) that I shall go up to the house of the Lord? as desiring continuance of life, and recovery of health for no one end more then that. And therefore also was it that this worthy man was desirous of recovery, that he might repair to Gods house again, and that he might return to Gods work again. To which purpose the very last Lords day before his disease, having after many relapses recovered a little strength, he made shift to get out to a neighbour Congregation, there to joyn with Gods people in pub∣lick performance of such solemn service of God, as that day is usual∣ly spent and imployed in. And having held out with them to the end

in both parts of the day, he rejoyced much therein that he was able so to do, the rather because he thereby conceived some good hope, that he should be strong enough ere long to return to his wonted work and imployment again. But the Lord saw it better (for his will appears by his work) to put an end to his incessant labours here,* 1.28 and to transhate him to the place of his endlesse rest elsewhere, and that upon the twentieth day of April, Anno Christi 1626. having been Preacher at All-Hallows Bredstreet during the spence of thirty two years,* 1.29 where he was an exmple to his people in word, in inconversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. But as one saith, An exact face is seldom drawn but with much disadvantage; so neither is his cha∣racter; so that we may well say as one doth of Basil, There wanted but his own tongue to commend him with.

Notes

• * 1.1

  His birth and breeding.
• * 1.2

  His remove from Cam∣bridge.
• * 1.3

  His coming to London.
• * 1.4

  His marriage.
• * 1.5

  His character by M^r Gataker.
• * 1.6

  His study of Humanity.
• * 1.7

  Heb. 10.24. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.8

  His painful∣nesse.
• * 1.9

  1 Cor. 9.2. The effectu∣alnesse of his Ministry.
• * 1.10

  Isa. 53.1. and 49.4.
• * 1.11

  Isa. 8.18. 1 Cor. 4.15.
• * 1.12

  Jam. 5.20.
• * 1.13

  Dan. 12.3.
• * 1.14

  Luk. 1.16.
• * 1.15

  Rom. 10.1.
• * 1.16

  The danger of unprofitabe hearers.
• * 1.17

  1 Cor. 9.27.
• * 1.18

  Mat. 23.3. His exempla∣ry life.
• * 1.19

  What makes a compleat man.
• * 1.20

  What makes a compleat Mi∣nister.
• * 1.21

  His manner of preaching.
• * 1.22

  His zeal for the Sabbath.
• * 1.23

  His prudence.
• * 1.24

  His care of his Family.
• * 1.25

  His Apology for quoting the Fathers.
• * 1.26

  His faithful∣nesse in repro∣ving sin.
• * 1.27

  His last sick∣nesse.
• * 1.28

  His death.
• * 1.29

  1 Tim. 4.12.