286 LIVES O THE PURITANS. His external deportment, at home and abroad, was such as became his profession. He lived, as well as preached, the gospel. His house was the model of a little church and house of God ; where morning and evening sacri- fices were daily offered unto God. He had laws and ordinances set up in his house, directing all the members of his numerous family to the observance of their respective duties ; and he was a pattern to them all in all things. His humility and benevolence were two of the brightest jewels in his crown. Though he had a numerous family of chil- dren, he did not consider that a sufficient reason for abridging his constant and extensive liberality. On the contrary, he was of the same mind as one of the fathers, who said, " The more children, the more charity." And it is said of Dr. Willet, that his substance increased with his liberality.. Many poor ministers tasted the sweetness of his bounty. Dr. Willet obtained a great degree of celebrity by the numerous and valuable productions of his pen. One of his voluminous publications appeared in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, entitled, " Synopsis Papismi ; or, a general View of Papistrie." This work, which was dedicated to the queen, contains upwards of thirteen hundred pages in folio. It is perhaps the best refutation of popery that ever was published. In this work, says Mr. Toplady, no less than fifteen hundred errors and heresies are charged against the church of Rome, and most ably refuted. It passed through five editions ; and was highly approved by many of the bishops ; held in great esteem by the two universities ; and very much admired, both by the clergy and laity, throughout the kingdom. The author, it is incorrectly added, was most zealously attached to the church of England, and not agrain of puritanism mingled itself with his conformity.+ This celebrated divine continued his numerous and painful labours to the last. He used to say, "As it is most honourable for a soldier to die fighting, and for a bishop or pastor praying ; so, if my merciful God will vouchsafe to grant me my request, I desire that I may finish my days in writing and commenting on some part of scripture." 9t Dr. Willet's mother was a person who abounded in acts of charity. When her children were gone from her, and settled in life, she used to feed her poor neighbours, saying, " Now I have my children about me again. "-Saelodele's Rementbrancer, p. 55, 64, 65. t Toplady's Historic Proof, vol. it. p. 191, 192, 255.
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