HIGGINSON. 369 inhabited by a tenant of the Earl of Exeter.. Though Fuller does not believe that he ever formally recanted his opinions, several of our historians assert that he conformed, and became an obedient son of the church of England, to which he appears to have been tempted by the above valuable benefice.t If he conformed tothe national church, he does not properly belong to the list of puritans, though it was requisite to give some account ofhim. His WORKS, in addition to the article already mentioned.-l. A Treatise upon the twenty-third chapter of St. Matthew, both for an order of studying and handling the Scriptures, and also for avoiding the Popish disorders, and ungodly communion of all false Christians, and especiallyof wicked preachers andhirelings.-2. A Book which sheweth the life and manner of all true Christians, and how unlike they are unto Turks, and Papists, and Heathen folk. Also the points and parts of all Divinity, that is, of the revealed will and word of God, are declared by their several definitions and divisions following. FRANCIS HIGGINSON, A. M.-This excellent Minister was born in the year 1587, and educated in Emanuel college, Cambridge, and afterwards became pastor of one of the churches in Leicester. His preachingwas truly evan- gelical, and multitudes from all quarters flocked to hear him. The great object of his ministry was to produce that change of heart, and holy rectitude of conduct, without which no man can see the Lord. The effect, through a divine blessing, was such as might be expected. A remarkable revival of religion was the reward of his labours, and many were effectually turned from sin to holi- ness ; but, in the midst of his usefulness, he was deprived on account of his nonconformity. For some years after his settlement at Leicester, he continued a strict conformist ; but, upon his acquaintance with Mr. Hildersham and Mr. Hooker, he was induced to study the controversy about ecclesiastical matters. He searched the scriptures, together with the earliest antiquity ; and as he searched, the more he became dissatisfied with the inventions of men introduced into the worship of God. From his own impartial exa- mination, therefore, and the clear evidence of truth, he became a decided and conscientious nonconformist. At this time the weight of his influence burst forth ; and the Bridges's Hist. of Northamptonshire,vol. i. p. 366. + Fuller's Church Hist. b. ix. p. 168.-Collier's Heel. Hist. vol. H. p. 582. VOL. II. 2 s .0A
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