DEERING. 209 not hinder or forbid others, whowere both able and willing. He could say of Mr. Deering, that his grace of Canterbury could find no fault with him, either in his doctrine or his life. Also, that it was no great promotion, but a place in which, by the labours of Mr. Deering, he doubted not that her majesty's subjects would be much profited. It was all to no purpose. The archbishop remembered his former nonconformity, but especially his puritanical answers to the articles in the star-chamber ; and, therefore, remained in- flexible, and would not admit him.. At length, Mr. Deering being worn out by hard labours and manifold troubles, fell sick ; and perceiving his disso- lution to approach, he said to his friends, " Thegood Lord pardon my great negligence, that, while I had time, I used not his precious gifts more for the advancement of his glory, as I might have done : yet I bless God, that I have not abused those gifts to ambition and vain studies. When I am dead, my enemies will be reconciled to me; 'excepting such as knew me not, or such as have in them no sense of the truth. I have faithfully, and with a good conscience, served the Lord my God, and my prince." A brother minister standing by him, said, " It is a great blessing to you, that you shall depart in peace, and be taken from many troubles, whichyour brethren shall behold and suffer." To whom he replied, " If the Lord bath appointed that his saints shall sup together in heaven, why do I not go to them ? But if there be any doubt or hesitation resting on my, spirit, the Lord reveal the truth unto me." Having for some time lain still, a friend who attended him, said, that he hoped his mind hadbeen employed in holy meditation ; to whom he thus replied : " A poor wretch and a miserable man that I am, the least of all saints, the chief of all sinners ! yet I trust in Christ my Saviour. Yet a little while, and we shall seeour hope. The end of the world is coming upon us; and we shall quickly receive the end of our hope, which we have so much looked for. Afflictions, diseases, sickness, and grief, are only parts of that portionwhich God hath allotted us in this world. It is not enough to continue some time in his ways ; we must persevere in the fear of the Lord to the end of our days. For M a moment we shall be taken away. Take heed, therefore, that you do not make sport of the word of God, nor lightly esteem so great a treasure. Strype's Parker, p. 469, 470. VOL. I.
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