The painfull Ministers joy at the time of his death. [ 1348]
IT is said of Gregorius, sirnamed Thaumaturgus,* 1.1 Wonder-worker, When he asked the question, being now ready to die; How many Infidels yet remain∣ed in the City Neocaesaria? answer was returned unto him, Seventeen: that he rejoyced greatly, and comforted himself, and gave thanks unto God, say∣ing, Totidem erant Fideles, &c.* 1.2 There were onely so many Faithful and belie∣vers, when I was made Bishop of that place: A great work of God by a Wonder-working Man!* 1.3 And such will be the Crown and rejoycing of all pain∣ful and laborious Ministers of Gods Word and Sacraments, that when they shall be ready to give an accompt of the Souls committed to their charge, that they can do it with joy, and not with grief, that they have been Faithfull, and look∣ed more after the Flock, then the Fleece, and that it is not with them (as it of∣ten falls out with too too many) whose rising hath been the fall of the Church, and mightinesse the miseries thereof.