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The Life of Master Hugh Clark, who died Anno Christi 1634.
* 1.1HUgh Clark was born at Burton upon Trent, in the Coun∣ty of Stafford, August 15. 1563. of honest Parents, who were very carefull of his education, both in Reli∣gion and Learning, and when he was fitted for the University, they sent him to Cambridge, where he was admitted into Jesus Colledge under the tuition of Master Duport,* 1.2 (afterwards Doctor Duport, and Ma∣ster of that Colledge) in that place he followed his study very hard, and his Proficiency was very exemplary; but after two years and an half, the air not well agreeing with his constitution,* 1.3 he removed to Oxford, and continued there till he was Master of Arts. He was a good Logi∣cian, and a very acute disputant. The first place that he was called to exercise his Ministry in,* 1.4 was about Oundle in Northamptonshire, where he met with a people, that for the generality of them, were very ignorant and ungodly, and much addicted to the Prophanation of the Lords day, by Whitson-ales, Morris dancing, &c. which sinnes Master Clark in his Ministry much set himself against, endeavouring from Gods Word to convince them of the evil, and denouncing Gods judgments in case of their obstinate perseverance in such provoking courses; but they, having been alwaies trained up in such practices, and having their hearts hardened against admonition, still persevered in their former courses; and that the rather, because they were opposed by the Word of God therein; but the judgment of God found them out for this their wickednesse.* 1.5 For shortly after, on a Lords day, the Leader of the Dance, being a lusty young man, in the midst of their prophane pastimes suddainly fell down and died. Yet these obdurate persons (though a little affected for the present) soon shaked off their fears, and returned to their vomit again.
Master Clark the Sabbath following, took occasion from this sad di∣spensation of God, to shew them the greatnesse of their sinnes, and how highly God used to be displeased with those which took liberty to pro∣phane his holy day, withall quoting, Jer. 17.27. If thou wilt not hear∣ken unto me to hallow the Sabbath-day, &c. Then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devoure the Pallaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched; opening, urging, and pressing it home upon their conscien∣ces: yet still they kicked against these warnings, and the evening fol∣lowing, returned to their sports again. Amongst these there was a